Vegan on the Weekend: Summer Shoes

Though it might "slush" on the East Coast this weekend, the stores have their summer shoes out in full swing -- and I can't stop browsing them online. Here are a few of my favorites:

Rampage "Dania": simple and classic thong sandal; great with jeans and with summer skirts; and they have a perfect, walkable 1.5" heel. They come in the pictured black and silver metallic. 100% man-made materials. $40 through Piperlime (here -- and free shipping and returns!).

Unisa "Coco": another classic summer sandal, though slightly dressed-up with the metal chain links on the t-strap. Again, great with jeans, shorts, and perhaps a casual skirt. Based on the buyer comments, they are perfect for walking: they have a 1" heel. Made from cork, rubber, and a synthetic upper (plus the metal) -- completely vegan! They come in the pictured white and black. $59 through Piperlime (here -- and, again, free shipping and returns!).

Naturalizer "Sistine": wedges are hot this summer; unfortunately most incorporate leather (boo). But not this espadrille sandal style! The sandal has a fabric (linen) upper and a woven wrapped 2" wedge heel. The sandal comes in the pictured natural, black, brown, coral, and an interesting floral with an off-white base that is way too flowery in my opinion (notice the floral inside the pictured sandal -- imagine that all over the outside). All colors are available on Naturalizer's website for $60 (here). Some useful codes: 20% off entire order: PSB29; $10 off order: ECK28. Also, Piperlime has the black version on its website for $55 (here); the different in price is baffling. As an aside, I tried these on in the Naturalizer store; I was 1/2 size smaller than my normal shoe size -- so, beware.

Naturalizer "Sensitive": an interesting take on the above wedge sandal. I'm not much into slides, but I appreciate the summery colors incorporated into this one. It comes in the pictured blue stripe satin and a similar red stripe satin. The sandal has a fabric upper and the same woven wrapped 2" wedge heel. Both colors are available on Naturalizer's website for $60 (here).

Finally, I'm absolutely, completely, totally coveting JCrew's unisex "Jack Purcell sneakers." They come in a distressed version (pictured in the blue; also comes in white) and a broken-in-chino version (comes in pale surplus and faded black). 100% cotton. Each pair is $65. I think I would get the blue distressed version, though I vacillate between that and the pale surplus broken-in-chino version or possibly the white distressed -- ahhh! So many I like! Find the distressed version here and the broken-in-chino version here. The sneakers pair nicely with the very large Madakat tote (100% cotton canvas, $68; here).

Today in History: Voting Rights Anniversary

On February 27, 1922, the U.S. Supreme Court in Leser v. Garnett upheld for the first time the constitutionality of the 19th Amendment, which was proposed on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920:Happy Suffrage Upheld Day (yes, I made that up . . .).

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Designer Thank You Notes

At some point in your career, you will need to write a thank you note. And, yes, that means hand-written. If I'm going through the trouble of writing a thank you note, I want the note card itself to be something that the recipient might enjoy looking at. I used to go to Kate's Paperie rather regularly, but now the physical store is a bit out of my way and for some reason, I haven't warmed up to ordering off their website. Instead, I have been getting my thank you cards and other similar items from Smock, a line of letterpress wedding invitations, announcements, and greeting cards printed on bamboo paper in upstate New York. The cards come individually or in packs of 6 -- and are mini-works of art. My favorites are the pagoda (pictured) and poppy thank you notes. Find thank you note cards here.

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: Handbags on Sale via Nordstrom

Couple new markdowns at Nordstrom on MAXX New York and Matt & Nat handbags:

First, MAXX New York: "Monte Carlo" Shopper -- cute medium-sized tote made from PVC that comes in three really bright summery colors (the teal is pictured). Not exactly work appropriate, but great for the weekend to add some pop to blander outfits. Originally $145, now $96.90 (33% off). Find it here.

Second, Matt & Nat: "Rice Paper" Dome Satchel -- really long, but slim satchel with top handles long enough to put over your shoulder; made from Matt & Nat's signature crinkled, rice-paper vegan material. I assume this bag is huge in person. It's on sale in white, red, and black -- very work appropriate, except possibly the size may be a bit overbearing. Originally $275, now $183.90 (33% off). Find it here.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Shoes: Cork Dress Pump

Made by Oh Deer! and available through Piperlime. I admit, this pump may not be entirely office-appropriate, but it is so interesting (perhaps strange is the better word?) that I had to post it. As a friend said, "they look like they're made of particle board that got burned at the toes." Oh deer (or is it dear?) indeed.

