Super Cool Reusable Coffee Cup Sleeve

This awesome wooden cuff doubles as a coffee cup sleeve (see picture at right). According to the designer, contexture design, the cuff was created based on a typical paper take-out coffee cup (i.e. Starbucks). It comes in 4 different wood colors; my favorite is the rosewood. The cuff would be slightly more awesome if it wasn't an outrageous $68 . . . someday Starbucks will start charging for its little sleeves and then the wooden cuff might become a cost-saving necessity. Until then, if you can spare $68 and are an avid coffee drinker, the cuff might be a good buy for the environment, although bringing your own travel mug might be even better.

I browsed a bit for a cheaper version, but all I found was this wood cuff made by cero designs (pictured left in my favorite rosewood). It too comes in 4 different wood colors, and also in 2" or 2.5" sizes. However, it's not designed to double as a coffee sleeve and even though it's 10% off, it's still $66.50.

The second cuff is available through the website A+R Global Design, which has some very unique jewelry for sale, such as this porcelain medallion ($80). Click here for all their jewelry.

Selections From Neiman Marcus Sale Squared

Today marks Neiman Marcus' sale on-top-of it's post-Christmas sale ("sale squared"). The email they sent me claims that Neiman Marcus has taken additional reductions on "hundreds of online styles," by which they mean that you receive an extra 40% off the sale price (discount taken at checkout). Here are a few items of note:

Theory "Painter's Print Dress" (pictured right): made from cotton and spandex, I think this dress would look great with a black or matching deep blue cardigan or a black blazer. The ballerina neckline makes it very work appropriate. Originally $335, it is on sale for $268; with the additional 40% discount, it will be $161. Neiman Marcus has it in stock in just about every size.

Alice + Olivia Belted Top (pictured left): this top, which looks to me like a shirt, may need a cami underneath it, but otherwise I think it would be great with a black suit -- perfect for a day of transitioning between office work and meetings and/or court. The velvet black belt is a great accent. 100% man-made materials. Originally $330, it is on sale for $264; with the additional 40% off, it will be $160. Neiman Marcus has it in stock in XS, S, and M.

Robert Rodriguez Bootcut Double-Knit Pants (pictured right with a shirt that is made of silk -- ick): these pants are made from acetate, polyester, and spandex. Perfect for business casual days at the office. I especially enjoy the bootcut legs. Originally $330, it is on sale for $264; with the additional 40% off, it will be $160. Available in sizes 0 - 10.

And for men, this Paul Smith corduroy jacket in a rich chocolate brown (pictured left): two-button front, with double flaps on the right -- I really do love Paul Smith -- too bad his women's clothing isn't very available in the US. 100% "stretch cotton." Originally $875, the jacket is on sale for $700; with the additional 40% discount, it will be $420. It is available in a small selection of men's sizes that I don't really understand -- so, check the website.

Last Minute Vegan Dresses

For New Year's, of course.

First, for a more casual New Year's, check out this Poppy Blossom Skirt via Bloomingdale's (pictured right). Pair it with a tight black long-sleeve shirt or perhaps a black turtleneck and black tights. Or perhaps this black scoop neck, short-sleeve ruffled cotton top made by the same designer (Leifsdottir) also via Bloomingdale's and also on sale (originally $98, on sale for $58.80). The skirt is 100% cotton. Originally $188, it is now $112.80.

For something slightly dressier, perhaps this Vince taffeta dirndl skirt also via Bloomingdale's (pictured left). I enjoy the classic a-line style paired with the pleats at the waist. 100% polyester; originally $235, now $141.

Third, is it appropriate to wear red for New Year's? If so, I love this bright red dress with a deep v-neck in the front and back from Diane von Furstenberg via Bloomingdale's (pictured right). Made from rayon, viscose, polyamide, and elastane, the dress will silhouette your body. The dress originally was $345, and it is now $207.

Finally, I'm not sure how New Year's appropriate this "icicle's melt" dress via Anthropologie is, but I really enjoy its intricate embroidery (pictured left). Perhaps it can be made work appropriate with a black or white cardigan or a jacket. The dress is 100% cotton with acetate lining. It is $388.

Happy Holidays

Via.

Via.

