Hi all!
If it hasn't been obvious by the lack of posts since April, I am unable to maintain this blog any longer due to my crazy work schedule. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and still believe wholeheartedly in the cause - I continue to use only cruelty-free products at home and encourage everyone I know to do the same (while trying to avoid being preachy!). I'm still a vegetarian and am in fact 50% vegan - partly for animal reasons and partly for the health benefits. Honestly, if you find that you suffer from allergies etc try going dairy-free for a month and see if you feel any better. It will make a huge difference! (Gluten can often cause the same but I don't want to overwhelm you! If you're feeling adventurous though, try a month gluten-free too...it's amazing!)
So basically, this is my goodbye but I want to assure you all that this blog will remain online. Perhaps it won't be found so often by newcomers due to the fact that I am not actively exchanging links anymore and it won't be updated, so it won't be up there in the search engines, but the resources I have posted will continue to be relevant, so this blog can continue to be used as a reference when people are uncertain about which brands and products to purchase and support.
All the best in living your guiltless and glamorous lives gals and guys!
GiGi x
Friday, August 6, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Green Chic link-up!
Hi all!
Apologies for the late post this week but here is this week's collection of eco-friendly links!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and the Green Chic group
Factio Magazine goes green this spring with eco chic footwear! Naya shoes are made with style and comfort in mind while still being gentle on the environment.
Check out Dita Von Teese in eco-chic, plastic fantastic shoes by Jean Paul Gaultier for Melissa - Fashiontribes
Guiltless & Glamorous reviews a hot new cruelty-free skincare line made in Vancouver!
My Beauty Bunny tells us about the new USPS shelter animal stamps that help save animals' lives!
Posh Swaps has some great tips on organising a clothes swap party or swishing
Runway To Retail checks out the spring/summer 2010 collection of AGGA B.that is sure to intrigue you.
Apologies for the late post this week but here is this week's collection of eco-friendly links!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and the Green Chic group
Factio Magazine goes green this spring with eco chic footwear! Naya shoes are made with style and comfort in mind while still being gentle on the environment.
Check out Dita Von Teese in eco-chic, plastic fantastic shoes by Jean Paul Gaultier for Melissa - Fashiontribes
Guiltless & Glamorous reviews a hot new cruelty-free skincare line made in Vancouver!
My Beauty Bunny tells us about the new USPS shelter animal stamps that help save animals' lives!
Posh Swaps has some great tips on organising a clothes swap party or swishing
Runway To Retail checks out the spring/summer 2010 collection of AGGA B.that is sure to intrigue you.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Riversol is the hot new - cruelty-free - skincare line to try
Hi all!
Sorry for the long delay - again - in between posts. I will try and be more regular but more delays may be forthcoming as my schedule gets increasingly crazy. Please forgive!
I was a lucky girl recently and was sent some samples of Vancouver's own Riversol skincare line to test out. This skincare line, developed by dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers and Dean Johansson, is produced locally in Vancouver, BC and actually was the official skincare line for the ten men and eight women on the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team in the recent Vancouver Winter Olympics. The team used the brand's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic T-Plus line.
"Riversol incorporates a highly effective moisturizing system that will keep the team's skin protected and hydrated in the extremely dry and cold conditions they are constantly exposed to during outdoor training and competition," said Dr. Rivers in a recent press release distributed by Riversol Skin Care, Inc. The T-Plus line contains Thujaplicin, an ingredient derived from the Western Red Cedar Tree, the official tree of British Columbia. This potent natural antioxidant has anti-aging effects, added the release.
I tried the brand's moisturizing concentrate, moisturizer, eye cream, foaming gel cleanser and cream cleanser. I also got a friend to sample a couple of the products as she has a different skin type to me and would be able to offer more accurate and diverse feedback. Also, I sampled these products as I travelled home for a week, so the change in climates provided an extra challenge for the products to overcome - my skin is usually combination - oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks - but being in Vancouver for the past few months has meant it has become oily all over. So I used the foaming gel cleanser mainly, and the cream cleanser while home when my skin dried out from travel. I use the eye cream every morning and I sampled both moisturizers. Here's my - and when I couldn't contribute, my friend's - feedback (all prices in Canadian $):
- Foaming gel cleanser: I loved this. I have never had a gel cleanser that foamed, only cream. The gel was excellent for my oily skin and felt very refreshing, so was great in the morning to wake you up. It would be ideal for a person who suffers from acne or oily skin. $35, 8 fl oz (240ml)
- Cream cleanser: This provided a rich lather which was soothing for the skin but to be honest, I used it only once while travelling (it certainly helped combat airplane dryness!). My girlfriend used it for a few days straight and said she definitely felt that her skin was softer and smoother even before applying moisturizer, so she was sold. $35, 8 fl oz (240ml)
- Eye cream: This was my favourite of the products that I sampled. A good eye cream is an essential tool for every woman to have in her beauty kit, from a young age, because it's an excellent preventative. With this one, I can feel it working. $60, 0.5oz (15g)
- Moisturizing lotion: This lotion is so light that you will barely feel it on your skin, which is a good thing - particularly if your skin is oily at all. This is a great daytime lotion. $70, 2oz (60g)
- Moisturizing concentrate: This was a bit too oily for me but my mom loved it - for older skin and dry skin it is extremely nourishing, so it is probably best used for specific skin types that require that extra hydration. $70, 2 oz (60g)
Listen up soon for a Riversol giveaway! And find out more about the company and buy its products online at www.riversol.com.