The pumps are made from 100% synthetic materials . . . such as . . . wait for it . . . cork! It also has a bone-breaking 4" heel. $165; find it here.

Clickety Click

I am not a fan of mass forwarded emails . . . not at all. I recall only ever responding to one -- and it resulted in a week-long email debate in which I wrote the equivalent of a short book; this post makes two. Apparently the Breast Cancer Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle). Click here.

And while you're there, and the point of this post, check out some of the cute vegan merchandise the site has for sale. Most of the stuff isn't professional office appropriate . . . but . . . I am a fan of: the pink & white polka dot lunch bag (made from polyester and PVC, $7.95, here); the Wind of Peace organic tee (pictured, made from organic cotton, $26.95, here); and the bamboo birdhouse ($14.95, 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.

The Professional Vegan Bakes . . . Again!

This weekend, I baked vegan cookies 'n cream cupcakes in honor of one of my co-worker's birthday. Read all about it at Tales of Expansion. To pique your interest, the final product:

Monday's Vegan Suit: Diane von Furstenberg Bianca Suit

This off-white suit definitely is a late spring / summer suit, perhaps not court or really, really important meeting appropriate, but perfect for those scorching summer days when a suit is necessary. And it's part of Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2009 Runway Show! The wide, drapey legs on the pants, the matching vest with the four perfect buttons and cute pockets (clearly something needs to go under that vest), and the contrasting jacket with a single button closure -- how can you not want this suit . . . right now!

Each piece is made from 65% linen, 32% viscose, and 3% elastane. The jacket is $425 (here); the matching vest is $198 (here); and the pants are $265 (here). The vest and the pants also come in khaki and deep sea -- although the jacket only comes in the off-white pictured.

It's Diane von Furstenberg, so no discounts and I doubt it'll go on sale anytime soon in any good sizes; but . . . free shipping if you order from her website with this code: DVFFREESHIP.

Vegan Purchase: Banana Republic Puff-Sleeve Sweater

Yesterday I went to Banana Republic still in search of this short-sleeve ruffle shirt that I posted on Monday, but, alas, the store still (still!) didn't have it in stock. But the store did have a bunch of new sweaters and, in store only I believe, all full-price sweaters are 30% off. Plus, by purchasing with a BR credit card, you get an extra 10% off.

Ultimately, I was overwhelmed by the offer and the new puff-sleeve sweater in the "chocolate bunny" color (pictured) that perfectly matches my glasses and the hardware on a pair of Stella McCartney vegan pumps I purchased on super sale at the end of the season. So, I bought it. It's made from cotton, nylon, and spandex -- and is machine washable. Originally $44, once I applied the various discounts, I paid a bit under $30, which I find not stellar, but not too bad.

Vegan on the Weekend: Otherwise Out-of-Print Books

I have a quiet weekend planned: a few errands, a bit of cleaning, cooking / baking, catching up on reading, lounging around . . . and watching the Oscars, of course. I don't think it's going to happen this weekend, but some weekend in the near future, I hope to sit on my sofa and savor an entire book over the course of the weekend.

On my reading list, I have three books that I first have to order from Persephone Books. Persephone Books reprints forgotten classics by twentieth-century (mostly women) writers: "Each one in our collection of eighty-one books is intelligent, thought-provoking and beautifully written."

The three I want are: (1) The Wise Virgins by Leonard Woolf (Virginia Woolf's husband; of note, Virginia Woolf's Flush, which is one of my favorite "biographies" is also in their collection); (2) The Home-Maker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher; and (3) A Very Great Profession by Nicole Beauman.

The books are £10 each or £27 for three (£33 for three including postage) -- about $14 for one book or about $39 for three ($47 for three including postage). As soon as I see another quiet weekend forthcoming, I plan to order my three selections.

