Guiltless Goodies: Living a Kind Life with great vegan reads

Hi all!

For Christmas my brother-in-law got me a goodie bag of three vegan books - a veritable goldmine of gourmet goodness! I know this is a fashion and style blog, but it obviously maintains a vegan theme, so I am going to take a brief step away from discussing all things glamorous to talk about all things gastronomical.

The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone was a book I plopped on my Christmas list knowing it was promoting a vegan diet. I was a little wary, as although my shopping habits are vegan, my diet has remained vegetarian since first making the meat-free move two and a half years ago. Veganism always seemed so 'extreme', and I worried slightly that this book would have no relevance to me. However, I was intrigued to read what the actress had to say, so I merrily put it on my list just in case someone happened to buy it for me.

Am I glad they did! This book is fantastic - Alicia writes with her own voice and quickly reassures that she isn't positioning herself as a celebrity with oodles of time and money to spend on maintaining this diet but is in fact taking an Everyman perspective, writing recipes and suggestions for exercise and eating that can fit into anyone's budget, schedule and lifestyle.

Simply put, there are probably many facts and statistics that Alicia writes that you've heard before - but it's the way she tells them - no lecturing or holier-than-thou smugness behind her words at all. You do not feel talked down to but rather encouraged. And there will also be a whole host of new information that will blow your mind and make you want to clean your fridge out immediately. Plus there's a few chapters on living a vegan life in general - not just keeping a vegan diet - and this is expanded on on her website TheKindLife.com.

I don't even feel that veganism is extreme anymore either. Sure, for the past few months I've noticed my body rejecting dairy more and more - I just don't have the taste for it I used to (and I used to not be able to wake up without a big bowl of cereal and tons of milk!). But I thought that actually taking that next step into veganism is a whole other deal - a huge life change that would make eating out practically impossible and would be sure to lead to a whole host of nutrient deficiencies. I was wrong. This book shows that. You. Must. Read. It.

The other goodies in my Christmas bag included another book I requested: The Conscious Cook. Tal Ronnen is a vegan chef (they're hard to come by) and his recipes are just amazing and absolutely delicious. Host a dinner party and cook some of these and I can guarantee no one will even realize it's vegan.

I also received a book I didn't ask for but was equally delighted to receive - I hadn't heard much about Ani Phyo before but this book is promoting raw food and also has a goldmine of recipes to choose from. I don't think I'll ever be 100% raw but incorporating raw meals into your regular diet is great for the body. Give it a try!

While on the subject of books (hey, my Bachelors was in English Literature, I'm a writer, I love books!), another vegan favourite is Skinny Bitch. It's a bestseller, yes, and has done well, yes, but I would recommend choosing your recipients carefully. For someone who is more sensitive, give them The Kind Diet and watch them realize, after being presented with a potent combination of gentle narrative with mind-blowing statistics, the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. But for someone who you feel can take it, Skinny Bitch delivers the facts with a hard-hitting style that may be just what that person needs (it is also more focused on weight loss, so that's another thing to take into consideration). The Skinny Bitch in the Kitch cookbook is also a member of my ever-increasing arsenal of vegan cookbooks, providing ever more options for meals, snacks and more.

I continue to promote the purchase of products that are made without animal testing and without fur - in short, without cruelty. This is because it is so simple, with the right information, to make informed and kind choices in your daily life. Fashion and beauty are things we should have fun with - not things we should ever make another being suffer for. But at the same time, diet is so essential. Alicia says it best in her book: "killing is a big deal". Just think on that for a bit, and do what you can to make a difference. Every person counts! And so does every animal.

Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Guiltless Goodies and Bargain Buys: Shopping the New Year sales for a move into cooler climes

Hi all!

After many mentions of the warmer climes in which I live, I am now taking a deep breath - gulp - and announcing that I will soon - as in, the next few weeks soon - be moving back up north to Vancouver (yes, Canada!) for a few months. Yes, a few months - January, February and March - which are some of the coldest of the year. Funny how these decisions come about - clearly this one was not influenced by weather but more by a need for a fresh new change in the fresh New Year. I am very excited about this change but a little hesitant about my winter wardrobe, which currently consists of a warm and fuzzy American Eagle Outfitters hoodie sweater, a pair of Ugg boots awaiting me in Vancouver, and a nice pair of heeled brown boots for fancier occasions. Other than that I have a great double-breasted coat in Vancouver and endless amounts of thin wraps (layering is essential!), a few long-sleeved tees and a healthy collection of mittens and hats.