Gadgets For Professional Vegans

A few interesting gadgets for hard-working vegan professionals:

Solar Flare Messenger Bag (pictured left in the black): this bag claims to store solar energy in a battery and then use that energy to charge portable devices, such as cell phones and iPods. It could prove very handy for those long waits at airports. The bag comes in black and blue. It is $140. It also comes in a larger version, $190, available here.

iZIP EZGO Hybrid Electric Bicycle (pictured right): I've seen people on versions of this bicycle in NYC a few times; I don't really know how I feel about it. The compact bike folds for easy storage. The rider can petal or use the re-chargeable battery power or both. Depending on weight, the bike can achieve speeds of up to 15mph, which likely is faster than most NYC morning/afternoon traffic. It is $800.

Purifying and Filtering Water Bottle from Gaiam (pictured left): I can't determine what the difference is between the purifying vs. the filtering water bottle besides color selection and price. The purifying water bottle comes in white and yellow and is $55, and the filtering water bottle comes in blue and is $45. Gaiam makes really good yoga socks, so I assume the water bottles will be of the same high quality, though that assumption may have some logical inconsistencies.

Weekend Shopping Wrap-Up

In addition to finishing my holiday shopping -- which I did finish successfully -- I stopped in Banana Republic to check out their winter sale. I saw some interesting vegan items, including this cotton fitted long sleeve shirt (pictured right in the white smoke). The shirt is 98% cotton and 2% elastane, which makes it very easy to iron. I especially like the double darts in the front and the back and the sleeve cuffs which flare out a bit. Online the shirt is on sale in the white smoke and a light blue color for $44.99, but I bought on sale for $21.97. Lesson: go to the store. It is also on sale online in white for $39.99.

This "BR Monogram" tuxedo shirt (100% cotton; originally $95, now $59.99) and this cotton tailored shirt, which is slightly less tailored than the shirt I purchased (98% cotton, 2% spandex; originally $59, now $34.99) are also on sale.

I also tried on this puff-sleeve v-neck top (pictured left in the "red light"). I thought it would be a festive holiday sweater to wear under a black suit, but I found the v-neck to be too deep and the puff sleeves hit just above my wrists. The top is 100% rayon and comes in black and "red light." Originally $44, it is now $19.99.

Finally, I blogged a month and a half ago about this dot-print blouse, which at the time was available in a green and a deep magenta. It is now on sale for $54.99 (originally $69), but I recant my statement that it is vegan (I called it "faux-silk"). BR's website says that is is made from 100% rayon, but I checked it out in the store this weekend and the tag says 100% silk. I'm not sure what the deal is.

Vegan Cosmetics

Last month, I noted that Urban Decay makes a line of vegan cosmetics. If you're not taken by Urban Decay's products here are a few other options:

Ecco Bella via Alternative Outfitters: find lipstick here, mascara here, and lip gloss here (all $15.95). Find more cosmetics at Ecco Bella's website, available here.

Beauty Without Cruelty via Alternative Outfitters: find pressed powder, loose powder, moisturising matte or satin makeup, blusher, mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick here. BWC's prices are slightly less than Ecco Bella's. I especially enjoy the cute packaging (see pressed powder left). BWC also makes hair, skin, and body care products, available here.

Sevi Cosmetics: vegan skincare and hair care products and vegan makeup. Sevi makes a cute mineral foundation and brush kit, available here.

Also, some MAC products are vegan, but not all of them. The most common ingredients that MAC uses that are non-vegan include lanolin, beeswax, and carmine. Via an Internet search, I am told that you can call MAC customer service department at 1-800-387-670, (and choose option #7) and request a vegan product list via email or snail mail. I do know that MAC's Pro Lash Mascara is vegan ($12).

Last Minute Vegan-Friendly Gifts

I'm wrapping up (literally and figuratively) my holiday shopping this afternoon. A few ideas for last minute vegan-friendly gifts:

Bluefly has guaranteed Christmas delivery (2-day shipping) and it's free to upgrade to it. Also, today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday), Bluefly is offering an extra 10% off when you spend $100; an extra 15% off when you spend $200; and an extra 20% off when you spend $300 or more.

For women, I like this Free People "Grandpa" v-neck sweater (pictured left in the black). It looks super cozy, but very feminine and slightly dressy with the deep v-neck. I think it would be great to keep in the office as an alternative to your jacket while working at your desk . . . or simply for when it is freezing in the office. It's made from 100% cotton. Originally $108, it is on sale for $65. In addition to the black, it comes in silver, raspberry, and dark olive.