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Sorry for the long delay - again - in between posts. I will try and be more regular but more delays may be forthcoming as my schedule gets increasingly crazy. Please forgive!
I was a lucky girl recently and was sent some samples of Vancouver's own Riversol skincare line to test out. This skincare line, developed by dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers and Dean Johansson, is produced locally in Vancouver, BC and actually was the official skincare line for the ten men and eight women on the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team in the recent Vancouver Winter Olympics. The team used the brand's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic T-Plus line.
"Riversol incorporates a highly effective moisturizing system that will keep the team's skin protected and hydrated in the extremely dry and cold conditions they are constantly exposed to during outdoor training and competition," said Dr. Rivers in a recent press release distributed by Riversol Skin Care, Inc. The T-Plus line contains Thujaplicin, an ingredient derived from the Western Red Cedar Tree, the official tree of British Columbia. This potent natural antioxidant has anti-aging effects, added the release.
I tried the brand's moisturizing concentrate, moisturizer, eye cream, foaming gel cleanser and cream cleanser. I also got a friend to sample a couple of the products as she has a different skin type to me and would be able to offer more accurate and diverse feedback. Also, I sampled these products as I travelled home for a week, so the change in climates provided an extra challenge for the products to overcome - my skin is usually combination - oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks - but being in Vancouver for the past few months has meant it has become oily all over. So I used the foaming gel cleanser mainly, and the cream cleanser while home when my skin dried out from travel. I use the eye cream every morning and I sampled both moisturizers. Here's my - and when I couldn't contribute, my friend's - feedback (all prices in Canadian $):
- Foaming gel cleanser: I loved this. I have never had a gel cleanser that foamed, only cream. The gel was excellent for my oily skin and felt very refreshing, so was great in the morning to wake you up. It would be ideal for a person who suffers from acne or oily skin. $35, 8 fl oz (240ml)
- Cream cleanser: This provided a rich lather which was soothing for the skin but to be honest, I used it only once while travelling (it certainly helped combat airplane dryness!). My girlfriend used it for a few days straight and said she definitely felt that her skin was softer and smoother even before applying moisturizer, so she was sold. $35, 8 fl oz (240ml)
- Moisturizing lotion: This lotion is so light that you will barely feel it on your skin, which is a good thing - particularly if your skin is oily at all. This is a great daytime lotion. $70, 2oz (60g)
- Moisturizing concentrate: This was a bit too oily for me but my mom loved it - for older skin and dry skin it is extremely nourishing, so it is probably best used for specific skin types that require that extra hydration. $70, 2 oz (60g)
Listen up soon for a Riversol giveaway! And find out more about the company and buy its products online at www.riversol.com.
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Friday, March 26, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Green Chic link-up!
Hi all!
The Green Chic group is back in full force after a bit of a break - we have some new links, so enjoy!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and Green Chic
Factio Magazine checks out the Karl Lagerfeld salad. That’s right the German fashion designer is no longer only a fashion icon, but an entrée as well!
Fashion Tribes shows how Acqua di Gio helps needy kids and communities get clean water...and you can help!
Guiltless & Glamorous takes a quick look at the Kardashian sisters' bebe collection.
My Beauty Bunny shares a cruelty-free exfoliation beauty secret!
Posh Swaps is really excited to announce Posh Swaps blog goes carbon neutral found how you can make your blog carbon neutral too!
Runway To Retail checks out steal deals... Today save 50% on J DE L'O ORGANICS at Editors' Closet! Our favorites include the Leaf Soap Pure Vegetable, Organic Liquid Soap and the Rejuvenating Mask.
The Green Chic group is back in full force after a bit of a break - we have some new links, so enjoy!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and Green Chic
Factio Magazine checks out the Karl Lagerfeld salad. That’s right the German fashion designer is no longer only a fashion icon, but an entrée as well!
