Vegan Purchase: Trousers From Talbots

On sale! A few days ago I shopped Talbots' after-Christmas sale and purchased a couple pairs (two different colors -- black and brown) of the same vegan (polyester, rayon, and spandex blend) bootcut trousers. They are great for more dressy business casual, and heavy enough that their lack of lining isn't that much of a concern in the winter. Originally $79, I got them for $37.49 each. I tried to find them online, but only came up with the below vegan sale items from Talbots, each very professional (and vegan) on its own:

Bi-stretch twill seamed pant: these are made from the same polyester, rayon, and spandex blend as the pants I purchased. However, I think they have a slightly higher waist and the leg-opening is much straighter. They come in the pictured "cool taupe" and 7 other colors. Originally $79, they are on sale for $26.24. Find all the colors and a variety of fits and lengths (regular, petite, woman, long) here.

Cable-knit turtleneck sweater: if you like the limited (light green, red, an orange-red, and the pictured pink) that Talbots has left, this turtleneck sweater might be a rather inexpensive way to complement a full dark suit. Made entirely from cotton, it is vegan. Originally $59, on sale for $33.74. Find the sweater in a variety of fits here.

Jewel-neck cardigan : made from a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex, this cardigan would look nice over a collared shirt paired with slacks, or with a matching cami (find some on sale here). It is available in four rather neutral colors, including the pictured "pine cone." Originally $59, on sale for $29.99. Find it here in misses and petite sizes. And for a similar cardigan, but with a cable-knit and three-quarter length sleeves, see here.

Black Friday

I am not going out today. Well, perhaps for more strings of lights for the Christmas decorations. But no major shopping. Though if I was, I would be sure to stop by Nordstrom to check out this Caslon cardigan. Including the pictured "military green" it comes in six colors. I like the oversize fold-over collar and hidden zipper. A good mix of dressy and casual; perfect to store in the office for chillier days. Made from cotton, nylon, and spandex. $58 at Nordstrom; find it here in "regular" and "petite" sizes, and here in "plus" sizes.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Tory Burch Cardigan

I found this Tory Burch cardigan via Neiman Marcus' online sale. The v-neck, combined with the goldtone buttons down the front and on the button-flap pockets, makes this cardigan a bit of a cross between a jacket and a basic sweater. I would wear it over a dress or with slacks and a cami or higher-neck shell underneath. The cardigan comes in the pictured deep green and a lighter "tuscan yellow" that, strangely, is made from wool. According to Neiman Marcus, the deep green cardigan is made from cotton. Originally $250, Neiman Marcus has it on sale for $150. Find the deep green cardigan here.

Also, if you are looking for a basic cotton cardigan, Neiman Marcus has its "exclusively ours" cotton cardigan on sale -- originally $115, now $58. The cardigan comes in white ("purity"), a light sea green ("cascade"), a light yellow ("maize"), a light purple ("forget me not"), black, watermelon, a deep blue ("lapiz"), and red ("spitfire"). Find it here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Cut Colors Cardigan

This cardigan is via Anthropologie. Pair it with solid trousers: black, brown, navy blue. Depending on your office, put a button-down shirt or nice t-shirt underneath, and add some colored pumps to give your final outfit a bit of a pop. The multi-colored diamonds decorating the cardigan also will add some color to your outfit. The back of the cardigan has one line of larger diamonds at the bottom, creating a more subdued back. The cardigan is made from cotton. $148 (I would wait for a sale); find it here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Elodie Lily Cardigan

Via Anthropologie. This long (29 inches) Charlotte Tarantola cardigan features elegant purple and gold lilies on a light tan background. The flowers continue over the shoulders and fall symmetrically down the back. I would pair the cardigan with black or brown slacks and pumps; also, obviously, some type of cami or other shirt is necessary underneath.

The cardigan is made from 100% cotton and comes in the pictured purple. It is an Anthropologie-standard priced $128; 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.

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.

