*This post was made in partnership with Responsival.  Thank you for supporting brands I feature*

 

What better way to start off 2022 than buying something pretty? If you're going to buy new jewelry this year, consider classic sustainable jewelry from Aurate! The New York based brand is doing what it can to make the jewelry industry more ethical and sustainable.

All of Aurate's gold is sustainable; it's 100% recycled and is able to be reused without losing quality or harming the environment. In addition to their gold, Aurate only uses sustainably harvested pearls from family-run farms. I found this pretty cool video showing how on farm sustainably grows and harvests their pearls.

If gold and pearls aren't your thing, never fear because their diamonds are also ethically sourced using the Kimberley Process. This ensures that the diamonds are not from conflict regions and there are no human rights violations behind the scenes.

This is what I wore for our Christmas Eve celebrations. I actually ended up changing into burgundy jeans once I got to my parents because I realized the suede coating on these was peeling away from the pants, not a cute look. So, sadly, this is the last outfit post featuring these faux-suede pants.

 

Sweater: Inis Crafts Fishermans Sweater (Marshalls)

Faux Suede Jeans: Blank NYC 'Persuede' jeans (South Moon Under) 

Sandals: Lanvin studded leather 'City' sandal (The RealReal)

Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)

 

 

Some other sustainable and ethical brands to shop:

 

Everlane - Longtime readers will know of my Everlane tee obsession. Pretty much all of my tshirts are from the brand, but they're getting a bit worse for wear, so I may need a stock up soon! I also love their cashmere sweaters! 

 

Stella McCartney - If you want some high fashion sustainable clothing look no further than Stella! I have a polar bear sweater and crazy pair of jeans I love. If budgets weren't a thing, I would own much more.

 

Sézane - I haven't bought anything from Sézane yet, but many of my blogger friends swear by the brand. I've been meaning to make a purchase, perhaps 2022 is my year to buy one of their gorgeous sweaters or dresses! 

Resale/Pre-Loved - Another great option is shopping resale sites. Buying something pre-loved instead of brand new will keep clothes out of the landfills and give them a second life. Roundabout is one of my favorite local places (they ship too!) but I also frequently check The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective when I feel like browsing my favorite designer brands or looking for a specific item.

 

As I mentioned in my January Wardrobe Update, one of my oldest blog friends launched a children's clothing line (with some pieces for women too!) called Mīere the Label!  I've known Jamie-Lee of Mademoiselle for over 10 years now. Crazy to think I've been blogging for that long! 

 

We were able to meet in person way back in 2011 when she took a trip to New York City from New Zealand. She now lives in Australia with her husband and baby boy. I have loved watching her blog following skyrocket over the years and seeing her success! Now with her clothing line I'm even more proud. 

 

Enough gushing, on to the clothes! Jamie is the master of basics so I know anything she creates will be perfect right down to the last detail. This first sweater, made with organic cotton, has beautiful stitching, open rolled neckline and is super cozy. She designed it oversized so that mothers can easily breastfeed while wearing it. Obviously I don't need to worry about that, but the loose fit makes it perfect for wearing around the house as well as out and about. Tucking it into jeans instantly adds more dimension.

 

With this line, Mīere wanted to "create a capsule of everyday essentials that really last the distance for our little ones, so that you don't have to be constantly thinking about buying the next size up." I think it is genius that she designed them to be a little oversized so they grow with your child. They don't look huge but can easily be worn for way longer than your standard baby clothes sizes. I never know what size to buy for my friends and family, this makes that less stressful.

 

Not being satisfied with only creating a line that looks beautiful, the company is focused on being natural (even the shipping bag is compostable!)

 

At Mīere we strive for design perfection and no one does that better than mother nature.  With this in mind our collection is made using natural fibres, and sustainable materials such as organic cotton and bamboo.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a new Mom in your life I would suggest buying her a matching set of sweaters as a unique gift! Check out the baby knitwear and don't forget mommy! Mīere also has socks, pants, sweatshirts and more is on the way!

 

Prices are in Australian Dollars and with the shipping cost (to Connecticut) I paid $88.86AUD which converted to $68.67USD. Since it's coming all the way from Australia shipping does take some time, but I got mine in just over 3 weeks.

P.S. Mīere means honey in Greek, which I find adorable because babies are sweet just like honey! I do love a clever name! (Jamie's Grandmother was from Greece so I love that she's using part of her heritage)

Sweater: Mīere the Label women's cotton knit sweater in terracotta, High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme, Boots: Cordani (Roundabout), Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 Starburst necklace (South Moon Under), Sunglasses: Chanel, Hat: Walt Disney World

P.P.S. Here's an adorable shot of her son in the matching baby sweater.

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Every year since I was little we would get our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Last year my parents decided it was getting too crowded (it was) and opted to splurge on a Balsam Hill tree and stop going to the farm to get our tree every year.  Even though the farm has gotten a LOT more crowded the past few years I just couldn't give up on the tradition that easily.  Even though we have our own fake tree (hopefully a nicer one eventually) Christian and I, along with my brother, sister and their dogs went to Jones Family Farm to walk around in the trees and check out their Christmas shop.

P.S. I finally found this leopard coat on eBay! Snap it up before I buy it as a backup to this one (even though my current one is a size Small!) ;)

Leopard Coat: Sisters (shop faux fur coats), Sweater: J.Crew Reindeer Sweater, Pants: Blank NYC 'Persuede' jeans (South Moon Under), Boots: Vintage Snowland Moccasin Ankle Boots (from Grandma, shop more Winter boots), Sunglasses: Gucci, Italian Leather Bag: shop mini bags

It's Christmas sweater season! I love December because it means I get to wear this reindeer sweater. To keep with the Christmas theme I decided to wear it with green suede pants. And, although they're not RED red, my bag and nails are also Christmasy. Luckily everything  I'm wearing - except my bag - is on eBay right now! So follow the links to get your own. You know you want this reindeer sweater! I might get another for when this one gets too pilly.

Sweater: J.Crew Reindeer Sweater, Pants: Blank NYC 'Persuede' jeans (South Moon Under), Mules: Franco Sarto "Dolly" (DSW), Bag: Etienne Aigner (thrifted), Sunglasses: Gucci (bought in Italy), Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)

I wore this a few weeks ago to meet some friends for shopping and dinner. It was a rainy day but not super cold so I was perfectly comfortable in two sweaters. I was so excited about these jeans when I asked for the for Christmas and I've quickly found out I'm not going to want to wear them much in the cooler months because they look funny when I have to wear them with socks and shoes or boots. The looser fit on the jeans is something I'm not that used to so it feels frumpy when I'm all covered. I feel like in the Summer they'll get more wear since I'll be able to wear less on top and show off my toes on the bottom.

Cardigan: Charlotte Russe, Sweater: French Connection (Marshalls), Jeans: Everlane 'Mid-Rise Skinny',  Ballet Flats: Chanel (Roundabout), Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 'Five Station Blackened Arrowhead' (South Moon Under), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)