Fashion Tribes shows how Acqua di Gio helps needy kids and communities get clean water...and you can help!
Guiltless & Glamorous takes a quick look at the Kardashian sisters' bebe collection.
My Beauty Bunny shares a cruelty-free exfoliation beauty secret!
Posh Swaps is really excited to announce Posh Swaps blog goes carbon neutral found how you can make your blog carbon neutral too!
Runway To Retail checks out steal deals... Today save 50% on J DE L'O ORGANICS at Editors' Closet! Our favorites include the Leaf Soap Pure Vegetable, Organic Liquid Soap and the Rejuvenating Mask.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Keeping up with the Kardashians' bebe collection!
Hi all!
Sorry for the sporadic posting recently - I have been kind of crazy, flitting between countries. I'm on vacation now so have finally gotten round to checking out the Kardashian sisters' collection for bebe, after reporting a while ago that it would be shown at New York Fashion Week.
The sisters have put together a number of pieces - mainly dresses but also with some separates, such as a pencil skirt, top and blazer - and if you're a fan of the Kardashian sisters' style (you should probably also thank their stylist, Monica Rose, who is a personal favourite of mine) then this collection embodies an effective blend of the three girls' style very well. There are some leather pieces in there which I have not included, and I am only featuring those pieces which particularly caught my eye, but the whole collection can be viewed online at bebe's website (click here). bebe of course is still a fur-free retailer, and as mentioned in my previous post, Khloe Kardashian has been outspoken against fur through her collaboration with PETA.
Check out my favourites below - I would rank these as Ideal Investments because they are, of course, more pricey than bebe's usual apparel, due to the fact that they carry the Kardashian name (attach any celebrity's name to anything and you apparently have justification to hike the prices at least 30%!). But the pieces - particularly the dresses - are great party wear and because they are in primarily basic and neutral colours, they can be worn more than once when accessorized correctly.
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Top row from left to right: Knit Cutout Dress, Hoodie Bustier Dress, Side Shine Dress
Bottom row from left to right: One Shoulder Pleated Dress, Mesh Bodice Mini Dress, Belted Wrap Dress
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Oscars 2010 rounds off the red-carpet season
Hi all!
The Oscars were the usual fashion spectacular they are every year, but with a poor showing this year of cruelty-free picks. Didn't find many John Varvatos tuxes and only Penelope Cruz and Julianne Moore (and the latter only to the Vanity Fair after-party) did it for me with their Donna Karan and Calvin Klein (respectively) dresses.
Livia Firth, wife of nominee Colin Firth, of course kept her red carpet challenge going and wrote about the final awards show of the season - and the big one, at that - on her VOGUE UK blog. She wore a dress made entirely of waste and managed to look completely stunning doing so.
Despite not winning the Oscar, I'd say Colin's still a very lucky man.
Penelope Cruz, nominated for best supporting actress for Nine and last year's winner (thus she presented the award for Best Supporting Actor this year) wore a burgundy Donna Karan Couture gown, which she looked stunning in.
Julianne Moore was a no-show for the ceremony but showed up at the Vanity Fair after-party in this sophisticated Calvin Klein number.
Another awards ceremony that took place this past weekend was the Independent Spirit Awards, which saw Rosario Dawson show up in a Stella McCartney number that proved that cruelty-free can still be plenty glitzy enough for the red carpet.
Showcasing her equally stylish taste was Olivia Wilde, wearing a Ralph Lauren maxi dress on the Independent Spirit Awards' red carpet.
Until next year!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind - especially during awards season,
GiGi
The Oscars were the usual fashion spectacular they are every year, but with a poor showing this year of cruelty-free picks. Didn't find many John Varvatos tuxes and only Penelope Cruz and Julianne Moore (and the latter only to the Vanity Fair after-party) did it for me with their Donna Karan and Calvin Klein (respectively) dresses.
Livia Firth, wife of nominee Colin Firth, of course kept her red carpet challenge going and wrote about the final awards show of the season - and the big one, at that - on her VOGUE UK blog. She wore a dress made entirely of waste and managed to look completely stunning doing so.
Despite not winning the Oscar, I'd say Colin's still a very lucky man.
Penelope Cruz, nominated for best supporting actress for Nine and last year's winner (thus she presented the award for Best Supporting Actor this year) wore a burgundy Donna Karan Couture gown, which she looked stunning in.
Julianne Moore was a no-show for the ceremony but showed up at the Vanity Fair after-party in this sophisticated Calvin Klein number.