So ultimately there isn't too much to add, but I will be in a busy and stylish city for at least 12 Friday nights, so there's going to have to be some improvements...but moving is also expensive. For this reason, I've compiled a selection of on-sale, budget (love New Year sales!) and cozy items from cruelty-free stores that will help my transition into the cooler weather, and will hopefully start off your New Year closets without breaking your wallets.

Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Boucle plunging v-neck sweater, VictoriasSecret.com, $39 reduced from $48.

I love this sweater - it comes in a variety of colours, so you don't need to just get one, and they are long enough to be worn with leggings and Uggs for a casual day in but fancy enough - thanks to the boucle texture and the V-neckline (and the amazing jade green colour shown below!) - to be paired with a jeans-and-boots combo. For night, swap the jeans with black pants or leggings and put a lacy camisole underneath the sweater, with some sparkly flats - or, if you prefer heels, go for heels. Voila! Several outfits in one - true bargain shopping.

Striped sweater dress, CharlotteRusse.com, $13.49 reduced from $26.99

My best friend came down from Vancouver to spend Christmas with me. I barely recognized her getting off the plane - she had cut bangs into her hair which made a big difference - but mainly because of her style. She had been travelling for nearly 24 hours - overnighting in Boston and having to stop in Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina, before landing in Cayman. I expected someone in a sweatshirt and Uggs, but off walked my best friend in coloured tights, a sweater dress and black boots, with a new hairstyle. She's always been beautiful but she looked great and totally restored my faith in sweater dresses. At this price, this dress will restore your faith as well!

Deena & Ozzy Menswear Pump, UrbanOutfitters.com, $39.99 reduced from $48 (online sale only)

I might have to be doing some office work here and there to fund my trip north and will need a reliable pair of stylish but sturdy - and warm! - pumps. These from Urban Outfitters fit the bill perfectly: they're stylish (tweed being so fashionable this season), they're office-appropriate with the low heel and neutral colours and they are closed-toe for that cold weather. An all-round winner!

Fine corduroy pant in smart straight fit, Esprit.com, $39.99 reduced from about $60

Everyone needs a well-fitting, clean and quality pair of corduroys to get them through the winter. They can be dressed up or down and come in colours like beige or brown, which go with almost everything. This pair from Esprit are high quality and a great savings!

Padded plaid jacket in wool blend with faux fur, Esprit.com, $99.99 reduced from about $150

I have, as I mentioned before, a great double-breasted winter coat but it's always important to have a fun jacket to throw on for more casual outings, and the plaid print, faux fur trim and fun toggle details make this the perfect jacket.

Guiltless Goodies: Winter skin savers

Hi all!

O Magazine has included a feature on its website on how to beat the winter dehydration problem - now, I've mentioned before that I live in the Caribbean, so usually when I post winter-related style or beauty posts they are strictly for the benefit of readers to the north.

However, this feature is relevant for everyone, because even in the Caribbean the humidity lifts in winter time, and the air conditioning that many of us rely on to keep cool is extremely dehydrating on the skin. So here's a collection of products that everyone, everywhere, can incorporate into their beauty routine.

Click the link above for the full feature, but below are the cruelty-free picks from O Magazine's recommendations.

Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi

Philosophy's Hope in a Jar original formula for all skin types, $38, drugstores

This product is moisturizing while also exfoliating skin.

Clarins' HydraQuench Cream Mask, $35, clarins.com or department stores

This is a personal favourite of mine! The smell is divine, thanks to Clarins' use of botanical oils in its products. Plus, according to O Magazine, the katafray bark in the mask is what encourages the production of a protein that helps form new cells (new cells can retain more moisture than old, so this reproduction of cells will ensure a more hydrated complexion).

L'Occitane's Ma Crème Nature, $42, USA.LOccitane.com

For use on both face and body, this mix-it-yourself kit will result in a certified organic moisturizer that you can take pride in - after all, you made it yourself!

