Category Archives: Ethical

July 15, 2013 · 9:44 pm

Primary Colors

I’m actually surprised that these neon pants are still in rotation. I bought them over a year ago and thought they’d be a fad. But at $10, I didn’t mind.

Top: H&M
Pants: The Gap
Upcycled belt: Couch Guitar Straps
Shoes: Flexx
Ring: Etsy Rain craft fair

Well, I love the boyfriend cut and how comfortable they are. And, despite being painfully bright, I like the color. Definitely noticeable. Every time I wear them I get compliments–or at least comments!

Today, instead of wearing neutrals, I went primary. The complementary color to yellow is blue, so I thought that would work. And for fun, I added a red vinyl belt. It’s made from deadstock (unused materials) and would have been a VW seat but sat in a warehouse, unneeded, until the Couch Guitar Straps company rescued the fabric and turned it into belts and guitar straps.

I was trying for an all-color, no black outfit. I did, at least, stick to neutral footwear. Green is a secondary color but I managed to wear by green nerds ring (it’s made of tiny candy set in resin). Not edible, but really fun.

On a side note, now that my hair is longer I’ve been using my Hana flat iron a lot more. I love the results and I’m glad I had the chance to try it as my hair was growing out.

I joined the Anything & Everything blog hop at My Thrifty Chic, Monday Bloom at DC in Style, Style Sessions at Style Elixir and Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet. Check out what everyone else is wearing!

16 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, jeans, style, thrifty fashion, upcycling, vegan, yellow, yellow jeans

July 10, 2013 · 7:40 pm

Why I Shop

At the beginning of the year I joined the Wartime Wardrobe Challenge, a fun way to monitor and limit consumption by using the clothes rationing coupon system used in the UK during WWII, when supplies and raw materials were limited. I started with 66 point and they were supposed to last me all year.

Well, I’m out. I’m out of points so I’m bowing out of the challenge.

I did learn a few things from it though.

First, if it really was wartime, and my brothers and husband were off fighting Nazis and fascists, I probably wouldn’t feel like shopping.

Second, I didn’t really change my shopping habits or use my points carefully. Every month or so I’d remember the challenge and tally up what I’d bought and how many points it was going to cost me. I knew that for every coupon overspend, I’d need to donate to charity. I already do that and I’d have to buy a lot more to catch up with the amount I’ve already given.

Third, our economy relies of the exchange of goods and services. If everyone stopped shopping, it wouldn’t be a good thing. That said, living within ones means is really important–being in debt is dangerous.

I like shopping second-hand–it’s a great way to make my shopping dollar stretch further–but charities aren’t always perfect. Sometimes their workers are exploited while their CEOs make millions. Sometimes the things Americans don’t buy get shipped to Africa, essentially ruining their domestic textile markets.

What I look for, in order of importance, are:

Animal-free clothing (as a vegan I don’t buy fur, leather, wool, silk, etc.)
Quality items that won’t fall apart and end up in a landfill
Fair labor conditions where workers get a living wage
Green business practices that have a small carbon footprint

An example of something I bought that meets these criteria is the pair of Novacas boots I bought. They’re 100%vegan, from a European worker-friendly factory, and are PVC-free. I got them from a local vegan business, The Chocolate Shoebox, that I was happy to support.

I also recently ordered two pair of jeans from Sonas Denim, a San Francisco company that uses denim scraps to make great new patchwork-style jeans. The company is vegan-owned and donates 10% of its profits to animal welfare groups. When my new jeans arrive, you can bet I’ll be blogging about them!

The Base Project hires African artisans to create one-of-a-kind bracelets from discarded PVC pipe. Brilliant! You can see The Base Project bracelet in this photo, along with another vegan bracelet, handmade ring, and one-of-a-kind dress. I bought them all from Roberta Oaks, a shop owner an up-and-coming designer in Honolulu.

Next month, when I visit NYC, I’ll be buying a wool-free winter coat from Vaute Couture, another vegan company I’m happy to support.

It’s not my job to single-handedly keep the economy going, and shopping ethically is not a simple thing–there are lots of factors to consider. However, I’m happy to spend when I can afford to and support businesses I believe in.

I’m grateful to the Little House in Town and The Double Life of Mrs. M for organizing this challenge and getting me thinking about shopping.

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Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as ethical, fashion, second-hand, small businesses, style, thrifty fashion, upcycling, vegan, Wartime Wardrobe Challenge

July 8, 2013 · 10:34 pm

Tough Love

I feel a little tough in this outfit. Sure the t-shirt says “love,” but the style is all attitude. If you know me though, you know I can’t really be a tough chic–as much as I’d like to.