Friday's Accessory: Kir Collection Tassel Jewelry

I'm really into dreaming about (rather than owning, because it is prohibitively expensive, at least for me) some pieces from the KIR Jewelry Collection -- which I believe was recently nationally launched, though don't quote or cite me on that. KIR Jewerly was founded in 2001 by Kirsten Anne Boedecker and Jennifer Klein. The jewelry is handmade in Bali (the next foreign travel location on my must-get-to list!) and is inspired by Balanise culture, tradition and craft. It is available online through Goldyn.

My favorite pieces are the Station Necklace paired with the Tassel Pendant (pictured together) along with the matching Tassel Earrings (also pictured). Each piece is made from sterling silver with 18kt yellow gold contrast. The necklace is $671, the pendant is $374, and the $292. Yes, rather expensive. But I am quite taken by the combination -- a bit different, yet still professional; I picture the pieces with a black pant suit.

Article of Interest: Yoga Mats via WSJ

Check out this recent article by Anjali Athavaley of the Wall Street Journal about new yoga mats on the market: Looking for a Soft Spot to 'Om'. I haven't tried any of the mats profiled, but I am quite partial to Lululemon generally and as I tend to practice hot types of yoga, I would likely "test drive" Lululemon's Hot Yogi Mat first.

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Kenneth Cole Trench Coat

Macy's is offering this Kenneth Cole single-breasted belted trench coat on super sale: originally $180, on sale for $63. I like the look of the stand collar combined with the flaps at the shoulder. The coat comes in the pictured tan and a black -- at this time, a variety of sizes are available in both colors. It is made from polyester with polyester lining. And it qualifies for free shipping! Find it here.

Designer Vegan Deal and Vegan Purchase: Earth Lodge Boots

I've been eyeing these vegan winter boots since the beginning of the fall/winter season, but couldn't stomach spending $159 for them. But now they are on sale via Gaiam for $89.99 in the black and tan versions pictured. Made from faux-fur suede with thinsulate insulation and faux-fur lining -- reviewers say they are very warm. I purchased them in the tan and got $15 off my purchase (of $75 of more) by using the code: EN8B. Find the boots here.

I plan to use them to replace my UGG boots from 4 winters ago, which are the original version of this past seasons' "Upside Boot." The lining inside the boots is matted down and most of the original gripping power of the boots has disintegrated -- so, next winter it will be time for new boots and now I have them . . . on sale! I'll report back re: the actual warmth of the new boots once they arrive.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Chinese Laundry Embroidered Tote

Continuing with the totes from last week, I am quite taken by Chinese Laundry's Embroidered Tote. As with most totes, great for carrying books, extra clothes, just about anything. The tote comes in two color combinations: the dark blue with yellow stitching pictured and a bright orange with purple stitching. My feeling is the dark blue is much more work appropriate than the bright orange, though different offices have different dress codes. The tote is made from canvas and has a nylon lining. The handles appear to be a PVC-like man-made material, though I would check with Chinese Laundry or Piperlime (where I found the tote) to be certain. It's $59. Find the totes here.

Note: Chinese Laundry's website also has a red with light blue embroidery version and a tan with light pink embroidery version. However, they are $72. Find them 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.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Banana Republic Short-Sleeve Ruffle Shirt

I like this shirt so much that I physically went to Banana Republic yesterday to try it on. But, alas, it hadn't arrived in the Banana Republic nearest to my apartment -- the lovely saleswoman said they get shipments of new items on Thursdays. Probably for the best -- the shirt is full-price at $59 and all I have in the way of coupons is a 20% off one full-priced item. But those ruffles at the neckline and banded longer-short-sleeves -- if I ever get my hands on it, it will looks so cute with a dark suit and my new bootie-pumps.

It's made from cotton, polyester, and spandex; and it comes in the pictured white and black. Find it here.

The Professional Vegan Bakes!

Vegan Apple Pecan Muffins! Check out my guest post at Tales of Expansion! The final product:Per my new obsession with the iPhone "Lose It" application, I calculated the calorie count of each muffin so I could input the correct calories into my phone. Calorie count: 203! Not bad at all! And the muffins are quite filling. Read more about my baking adventure at Tales of Expansion.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Ingenuity Suit

Via Nordstrom. I like this suit because it is reasonable priced, but still looks well-made, although it's a bit too conservative for my taste: the pants have a side-zip and the collection boasts a really, really long skirt that I would never wear, though some might enjoy. I think Ingenuity is a new brand Nordstrom is carrying, perhaps in an attempt to cater to a less-monetarily-secure clientele. At least, I've never seen it online or in stores before.