For men, I like this Alara dress shirt (pictured right). The purple color is subtle enough not to be overbearing, and I am quite fond of the spread collar held in place by hidden button closure. The shirt is 100% cotton. Originally $98.50, it is on sale for $59.

Amazon.com is also offering 2-day shipping in time for Christmas. For her, I adore this Matt & Nat "Portishead" shoulder bag (pictured below in the available black). Originally $250, it is on sale for $75. That's 70% off; enough said. Here's a link:


And for him, I'm not sure how much I like these, but I know that many men like to golf, and, oddly, many of those men also like to wear Crocs. So, here are Croc golf shoes. I kid you not (see picture / link below). Available in black/black and khaki/chocolate. Originally $39.99; on sale for $19.99:

Finally, Mod Cloth also promises to ship by Christmas. I bought something from their website on Thursday and it shipped mere hours later, so I believe this promise. Mod Cloth has some super cute items, such as this Fine Vineyard Coat for women (pictured right). The deep purple color is gorgeous and will add a splash of color. I also like the "Peter Pan" collar. The coat is made from 100% polyester. Originally $89.99, it is on sale for $67.49. Pair it with this "royalty wrap" scarf. 100% acrylic; $23.99.

And for anyone -- female, male, young, old -- consider the Mimoco Organic Panic Flash Drive (pictured left). Because we all panic sometimes. 2GB; $44.99.

Red - Green - Cranberry - Gold - Frosted White

Today is my office's holiday party. Red, green, cranberry, gold, and frosted white are the prevailing colors. I was inspired.

RED: Ruffled Jersey Sweater via Liz Claiborne (pictured right): The tiny cascading lines of ruffles are very festive, yet still sophisticated and not overdone, and the covered matching row of five buttons add a nice finish to the neckline. The sweater is made from 68% cotton and 32% lyocell. Originally $69, the sweater is on sale for $50.99.

GREEN: Contrast Panel Roll Sleeve Shirt via James Perse via Nordstrom (pictured left): This shirt is more for the spring and summer (or if you live in a warmer climate). It has 3/4 roll sleeves, which I always find nice for the warmer months. I especially like the button-close flap pockets. It's made from 100% cotton, and because it's made by James Perse, it's $144.

CRANBERRY: Squareneck Dress via Love Ya Ya via Dillard's (pictured right). Cute little "sangria"-colored dress that I think would look great in the office with a cardigan or jacket over it. I love the empire waistline accented with the pleats. Beware - the back has an exposed zipper that makes the dress very interesting for night-time, but needs to be covered by a sweater or jacket while at the office (in my opinion). The dress is made from cotton, spandex, and fleece. It is $198.

GOLD: "Lorenzo" Metallic Turtleneck via Lauren Ralph Lauren via Bloomingdales (pictured left): usually metallic sweaters are overbearing, but I think this one might look sophisticated, yet dazzling enough to not be shocking. I like the 3/4 sleeves and wide-ribbed fold-over turtleneck. The turtleneck is made from 100% rayon. It is $139. It also comes in a silver version available here.

FROSTED WHITE: Open Neck Sweater Top via Arden B (pictured right): I love the cinched bust, steam stitching to create a subtle curve, and ribbed sleeves to create the look of a separate mini-cardigan. I also think the 3/4 sleeves go well with the low neckline -- great for wearing a matching necklace and cuff. The top is made from rayon and nylon. It is $48. It also comes in a black version.

What Really Is Vegan Clothing?

My father knows what he is getting for Christmas; he was there when I picked it out, or, more accurately, I was there when he picked it out. He loves these signature polo shirts that come in short and long sleeve versions. And that's what he's getting from me in his chosen color.

Should I feel bad about purchasing him a shirt from Orvis? The shirt itself is 100% cotton, so it's vegan. But Orvis, as a company, is not vegan by any means: it specializes in high-end fishing, hunting, and other sporting goods. It was founded in 1856 as a tackle shop in Manchester, Vermont. In addition to its vegan polo shirts, it not only sells clothing that incorporates wool, silk, and leather, it also sells pellet rifles, gun cases, and trout flies. Then again, it also runs a nationally recognized conservation program. Though this program undoubtedly advances Orvis' business model such that its continuation should not necessarily be taken as a reflection on Orvis' commitment to animal welfare.