Another awards ceremony that took place this past weekend was the Independent Spirit Awards, which saw Rosario Dawson show up in a Stella McCartney number that proved that cruelty-free can still be plenty glitzy enough for the red carpet.
Until next year!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind - especially during awards season,
GiGi
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Green Chic link-up!
Hi all!
It's that time of the week again...my blogging has been a bit slower of late as the lead-up to the Olympics has taken over Vancouver's - and my - life, but my partners-in-crime in the Green Chic group have been keeping up their end of the bargain very nicely, so take a second to peruse their latest posts.
Enjoy!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and the Green Chic group
Factio Magazine is giving away some fab eco-chic gifts from Pottery Barn and West Elm!
Guiltless & Glamorous reports on the fur controversy surrounding the 2010 Winter Olympics...
Home Green loves Canada for making the Olympic metals from recycled metals-- Not only are they beautiful but eco-friendly as well!
Posh Swaps checks out some very gorgeous and sustainable Second Hand Style by Captive Studio
Runway To Retail - Chicago designer, Lana Bramlette, hit the jackpot when her "Peace" necklace made the cover of the most recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Shopping and Info is giving away a great Chelsea Messenger bag from Aspinal of London.
It's that time of the week again...my blogging has been a bit slower of late as the lead-up to the Olympics has taken over Vancouver's - and my - life, but my partners-in-crime in the Green Chic group have been keeping up their end of the bargain very nicely, so take a second to peruse their latest posts.
Enjoy!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and the Green Chic group
Factio Magazine is giving away some fab eco-chic gifts from Pottery Barn and West Elm!
Guiltless & Glamorous reports on the fur controversy surrounding the 2010 Winter Olympics...
Home Green loves Canada for making the Olympic metals from recycled metals-- Not only are they beautiful but eco-friendly as well!
Posh Swaps checks out some very gorgeous and sustainable Second Hand Style by Captive Studio
Runway To Retail - Chicago designer, Lana Bramlette, hit the jackpot when her "Peace" necklace made the cover of the most recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Shopping and Info is giving away a great Chelsea Messenger bag from Aspinal of London.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Necessary News: The Olympics have come to Vancouver...and so has the fur?
Hi all!
Right now I think it's pretty safe to say I feel very lucky to be living in Vancouver...the city of the Olympics. The festive spirit was evident downtown last night as my friends and I watched the Opening Ceremonies on the big screen and saw Wayne Gretzky light the Olympic torch.
The city is full of tourists and athletes and the party atmosphere is as lively as ever, but there was initial controversy following the 21-year-old Georgian luge rider's death in training yesterday, and now controversy over 'threats' US ice skater Johnny Weir has received from animal rights activists after he added white fox fur to his Olympic costume.
Although I think it's appalling and absolutely disgusting that he would use fur for a figure skating costume, but it also is not appropriate to respond to these situations with death threats or violence. So let's leave the assaults out of it and just encourage athletes to be kinder in their practices, no?
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Right now I think it's pretty safe to say I feel very lucky to be living in Vancouver...the city of the Olympics. The festive spirit was evident downtown last night as my friends and I watched the Opening Ceremonies on the big screen and saw Wayne Gretzky light the Olympic torch.
The city is full of tourists and athletes and the party atmosphere is as lively as ever, but there was initial controversy following the 21-year-old Georgian luge rider's death in training yesterday, and now controversy over 'threats' US ice skater Johnny Weir has received from animal rights activists after he added white fox fur to his Olympic costume.
Although I think it's appalling and absolutely disgusting that he would use fur for a figure skating costume, but it also is not appropriate to respond to these situations with death threats or violence. So let's leave the assaults out of it and just encourage athletes to be kinder in their practices, no?
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Necessary News: News of Alexander McQueen's death spreads just before BCBG runway show
Hi all,
So I was never a fan of Alexander McQueen's because his line and work was not cruelty-free, and he often used fur in his designs. but his creativity was overwhelmingly evident in his designs and it is always sad when a life is lost, particularly in such a tragic fashion.
Reports that Alexander McQueen founder Lee McQueen committed suicide at age 40 broke just as the lights were going down for the start of the BCBGMAXAZRIA runway show at New York Fashion Week. There's a thorough post on the topic at the Wall Street Journal's blog (click here), so I'm not going to elaborate. I encourage you to read, however, because it not only provides some information about this tragic event and some links to some well-written and touching tributes (click on the "Previous" and "Next" links under the post), but also spotlights the runway show of a great cruelty-free favourite of mine, BCBGMAXAZRIA, which managed to put on a great show to temporarily transport audiences away from the tragic reality of the present into a fashionable, stylish, oh-so-chic world of beauty and glamour for a short while. And isn't that what fashion is all about?
