Vegan On The Weekend: The Limited Sale

Last weekend I went to the mall the day after Christmas. Not the best idea ever, but it did lead me (and my shopping buddy) to The Limited. The Limited was, and still is, having a rather good sale on a variety of its clothing: legwear is 40% off (see available legwear here); pants are buy one get one 50% off; jewelry is buy two get one free; and a bunch of turtlenecks and other work-appropriate sweaters are reduced, drastically in some instances. The Limited is good for vegan fashion: many of the suits are made from cotton, polyester, and rayon blends, as are many of their sweaters. Here are some sale items of potential interest:

Forenza Shaker Cowl sweater: perhaps more for the weekend, or casual Fridays, this chunky sweater is made from 100% acrylic. It comes in the pictured "dark teal" and nine other colors, including the black that I purchased. I've worn the sweater a couple times -- it is very warm and comfortable. Great for cold weather. Originally $59.50, it is on sale for $14.99.

Printed Button Cowl top: continuing with the cowl neck, this top is perfect for putting underneath a full suit, perhaps black or a dark grey. The animal print is not too over-the-top, especially under a suit jacket, and will add a bit of flare to your outfit. The top is made from polyester and spandex. Originally $39.50, it is on sale for $14.99.

Ultra Pleated shirt: another top to put under your suit jacket to add a bit of modern flair to a plain suit. I like The Limited's description: "A crisp woven shirt need not be dull. Ours has oodles of pleats on the stand collar and neckline, giving it a polished look that works with or without a jacket." The shirt is made from cotton and spandex. It comes in the pictured "dark ivy green" (here) and "black and white stripe" (here). Originally $49.50, it is on sale for $19.99.

Basic Pencil Skirt: though billed as "basic," I'm not sure how basic this skirt really is: it has "waves of sheen" woven in, "creating hypnotic, undulating lines." However, it seems to hit perfectly at the knees, which is great for the office. The skirt is made from polyester and comes in the pictured black, which , conveniently, doesn't show the undulating, hypnotic lines. Originally $69.50, it is on sale for $39.99.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Gap Sale and Men's Clothing

I have a bit of free time today and Gap is holding an online sale -- 25% of entire online purchase of regularly priced items; enter code GIFT123 at checkout -- so I thought I would post some vegan items Gap is offering for men. Depending on work environment, some might not be office appropriate, but they would be good for the weekend!

First, the standard cotton crewneck sweater (pictured left in the "indigo blue"). Made entirely from cotton. Great to put over a collared shirt for a more casual, yet still professional look, and great to wear alone on the weekends for a very casual look. Originally $39.50, now $25. Not sure if that means it qualifies for the 25% off special. Regardless, it already is more than 25% off. Find it here in the blue and seven other colors.

Second, a moleskin blazer (pictured right). This blazer definitely is work-appropriate. Customer reviews say it is great for fall and winter. Wear it over a collared shirt to complete a dressy business-casual look. Made from cotton. It comes only in the pictured brown. $98; find it here.

Third, striped shirts (pictured left in the blue "bank stripe"). Perfect to pair with a full suit or with pants and a nice (vegan!) belt for a more casual look. Made from cotton. Gap is offering striped shirts in a variety of colors: the pictured shirt (here); it also comes in "malbec and white stripe" and "blue hydrangea and white stripe" (both here); and a darker blue stripe (here). All the shirts are $44.50.

And, finally, for the upcoming cold days and night, a sherpa-lined parka (pictured right). A twill exterior combined with a sherpa-lining all the way to the knees is sure to keep you warm. Made entirely from cotton, so you also can feel warm about not harming any animals! Available only in the pictured "chino bark." $128; find it here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Striped Banker Shirt

I've always loved banker shirts on women. Something about the white collar and cuffs contrasted with a light blue pleases my eye. And they're great to wear under a suit jacket or alone with a nice pair of trousers. Pair the shirt with a jeans for a dressier weekend look if required at your office. Banana Republic's current banker shirt features subtle stripes on a light blue background and a pocket accented with a button (pictured). The shirt is made from 100% cotton. $60; find it here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: T Tahari Suit

Yet another suit via Nordstrom. I just noticed this suit on the website, though in browsing through a couple Nordstrom stores last week, I noted that Elie Tahari now is designing a line exclusively for Nordstrom (as I gather). This T Tahari suit is comprised of a jacket and matching pants, both in the pictured black. The jacket has three buttons, my favorite number of buttons for a jacket, and the pants have a slight wide leg to add to the classic look of the suit.