Similarly, pre-vegan, I was apt to use Orvis as an example of how women can succeed in a male-dominated world. Fifteen years after its founding, Orvis was languishing. Mary Orvis Marbury, the founder's daughter, took charge of Orvis' main department -- the fly department. While running the department, she published the first ever encyclopedic reference book on fly patterns, Favorite Flies and Their Histories. The idea of standardization among fly patterns that the book introduced redefined fly fishing and allowed Orvis to dominate the fly fishing goods industry. Subsequently, Mary Marbury was inducted into the fly fishing hall of fame.

Is it wrong to bring attention to Orvis via discussing the success of Mary Marbury? Is it wrong to buy vegan clothing from Orvis? If so, am I similarly wrong to highlight vegan clothing that is made by designers who incorporate fur into their clothing, shoes, and accessories, such as Coach and Burberry? And if so on that question, is it wrong to highlight clothing made by designers who use wool, silk, and leather? And if so . . . what exactly should I blog about because if the last batch of designers are not vegan enough, I think it will be impossible to dress professionally as a vegan.

Perhaps Orvis is sufficiently unlike designers who use fur. Orvis' business model revolves around harming animals; the clothing that happens to be made from cotton is an ancillary by-product. If Orvis suddenly starts selling lots and lots of cotton clothing, it is unlikely to cut back on its production of sporting goods and related paraphernalia. Conversely, if Coach and Burberry see a spike in sales of their clothing and accessories that are vegan, perhaps they will decrease or discontinue their use of fur. Same with those designers who use wool, silk, and leather.

Thus, I don't think it is wrong to blog about designers who incorporate fur into some of their products . . . and I don't feel bad purchasing vegan clothing from them. These designers have sophisticated product tracking programs; they know who is buying what. I think purchasing certain items from them sends at least as direct a message as not buying anything. And I think it is appropriate and possible to protest their use of fur (and other materials) at the same time. Perhaps I am wrong. But I will continue highlighting their vegan clothing. As for Mary Marbury, I still think she's fabulous and I will continue to talk about her success in a male-dominated industry and world even if in doing so I bring attention to Orvis.

Men's Vegan Fashion Via Docker's Sale

Docker's is having a sale; some of the prices are really great. For example, there are these "never-iron" 100% cotton khaki flat front pants (pictured right). They are available on sale for $39.99 (originally $70) in the black pinstripe pictured. There is also a brown pinstripe with pleats version that is also on sale for $39.99; available here.

I also like the urban chino (pictured left in the "british khaki"). 100% cotton, the pants were originally $48, now $39.99. They are also available in a "diesel" color which I think it a bit too casual for the office.

For the top half, there is this "diagonal cord blazer" (pictured right). 100% cotton; it was originally $140, now $99.99. The pictured brown is the only color available.

For women, check out this iron free jacket (originally $98, now $49.99 - comes in black and "putty), which possibly goes with these iron free pants (originally $68, now $49.99 - only comes in black).

A Message To President-Elect Obama

Just passing this along via EngenderHealth . . .

Little Black Vegan Dress -- And Some Snakes To Match

Language is offering this Antipodium "Crowd Pleaser" dress (pictured right) on sale. Language is one of my favorite websites because it brings together clothing from designers around the world. Granted, some of the clothing is a bit pricey, but Language also has good sales. This black dress is perfect for parties. With its long-ish short sleeves and just above the knee length, I might say you can wear it to work, perhaps with a cardigan; however, it's 100% viscose jersey material may make it a bit too "curve-hugging." The dress originally was $285; it is on sale for $145.

Also via Language, I really like this Iosselliani "3-snake" ring (pictured left). I know it's not really work appropriate at all, but sometimes you have to buy something for yourself (or a friend) that is not work-related. The ring is made from sterling silver with sapphire (the first snake has sapphire eyes and three rhinestones down the back of its head), rhinestone (the middle snake is fully encrusted with rhinestones), and ruby (the third snake has a ruby stone atop its head and sapphire eyes). The ring is $410 (maybe it will be put on sale in the future?).

Professional Accessories For Men

I recently stumbled upon a cute website called Fine and Dandy, which sells semi-reasonably priced "accessories for dapper guys": ties, bow ties, hats, handkerchiefs, pocket squares, socks, scarves, wallets, cuff links, tie bars and tie pins, money clips . . . basically if it dresses up a suit, they sell it. Some of the items are made from silk (all the ties, bow ties, and pocket squares), wool (the hats), and leather (the wallets), but a good portion are vegan friendly (all the handkerchiefs and the socks). Here are some of my favorites:

Purple Medallions Handkerchief (pictured left): purple is THE color of the season. This handkerchief would go great with a dark suit and a white collared shirt. It's always nice to add a little color to your outfit. 100% cotton. The handkerchief is $9.