Faux leather jacket: Forever 21
T-shirt: Forever 21
Pants with belt: Macy’s
Boots: G by Guess (at T.J. Maxx)

I got this jacket at Forever 21. Nothing to be proud of really, but it was a non-leather replacement for a leather jacket I got rid of. Sometimes going cheap is a good way to get vegan leather alternatives–as long as it doesn’t fall apart and end up in a landfill in two weeks!

My boots are also faux. They’re G by Guess, and I guess that’s their lower-end line. Suits me fine. They’re comfortable and who doesn’t want a nice combat boot? I’ve even worn these with long and short skirts for a 90s grunge vibe.

True confession: I wore this exact outfit to Portland when I saw Morrissey perform a few months back. I don’t often repeat outfits exactly, but I like this one.

Today I’ve joined up with the Anything & Everything blog hop at My Thrifty Chic. Anything goes, so hop on over and see what other people are wearing, making or doing.

Comfy Ballet Flats

One of my recent shopping goals was finding a pair of comfortable shoes that I can take with me on my upcoming trip to New York. When I was at the vegan bloggers conference I happened upon the Compassionate Couture booth, where I found a cute pair of flats by Reneu.

Top: Swapped
Capris: Gap via Swapped
Shoes: Renue via Compassionate Couture
Bag: Victoria’s Secret
Cuff: Rogue City Killers

Compassionate Couture is an online retailer that curates a terrific selection of stylish, cruelty-free and eco-friendly clothing, shoes and accessories. It’s run by two sisters (whom I met at the booth) who left corporate America to help trendsetters stay true to their ethics without sacrificing style. That’s a company I can get behind!

I tried these shoes on and practically didn’t take them off. They are lined, if you will, with memory foam (the kind used in tempurpedic beds) so they are cushiony and soft. They’re going to be perfect for wandering around Manhattan!

Coincidentally, they also match my laptop bag. I don’t try to match shoes and purses (I usually try not to) but I liked how these two items went together.

The second eco item I’m wearing is the recycled inner tube cuff I recently bought to replace the upcycled leather one I’ve worn off and on for a few years. The other one was made of an old belt, so it was eco too, but I don’t want to wear any animal products anymore. The rubber looks leather-like and it’s vegan! I bought two and I might buy more. The stitching color makes each one look unique.

I’m linking up with What I wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde. Check out what everyone else is wearing!

15 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as ballet flats, Compassionate Couture, style, thrifty fashion, upcycling, vegan

June 20, 2013 · 2:26 pm

Springtime Scarf

Considering the official start of summer is tomorrow, I’ll stop posting shots with tights and scarves. The rain did come back today, and tights are not out of the question, but these pictures are a few weeks old. I sold these shoes earlier this week. Proof that I’m sitting on my photos!

Top: Swapped
Skirt: Swapped
Scarf: Swapped
Tights: Target
Shoes: John Fluevog

I’m happy to have sold them (even though I love that heel) because now I have money for new shoes. I’m replacing all my leather shoes with non-leather ones. Fluevogs do have vegan styles from time to time but nothing intriguing at the moment. Sigh.

Other than a shoe splurge that I’ve now partially regained, this is a thrifty outfit. I’m particularly smitten with the scarf. It’s light enough for warmer weather and has a neat combination of colors: olive, wine, yellow and gray.

I like using a scarf to dress up a t-shirt or other simple look. What accessories are your favs?

4 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Hot and Cold, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, scarf, shoes, skirt, style, thrifty fashion, tights

June 17, 2013 · 10:40 am

Polka Dots for a Picnic

When the weather’s nice, people in Seattle take advantage of it–you never know how long the sun will stay out. On a recent sunny day, hubby and I packed a picnic basket full of goodies and headed over to Gasworks Park.

T-shirt: Tahari via consignment
Dress (worn as skirt): Swapped
Shoes: Payless
Sunglasses: Old Navy
Purse: Crystalyn Kae
Basket: Santa Fe Farmers Market

Gasworks is a great location. From there you can see South Lake Union and the Seattle skyline. The Space Needle is visible behind me on the right. Everywhere we looked, people were kayaking, playing Frisbee, flying kites–it was really fun to watch the world go by.

We set up our picnic on a hill near a guy with an easel. He was painting landscape of the Seattle skyline. From this spot, we could take in the scenery (natural and otherwise–I like the urban feel of the gasworks. If you don’t, a simple turn to the left or right will have you looking at water, trees and hills).

I cheated a bit because I went to Whole Foods and bought prepackaged goodies instead of making everything myself. We even sneaked a bottle of wine with us. We’re adults! Besides, it was a rosé and looked like juice.