The suit is made from polyester, comes in 5 colors (black, navy, stone, ivory, and red), and is machine washable, but unlike other machine washable suits, this one looks as if it is dry-clean-only. The suit collection includes two jacket options, a long skirt, a knee-length skirt, pants, and a sheath dress. The three-button jacket is $166 (here; pictured in navy). The more conservative "short suiting jacket" is also $166 (here). The long skirt that I would pair with the more conservative jacket is $96 (here). I would pair the knee-length skirt ($90; here), the pants ($96; here), or the sheath dress ($130; here; pictured in the navy) with the more traditional three-button jacket.

Vegan Purchase: Chinese Laundry Wedge Pumps!

I found them at a discount designer shoe store similar to DSW, but not DSW -- the name escapes me, though I think it starts with an "M." Regardless, the pumps are made from black faux leather and have a perfect 1.5" black wedge. I'm also quite happy about their matte finish, which seems to be hard to find on vegan shoes. In short, I love them! And I love the price more -- originally $60, I got them for $30. Here they are on my feet:

They will replace the Burberry "trench pumps" that I purchased over four years ago at this point. After multiple re-heelings and re-soleing, on Friday, they finally gave out for good: the leather (eek; leather!) on the toes is peeling back rather badly. The main difference between the two shoes is that the Burberry pumps have a 1" heel rather than the new 1.5" heel -- I hope the extra .5" doesn't throw off the look of the suits (doubt it will). Evidence of the Burberry's final demise:

Vegan on the Weekend: The Perfect Scale

My friend purchased an iTouch last week . . . and then downloaded a bunch of free applications . . . and then showed them to me . . . which resulted in my downloading of the "Lose It!" application, which tracks my daily calorie intake with colored graphs (assuming I enter the food I eat) and sets goals for me based on my current and target weight. I'm totally hooked on the application because the graphs are so pretty and shiny . . . which resulted in a need for a scale since I want the graphs to be correct and that involves accurately tracking my weight. I'm not sure how pleased I am about all this, but I now own a new scale and know lots about bathroom scales.

I went to Target, of course, to purchase my scale -- and immediately was overwhelmed. The Target nearest my apartment had eight (8!) scale options. And they were all different such that I couldn't really say that there were 4 scale options and then 2 of each option to choose from. Eeek! I first eliminated anything over $30 because that's way too much to spend on a scale for a free iPhone application. That got rid of the tricked-out Weight Watchers and Biggest Loser scales and any other scale that measured BMI or body fat or had memory and/or backlighting and/or an alarm clock. Honestly, I prefer my scale to be traditional.

Then I eliminated the scales with "dials" because dials create confusion. Finally, I settled on the Taylor Lithium Slim Scale for $19.99. It's simple, has an easy-to-read display, is compact, and is reasonably priced. Hooray -- I can now graph my weight on my iPhone -- is that a good thing?

Happy Valentine's Day

The Professional Vegan Has Been Bag Tagged!

By my good friend Sarah at Tales of Expansion, who was bag tagged by Mel at food for fuel. The rules are:

1) Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you cannot go up to your closet and pull out that cute little purse you used back before you had kids. No cheating!

2) I want to know how much it cost. And this is not to judge. This is for entertainment purposes only. So spill it. And if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I’d love to hear it.

3) Tag some chicks. And link back to this post so people know why the heck you’re showing everyone your bag.

Here's one of my current bags of late; vegan of course!

1) It's a lululemon gym bag from about 3 years ago. I use it whenever I want to carry lots of stuff, such as when I go to yoga practice or somewhere overnight. Today I did errands at the post office, Target, and the grocery store . . . so I took out the bag to haul all the loot. Supposedly it holds up to 50 lbs!

2) I think I spent $89; and I got it at the lululemon on 64th and Broadway in NYC, which, at that time, was the only lululemon in NYC. Now there is one in Soho at Broadway and Spring and one just opened in Union Square. The bag is made from some type of faux leather. The closest that lululemon is currently marketing is the Doitnow! Gym Bag. The Action Gym Bag also has similar features. Unfortunately, you have to physically go to lululemon stores (or yoga studios that carry its merchandise) to purchase items.