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind, and in memory of a great fashion designer,
GiGi
So I was never a fan of Alexander McQueen's because his line and work was not cruelty-free, and he often used fur in his designs. but his creativity was overwhelmingly evident in his designs and it is always sad when a life is lost, particularly in such a tragic fashion.
Designer Lee McQueen, creator of fashion label Alexander McQueen, at his last fashion show.
Reports that Alexander McQueen founder Lee McQueen committed suicide at age 40 broke just as the lights were going down for the start of the BCBGMAXAZRIA runway show at New York Fashion Week. There's a thorough post on the topic at the Wall Street Journal's blog (click here), so I'm not going to elaborate. I encourage you to read, however, because it not only provides some information about this tragic event and some links to some well-written and touching tributes (click on the "Previous" and "Next" links under the post), but also spotlights the runway show of a great cruelty-free favourite of mine, BCBGMAXAZRIA, which managed to put on a great show to temporarily transport audiences away from the tragic reality of the present into a fashionable, stylish, oh-so-chic world of beauty and glamour for a short while. And isn't that what fashion is all about?
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind, and in memory of a great fashion designer,
GiGi
Guiltless Goodies: Green Chic link-up!
Hi all!
Enjoy this week's Green Chic links from all of us in the Green Chic eco-friendly blogging group!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and Green Chic
The Fashionable Housewife delves in to the The Beauty Double-Bind. The current beauty standard that women are supposed to live up to is a classic double-bind situation. Read more about it in our informative article and find out how you can break the cycle.
Factio Magazine checks out LaROCCA Skincare,a new line of products using 24K gold and it's all eco-friendly!
Guiltless & Glamorous gives a Valentine's Day preview of LUSH's lush-ious products.
Home Green finds out ways to put a little green into your Valentine's Day
Looking Sharp checks out her first thrift store in Pittsburgh and falls in love.
Posh Swaps checks out designer T shirts at EJF to support the charity’s work ending forced child labour in the cotton industry in the post No more slaves to fashion.
Runway To Retail loves CHI Organics combs: The Olive Nutrient Therapy Combs use the benefits of olive oil and The Sandalwood Collection, we can't stop smelling.
Shopping and Info needs the puffer jacket Reese Witherspoon wore in the rain for Fashion Week in New York City.
Enjoy this week's Green Chic links from all of us in the Green Chic eco-friendly blogging group!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi and Green Chic
The Fashionable Housewife delves in to the The Beauty Double-Bind. The current beauty standard that women are supposed to live up to is a classic double-bind situation. Read more about it in our informative article and find out how you can break the cycle.
Factio Magazine checks out LaROCCA Skincare,a new line of products using 24K gold and it's all eco-friendly!
Guiltless & Glamorous gives a Valentine's Day preview of LUSH's lush-ious products.
Home Green finds out ways to put a little green into your Valentine's Day
Looking Sharp checks out her first thrift store in Pittsburgh and falls in love.
Posh Swaps checks out designer T shirts at EJF to support the charity’s work ending forced child labour in the cotton industry in the post No more slaves to fashion.
Runway To Retail loves CHI Organics combs: The Olive Nutrient Therapy Combs use the benefits of olive oil and The Sandalwood Collection, we can't stop smelling.
Shopping and Info needs the puffer jacket Reese Witherspoon wore in the rain for Fashion Week in New York City.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Necessary News: Livia Firth blogs on her Green Carpet Challenge
Hi all!
The name Livia Firth may not be instantly recognizable to you but her husband's name - ahem - Colin Firth, should be. Well his beautiful wife Livia has made a commitment this year to wearing only eco-friendly, sustainable fashions when accompanying Colin on the red carpet. Right now those appearances are plentiful, as Colin promotes his latest film A Single Man and also prepares for the Oscars, which has generated him a nomination for his role in this film.
Therefore, Livia has been flying the world attending premieres and will soon be gearing up for the Academy Awards - all in sustainable haute couture. The whole time she is keeping a blog on Vogue.co.uk's site (I know I'm not a fan of Vogue, but if you just go to this blog website I can forgive it!) and she's very diligent and timely with her updates. Plus she has really done her research, so one can learn a lot just by reading her posts. Enjoy! In the meantime, here's a shot of Livia with the movie's star Julianne Moore at last night's Paris premiere of A Single Man - she wore a Linda Loudermilk suit made of 50% bamboo.