I bought vegan potato salad (made with egg-free nayonaise), a quinoa salad, avocado rolls, diced fresh fruit, and the best wrap ever! It was made with faux chicken strips by a company called Beyond Meat. Delicious, healthy, and good for the chickens!

We actually ate too much. So we loafed around for a bit (I had on sunscreen–don’t worry) before wandering back to our car. On the way, I found a neat mosaic. Each of the metal designs was fabricated from kids’ drawings. How cool would it have been to see your childhood drawings permanently installed in a floor mosaic?

I’ve joined Not Dead Yet for Visible Monday and Color Blind for Thrifters Anonymous. Check out what all the others are wearing today!

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Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Healthy Living, Thrifty

Tagged as beyond meat, fashion, Gasworks Park, maxi dress, picnic, polka dots, Seattle, style, thrifty fashion, vegan

June 13, 2013 · 9:28 pm

Street Style: Gala for the Chimps

One of the highlights of Vida Vegan Con was the gala and silent auction many of us attended on the Saturday evening, smack in the middle of the conference. The gala was an even that raised money for Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, a home for chimps saved from the biomedical industry.

One of the highlights of the gala was seeing everyone dressed so stylishly. I snapped a few pictures. It’s just a sampling of the people in attendance. I wish I could have documented them all.

First I stopped this lovely couple on their way into the event. They aren’t bloggers but they’re friends of bloggers and supporters of the chimp sanctuary. I love her strapless dress, sparkly shoes, and the adorable bow on her belt. His shirt and tie combo is fantastic (nice pattern mixing), and so are his slim-cut trousers and low-profile shoes. Next I stopped Taylor from Tacoma who writes Hot Piece of Class. She also had sparkly shoes and a skinny gold belt (I see a theme) but her look was completely different. She looked great throughout the conference and I wish I’d gotten more pictures of her. Rebecca, the next woman I stopped, was just as stylish. Her neutral outfit set off with wine colored tights and a blue cardigan. You can tell by people’s outfits that spring evenings in Portland are cool. Luckily the people are cooler! I was so enamored with those gray booties that I snapped a close-up of them, along with a yellow pair of heels someone had on. Both are wedges but they’re nothing alike. Proof that there’s a huge variety of wedges out there. They both look comfortable, stable, and stylish. The person wearing those cute yellow wedges was looking stylish from the ankles up too. She had on a great faux-leather jacket and skinnies. After I took her picture she pointed out that her collar isn’t part of a shirt, but rather a collar necklace. What a great way to change up an outfit! Meet Joe and Sadie, the stars of The Intrepid Herbivores, a vegan TV show about travel and food. Their show is fun and funny and is a great way to learn about how to travel vegan-style. Check out their site, “like” them on Facebook, and look for them on TV in the near future. I just saw a screening of their pilot and I can’t wait for more.

Oh, and don’t they look great? Sadie managed to match her scarf to her hair (possibly a coincidence). If I had a utility belt purse like hers it would have saved me from juggling my clutch, camera and glass of wine. Joe made his look unique with a utilikilt and combat boots. Intrepid Herbivores I approached Staci and Justin as they basked in the warm glow of a heat lamp. They’re another example of two people who look fabulous on their own but together really turn heads. I love the statement necklace Staci chose and her bold combination of gray and orange. Justin has a monochromatic look with a great tie. He let his style shine through with the checkered Vans. Staci was nice enough to get in touch with me after the gala. She sent me a couple of other pictures that really show off her look. She’s not a blogger, but she could be. She knows how bloggers like to list brands so she sent me a list. Her dress is H&M, her shoes are Madden Girl, and the necklace is from Nordstrom. Justin is wearing a Van Heusen shirt and tie, Dockers, and Vans. Both of them prove that you can look like a million without spending it. I stopped one last group at the gala. They all had such great style! I need to find the blog for the woman on the left in the elegant halter dress. Next to her, in the slinky, one-shouldered dress, is Sarah of Bentoriffic. Sharon, in the tomato-red and black ensemble is half of Big City Vegan, a site she runs with her sister. Finally, with the amazing purple flower in her hair and black lace overlay dress, is the one and only Super Diva (AKA Dawn). They all have great stories to share and I encourage you to check out their blogs.

They also were nice enough to remind me that no one had taken my picture. Dawn offered. Thank you Dawn! I’ve had this dress for a few years but it hasn’t made it to my blog until now. I got it at Fashion Crimes in Toronto. My Shoes are by Hot Lips and my empty cage necklace (perfect for the occasion) is from The Sapphire Bee.

After that last photo, I hit the bar, the vegan sundae line, and the dance floor. Even bloggers need to clock out sometimes and just have some fun.