3) I'm tagging "Gilraen," a good friend of mine from law school, over at her livejournal: here.

Bag tag!

Friday's Accessory: BUILT Lunch Tote

As a vegan, I bring lunch and snacks to work with me almost every day. And in this economy, it's just too expensive to purchase breakfast and/or lunch every (or most) days. I carry my lunch and snacks in BUILT's Fugu Lunch Tote. Like other BUILT products, the lunch tote is made from neoprene ("the wetsuit material"). I like the separate compartment for my drink (which always is a diet coke); the other compartment is big enough to hold a little chocolate soy milk, a sandwich, a yogurt, an apple, and a packet of vegan cookies -- it is very roomy (and, yes, I snack a lot during the day)! The lunch tote is around $20 and is available online (here), at some Targets, and specialty kitchen stores.

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Organic Cotton Dress Shirts

For men . . . via Nordstrom. Eco-friendly, tailored fit, classic single-button barrel cuffs, a pocket-protector-ready chest pocket, and a reasonable, yet quality-denoting price: $59.50. The shirt comes in four basic colors: white, pink, blue, and the pictured sage (which I think is great for date nights out). Find it here.

For a more casual look, possibly pair the shirt with Nordstrom's label's "Interlock" half-zip sweater, which boasts the standard mock collar and banded cuffs and hem, and is made from 100% cotton. $69.50; available in 4 colors (black, dark blue, grey, and red) here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Matt & Nat Satchel

Sale alert! Sale alert! Nordstrom is offering Matt & Nat's "Fifty-Five" Satchel on super sale -- originally $250, the black (pictured) and magenta are now $149.90. Undoubtedly this bag is much bigger than it looks -- perfect for carrying laptops, documents, perhaps for use as an overnight bag. As with all Matt & Nat items, the satchel is vegan. Find it here.

Also, speaking of Matt & Nat, they currently are holding a rather large sale on some of last season's bags and wallets -- for both women and men. Check out the sale items here.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Bag: Cute Totes

Corporette posted a really cute canvas tote yesterday via Piperlime (here) and highlighted the tote's spaciousness and suitability for carrying documents to and from work. Though as Corporette indicated, its price tag of $185 is not too over-the-top, to me, that's a bit much too spend on a tote, even if the tote is super cute and looks more like a handbag-tote-crossover.

So, I set out to find an as cute, but much less expensive alternative. And I found one: Palace Tote Bag via India Rose ("a home furnishings textile company"). Made from 100% cotton canvas, the tote comes in the pictured green and white with gold and also in black and white. I can't decide which color combo I like more, though accessorizing with green seems appropriate to spring.

The tote is full-price at $42 . . . but India Rose has a deal going with Daily Candy . . . 25% off everything in its online store . . . enter daily25 in the promotional code box before adding each item to your cart.

Tuesday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Nanette Lepore Coat

It's going to be warm this afternoon across the east coast and for the first time in several months, I intend to take a short walk during lunch -- which means it's time to break out the spring lighter-weight coats . . . or . . . if funds allow . . . buy a new vegan spring coat.

My funds don't currently allow it, but if they did, I would purchase Nanette Lepore's "Kissing Coat." I love the belted cuffs and back, the buttons down the front, the cute pin-tucks at the high waist, and the perfect longer length. Made from cotton, it comes in the pictured white. I'm not sure if white is appropriate quite yet, but it will be great in a month or so. Unfortunately, the coat is an insane $550. Find the coat here.

Neiman Marcus pairs the coat with Nanette Lepore's "Picnic Pique Pants," which are also vegan-friendly and also adorable and very work-appropriate. Made from cotton, viscose, and elastane, and lined with acetate. They are $295; find them here.

Vegan Purchase: Neuaura Booties

It was gorgeous (gorgeous!) in New York City yesterday (and just about everywhere else on the east coast). I walked around SoHo for a few hours with friends . . . eating, shopping, talking . . . straining my winterized legs until my calf muscles screamed in pain. It was a fabulous Sunday!