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi (and, obviously, Livia Firth)
The name Livia Firth may not be instantly recognizable to you but her husband's name - ahem - Colin Firth, should be. Well his beautiful wife Livia has made a commitment this year to wearing only eco-friendly, sustainable fashions when accompanying Colin on the red carpet. Right now those appearances are plentiful, as Colin promotes his latest film A Single Man and also prepares for the Oscars, which has generated him a nomination for his role in this film.
Therefore, Livia has been flying the world attending premieres and will soon be gearing up for the Academy Awards - all in sustainable haute couture. The whole time she is keeping a blog on Vogue.co.uk's site (I know I'm not a fan of Vogue, but if you just go to this blog website I can forgive it!) and she's very diligent and timely with her updates. Plus she has really done her research, so one can learn a lot just by reading her posts. Enjoy! In the meantime, here's a shot of Livia with the movie's star Julianne Moore at last night's Paris premiere of A Single Man - she wore a Linda Loudermilk suit made of 50% bamboo.
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi (and, obviously, Livia Firth)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Valentine's Day LUSH-iousness
Hi all!
I'm a little bit cynical about Valentine's Day (did I say little bit? When I say that I mean, very), but I understand that there are millions of loved-up couples out there who aren't, so this post is for them.
LUSH, an all-natural, cruelty-free store which challenges the olfactory senses every time you enter, has some great products on the menu for Valentine's Day treats. In the days when I wasn't so bitter and cynical and celebrated Valentine's Day with my then-boyfriend, we bought some products from LUSH so I can assure you these recommendations are tried and tested.
Vanilla Scoop
This goody bag of items all have one thing in common: you guessed it - vanilla. I personally am not a big fan of food scents on my body but I know some people just go nuts for ice cream flavoured body lotion or chocolate mud wraps, so this would be the ideal gift for a girlfriend or - hey, why not? - boyfriend who is so inclined.
Containing Vanilla Dee-Lite (body lotion), vanilla-scented puff powder for the body, Vanillary fragrance and a vanilla fountain bath bomb, this kit covers all the bases. If you know what I mean.
Be Mine
This kit contains a Honey Trap lip balm, Flying Fox shower gel and Soft Coeur massage bar. LUSH's massage bars are genius - they look and feel, at first, like soap, but when they are used to massage the skin the body's heat melts the bar into a cross between massage oil and body lotion. This one is chocolate and honey scented, so again, works well for those who like a culinary twist to their body products.
I'm a little bit cynical about Valentine's Day (did I say little bit? When I say that I mean, very), but I understand that there are millions of loved-up couples out there who aren't, so this post is for them.
LUSH, an all-natural, cruelty-free store which challenges the olfactory senses every time you enter, has some great products on the menu for Valentine's Day treats. In the days when I wasn't so bitter and cynical and celebrated Valentine's Day with my then-boyfriend, we bought some products from LUSH so I can assure you these recommendations are tried and tested.
Vanilla Scoop
This goody bag of items all have one thing in common: you guessed it - vanilla. I personally am not a big fan of food scents on my body but I know some people just go nuts for ice cream flavoured body lotion or chocolate mud wraps, so this would be the ideal gift for a girlfriend or - hey, why not? - boyfriend who is so inclined.
Containing Vanilla Dee-Lite (body lotion), vanilla-scented puff powder for the body, Vanillary fragrance and a vanilla fountain bath bomb, this kit covers all the bases. If you know what I mean.
LUSH Vanilla Scoop, $79.95, lush.ca
Be Mine
This kit contains a Honey Trap lip balm, Flying Fox shower gel and Soft Coeur massage bar. LUSH's massage bars are genius - they look and feel, at first, like soap, but when they are used to massage the skin the body's heat melts the bar into a cross between massage oil and body lotion. This one is chocolate and honey scented, so again, works well for those who like a culinary twist to their body products.
LUSH Be Mine, $24.95, lush.ca
True Love
In an elegant heart-shaped box, this gift is packed with goodies. Touted as "everything you need for a romantic night in", the box includes: Love Soap (a sparkly heart-shaped soap scented with jasmine, clary sage and ylang ylang), Vanilla Dee-Lite body lotion, Yummy Yummy Yummy shower gel (strawberry-scented), Sex Bomb bath bomb and the return of the massage bar with Heavanilli, a vanilla-scented massage bar. You can't really go wrong with this selection; there's enough variety for everyone to end up ...well, satisfied.
LUSH True Love, $44.95, lush.ca
So for all you happy couples out there, Happy Valentine's Day - ignore my cynicism, head to LUSH and have yourself a great night :-).
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Green Chic link-up!
Hi all!
Check out the array of green links from our partners in the Green Chic blog group!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi (and the Green Chic group!)