Almay's Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover Pads, $5.50, drugstores

Aloe, cucumber and green tea are the key moisturizing ingredients in these handy eye make-up remover pads.

Guiltless Goodies: Christmas party dresses under $100!

Hi all!

Glamour.com has just what everyone needs for the party season - a list of the top 20 under-$100 dresses. And no, thankfully, it's not one of those articles where everything is $99.99! Whether you have a medium budget or a really low one, there is something here for everyone.

Out of the 20 Glamour offered up, eight were cruelty-free, which isn't a bad ratio, really. Nearly 50/50!

Please see below for your options - unfortunately the Sasha dress from Forever 21 doesn't seem to be available anymore - at least, I couldn't find an image of it anywhere. So click on the link to the original feature on Glamour.com to give it a gander - or check your local Forever 21 store as sometimes they have stock that their website is out of...it's really a cute dress!

Proving you don't need to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi

1. The Party-Hopper Dress

Ruffled baroque Amanda dress by Motel, $78, topshop.com

Strapless dresses are lots of fun and ideal for a party - especially if they're form-fitting and short, like this one! The detail on the panels makes it much more interesting, as well, than a plain black dress, but the vertical panelling and the black create a slimming effect. Winner all round!

2. The fits-all-dress-codes dress

Sasha dress, $23, Forever21.com

This one is by Forever 21 and I was unable to find an image for it, as I mentioned above. However, its full satin skirt and fitted black top create an ideal silhouette, while the colours and style lend themselves to being dressed up or down (it's all about accessories, people!). Check the dress out on Glamour's original feature, here.

3. The rent-a-dress

Herve Leger dress: four-day designer dress rentals, $50-150, renttherunway.com

This website is clearly going to offer up some designer fashions that do include fur, so choose wisely. I included it as an option because it also offers dresses for rent that are created by designers such as Max Azria, who are fur-free and whose bandage Herve Leger dresses (such as the one above) I adore but could never afford. They retail at around $1,500 to $2,000. So if you have the chance to rent one for that special party at a fraction of the cost, go for it!

4. The hip option

Ruched chiffon dress, $27, CharlotteRusse.com

This fun dress combines a number of trends, from its ruching to its asymmetrical hem to its edgy design. Be the trendiest on the block with this bargain dress this party season.

5. The small-chested fix

Drapey cowl-neck dress, $40, Alloy.com

This dress is not only a stunning colour but the draping effect around the neckline adds fullness to a small bust.

6. The leg length-ifier

Strapless bow dress, $43, Alloy.com

This short dress makes legs look even longer with a bow positioned above the waistline, creating the illusion that legs start higher than they actually do.

7. The 9-in-1 dress

Ruched convertible dress, $88, VictoriasSecret.com

Now how's this for value for money? Try nine dresses under $100! In fact, at $88, that's pretty much $10 a dress - hard to find a bargain like that nowadays! This dress can be worn in nine different ways, meaning the only thing that won't look different is the colour (that's where accessorizing comes in!).

8. The party-in-a-bottle dress

Metallic tulip dress by Rare, $98, Topshop.com

This is everything you need in a party dress - especially for New Year's Eve. Silver, sparkly, short, flirty - what else could you need or want?

Necessary News: Veggies unite in Us Weekly!

Hi all!

Something a bit different as a quickie...I know it's straying a bit from style and beauty, but being in good shape is sometimes your best fashion accessory!

The 21 December issue of Us Weekly pleased me no end - Carrie Underwood and Alicia Keys (who I recently had the pleasure of seeing live and she is A-MAZ-ING) were both asked how they 'stay slim' and both of them attributed it (in part) to being vegetarian.

Go girls! Along with vegans Alicia Silverstone, Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman, we're getting a pretty impressive celeb roster here - anyone else know of any other veg celebs?

You don't have to be cruel to be kind - and some of the stars know it!
GiGi

Necessary News: Non-animal toxicology testing methods sought

Hi all!

Some quick news for you today...sorry it's been so long since my last post; work has been absolutely hectic but I will be posting a few different entries tonight to keep you going!

This is a press release put out by PR Newswire - so of course, with press releases be aware that they are promoting their own beliefs - but it's an interesting idea, I thought, to aim to create a 'society' who are working towards finding non-animal toxicology testing methods. It took a bit long to arrive, I feel, but hey - at least it's here now!

