Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Marais Flats

Available at MooShoes. These cute flat faux patent leather shoes with a tiny 1/4" heel and side cut-outs are perfect for more casual days at work or walking to and from the office. The tiny heel makes them dressier than the very flat flats that are pervasive lately. The shoes come in the pictured chestnut and in a green-tinted "Easter" color that I don't find all that office appropriate, though it may depend on the office. $49; find them 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.

Vegan Deal: Jane Marvel Sample Sale

If you live in NYC (or will be in NYC, Tuesday, June 23 - Thursday June 25, 10am to 7pm) and are looking for vegan handbags and related accessories, see informative flyer:

Monday's Vegan Suit: Men's Suits via Nordstrom Sale

Nordstrom is holding its men's half-yearly sale. There are two full suits on sale that are vegan. Unfortunately, both of them are in "lucky" sizes:

John Varvatos Star USA three piece suit in a light tan cotton: suit includes jacket, pants, and matching six-button vest with back-buckle tie (pictured left). I've blogged about this vegan suit before. As noted previously, obviously the vest is the best part of the suit. The suit originally was $795 and is on sale for $593 (33% off).

Ben Sherman "Kensington" suit in a rust-tinged blue (pictured right): suit includes two-button jacket and matching flat-front trousers. It's difficult to find a vegan suit for men in a dark color, which makes me love this suit by default. The suit is made from a cotton and nylon blend. Originally $595, it is on sale for $395 (33% off).

Vegan On The Weekend: Gift Wrapping

It's Father's Day weekend; and it also happens to be my mother's birthday! Happy birthday Mom! Happy Father's Day Dad! I am at my parents' house celebrating the dual holiday . . . so I thought I would save some time and annex portions of a post from Ideal Bite regarding gift wrapping. In so annexing, let me plug Ideal Bite, which I read everyday. Ideal Bite offers "bite-sized ideas for light green living." It delivers eco-friendly living tips in a "short, sassy email" to your inbox every weekend. It's very reminiscent of Daily Candy.

Yesterday's "bite" was titled "Regifting 2.0"; it highlighted materials to wrap gifts that are eco-friendly and which the giftee may be able to use again, such as wrapping a gift in a tea towel or a bandanna. It also included a nifty factoid: "If every American family wrapped just three gifts in reused or reusable materials, we'd all save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields, every year." My favorite of the highlighted options is the Bobo wrapping scarves. These vibrantly pattered scarves fold into bags, wine carriers, and home decor, as well as reusable gift wrap. Depending on size, they are $9 and up.

Also, on Wednesday, Ideal Bite's "bite" was about eating vegan! Check out what they had to say and the highlighted foods here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Matt & Nat Now At Bluefly

"Eco-friendly arm candy," as Bluefly terms it -- aka Matt & Nat handbags and accessories -- have recently arrived at Bluefly. For all those not familiar with Bluefly, it is the "ultimate hook-up for the fashion obsessed," as it calls itself. I think Bluefly is a little too obsessed with itself, but it occasionally has some good deals on designer fashion and tends to offer an "OMG biggest sale ever" sale every other day -- so, it's worth checking in on occasionally.

And now it carries Matt & Nat products! I own the right pictured crinkled "Hamburg" large bowler in grey (the magenta is pictured; grey also available on Bluefly), which I got on even bigger discount through Gilt Groupe a month or so ago. I absolutely love the bag; the first time I used it, it immediately became my everyday, all-the-time bag. It's on sale for $192 (originally $275) on Bluefly. Find all of Matt & Nat on Bluefly here at between 30% and 40% off.

Also, Matt & Nat itself is holding a sale: 50% off select styles. Check out the sale here.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Bookshelf and Bookends

I was browsing CB2's website this week when I came across this very intriguing bookshelf. First, CB2 is "a new destination from Crate and Barrel that dials up the fun." There are six stores across the country: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Berkeley, and LA. Apparently the idea is "shopping affordable modern."

Anyhow, when I saw this bookshelf, I was taken. It's essentially a five foot steel stick with ten steel sheets that hold books in stacks (up to 9 lbs per shelf). The whole thing is covered with a silver powdercoat (it also comes in orange). It's the perfect size for a small room or an office or even for stacking cookbooks in the kitchen, which, based on product reviews, seems to be a prevalent use for it. The bookshelf is $189; find it here.

And for use with more traditional bookshelves or on your home / office desk, these people bookends may be the perfect accessory. They are made from brass and aluminum with a white hi-gloss finish (they also come in chromed aluminum -- here). Based on reviews, they easily hold six or more large books. I find their shadows beneath each quite entertaining. They are $39.95 for a set; find them here.

Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to entries # 16 and #28 -- Gina and Cherry Blossoms -- the two randomly generated winners of Professional Vegan's first-ever giveaway. You each will receive a set of two books: the companion book to FOOD, INC. and Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation. Thanks to everyone who entered, and don't forget to check out FOOD, INC., now showing in a variety of cities and opening soon in others!