Factio Magazine checks out eco-chic store Sofia Vintage. The chic second-hand shop hosted a media friendly affair recently with vintage fashion tips, stylish people watching and flowing cocktails.
Fashion Pulse Daily finds some great ways to shop and help Haiti- from buying flip-flops to grooming products.
Guiltless & Glamorous is disappointed with this year's cruelty-free red carpet picks at the Grammys...or lack thereof
Home Greenloves clothes made from bamboo because they are fashionable, affordable and sustainably produced Plus, they feel like silk or cashmere- watch out cotton!
Posh Swaps looks at the latest eco fashion designer collection in her post Christopher Raeburn SS10 - recycling at its best
Runway To Retail checks out eco-chic beauty, trying Desert Essence Organics!
Shopping and Info loves this lilac Balenciaga bag for Spring 2010 because it is the hot color of the season AND it is pre owned for 50% off retail.
Check out the array of green links from our partners in the Green Chic blog group!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi (and the Green Chic group!)
Factio Magazine checks out eco-chic store Sofia Vintage. The chic second-hand shop hosted a media friendly affair recently with vintage fashion tips, stylish people watching and flowing cocktails.
Fashion Pulse Daily finds some great ways to shop and help Haiti- from buying flip-flops to grooming products.
Guiltless & Glamorous is disappointed with this year's cruelty-free red carpet picks at the Grammys...or lack thereof
Home Greenloves clothes made from bamboo because they are fashionable, affordable and sustainably produced Plus, they feel like silk or cashmere- watch out cotton!
Posh Swaps looks at the latest eco fashion designer collection in her post Christopher Raeburn SS10 - recycling at its best
Runway To Retail checks out eco-chic beauty, trying Desert Essence Organics!
Shopping and Info loves this lilac Balenciaga bag for Spring 2010 because it is the hot color of the season AND it is pre owned for 50% off retail.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Grammys fashion disappoints
Hi all!
Sadly, the Grammys awards ceremony this year was not a spot to scope out some high-end cruelty-free fashion. Despite endless scouring of the stars' styles, only a couple of cruelty-free designers were sported, from what I can see (if you know of any others, please send them over!)
Enjoy what there was and let's hope that the Oscars provides a better turnout, fashion-wise!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon in a John Varvatos tux:
Miley Cyrus in a Herve Leger by BCBGMAXAZRIA dress:
Sadly, the Grammys awards ceremony this year was not a spot to scope out some high-end cruelty-free fashion. Despite endless scouring of the stars' styles, only a couple of cruelty-free designers were sported, from what I can see (if you know of any others, please send them over!)
Enjoy what there was and let's hope that the Oscars provides a better turnout, fashion-wise!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon in a John Varvatos tux:
Miley Cyrus in a Herve Leger by BCBGMAXAZRIA dress:
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Green Chic link-up!
Hi all!
It's that time of the week again, and with more members than ever, feast your eyes on this collection of eco-chic links from the Green Chic web group!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi (and the Green Chic group!)
Factio Magazine gets Nicole Kidman’s 2010 SAG Awards "Beach Hair" with eco-friendly product by David Babaii! Find out which one!
Fashion Pulse Daily gets some great V-Day suggestions from renowned stylist Robert Verdi!
Guiltless & Glamorous rounds up the start of the awards season's cruelty-free red carpet fashions!
Home Green gives you tips on how to switch to a facial thats tough on dirt and easy on the environment
Looking Sharp! discovers Fancy Clothinga new Pittsburgher designing wares with thrift store finds!
My Beauty Bunny asks the question - What are parabens and should we be worried about them?
Posh Swaps talks fashion and sustainability with some useful tips.
Runway To Retail finds out if H&M is Lying About 'Organic' Cotton Click Here
Shopping and Info idea for Valentine’s Day Gift a la Angelina Jolie give to charity in the name of your loved one.
It's that time of the week again, and with more members than ever, feast your eyes on this collection of eco-chic links from the Green Chic web group!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi (and the Green Chic group!)
Factio Magazine gets Nicole Kidman’s 2010 SAG Awards "Beach Hair" with eco-friendly product by David Babaii! Find out which one!
Fashion Pulse Daily gets some great V-Day suggestions from renowned stylist Robert Verdi!
Guiltless & Glamorous rounds up the start of the awards season's cruelty-free red carpet fashions!
Home Green gives you tips on how to switch to a facial thats tough on dirt and easy on the environment
Looking Sharp! discovers Fancy Clothinga new Pittsburgher designing wares with thrift store finds!
My Beauty Bunny asks the question - What are parabens and should we be worried about them?
Posh Swaps talks fashion and sustainability with some useful tips.