The presser was put out by the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, a non-profit organization that aims to promote the development of non-animal testing methods. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine was also behind the release, as the two organizations have come together to form a new scientific society dedicated to promoting the development and use of non-animal toxicological testing methods. This will be, the press release states, "the first scientific society in North America devoted to such a mission."

The discussion of cellular or in vitro approaches and computational toxicology approaches will take place in an organized forum provided by the American Society for Cellular and Computational Toxicology. The Society aims to facilitate the development, acceptance, and routine use of cellular and computational methods by open dialogue between industry, academic, advocacy and regulatory scientists, the presser adds.

It is hoped that other organizations will join forces to create growth in the society, said Kristie Sullivan, who is the scientific and policy advisor for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

"We invite scientists from industry, regulatory agencies and advocacy groups to become involved in the formation of the new society to ensure its success," says Sullivan. "Active participation will create a dynamic forum to share information and accelerate the development and use of in vitro and in silico methods..."

Erin Hill, vice-president of Program Development for IIVS, added: "The strong commitment of American scientists to alternative testing methods is illustrated by the National Academy of Sciences report, increased Environmental Protection Agency funding for non-animal methods, and other recent developments." She also mentioned that there are a number of these societies already in Europe, Asia and South America, so it is 'about time' that North America got up to speed.

Hear hear!

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi

Guiltless Goodies: Leona Lewis glitters in InStyle

Hi all!

InStyle magazine’s December issue featured one of my favourite singers – British vocal powerhouse Leona Lewis – in the season’s sparkliest make-up. As if you couldn’t tell from my recent posts, glitter and sparkle is super in this season, and it certainly makes it easy to feel festive.

See below for the three different colour-themed looks that Leona sported and my ‘kind’ versions of the products the magazine recommended to create each look (I sourced totally different products that still would create the same make-up effect because, to be frank, at least three out of the four products listed for each look were tested on animals).

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Ultra-Violet Femme

How to do it: Makeup artist Mariel Barrera blended silver shadow over Lewis’ lids and creases and purple on her brow bones and near the tear ducts. “The purple balances out the intensity of the silver and creates a subtle highlight,” Berrera explains. Next, she applied black eyeliner inside the lower rims of eyes before swiping lashes with three coats of mascara. She finished with bronze blush and frosty pink lipstick.

1. Black eyeliner – mark Eyemarker Color On Line in Jet, $5.50, meetmark.com

2. Eyeshadow – Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow in Wild Orchids, $6.50, drugstores

3. Black mascara – Too Faced Lashlight Mascara, $25, toofaced.com

4. Frosty pink lipstick – Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Pastel Mauve #9, $19, makeupforever.com

5. Bronze blush – Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush, $14, drugstores

Golden Girl

How to do it: To give skin a high-watt glow, Barrera swirled a dime-size amount of liquid highlighter onto Lewis’s temples, cheeks and jawline. “Always avoid the T-zone when using shimmer,” says Barrera. “It will keep you from looking too shiny.” Next, Barrera brushed a light-reflecting powder over Lewis’ entire face “to set the highlighter and even out her skin tone.” Then she used a gold face highlighter as an eye shadow, blending it over Lewis’ lids, with extra emphasis under brow bones and at the inner corners of eyes. To complete the look, Barrera used her fingers to apply a dab of shimmery bronze gloss on lips.

1. Highlighter – Chantecaille Lumiere de Rose highlighter, $36, chantecaille.com (InStyle’s original pick)

2. Light-reflecting powder – BeneFit box o’ powder in dallas, $28, benefitcosmetics.com

3. Gold highlighter – e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color in Butternut, $1.50, drugstores

4. Bronze lip gloss – Almay Ideal lipgloss in Coffee Shimmer, $6, drugstores

Berry Pretty

How to do it: Because lips were the focus, Barrera used neutral shadows to subtly accent Lewis’ eyes. She blended gold over lids, champagne under brow bones, and bronze under lower lash lines. “I didn’t want the lips to beg for attention, so I chose a semi-sheer brick colour instead of a true red,” says Barrera, who used a small stiff brush to apply. To make lips a bit more festive, she added a touch of silver-flecked gloss to the middle of Lewis’ lips. “When you keep the gloss in the middle, it makes lips look fuller,” says Barrera. She finished the look with a light dusting of apricot blush.

