Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Flare Pants from The Limited

Remember The Limited and The Limited Too? Thinking about them brings back memories of shopping at the mall during middle school. The Limited Too is now called Justice, which seems very odd to me. But, The Limited is still going strong and still has its original name. For a more casual work environment, or for casual Fridays, I sometimes turn to The Limited for pant options, especially when I am looking for machine washable work pants.

Right now The Limited has all of its pants on sale -- 40% off, including its "Cassidy Triple Button Flare" pants, pictured in the grey with black pinstripes (I know, the pinstripes aren't visible in the picture). I especially like the triple button front closure and front pockets. And the back has pockets too! Made from polyester, viscose, and a bit of spandex for stretch. The pants originally were $79.50, and are on sale for $47.70 -- and come in short, regular, and long in a variety of still-available sizes. Find them here in the grey with black pinstripes, and here in "mushroom melange" and black (these two colors are on sale for $41.70). The "mushroom melange" and black pair with this jacket ($158) to make a complete suit.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Stella McCartney

Via a wonderful comment from a reader informing me that Yoox has some Stella McCartney handbags on sale -- and, wow, Yoox has a bunch of great bags on sale. I had a hard time choosing which one to post, so I'm posting a few.

First, I greatly enjoy this white "large fabric bag" made from cotton and canvas. It's bigger than it looks -- 11" high, 16" wide, and 7" deep -- perfect for use as a fashionable summer briefcase. Originally $295, Yoox has it on sale for $149. Find it here.

Second, I am really taken by this faux shiny patent leather tote-ish handbag in the pictured beige (that would match a pair of Steve Madden vegan pumps I picked up a couple months ago). It's also made from vegan materials, of course, and is slightly smaller than the above fabric bag. My favorite feature is the zipper and logo pendant details on the front. Originally $730, Yoox has it on sale for $365. Find it here. The bag also comes in a coral: same materials, same size, same price; find it here.

Third and finally, my favorite of my favorites is this shoulder bag with white with tan contrasting that is somewhat of a combination of the above two bags. The bag is made from cotton and faux leather (even though Yoox says its "leather," as I understand, no Stella McCartney bags use real leather). Originally $590, Yoox has it on sale for $295. Find it here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Karen Millen Crochet Yoke Cardigan

Sometimes I forget about Karen Millen, the UK-based designer that has a few stores in the United States. But she designs some great, trendy, yet still professional clothes, has online exclusive items not to be missed, and is holding a sale right now. The sale includes this white (very white on the black background) cardigan with contrasting black and white hand crochet yoke and metal buttons. Pair it with a simple black dress or black trousers. The cardigan is made from cotton, polyamide, and elastane. Originally $140, it is on sale for $95. Find it here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: AK Anne Klein Suit

Every so often you need a basic black suit, such as this AK Anne Klein black suit via Dillards. I like this suit because it's affordable and perfect for very business formal occasions.

The jacket has a notch collar and a classic single-button front. It pairs with pants or a pencil skirt. The pants are wide-leg with a front hook-tab closure, and the skirt hits perfectly at the knees. The suit is made from a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex. The jacket is $99; find it here. The pants are $59; find them here. The skirt is $49; find it here.

Happy 4th of July!

Of note, Bluefly is having an "explosive" 4th of July sale; and check out Corporette's sale roundup. And with that I'm off for a long weekend of shopping, fireworks, miscellaneous tasks, and maybe some relaxation.

Designer Vegan Deal: Amrita Singh Sample Sale

Today, already started, HauteLook is hosting a sample sale of Amrita Singh items. Of particular interest are the vegan shoes (sandals), clutches, and handbags. HauteLook is one of those invitation websites; if you need an invite, email the Professional Vegan at professionalvegan@gmail.com.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Classic Pencil Skirt

Via Banana Republic, which is holding an online sale -- 20% off when you buy $100 or more of selected new items online. This classic pencil skirt is one of the new items. It's made from viscose, cotton, and spandex, which gives it a bit of flattering stretch. The skirt comes in the pictured grey suede, which would match well with yesterday's work-appropriate shoes, washed stone, and black. It's $59.50; find it here.

Also included in the sale that's of vegan interest: (1) white cotton/rayon motorcycle jacket great to pair with a more dress on more casual days -- $125; here; (2) cotton flutter sleeve embroidered top available in a few colors perfect to pair with a full suit -- $59; here; (3) "lyocell" long draped cardigan available in taupe or black -- $59.50; here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Rocket Dog Flats

I recently received an email from Piperlime stating that grey and other neutrals add "a rich touch to your look." For the summer, I too enjoy adding a bit of non-black to my outfits by mixing up the color of my shoes. As such, today's vegan shoes are these grey Rocket Dog's "Mystique" round-toe ballet flats. Although they do have a 1/4" defined heel and the pleated detailing, making them work-appropriate in my opinion, they definitely are for more casual work days. Perhaps pair them with black slacks and a nice button-down shirt or summer sweater. The shoes are made from synthetic leather and rubber. They are $40; find them here via Piperlime.