7 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Events, Fashion, Street Style, Thrifty

Tagged as blogger conference, fashion, street style, style, thrifty fashion, vegan, VVC

June 13, 2013 · 6:58 am

Shorts for Cooler Days

I actually took these photos a couple of months ago, but on cooler spring nights, the shorts-and-tights combo comes in handy so I thought I’d share this unused set of photos.

Velvet jacket: Forever 21
Shirt: Old Navy
Belt: Goodwill
Shorts: Goodwill
Tights: Target
Shoes: John Fluevog
Purse: Shiraleah

When I put this outfit together, it reminded me of something the ever-stylish Sarah Hulbert would wear. I love her use of texture, layering and belts.

There’s only one problem with this outfit: My shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the style, and they’re really comfortable. However, to fall in line with my eating habits (vegan), I’ve stopped wearing leather shoes. So at the time of this post, the shoes are up on eBay. I’m raising funds to buy some vegan replacements.

I had fun mixing colors and textures with this outfit and I’ll try something similar with a summer twist. Oh, one least thing–posting “old” photos is a great way to see that my hair is actually growing! The trouble is, I see this bob and sort of want to get a haircut. Do you have a go-to haircut or are you always trying something new?

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Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, John Fluevog, shorts, style, thrifty fashion, tights

June 10, 2013 · 10:59 pm

Dressing Down a Pencil Skirt

I love this lacy, blue pencil skirt but so far, I’ve only worn it in a slinky, evening-out sort of way. This time, I wanted to make it work for work so I added a chambray shirt over a tank and got playful with the colors.

Tank: Wet Seal
Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Aerosoles
Tote: Crystalyn Kae
Bangle: The Base Project

I thought the yellow shoes were fun, and complimented the outfit despite not really matching it. This next shot would normally be in the throwaway pile but I kind of liked the misty, moody haze of the morning.

You might notice the bag I’m carrying. It’s handmade by Crystalyn Kae. I love her purses and totes. Worth every penny. They’re glazed fabric, look like leather, and are machine washable! I use this one to lug around my laptop.

And the bracelet might look like horn or bone but it’s actually discarded PVC pipe! Artisans in Namibia hand cut and carve them. The project helps artists thrive in their communities and gives them a living wage while learning finance, marketing and communication skills.

I’m enjoying the sun we’ve had lately. Spring in Seattle can feel like fall and winter in Seattle. I just hope I don’t pay the price with a rainy summer!

How do you dress up or dress down certain items in your closet?

I’ve joined the Anything and Everything blog hop at My Thrifty Chic. Be sure to check out everyone else!

7 Comments

Filed under Dress Up Dress Down, Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as chambray shirt, fashion, lace, pencil skirt, skirt, style, thrifty fashion, vegan

June 8, 2013 · 8:58 pm

Trying out the Arbonne RE9 Line

Have you heard of Arbonne? It’s a line of Swiss-developed skin care, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements. They’ve been in the US since 1980 and they’ve been green before green was popular. All products are 100% plant-based (vegan certified) and never tested on animals.

I was contacted recently by an Arbonne rep and I jumped on the chance to try the products in the RE9 Advanced line, specifically formulated for anti-aging. I got to sample the cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, night cream, and two types of day creams. I love them! They smell wonderfully citrus-y and are so gentle on my skin.

I know it sounds weird, but in just a couple of days I swear my skin looked firmer. It didn’t feel tight though, which can be a problem with some skin firming products. The moisturizers gave me a nice glow and provide SPF 20–perfect for daily protection.

I also tried some samples of the Arbonne cosmetics and I really liked them. The tinted moisturizer had just enough coverage to not look makeup-y, and the translucent powder was really silky.

Needless to say, I placed an order. I want to keep using these products and reap the full benefits. I ordered a couple of masks, and a Vitamin D+B12 spray that apparently tastes like candy! That’s going to be a great thing to use in the gray Pacific Northwest.

Arbonne has other lines too. The FC5 and Calm lines are great for sensitive skin and for those with rosacea. I gave some samples of their baby care line to a friend of mine with an infant. I’ll let you know how baby likes her new products! They carry a men’s line too, as well as body- and hair care.

Sapha, my Arbonne consultant, helped set me up as a preferred client so I can get 20% off my purchases, points toward future orders, freebies, and other goodies. She can help you too if you’re interested in trying Arbonne. She can ship all over the US, Canada, and other places and she’s more than willing to help you find out what your skin needs. You can reach her at (281)748-7943 or saphaariasyoga@yahoo.com or you can log onto Arbonne and sign up with the code 13728752.

One more thing I liked but haven’t tried is their line of makeup brushes. As a vegan, it’s hard to find high-quality synthetic brushes. Arbonne has them!

If you use Arbonne, I’d be interested in hearing what products you’ve tried.