Silver Crown Tie Pin (pictured right): a tie pin -- as distinct from a tie bar -- is great for knit ties, which are usually made from cotton and thus a vegan man's friend. I think a tie pin is a great way to dress up what might be considered a less-formal tie. I particularly like the subtle yet regal crown design of this pin. Made from silver, it's $15. Tangentially, Fine and Dandy sells tie bars and cuff links that are engravable, which I find interesting, but ultimately think would be pretentious.

I also really like these Navy Diamond Marcoliani Socks (66% some type of vegan fiber, 33% nylon; $15). There's nothing like a good pair of socks with a touch of diamonds.

Stella McCartney Belts on Sale

At YOOX. My favorite is the black faux patent leather belt with metal chain detailing (pictured right). I think the belt would dress up a casual dress or a pair of jeans very nicely. Originally $182, it is on sale for $109. It is available in sizes 32 and 34. Available here.

For something a bit more conservative, yet still stylish, I like this velvet belt with matching metal buckle (pictured left in the black). The belt comes in black and a lighter brown and has a corduroy texture to it that is clearer in the picture of the brown belt. Originally $174, it is on sale for $104. The black belt is available in sizes 28, 30, and 32; the brown is available in sizes 28, 30, 32, and 36.

There is also this shiny grey faux patent leather belt (originally $174, now $104; available in size 28) and this slightly wider and slightly lighter shiny grey faux patent leather belt (originally $188, now $99; available in size 28). And, finally, this very narrow (.6") matte-finished belt available in red (sized 28, 30, and 32) and ivory (sizes 28 and 30) (originally $170, now $85).

Vegan Books on Sale

Barnes and Noble is running a pre-holiday sale on items in their "holiday gift guide" -- 20-40% off list price. If you are still looking for holiday gifts or just want a good deal on a book, here are some vegan-related sale items:

Skinny Bitch Box Set by Roy Freedman and Kim Barnouin: includes Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bitch in the Kitch. List price is $29.95; on sale for $17.97 (40% off).

Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, "America's most popular vegan chef." List price is $27.50; on sale for $22 (20% off).

Vegan with a Vengeance: Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, who hosts "The Post Punk Kitchen." I like this book because it highlights how to maintain an inexpensive vegan diet. List price is $17.95; on sale for $14.36 (20% off).

Nicole Farhi Sale

Nicole Farhi is one of my favorite fashion designers. She worked on the French Connection label before starting her own label, which is based out of London. As such, her clothing is most widely available in the London area. In NYC, she has a cafe / store (which she terms a "lifestyle store") with a small selection of her "best" clothing and eclectic household items ("202" -- 75 Ninth Avenue).

The Internet solves the problem of traveling to London for her complete line of clothing; in some instances, it also solves the problem of her clothing being rather expensive. Unfortunately, it does not solve the problem that most of her clothing incorporates wool and silk and leather. Perhaps sometime Nicole Farhi will make more vegan-friendly designer clothing. Until then, my wallet thanks her.

Currently, YOOX has some of her clothing items on sale -- two of the items on sale are vegan. First, there is this fabulous black jacket (pictured left). The jacket is made of 100% polyester and has a velvet-ish feel to it. And it has a really awesome flap in the back. It's about as warm as a mid-weight trench coat. The jacket originally was $758; now it is $379. It is available in sizes 6 and 8.

And there is this dark brown jacket (pictured right). The jacket also is made of 100% polyester; it has a shimmery tint to it. I would think it's also about as warm as a mid-weight trench coat. The jacket originally was $558; now it is $308. It is available in size 8.

Vegan Trophy Heads

I grew up around families that hunted recreationally. I never saw the appeal of personally taking the life of creature that you don't need to kill in order to survive, yet some of my friends' homes were decorated with stuffed mounted deer head and the like. I always cringe when I see those mounted heads.

ReForm School has an alternative that I think is awesome: plywood deer (pictured left), moose, and rodeer that you can mount on your wall just like any other trophy head. The "trophy heads" are made from precut pieces of plywood that assemble together like a jigsaw puzzle. According to the website, you can assemble the heads in a few minutes. The deer is available here ($275), the moose here ($435 - it's huge!), and the rodeer here ($96).