The suit is made from polyester, viscose, rayon, and elastane. The jacket is a reasonable $98; find it here. The pants are an also reasonable $78; find them here.

To complement the suit, T Tahari is offering a classic white blouse accented with flattering front seams to add definition. The blouse is made from cotton and nylon; $58; find it here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Y-Neck Cotton Blouse

As I was late posting Monday's vegan suit, Tuesday's work-appropriate clothing item is a piece directly related to the suit -- namely, the shirt the model is wearing underneath it in the below picture. Sandra Ingrish's y-neck stretch cotton "blouse," as Nordstrom's website reads, has a tonal button-front closure in addition to the interesting y-neck that I think would be conducive to placing the collar inside or outside the jacket collar. I especially enjoy the bust darting to create a sleeker look.

The shirt is made from cotton and spandex, and only comes in the pictured white. It is $58; find it here.

Vegan Purchase: Shirts From Banana Republic

I very recently purchased Banana Republic's fitted non-iron shirt in white and the pictured "sail cloth," which I think of as grey. I have requirements for my collared shirts: they must be non-iron; if they don't have super fancy adornments on the sleeves (such as ruffles), they must have the equivalent of barrel cuffs; and they must be long enough to stay in my pants. If possible, I also like the buttons down the front to be concealed. Banana Republic's new non-iron shirt fit my requirements, and my body, perfectly -- so I purchased two of them.

The shirts are made from cotton with a bit of lycra to achieve their non-iron feature. In addition to the grey and white, the shirt also comes in navy blue (on sale), pink, and a bright(ish) green. They are $59 each. Banana Republic was running a sale the last few days -- 40% off full price items if you purchased with your Banana Republic credit card -- so I got each for $35.40. Find the shirt here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Banana Republic Non-Iron Short Sleeve Shirt

Banana Republic's basic button-down shirt in a summery short-sleeve version that hits at the hip -- long enough to tuck neatly into suit pants or skirts. The shirt comes in the right pictured "summer orchid," an "imperial blue," and a classic white. Made from 100% cotton, but still incorporating the ever-popular and important non-iron technology. The shirt is $60; find it here.

Banana Republic (and Gap, Old Navy, and Athena) is holding a 30% off special -- 30% off your entire order, one time use -- 4 days (now through Sunday, August 2). If purchasing online, use code: MNNBGYY6WNXQ.

Since Banana Republic is holding a sale, I thought I'd briefly highlight a few more items:

(1) Linen/cotton embroidered blouse (pictured left): white blouse made from a blend of 2/3 linen and 1/3 cotton; I love the puffed sleeve, ruffled collar, and pleating at the bust-line. I think the blouse is work-appropriate for a casual environment, although it might be most appropriate on the weekend. The blouse is $60.

(2) Classic non-iron shirt: exactly like the short sleeve one above, but with long sleeves. Available in cerise, shark grey, ice blue, and lady slipper (my favorite). Depending on color, the shirt is $44.99 or $59.

(3) Martin skinny pant (pictured right): the skinny jean finally has made it to (semi-)work-appropriate pants. These pants are made from rayon, cotton, and elastane. They come in the pictured black and silky coal. I would pair them with a button-down shirt to make them seem a bit more work-appropriate. The pants are $90.

Vegan On The Weekend: Selections From Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is one of my best friend's favorite sale event. The sale offers some good deals on fall fashion. I thought I'd point out some of the vegan items on sale.

(1) Joie "Fara" Plaid Tuxedo Shirt: plaid shirts have been appearing all over magazine covers lately. I'm not sure if this shirt's ruffles combined with the plaid is a bit too much, although I saw it in Nordstrom and it seemed to work. The shirt is made from cotton and comes in the pictured "potion" plaid; in store, it also is available in a white-black-brown-gray plaid color combo. Originally $188, it is on sale for $109.90.

(2) Classiques Entier Drape Neck Sheath Dress: a folded collar with a sophisticated bow adds a unique look to this sheath dress; the cap sleeves are a perfect combination of the current sleeve-less look with an added bit of fabric for a more conservative look. The dress is made from polyester, viscose, and spandex, and comes in the "menswear-inspired" black multi color. Originally $228, it is on sale for $149.90.