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.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Valentino Fabric

I was alerted to Valentino's line of fabric bags from a reader. Thank you! Though most of the fabric line of bags have leather handles or are made from silk, there is one item that is 100% cotton -- the black bucket fabric bag adorned on the side with a large matching black bow. I'm not sure how I feel about the black bow in a work setting, though I think it reaches the level of office appropriate.

The bag comes in a medium and a large size. The large is pictured in its entirety; the bow of the medium is pictured. The medium bag is 11.7" x 10.9" x 5.3", which I think should be considered large; and the large bag is 17.9" x 10.9" x 5.1", which I think should be considered extra-large. Both bags are on sale, 40% off: the medium is $657 (originally $1,095) -- here; and the large is $837 (originally $1,395) -- here.

Giveaway of Interest: Envirosax

Leslie Elizabeth over at Jacksons World is hosting a father's day Envirosax giveaway. Envirosaxs are compact environmentally friends shopping bags that come in a variety of sophisticated and fun styles. Depending on the style, the bags can hold 22 - 44 lbs of groceries, clothes, and other goodies. Win one by entering the contest here.

Of course, don't forget to enter my FOOD, INC. book giveaway -- 2 sets of 2 books (the movie companion and Fast Food Nation). Entries end Thursday at Noon EST. Right here!

Also, Gilt Groupe is holding a Matt & Nat sample sale tomorrow, starting Noon EST. If you aren't a member of Gilt and would like an invitation, send The Professional Vegan an email at professionalvegan@gmail.com and I'll set you up.

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.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Classiques Entier Melange Suit

Via Nordstrom. I really like this suit, the jacket and the matching skirt equally. The jacket has detailed stitching highlights and accent front pockets. I am especially taken with the three-button closure, with the button set close to each other. The matching pencil skirt is cut for a slim fit and hits perfectly at the knee. And it comes with a removable matching belt . . . which I probably would never remove.

The suit is made from polyester, rayon, linen, and spandex blend of fabric -- yes, vegan! Unfortunately, the jacket is available online only in one size (14); but the skirt is available in a variety of sizes, and I think the jacket might be available in Nordstrom stores. Despite the dearth of jacket sizes, I wanted to post the entire suit because posting merely the skirt would do the suit injustice. The jacket is $268--available here; the skirt is $148--available here.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Books About What People Eat

In honor of Professional Vegan's first-ever giveaway, Friday's vegan accessory is my pick for top 5 books that make you think about what you eat: where it comes from, how it is cultivated, how it "matured," how it died, how much pollution it added to the planet, how eating it fits with your notions about life and earth. In no particular order and with no particular endorsements beyond the praise and critiques below:

(1) Matthew Scully's Dominion:The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy -- I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, this one of my favorite books because of its all-encompassing inquiry into "man's" (as Scully terms it) abuse of "his" God-given dominion over animals. Scully straight-away rejects arguments about rights, liberation, and ethics as applied to animals and focuses on "man's" capacity to use "his" power to bring mercy the animals "he" is in a position to control. In the realm of inquiry into the suffering of animals, Scully does a superb, detailed job. On the other hand, this is one of my least favorite books because of Scully's rejection of arguments about rights, liberation, and ethics, rather than simply setting the arguments aside and creating a robust alternative (whether it is primary or supplemental) argument. Reading the book, constantly having to substitute "human" in for "man," which Scully continues to use when he writes how people living today should act towards animals, alienated me often. In that alienation, I kept thinking about how his arguments, that in the end amounted to "being nice" to animals, easily could be translated to certain groups of people (i.e. his infamous "men") "being nice" to other certain groups of people (which has and continues to play out in society), and, primarily, that his arguments amount to a broad argument for reigning in the current status quo before it gets out of control and "man" loses "his" grip on dominion -- which essentially is an argument for continued domination, which is entirely antithetical to why I became vegan. Regardless, the book does enlighten as to the suffering of animals.

(2) Animal Rights: Current Debates and New Directions, edited by Cass Sunstein and Martha Nussbaum -- I am a lawyer; thereby, I am compelled to include a collection of essays, some of which come from legal scholars. I love the book because it is (very) academic, providing a throwback to my days as a student, and because each essay is its own entity, each to be returned to and considered anew without having to take up the entire book.

(3) Jeffrey Masson's The Face on Your Plate: The Truth About Food -- I've blogged about this book before. It's one of the most recent books about veganism to hit bookstores and I was delighted to see it in my local Borders last weekend. To highlight, my favorite part is where Masson terms himself "veganish" and discusses how he, seemingly the master of vegan, sometimes slips up.