1. Neutral eye colours – Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaEyes Eyeshadow Trios in Egyptian Sands, $3, drugstores

2. Berry lipstick – N.Y.C. ultra last lipwear in Red Flame, $1.99, newyorkcolor.com

3. Blush - Rockstar Cosmetics Camera Ready Blush in Fantasia, $14 from myrockstarcosmetics.com

4. Silver-flecked gloss – Smashbox Lip Enhancing gloss in Radiant, $18, sephora.com (InStyle’s original pick)

Guiltless Goodies: BCBGMAXAZRIA holiday collection 2009

Hi all!

I had the pleasure of meeting with BCBG account executive Ashley Orefice the other day to take a look at the just-released BCBGMAXAZRIA holiday collection created by Max Azria, owner of the BCBG group, which includes haute couture line Herve Leger and which – yay! – is fur free.

The holiday collection is basically a treasure chest of flirty and festive cocktail dresses, with a few long gowns thrown in for the pizzazz factor. See below for what Ashley said were the trends this season and how they are manifested in each exquisite dress.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

‘Mixed media’ – from the embellished belt to the lace sleeves and chiffon layers, this black dress is far from your standard LBD. My favourite in the whole line, it retails for $468 at bcbg.com.

‘Emerald taffeta’ – using a stunning emerald green shade which also happens to be extremely festive for this time of year, the fabric of the moment is taffeta, which creates a figure-hugging, ruching effect that will have all eyes on you. Dress retails for $398 at bcbg.com.

Featuring another seasonal colour, this cocktail dress in wow 'em red borrows elements from Max Azria's haute couture line Herve Leger, with the bandage style tiering that is extremely flattering for the figure. Dress retails for $268 at bcbg.com.

Another example of the Herve Leger-style tiering effect, this time in a royal blue that is a key colour for the holiday season, together with emerald green, red and a purple that the line calls 'Persian Blue'. Dress retails for $268 at bcbg.com.

Although not dresses, this is a further example of the Herve Leger elements in Max Azria's holiday line. The introduction of a mini and knee-length bandage skirt (called textured tube skirts) was welcomed, as the skirts are a fraction of the price they would be in Herve Leger. Both lengths come in a variety of colours, including metallic effects and this ombre effect seen on the long skirt (bottom). Skirts retail for $138 (mini) and $148 (knee-length) at bcbg.com.

Wrap yourself up like a present in this popular design that has been seen often on the red carpet lately. Of course, in the season's festive emerald green, the strapless dress offers a unique design element with the gathered top. Dress retails for $248 at bcbg.com

Guiltless Goodies: InStyle's beauty stocking stuffers

Hi all:

InStyle Magazine celebrates Christmas with a feature on beauty stocking stuffers - these are all adorable buys and the cruelty-free options are below - buy for those on your list or for yourself! The prices make it possible to do both.

For full feature, click here.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

EYES

Eye Liner Set - features pencils in dark grey, aquamarine, plum and champagne, which makes this pouch a great seasonal make-up kit to travel with.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collection, $35, available at Sephora.com

Eye Pencil Trio - Three smudgeproof and waterproof pencils in black, deep violet, and bronze.

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil Trio, $45; at Ulta.com

LIPS
Lip Gloss and Purse - mark features four creamy, non-stick glosses in a change purse glitzy enough to take out on the town - along with your fabulously-coloured lips!

mark. Glitz and Glow Mini Purse, $13; at Avon.com.

Lip Gloss Minis - colouring and glossing without drying, these lip glosses stay on for hours.

Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glacé Set, $48; at LauraMercier.com.

NAILS
Polish Set with Top Coat  - clean, bright and fun colours with a chip-resistant top coat from this reputable nail polish company.

Essie Winter Color Collection 4 Color Set, $17; at essie.com

SETS
Travel Brush Set - Pliable brushes - five in total - come in a glamorous silver case.

Sonia Kashuk Purse Essential, $10; at Target.com

Tweezer Kit - This mini-tweezer and mirror combination is ideal for keeping brows in shape when travelling or on the go.

Tweezerman Brow Beauty Bubble, $20; at Sephora.com.