(3) Semantiks Ruffle Pocket Cardigan: this deep v-cardigan with un-obtrusive ruffling at the pockets comes in "regular" and petite sizes in a variety of colors including the pictured "paris purple." The sweater is made from rayon and nylon. Originally $68, it is on sale for $39.90.

(4) Foxcroft Fitted Shirt: classic crisp white button-down shirt in a feminine "fitted" fit with pleats and princess seams. The shirt is made from cotton, and is of the "no-iron" variety. Originally $68, it is on sale for $44.90. The Nordstrom sale also features a bunch of other Foxcroft shirts, most with patterns or texture; find them all here.

(5) Kristen Blake Iridescent Quilted Coat: I particularly like the huge pockets on this shiny quilted water-resistant coat. It comes in the pictured pewter and a bronze, and in "regular," petite, and plus sizes. The coat is made from polyester and nylon, and has polyester lining. Originally $150, it is on sale for $89.90.

(6) And, finally, something for men: Façonnable Cotton Jacket: this lightweight zip-up jacket made from cotton is perfect for weekend excursions or more casual days traveling to and from the office. It is lined with the ever-popular plaid. The sweater jacket comes in the pictured navy and a dark-ish tan. Originally $295, it is on sale for $199.90.

Vegan Purchase: Three-Quarter Sleeve Stretch Shirt

Purchased on sale via J.Crew. Besides Brooks Brothers, I find the J.Crew shirts fit me best, particularly their "slim fit" cut, which realizes that I have a chest that the shirt's material should cover such that buttons are not strained in that area, but that after the chest. J.Crew currently is offering its three-quarter sleeve stretch shirt on sale in certain colors for $39.99, reduced from $58. I purchased it in a light blue that I can't find online; the "light pewter" is pictured instead. Find the shirt here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Custom Dress Shirts for Men

Proper Cloth, which was started in 2008 in New York City, allows men to design dress shirts from Italian fabrics; the custom shirts then are produced in the United States: "Men are free to choose unique fabrics for the inside of their collars and cuffs as well as other options so that their shirts will suit them. We want to embrace the corporate cubicle world but poke some fun at it." The custom shirts are made from cotton. Proper Cloth offers a wide variety of collar and cuff options as well as fabric options. The shirts range in price from $80 - $140+.

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.

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).

Monday's Vegan Suit: Calvin Klein Linen

For men! I realize it's been a long time since I posted anything substantial for men. I apologize. I will do better in the future. This two-piece Calvin Klein linen suit is available in two versions of tan -- the darker tan pictured and a lighter tan, almost white. I like the darker tan for hot summer days at the office -- cooler, but still professional. The suit is $299.99; available here via Men's Warehouse.

The suit is part of Men's Warehouse buy one suit get another free sale. I browsed through the suits and all the others online are made from wool, but the store might have a better vegan selection. Men's Warehouse also is offering buy one get one free on some of its dress shirts. I like the Joseph Abboud non-iron dress shirts with traditional one-button cuffs. It comes in six other colors in addition to the pictured blue. I'm not sure about the pairing of a rosy mango colored shirt with the above suit; I think I rather would pair it with a blue. The shirt is 100% cotton; $79.50; find it here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Fan Cuff Shirt

This white shirt (pictured left) is a new markdown in Nordstrom's half-yearly sale for women and kids. Of course, I love the three-quarter-sleeves with large fan pleats at the ends. But I think my favorite feature is the goldtone buttons detailed with white floral centers. The shirt is made from cotton and spandex; the spandex gives it a bit of stretch. Originally $58, it is on sale for $37.90. Find it here.

Another new markdown of note is Sandra Ingrish's ruffle shirt (pictured right). The subtle ruffles at the cuffs of the long-sleeves match the delicate ruffles lining the Y-neck. The shirt also is made from cotton and spandex, and likely too has a bit of stretchy give. Originally $68, it is on sale for $44.90. It comes in white (here) and the pictured blue (here).

And while you're browsing Nordstrom's sale, check out Theory's "Talia-Cinz" shirt, available in white and apollo (greenish-blue); originally $225, on sale for $89.90; here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Foxcroft Ruffle Blouse

Nordstrom recently added some of Foxcroft's summer line of shirts to its website. I especially like the white ruffle blouse (pictured). Its three-quarter length sleeves are great for summer and the y-neck combined with the out-turned subtle ruffles add eye-catching flair to the shirt. It's made from cotton; $58; find it here.