(4) Peter Singer's Animal Liberation -- no list would be complete without Peter Singer. Indeed, Matthew Scully must contend with Peter Singer in Dominion, which he does almost immediately. Written in the 1970s and revised in the 1990s, Animal Liberation is one of the founding, if not the founding book of the modern animal rights movement. Not to be missed.

(5) Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal -- my favorite aspect of this book is its discussion of the meat industry's domination (as opposed to "dominion") of its workers, particularly its female workers: low wages, horrendous working conditions, rampant sexual harassment, immediate termination upon pregnancy. In fact, I first read Fast Food Nation because of an article in Bitch magazine about feminist vegetarianism; and I have found that article conveniently pdfed online here! And, of course, you have a chance to win this fabulous book, along with the FOOD, INC. movie companion book, in Professional Vegan's first-ever giveaway.

See this post for more information about the giveaway, remember that entries end Thursday (June 18) at noon EST, and don't forget to see FOOD, INC., which opens today in NYC, LA, and SF, and elsewhere throughout June and July.

First Ever Professional Vegan Giveaway!!!

I'm thrilled to be hosting my first ever giveaway. I'm even more delighted because it's for a two (2!) pairs of books. I love clothing, but, honestly, I love books more. (How could I blog and not be obsessed with books and words?) And this giveaway includes one of my favorite books about food and veganism. Here it is:

This Friday, Magnolia Pictures is releasing the documentary FOOD, INC. in select cities (NYC, LA, and SF); during the rest of June and July, it will be expanding to additional cities. I've blogged about FOOD, INC. previously. In brief, FOOD, INC. explores our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that's been hidden from the American consumer; it features interviews with Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) and Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma), among others. Which leads to the giveaway . . .

Magnolia Pictures is offering two lucky Professional Vegan readers a pair of books: both the FOOD, INC. movie companion book and Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation (see pictures to jog memory of seeing these books in stores). That's two (2) winners who each get two (2) books.

Here's how to enter:

1. Comment below, on this thread, and tell me something about yourself or how you landed on this blog or what vegan-related book you most enjoy -- my content lends itself to non-commenting and I'd love to know how you got here, what you like, dislike, read, etc. Or, you may email me at professionalvegan@gmail.com. NOTE: I have comments set to blogger ID or openID -- if you know I'll be able to figure out how to get in touch with you based on that, comment away; otherwise, it's best to send me an email with your email address (or include your contact email in your comment).

2. You may only comment once, unless you share the giveaway on your blog, your facebook, or your twitter, etc.; if you do, come back & leave a second comment telling me where/how you shared -- then you’ll be considered to have two entries.

3. Winners will be randomly chosen and I’ll contact the winners to get your mailing address (and then Magnolia will send you the books). Entries end next Thursday (June 18) at 12 (noon) EST. In addition to emailing them, I'll announce the winners later that day.

Good luck!

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Martin & Osa Blazer

For men! Perhaps the approach of Father's Day is tuning me more into men's vegan clothing. Regardless, I really like this classically-cut blazer with clean lines in cotton seersucker. Martin & Osa pairs it with a darker-colored polo, which I completely agree with, though I would switch out the faded jeans for a nice pair of slacks -- perfect for dressier business casual days! The blazer's shell is 100% cotton, and the lining is made from polyester and viscose. Originally $160, it is on sale for $112 (which means it qualifies for free shipping). Find it here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Another White Bag

It seems to be handbag week; good deals keep popping up. Endless.com has this white MAXX New York "shopper" on super sale: 53% off -- list price $220, now $103.81 (and free shipping!). The bag is slightly smaller than the below Big Buddha bag: 13" high, 15" wide, and 5" deep. It is made from synthetic leather with fabric lining. Find it here.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Bag: Big Buddha Messenger Bag

On sale via Piperlime's "lime tag sale." This Big Buddha messenger bag is huge -- 10" high, 22" wide, and 2" deep -- and comes with detachable cross-body strap; it's meant to (and will) wrap a bit around your body, even if you use the 6" drop shoulder strap. Perfect for carrying everything you need around town or to the office. The bag is on sale in the pictured white: originally $85, now $49.99. Like all Big Buddha bags, it is made from synthetic leather. Here.

Also check out these other vegan bags on sale: Chinese Laundry's all tied up tote in canvas with rope (originally $60, now $39.99); Pink Studio's Zera satchel in blue and fuchsia (originally $64, now $39.99); Big Buddha's Jade large foldover clutch in turquoise (originally $59, now $39.99); Puma's One-to-Two hobo in a lovely magenta-purple blend (originally $85, now $39.99) (pictured); and Melie Bianco's Rouched satchel in white and orange (originally $75, now $49.99).

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

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

Designer Vegan Deal: Stella McCartney Handbag

On sale via Neiman Marcus' updated designer sale. Stella McCartney's "east-west lock-top tote" is made from navy textured faux leather with goldtone hardware. Originally $1,295, Neiman Marcus has it on sale for $868 (33% off). Find it here.