As the website says: "Bambi lovers rejoice! Now you can enjoy all of the stylings of a real trophy head without the guilt!"

Vegan Plush Horse Bag

I am posting this bag not because I would ever wear it to work or otherwise, but because I find it so intriguing and because it is marketed as vegan. The "horse bag" (pictured right) is designed by Peter Jensen. I love the description: "Khaki green cotton flannel horse bag. Two shoulder straps can be worn as backpack or carried over the shoulder. Stuffed head and legs. Entirely synthetic - vegan!" The bag is on sale for $160 (originally $320) and is available here.

Banana Republic Sale

I previously blogged about Banana Republic's velvet jacket (pictured right in the purple). It's now on sale for $99.99 (originally $175). It's available in the purple (my favorite) in sizes 00, 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8; it's available in the black in size 8.

Banana Republic's "Origami-pleated sweater" (pictured left in the dark charcoal) is also on sale. It is made from 92% cotton, 5% nylon, and 3% spandex. I like the three-quarter length sleeves and the pleats at the shoulders. The dark charcoal is available in sizes S and M. It also comes in "carob chip," and is available in that color in XS, S, L, and XL. The sweater is on sale for $44.99 (originally $64).

Other sale items of interest: for women -- "cotton square neck top" (originally $49, now $29.99); for men -- "cotton knit cardigan" (originally $59.50, now $34.99) and lots and lots shirts (see here).

Robert Lee Morris Jewelry Offer

Years and years ago, I bought a necklace and matching earrings designed by Robert Lee Morris. Since then, I've been receiving his holiday offers and other discounts. The holiday offer this year is: 20% off any purchase from December 11 - December 14. You must present the card if you are to make a purchase at one of his stores (or maybe say you lost the card?) or you can enter the code Holiday08 at checkout for online purchases.

Robert Lee Morris makes "jewelry as wearable art." Some of the sterling silver jewelry is semi-affordable, which is exciting. A few of my favorites:

Double Dagger Heart Pendant from the Charms Collection (pictured left): when I saw this, I thought of Twilight. I especially like the two linear heart charms. The website doesn't specify what the black cord is made of, so I would check into that -- some of Tiffany's black cords are silk. The pendant is $350; it made from sterling silver.

Open Round Hoops from the Mandala Collection (pictured right): these hoops measure 2 1/8" in diameter, which is small enough to look professional and conservative, yet I think large enough to be noticed. The hoops are $250; they are made from sterling silver. The hoops match this Two-Tone Multi-Piece Pendant beautifully. The pendant is made from sterling silver and 18K gold, and, thus, is out of the semi-reasonable price-range at $1,475.

Triple Plate Earrings from the Stegosaurus Collection (pictured left): I love the stacked look of these earrings. I also like that they are 1 1/2" in length, which makes them acceptable to wear to work. The earrings are $250; they are made from sterling silver with 14K gold posts. They would look gorgeous with this Large Shifted Plate Cuff (sterling silver; $795).

Vegan . . . With A Vegan Message

A friend sent me a link to a cute t-shirt a couple days ago: the t-shirt says "there's no right way to eat a rhesus" and has a little money above (see picture of graphic on t-shirt right). I think it's darling. Clearly not work appropriate, even on the weekends, but cute nonetheless. The t-shirt is available through mental_floss here. 100% cotton; $17.97.

Sale on Stella McCartney Pumps

Intermix is offering some insanely expensive Stella McCartney items for not as much $$, but still rather insanely expensive. Thought I would note a couple of my favorites of the sale items nonetheless:

Velour Silver Heel Pumps (pictured right): I love the "midnight blue" velour and the silver spiked stiletto heels. I'm not sure how people walk in them for an extended period of time, but I bet they look divine when they do! The pumps were originally $645, now $399. They are available in sizes 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39 and 40.

Satin Metal Filigree Pumps (pictured left): these are to dive for; I love them so much, especially the gunmetal filigree thing on the back and, of course, the silver spiked stiletto heels. Again, not sure how people walk in them for long periods of time, but I would be willing to try if I owned these. The pumps were originally $795, now $479. They are available in sizes 36, 36.5, 38 and 38.5.

Intermix's website says both of these pumps incorporate patent leather, but I'm almost positive that none of Stella McCartney's shoes incorporates leather (although she does use silk and wool . . . which sometimes land on her shoes).