If you are into white shirts with subtle feminine touches, check out Foxcroft's "fitted crinkle blouse." The shirt has an all-over crinkle texture and its sleeves can be styled with a bell shape or a french cuff. Made from cotton, nylon, and spandex (to create that crinkle texture); $72; find it here.

I also enjoy Foxcroft's "shaped paisley shirt." It also boasts three-quarter length sleeves and is decorated with a large paisley print of navy blue set on the shirt's white background. Also made from cotton; it is $68. Find it in "misses" sizes here and plus sizes here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: New York & Co. Shirt

This shirt from New York and Company's "Collection" has it all -- the ruffles, the straight collar accented with the tie that is convertible into a bow and removable, the mini-ruffles at the end of cuffs -- I love it. The shirt is made from cotton, polyester, and spandex, which likely means that it is rather form fitting. It comes in the pictured taupe, white, and black. I think I like the taupe best, although the white is the most classic. $49; find it here.

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Thomas Pink Online Sale

Thomas Pink, best known (at least to me) as the British creator of divine and insanely expensive shirts, is having an online sale. I'm not sure how long it has been going for, but there are still some vegan options remaining in a few select sizes, such as this "White Tailored Sabrina Women's Shirt" (pictured left). I love the puff sleeves and the lines of ruffles down the front. Perfect for summer! 100 % cotton; the shirt originally was £69 and is on sale for £35. Find it here; and, since there are few sizes in this shirt, and most other shirts, browse the entire sale here.

For men, check out Thomas Pink's new-ish line of jackets, such as the "Black Wrath Slim Fit Single-Breast One-Button Jacket" (pictured right), on sale for £125 (originally £350). Made from 93% cotton and 7% metal ("The Wrath features a metal triangle shaped stitch on the buttonholes and pockets and Melton undercollar"). As with the other sale items, it only is available in select sizes. Find it here.

Speaking of sales, Yoox's sample sale starts today for Daily Candy readers; up to 90% off over 20,000 products, including some Stella McCartney shoes (watch out; some are not vegan). The sale ends March 29th. Get in early by going to this week's Daily Candy weekend guide.

Monday's Vegan Suit: John Varvatos Three-Piece Suit

For men! Via Nordstom -- a three piece suit (jacket, vest, pants) available in the pictured tan (very spring / summer appropriate). The suit is made from cotton. The jacket is lined and the pants are lined to the knee. I really like the matching vest, which helps dress up an otherwise semi-casual suit. All three pieces are $795. Find the suit here.

Compliment the suit with a dress shirt from John Varvatos, such as this grey and tan striped shirt (cotton and nylon; $125).

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Ann Taylor Pintuck Shirt

On sale! This cotton, nylon, and spandex blend shirt with a v-neck and a point collar comes in the pictured blue and a very springy orange -- both great colors to wear with a lighter-colored summer suit. I especially enjoy the pintucking detail. The shirt originally was $59 and is on sale for $29.99. Get an extra 25% off that price by entering EXTRA25 at checkout. Find the shirt here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Neiman Marcus Online Promotion

Neiman Marcus is holding what seems to have become a bi-monthly 40% off items already on sale online-only promotion. This time, there are quite a few vegan items. My favorite for women:

Neiman Marcus' label Asymmetric Jacket (pictured left): ivory with black buttons -- I think this jacket would look great with black pants for a spring / summer in colder areas / fall before Labor Day professional look. Made from polyester and cotton. Originally $395, on sale for $195, the jacket will be $117 with discount.

Craig Taylor's Dance 'Til Dawn Shirt (pictured right): great floral, but not overly-feminine print. I especially like the shade of dark blue as background. I would wear this with a lighter colored suit, possibly a taupe, in the summer. Made from cotton. Originally $215, on sale for $140, the shirt will be $84.

Craig Taylor's Through The Grapevine Shirt (pictured left): I'm loving the sale on Craig Taylor shirts. Again, like the floral print made less-overtly-feminine by the large black and white pattern. I would wear this with a tuxedo-esque black pant suit and the bootie-pumps that are pervasive this (and most likely next) winter season. Made from cotton. Originally $215, on sale for $140, the shirt will be $84.

And, finally, Max Mara's Tamigi Jacket, which is more of a weekend piece. Made from polyester; it comes in the color "sand," which looks like a grey-ish eggshell. Originally $540, on sale for $351, the jacket will be $211.