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.

Vegan on the Weekend: Miscellaneous Weekend Tees

Where I live, it rained and rained during the week. Miraculously, it cleared for the weekend. So, yesterday, I ventured out for a walk and did a little browsing along the way. Of note, I stopped in Gap and Banana Republic. Gap is offering a 3-day only (June 5 - today) 25% off sale on dresses. No dresses struck me as particularly amazing, but I did really like Gap's cotton summer t-shirts, especially the dip-dyed ones (pictured left in the cocoa). The shirt comes in a variety of faded colors, including gray, blue, and, my favorite, purple. The t-shirts are on sale -- 2 for $30. Find them here and here online, though there is much better selection in-store.

Banana Republic also is holding a summer dress event -- all summer dress $98 and under -- sale ends today. Again, nothing struck me as particularly amazing. Though, I did enjoy the pleated flutter-sleeve top (pictured right in the "nepal green"). The top also comes in a "deep pink." I think the top would look great with jeans for a more dressy-casual look on the weekend; it also might look good under a suit for work. Made from rayon and lyocell; $39.

While on the subject of weekend t-shirts and tops, I've been meaning to highlight Gaiam's "thoughtful tees." Each t-shirt has a "message that makes a difference" and ten percent of net sales from every thoughtful t-shirt goes directly to select nonprofits. The shirts come in a variety of colors with either long ($28) or short ($20) sleeves. They are all made from 100% organic cotton. My favorite is the "have a namaste" short sleeve tee in black (pictured). Find them all here.

Some Weekend Reading

Over the course of this week, Slate published a five-part series detailing the history of the animal rights movement as it relates to animal testing and biomedical research. It's titled Pepper: the stolen dog that changed American science. The series is an interesting read -- it focuses on the true story of Pepper, a female Dalmatian who was stolen off a Pennsylvania farm in 1965 and subsequently died a gruesome death on a hospital lab table in the Bronx, and thereby engages in a discussion of animal testing and biomedical research.

And for something on the fashion side (and much lighter), check out this NYT article about sales at Barney's shoe department.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Love Quotes Scarves

Scarves are a staple; not much more can be said -- they are wonderful. For the summer, my favorite scarves are those by Love Quotes. Love Quotes scarves are made from linen (vegan!) and have become a favorite of people certain other people deem worthy of photographing all the time (aka "celebrities"). Though that usually detracts from an item's interest for me, I really love these scarves -- especially because they are perfect at doubling as lightweight wraps, and because Love Quotes makes them in two dozen colors. The scarves are $88 each. Find them here via Tobi.

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

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

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

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Jane Marvel Computer Bag

Jane Marvel, a purveyor of vegan bags, is holding its first ever clearance sale. Its "puddle jumpers," "runarounds," "computer / messenger bags," and "duffel weekenders" are all 40% off.

Of the clearance items, my favorite is the computer / messenger bag, pictured left in the plaid flowers print with rust handles and trim. It comes with a removable padded pouch that fits most laptops with up to 15" screens. The computer bag is available in twelve other color combinations; I would pick the stars night pattern with rust handles and trim. As with all Jane Marvel products, the bag is vegan. Originally $100, it is on sale for $60. Find it here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Selections From Neiman Marcus Sale

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: David Meister Dress

This David Meister sheath dress has large flowers and bright colors, which I really love. Though I admit that the large floral pattern and bright colors might make it not work-appropriate for every office situation, I still like the dress -- and I think if it is paired with a neutral color cardigan or perhaps a black blazer or cardigan and nice black or neutral pumps, the dress is work-appropriate for a business-casual day. It also might be great for those summer work parties, whether in the evening or on the weekend.

Made from cotton and spandex. Originally $372, Bluefly has it on sale for $223 (40% off). Because I found it via Bluefly, it is only available in "lucky sizes," although Bluefly has quite a few. Find it here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Ann Taylor Loft City Suiting

This black suiting collection is an Ann Taylor Loft online exclusive. The collection includes a jacket, boot leg pants, flare leg pants, and a skirt. Each piece is made from polyester, viscose, and spandex -- yes, vegan! The jacket has a one-button closure and a wrap-around detailed waist (pictured). I like the jacket's three-quarter length sleeves paired with its shorter 22" length that lets it fall at the hips.

Of the two pant options, I would choose the boot leg pants. The flare pants have a bit more of a curvy cut and closes with a button, while the boot leg pants are a bit straighter throughout and close with a hook-and-eye. Perhaps I just like hook-and-eye pant closures. And, though I don't wear skirts often, the skirt appears to hit perfectly at the knees (yes, pictured).

The jacket is $119; here. The boot leg and flare leg pants are $79 each; here and here. The skirt is $59; here.