Selections From Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale For Men

Vegan men's clothing! On sale! Here are some highlights from Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale For Men:

Nordstrom Traditional Fit Organic Cotton Dress Shirt: made from eco-friendly organic cotton, with classic single-button barrel cuffs and removable collar stays. Available in the pictured classic blue, pink and sage. Originally $59.50; on sale for $38.90 (35% off). If you are interested in dress shirts on sale, see also: Nordstrom Smartcare Traditional Fit Dress Shirt (originally $49.50, on sale for $32.90); Nordstrom Classic Fit Check Dress Shirt (originally $59.50, on sale for $38.90); and Nordstrom Classic Fit Dress Shirt (originally $45, on sale for $29.90).

Lone Cypress Pebble Beach UV Protection Performance Polo: perfect for more casual workdays or hanging out after work on the golf course, etc. Made from polyester, the polo is available in the pictured subtly textured black, and similarly textured navy, red, and peri blue. Interestingly, the shirt is anti-bacterial in addition to providing UV protection. Originally $59.90, on sale for $38.90 (35% off).

Shades of Greige 'The Starks' Shawl Collar Cardigan: there is something about this cardigan with its deep shawl collar that I find incredibly intriguing. I imagine the cardigan would look better on an older man in a work setting, though it may work equally for younger men. Obviously, I would pair it with a button-down shirt and not the see-through t-shirt worn by the model. The cardigan is made from a cotton / linen blend. It is available in the pictured ice grey and a darker graphite grey. Originally $119, it is on sale for $69.90 (40% off).

Polo Ralph Lauren 'G.I.' Chino Pants: classic chino pants available in the pictured "aviator navy," olive and white. I like darker chinos for business casual days; as such, I'd probably stay away from the white. Made from cotton and available in a number of inseams. Originally $98, the chinos are on sale for $64.90 (33% off). For chinos in brown taupe and tan, see Nordstrom Smartcare Flat Front Pants -- originally $55, on sale for $35.90.

Lacoste Half Zip Pima Cotton Sweater: every time Lacoste's half-zip sweater is on sale, I end up posting it; must mean I really like it. So, here it is again. Available in the pictured heather grey, black, and navy. Originally $155, on sale for $102.90 (33% off).

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Vince Cardigan

Vince is one of my favorite work-appropriate clothing designers. Unfortunately, most of the Vince clothing line is made from cashmere or some other version of wool. But not this tab-sleeve cardigan -- it's made from 100% cotton, making it vegan! I love the tab sleeves paired with the "grandpa-ish" v-neck style and patch pockets. Pair it with nice trousers and a shell or button-down shirt to create a more casual, yet still work-appropriate outfit. The cardigan comes in the pictured medium navy. On sale via Intermix for $99 -- originally $235. Find it here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: J.Crew Cardigan

This thin cardigan made from cotton and linen is perfect to pair with a solid colored dress or a pair of trousers and a solid color shell. The rib trim at the neck, cuffs, and hem that match the patch pockets, and the large-ish button add flair to this sophisticated cardigan. It is available in the pictured weathered stone and a pink/orange "melon." Originally $69.50, J.Crew has it on sale for $29.99; here.

And since father's day is approaching, a few father's day picks for men from J.Crew:

(1) shawl collar pullover -- made from cotton, available in black and white, $88, here;

(2) Thomas Mason white-collar dress shirt in summer stripe -- made from cotton, termed "a collector's item," $135, here; and

(3) charcoal glenplaid vest -- made from cotton, pictured, $78, here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Cardigan via Anthropologie

This "stretching acres" cardigan is made from a gauzy linen and rayon blend (yes, vegan!) to create a soft draping as it wraps around to button at the side by the waist. I especially like the longer short sleeves with elastic to create a bit of poofing and the collar-ish neckline. Pair the cardigan with a dark cami and a nice pair of slacks for a perfect dressy, but still business-casual summer look. The cardigan comes in the pictured purple and four other colors (yellow, pink, dark grey, and beige). $68; here via Anthropologie.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Ann Taylor 1/2 Sleeve Cardigan

The perfect cardigan for the summer -- to go with dresses or to pair with a cami and pants. The 1/2 length sleeves are key -- long enough to be considered true sleeves, but short enough that they don't shift annoyingly around your elbows. The cardigan is made from viscose and acrylic. It comes in the five colors in addition to the pictured "marina." $65; find it here.

