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.

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.

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.

Tuesday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Turtlenecks from The Limited

When I was out shopping recently, I stopped in The Limited. I haven't been there for years. They have a bunch of vegan suits, though I wasn't all that impressed with the length of the suit jackets. Apparently The Limited thinks short waisted is in, but that won't fly in my office. However, The Limited did have some great turtlenecks. At $44.50 or $49, depending on style, I think they are a bit pricey. But they would look fabulous under a suit jacket or paired with nice trousers during the colder months.

First, the most professional is the "shirred shoulder turtleneck" (pictured right in the sky blue). It features ribbed cuffs and hem, and slight sheering at the shoulders. Made from rayon and nylon. In addition to the blue, it comes in four other colors, including the office-standard brown and black. $44.50; find it here.

Second, still on the professional side is the "rib detail turtleneck" (pictured left in the garnet red). It features similar ribbed trim on the cuffs and hem, though a bit finer, and a wide-ribbed trim around the shoulders and turtleneck. Made from rayon and nylon also. In addition to the garnet red, it comes in four other colors, including a lovely deep purple, and, of course, black. $44.50; find it here.

Finally, on the less professional side, better for more casual days, are the "striped turtleneck" and "tiny stripe turtleneck." The tiny striped turtleneck is pictured right in the green. The striped turtleneck features wider stripes and comes in a garnet/grey combo and a black/grey combo. Both are made from rayon and nylon. And both are $49.50; find the striped turtleneck here and the tiny stripe turtleneck here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Kenneth Cole Blazer

Not exactly a full suit, but this Kenneth Cole blazer is on sale during Nordstrom's half-yearly sale. I'm not all that into these oversized blazer jackets with ties at the waist, but I've seen them on some (admittedly taller) women, and they've looked good. As this blazer has elbow-length sleeves, perhaps pair it with a black (or dark) turtleneck and black trousers for a more business casual (also dark and mysterious) look. The blazer is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. It comes in the pictured "dark heather grey." Originally $129, on sale for $85.90 (33% off). Find it here.

If you are looking for matching pants, Nordstrom has the blazer featured with Kenneth Cole's black "Amanda" pants. Made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. $69; find them here. (And with the pants, that makes a full suit!) And, for completeness, check out this Kenneth Cole "scrunch" turtleneck: made from cotton and spandex, comes in a variety of colors (including the pictured "rich black"), $44; find it here.

The Professional Vegan Relocates

Not within the inter-webs . . . physically! This is why I've been absent for the past almost month. In that time, I finished my first job out of law school, packed up all my stuff, bopped around the east coast for a couple weeks visiting friends, and then moved across the country to a location to remain undisclosed, but, never fear, still great for vegan shopping. My new job starts in a couple weeks. I'm not sure what my schedule will be, and how conducive it will be to posting every morning as usual, but I will try to post as often as I can. On the days that I do post, I will follow the schedule. Thus, if I post on a Tuesday, I will post a vegan-friendly work-appropriate clothing item. If I post on a Friday, I will post a vegan-friendly accessory. I just might not have a chance to post every day. So, please don't abandon me . . . have patience as I figure out my new life with a new job in a new (physical and mental) state.

During my travels, I picked up a few vegan items. My favorite of the acquisitions are two black turtlenecks from Ann Taylor Loft. First, my favorite favorite is the button-detail turtleneck (pictured right in the crushed berry). The sweater features four matching buttons at the cuffs and four matching buttons down either side. And the turtle of the turtleneck turns down perfectly -- not too chunky as can happen with many chunky turtleneck sweaters. Made from 100% cotton. In addition to crushed berry, it comes in five other colors, including, of course, my choice of black. Originally $49.50, Ann Taylor Loft has it on sale for $29.50. Find it here.

Second is a simple "turtleneck tee" made from jersey (cotton and modal). In addition to the pictured black (left), it comes in five other solid colors and in a black and grey or grey and tan striped pattern. The solid turtlenecks are $24.50; the striped turtleneck is $29.50. Find the solid colors here; find the striped patterns here.

Vegan Purchase: Coat and Sweatshirt

In place of Tuesday's work-appropriate clothing item and Wednesday's vegan shoes or bag, as I am out of town for a couple days, check out these two items I recently bought at Ann Taylor Loft, which seems to have emerged from a lull of three or four years.

First, from Ann Taylor Loft's new "Lounge" collection, I purchased the "Rib Trim Cowl Neck" top in the black (it is pictured in the pewter melange). It is made from cotton and is very, very soft and comfortable. Though it technically is "lounge" wear, this item is as nice or nicer than many tops, sweatshirts, and sweaters: I would feel comfortable wearing it with a pair of nice jeans and black flats to the office on the weekend. In addition to the pewter melange and black, it comes in a lovely "pebble melange grey." The top is $49.50 (though I had a coupon from a previous purchase that effectively took 50% the purchase price); find it here.

Second, since I am desperate need of vegan work-appropriate winter coats, which are often impossible to find when you actually really need one, I also purchased the "Cotton Long Belted Coat" in the pictured "deep lake blue," which is the only color it comes in. Although the coat is made from cotton and lined with polyester, it is surprising substantial and heavy. In fact, I think it will be appropriate for weather above about 30 degrees absent snow. The coat is $168; find it here.

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: V-Neck Sweater

From Ann Taylor Loft. A friend recently purchased this v-neck sweater with three-quarter length sleeves in the pictured deep teal and deep rose. Both look fabulous on her and are perfect for her business casual work environment: she intends to pair them with black or deep gray slacks. The sweater also would pair nicely with a full suit.

The neckline features two-layered ribbed trim, which adds a subtle flair to the sweater. However, the v-neck is a bit low and the fabric is a bit see-through; as such, I would suggest wearing a cami underneath. In addition to the two pictured colors, the sweater comes in seven other colors, including a "majestic plum" that I am very fond of. The sweater is made from 100% pima cotton.

The sweater is $39.50. My friend got 2 for $49.50 in the store: buy one, get the second for $10. Online, if you buy one, you get the second 50% off: so, 2 for $59.25. Find the sweater 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.

Vegan Purchase: Gathered Neck Sweater

Via Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. I purchased this sweater in a dark purple, which doesn't seem to be available online. I also purchased it in a petite size, which is what is available online. I didn't see it in "regular" sizes in the store, but I didn't look very hard. The gathered scooped neck lands at a perfect spot so as not to be too low, but still not straddling the neck. Online, the sweater comes in the pictured "berry ice," a bright light blue, brown, and black. It's made from rayon and nylon. Originally $58, it is on sale for $38.90. Find it here.

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.

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.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Crochet-sleeve Top

Banana Republic is holding its summer sale -- up to 50% off select items. This crochet-sleeve top is part of the sale. With its detailed, slightly scooped neck and flowing short sleeves, its perfect to match with a nice pair of trousers or skirt for warmer summer days. Or you could pair it with a suit and not have to worry about what is under your jacket if you happen to ditch the jacket during the day. The top is made from cotton and rayon. It is available in the pictured khaki and a deep teal. Originally $69, the khaki is on sale for $44.99 and the deep teal is on sale for $59.99. Find them both here.

And, remember, The Professional Vegan's first ever giveaway ends today at noon EST . . . 2 sets of 2 books . . . check it out 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.