While out, my friends and I stopped at Moo Shoes -- at my request, of course. I couldn't resist purchasing the cutest pair of Neuaura bootie-pumps (pictured left): the shiny faux leather combined with the super-soft faux suede and the satin ribbon -- very professional, but with a stylist twist. At 3 inches, the heels are do-able also. There was only one black pair left in my size . . . so, clearly, I had to get them. I am wearing them today with a black Ann Taylor suit (the triacetate vegan) and a cotton-polyester-blend white collared shirt with subtle ruffling around the buttons (a holiday gift from a friend -- love the shirt!). And I intend to pair them with the White House Black Market tuxedo-esque suit I got on super-sale a few weeks ago (see previous post). The shoes were $89. Find them here (they also come in brown -- here).

I also really liked these black Neuaura Lolita flats (1/2" heel), but they weren't available in my size. If you are size 6, 6.5, or 9.5, check them out -- on sale for $39.99 (originally $74).

Monday's Vegan Suit: JCrew Cotton Suit For Men

A vegan suit for men! Finally! The men's version of JCrew's cotton suit (I posted the women's version last week). Praise summer!

2 jackets options (fully lined), 2 pant options, and 3 colors. My favorite is the three button jacket with the classic fit pants in the navy -- though the jacket is pictured right in the "wheat" color because that's the color JCrew models. In the end, a cotton suit may not be court-room appropriate, but I think the navy would be fine for meetings, etc. The jackets are $268 each (here and here), and the pants are $118 each (here and here).

Vegan on the Weekend: Summer Dresses

From Anthropologie, of course, because Anthropologie has the best (overpriced) dresses. My favorite of their new (overpriced) summer selections is the "Morning Colors" dress (pictured right). The black belt, subtle pleating, and the large, smudged flowers make it perfect for a nice summer brunch or shopping on a hot day. Made from 100% cotton with cotton lining; $258.

For lounging around, I like the "Two Rivers" dress. Also made from 100% cotton with cotton lining; $118.

Finally, for nights out, my pick is the "Musing Moon" dress (pictured left). I love the lines of polka dots, the flower on the sash, and flowing skirt -- and, most of all, the yellow-orange underneath the sheer grey. 100% cotton with cotton lining; $188.

Friday's Accessory: Prismera Jewelry

Since 2004, designer Laura Su has been crafting affordable jewelry I adore under the company name "Prismera Design." Intricate, delicate, yet solid -- her pieces are perfect for the office and great for evening and weekend wear. My favorite is the Embrace Ring (large) in the bronze ($66 for the bronze; $76 for silver; find it here). Wear it with the Embrace Hoop Necklace ($80 for the bronze; $90 for the silver; here).

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Grey Shift Dress

Last night on "Damages" (I rarely watch television -- but I love "Damages"), Ellen Parson was wearing this cute, trendy, yet appropriately conservative grey knit sleeveless shift dress that I loved. Based on the knit and weight and fall of the fabric, I assume it incorporated wool. I searched for something similar online last night in a vegan-version and stumbled upon a few grey work-appropriate dresses.

First, though it looks nothing like the dress the Ellen Parsons character was wearing last night, I enjoy this Design History grey pleated belted jersey dress (pictured right). Although the dress hits above the model's knees, I think it will hit at or slightly above the knees on most women. At first I thought the material may be too casual for the office, but perhaps the dress can be "dressed up" with a nice dark cardigan. It also comes in black and carmine (a red that I think is too red for the office). The dress is made from 95% viscose and 5% spandex. Originally $120, Bluefly has it on sale for $72. Find it here.

Second, this grey shift dress with puff sleeves from Target (pictured left) is closer to the dress I was searching for -- but not really all that close. I do like the bell sleeves though -- although the criss-cross front may necessitate the addition of a camisole underneath. 100% polyester; $24.99. Available here.

Finally, I don't really like it, but this cotton rib turtleneck sweater dress via Victoria's Secret (pictured right) is the closest I could find that did not incorporate wool or silk. But, I really, really, really don't like it. Way too heavy and chunky -- and the long-sleeves -- not for me. Nevertheless, if you're interested, it's on sale for $68 (originally $88); find it here.

In the end, I rate my search for a vegan-friendly grey knit shift dress a dismal failure. Guess you can't win them all.