While on the subject of work-appropriate top-wear, check out Nanette Lepore's "Sweet Escape" pullover sweater on sale via Nordstrom -- made from cotton, viscose, and rayon -- originally $175, on sale for $69.90 (60% off); here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Selections From Neiman Marcus Sale

Neiman Marcus is holding an online and in-store sale. The sale starts on-line today and in-store on Thursday. I did a quick browse through the sale; there are a few vegan items. Some of my picks; I've tried to weed-out those items that are available only in one or two sizes:

Burberry Check Dress (pictured left): love the neutral mushroom color and contrasting white checks, and, of course, the ruffles along the button front; the matching belt adds even more style to this shirt dress. Made from cotton, polyamide, and spandex. Originally $550; on sale for $330 (40% off).

Armani Collection Pin-Tuck Blouse (pictured right): when I first saw this blouse, I thought it looked more like a light-weight jacket with three-quarter sleeves. It really is a blouse, though I think its a great stand-alone piece, especially considering its stand collar -- wear it over a white cami and pair it with pants that have a little flair themselves (pinstripes, texture, etc). Made from cotton, nylon, and spandex. Originally $495; on sale for $297 (40% off).

Prince of Scotland Degrade Cardigan and Knit Top (pictured together at left): yes, this sweater set is really, really expensive, even with the Neiman Marcus sale discount, but it's Neiman Marcus, so, it's expected. The cardigan and matching knit top are hand-sprayed in Italy to create a degraded gray trim on the optic white background. I like the cardigan's v-neckline set against the top's scoop neckline. The set is made from cotton. The cardigan originally was $695 and is on sale for $417; the top originally was $550 and is on sale for $330. That makes them both 40% off. The matching pleated gray print skirt is also vegan (acetate and polyester) and is also 40% off ($1,150 to $690).

Eric Javits Squishee Shoulder Bag (pictured right): available in the pictured fuchsia, orange, and parrot green. Made from rayon and polyester with goldtone hardware. A perfect 11" x 14" x 4". On sale for $175. Here and here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: BCBG Cardigan

Part of BCBG's new summer arrivals, I love this "pear" colored cardigan with its perfect not too low v-neck, four-button front closure, and ribbed trim on the cuffs and hem. The gathered detail at the center is a great touch. Wear it with a neutral colored dress (black, tan, white) or with darker colored trousers. It's made from cotton, rayon, and nylon. The only problem with the cardigan is the current price -- $178. Find it here.

BCBG is running a spring promotion: $100 off a purchase of $300 or more; enter code SPRINGGIFT at checkout. Otherwise, if you like the cardigan, but don't like the price, BCBG tends to run specials in-store every other week; keep the cardigan in mind and stop by when you are out shopping.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Autumn Cashmere Cotton Sweaters

Bluefly has a bunch of work-appropriate vegan sweaters on sale, such as the left pictured Autumn Cashmere pintuck detail cardigan sweater. Perfect to wear with trousers. Put a camisole under it or a short-sleeved collared shirt (it has 3/4 sleeves). Made from 100% cotton. The cardigan comes in the pictured "peacock," yellow, navy blue, and black. Originally $120, Bluefly has it on sale for $72. Find it here.

For a more casual look, I like Autumn Cashmere's puffed sleeve sweater. It also has 3/4 inch sleeves, and, as evident by the right picture, a very low v-neck that will require a camisole underneath. It's made from cotton and a bit of spandex. The sweater comes in the pictured "seagull," a purple, navy blue, and black. Originally $120, Bluefly has it on sale for $ 72. Find it here.

Finally, for a bit of a combination of the above two and something perfect to wear under a suit, especially if you anticipate removing the jacket sometime during the day, check out Autumn Cashmere's pintuck detail sweater, pictured left in the "blossom." Made from 100% cotton. It also comes in a blue. Originally $121, Bluefly has it on sale for $73. Find it here.

Tuesday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Lutz & Patmos Flutter Sleeve Tee

I found Lutz & Patmos via last week's Daily Candy Deals email. From browsing the site, it seems they specialize in overpriced sweaters, knits, and accessories made from mainly cashmere and occasionally organic cotton. Many of the items are really, really cute despite the huge pricetag. Such as their Organic Flutter Sleeve Tee. 100% organic jersey cotton; scoop neck (may require a cami to deal with the scoop); double row of ruffles at the sleeve -- perfect to go under a lighter colored suit for the spring / summer. Unfortunately, the "tee" is $185! Yes, $185 . . . for a cotton t-shirt with lovely ruffles . . . I hope they don't succumb to the economy.