Also via Piperlime -- although most likely not work appropriate, I thought I would point out these Blowfish "Zandu" high shaft slouchy boots. They boast an interesting drawstring at the back of the shaft. Made from fabric lining, textile outer, and a synthetic sole -- vegan! I'm not sure how wearable they are in the summer heat, but they'll be great as summer transitions into fall. The boots come in the pictured "bark" and black; they are $75; find them here.

Miscellaneous Items of Vegan Interest

Browsing the Internet and reading the Professional Vegan's inbox of eco-friendly tips, I have accumulated a stack of items which don't each require an entire post, but which I didn't want to overlook nonetheless. Think of this as a Tuesday round-up:

(1) From today's Ideal Bite bite, a collection of eco-friendly sunglasses made from materials such as wood, bamboo (yes, I know that's a type of wood, but it's extra cool), recycled plastic, and just plain-old vintage. Browse the list here.

(2) From Vital Juice's e-mail of about a week ago, peel-off nail polish! Made by Sula Beauty (which is available at Anthropologies and ULTAs around the country). This seems very summer camp during middle school to me, which makes me even more interested.

(3) If you are looking for something to do this July 4th weekend, consider signing up for one of the hundreds of road races (that's running -- and sometimes walking) taking place across the country this weekend. To find a race near you, click here.

(4) While you're running, or simply while you're outside, beware of the penetrating summer sun. I haven't tried it, but I'm intrigued by the UVSunSense bracelet which claims to help you determine when it is time to reapply sunscreen. Here's an explanation I took from a Vital Juice email: "While you're applying sunscreen, use a dab of lotion to coat the wristband where it says 'Apply sunscreen to this side.' The band will turn purple, indicating it's been activated. When you've absorbed too many harmful UV rays, the band morphs to brown signaling it's time to reapply." Find the bracelet here.

(5) And, finally, check out Correspondent Kate's post on Tales of Expansion about her experience volunteering at the NY Coalition for Healthy School Food's monthly family dinner night during which vegan pizza was served (I appropriated her picture of the pizza)! Very cool Correspondent Kate!

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Milly Safari Shirt Dress

Neiman Marcus' sale continues, and it just reduced select women's and men's clothes 33%, including this shirt dress from Milly. On the model, the dress hits a couple inches above the knee, but once it's on a slightly shorter frame, I think it will hit perfectly at the knees. I especially like the longer roll-up sleeves that make the dress perfect for transitioning to the fall, and the bow at the waist that transforms a standard shirt dress into something a bit dressier and more feminine. The dress comes in the pictured olive; it is made from cotton and spandex. The dress originally was $395 -- with the 33% off, it is $261. Find it here.

Neiman Marcus also put a bunch of other work-appropriate dresses on sale, 33% off. Thought I would highlight two more:

Theory Belted Shirtdress (pictured left): in a pretty deeper blue, this shirt dress boasts roll-up sleeves like the Milly shirt dress. It is made from cotton and polyurethane, which I assume means the matching belt is faux leather, although before purchasing, I might specifically check into the material of the belt. The dress originally was $285 -- with the 33% off, it is $188.

Tory Burch Linen Dress (pictured right): this dress made entirely from linen definitely is a summer dress, especially with the white geometric print, ballerina neckline, and lack of sleeves. I would pair it with a cardigan, perhaps a darker cardigan. My favorite feature is the side-slit pockets. The dress originally was $465 -- with the 33% off, it is $307.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Grey Suit Via Reiss

Reiss is a store mainly based in Europe -- specifically London -- but it has a few stores in the United States, such as in NYC, SF, LA, Boston, and DC. It boasts a line of fashionable and sophisticated menswear and womenswear. From its website, I've grabbed my favorite of their women's suits that are vegan.

The jacket, titled the "Welback," has a single button at the front and a matching single button at the back and three matching buttons at the sleeve cuffs. It pairs with the "Emily" pants, which feature single button side tabs and a classic tailored leg. Or pair the jacket with the "Henrietta" skirt. I love the very tailored pencil skirt's curved waistband and tabbed sides. All pieces are available in the pictured "gravel" color. The suit is made from polyester, viscose, and elastane.

The jacket is on sale for $201 (originally $335); find it here. The pants are on sale for $95 (originally $190); find them here. And the skirt is on sale for $122.50 (originally $175); find it here.

If you want to make a complete outfit from Reiss, check out their "Maisy" cotton white fitted shirt with hook and eye front fastenings -- originally $170, on sale for $102 -- here.