Lutz & Patmos has other insanely overpriced cotton items: a gorgeous flounce dress ($310, here); a belted crewneck cardigan ($395, here); a ruffle cardigan ($195, here). As of last week, if you enter DAILYCANDY30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off your entire order.

Tuesday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: JCrew Twinset

I love twinsets -- matching cardigan and shell are perfect for business casual days and if the need for a full-suit arises unexpectedly, the cardigan can be switched for a suit jacket. Unfortunately most nice twinsets incorporate silk and/or wool, especially in the winter. But JCrew's new twinset is made from cotton, nylon, and spandex. And it comes in 13 colors. Excellent!

The cardigan (pictured in navy) has three-quarter sleeves (great for summer!) and is $64 (here). The shell has a rib trim at the armholes, which nicely hides pesky underwear, and is $44 (here; note that shell is available online and via catalog only).

End-of-Season Sweaters

As the winter weather abates (slowly), sweaters go on sale (rapidly). In addition to its mass of cashmere sweaters, Bluefly has a few vegan-friendly sweaters on sale -- reduced up to 75% off. Such as this Generra cowl neck sweater, which comes in the pictured black (left) and grey. I enjoy the rib knit hem. Made from 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. Originally $198, Bluefly is offering it for $88.99 (55% off). Find it here.

I also enjoy this Elie Tahari "Greta" jeweled long cardigan (pictured right) -- especially the rounded jeweled cardigan and the patch pockets with the same jeweled applique. This could be one of those items perfect for transitioning from the work day to evenings out to weekends requiring fancy-casual attire. Made from viscose, polyamide, and elastane. Originally $498, Bluefly has it on sale for $213.99 (still expensive at 57% off). Find it here.

Finally, Inhabit's 100% cotton long black wrap cardigan is on sale for $89.99 (originally $288 -- 69% off). This is probably a weekend-only item, although it may be able to be stashed in the office in case of over-air-conditioning. Find the wrap cardigan here.

Men's Professional Vegan Fashion -- On Sale

Because I am a woman, I primarily blog about women's professional vegan fashion. However, I want this blog to be a professional vegan fashion resource for both women and men. As such, at least once a week, I will highlight vegan items for lawyers, bankers, consultants, and other overworked male professionals who are vegans.

Last week I highlighted work appropriate shoes. This weekend is Nordstrom's half-yearly sale for women and kids. The sale is fabulous; I am going to the Nordstrom at the King of Prussia Mall in a few hours. Despite its name, the sale includes a small selection of men's clothing and accessories. To compete, Neiman Marcus is holding a "private sale." This private sale also includes men's clothing and accessories.

Here are a few items on sale I particularly enjoy for men:

1) Lacoste Zippered Sweater at Neiman Marcus (pictured right in the beige): originally $155; now 30% off, on sale for $108.50. 100% cotton, Neiman Marcus is offering it in beige, black, and navy.

2) Façonnable Twill Classic Dress Shirt at Nordstrom: originally $125; now 33% off, on sale for $79.90. 100% cotton; Nordstrom is offering it in the classic colors of white and light blue. My former boss used to wear Façonnable dress shirts almost exclusively. As such, I have a special place in my heart for Façonnable dress shirts.

3) Ermenegildo Zegna Twill Pants at Neiman Marcus (pictured left): originally $345; now 33% off, on sale for $241.50. 100% cotton; the pants come in the brown pictured right. At over $240, the pants are a bit expensive, but I think they would look great with a blazer and a collared shirt or a sweater, and, hence, could be worn often. Neiman Marcus also has these Ermenegildo Zegna Flat-Front Pants in black on sale (same original price, same sale price).

4) D&G Dolce & Gabbana Jersey Knit Cardigan at Neiman Marcus (pictured right): originally $345; now 30% off, on sale for $241.50. 100% cotton; it comes in the dark brown pictured. Obviously a splurge item, but I love the contrasting browns and big buttons and stand-up collar. This cardigan likely is most appropriate for casual Friday or weekends in the office.