Runway To Retail finds out if H&M is Lying About 'Organic' Cotton Click Here
Shopping and Info idea for Valentine’s Day Gift a la Angelina Jolie give to charity in the name of your loved one.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Guest post: Cruelty-free and Green, from MyBeautyBunny.com
Being green is all about being good to Mother Earth, but what about being good to your fellow Earthlings? Animals are a part of our world and we can all be a little "greener" simply by making smart shopping decisions when buying household and health products and beauty aids.
Many health and beauty companies moved away from animal testing in the '80s and '90s when nonprofits like PETA exposed the ugly side of cosmetic testing to the public. However, there are still many large conglomerates who continue to test on animals such as Unilever, Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson. These companies are not protecting your safety - they are protecting themselves from lawsuits (although animal tests have not proven effective at helping the companies win these lawsuits). And, animal testing on household items and cosmetic products is NOT required by law! Many consumers assume that brands marketed as green, healthy and natural would be cruelty-free. That is unfortunately not the case. Brands such as Aveeno and Neutrogena are owned by these large corporations (Johnson & Johnson in this case) and cannot be considrered cruelty-free.
But, the good news is that many brands do sell cruelty-free products, and they are not necessarily more expensive than their inhumane counterparts. Wet N Wild, Queen Helene, Almay, Revlon, Bonne Bell, Kiss My Face and Yes to Carrots are some good examples of cruelty-free drugstore brands. Method cleaning products and Trader Joe's household products are also cruelty-free. And, don't forget to check your local health food store for a wide selection of cruelty-free products.
One issue with finding truly cruelty-free brands is that brands can call themselves “cruelty-free” if they do not test their finished products on animals, but they can still buy ingredients from suppliers who are conducting animal tests. How many times have you seen "This finished product was not tested on animals," on the back of your shampoo or facial cleanser? There are no regulations for using the term “cruelty-free” like there are with “USDA Organic” labels. So, buyer beware. Now, where can you get more information on which products are cruelty-free? PETA's Caring Consumer (http://search.caringconsumer.com/), the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) (http://www.leapingbunny.org/) and the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) (http://www.navs.org) have some great cruelty-free lists. There are many other great resources on the internet - just have a look around!
We all want to buy cruelty-free beauty products, but many times the problem is that we don’t have time to do research on brands before buying. You can get a free cruelty-free shopping guide from Caring Consumer (http://www.caringconsumer.com/resources_order.asp) or Leaping Bunny (http://www.leapingbunny.org/order.php). Keep these guides handy and don't forget to check the backs of products for the leaping bunny symbol (http://www.leapingbunny.org/) or the PETA cruelty-free symbol (http://www.caringconsumer.com/).
Jennifer Mathews is the Editor-in-Chief of My Beauty Bunny, a cruelty-free beauty blog with hundreds of beauty product reviews, giveaways, tips and advice for fashionable ladies and gents.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Guiltless Goodies: Cruelty-free stars shine on the red carpet this awards season
Hi all!
The beginning of the year is always crazy as awards season leaps into action in advance of the big one - the Oscars - in February. So far we started off with the casual and always-fun People's Choice Awards before graduating to the sophistication and pre-Oscar warm-ups of the Golden Globes and SAG (Screen Actors' Guild) awards in the last week. Throw in the Critic's Choice Awards there too and you've got yourself a number of occasions when the stars come out to play in their very finest.
Of course, many of these awards shows mean that celebrities show up in top designer gowns and outfits, and as we know at Guiltless & Glamorous, a lot of those designers use fur and other cruel practices in their designs, even if not on the actual dresses that you see on the red carpet.
So it's important to give props to those stars who promoted cruelty-free designers this awards season. Take a gander below at some of the best of the lot! And if you know of one or two that I've missed that you feel are worth a mention, email me!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
The beginning of the year is always crazy as awards season leaps into action in advance of the big one - the Oscars - in February. So far we started off with the casual and always-fun People's Choice Awards before graduating to the sophistication and pre-Oscar warm-ups of the Golden Globes and SAG (Screen Actors' Guild) awards in the last week. Throw in the Critic's Choice Awards there too and you've got yourself a number of occasions when the stars come out to play in their very finest.
Of course, many of these awards shows mean that celebrities show up in top designer gowns and outfits, and as we know at Guiltless & Glamorous, a lot of those designers use fur and other cruel practices in their designs, even if not on the actual dresses that you see on the red carpet.
So it's important to give props to those stars who promoted cruelty-free designers this awards season. Take a gander below at some of the best of the lot! And if you know of one or two that I've missed that you feel are worth a mention, email me!
Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
The lovely Anna Paquin in a gorgeous gold Stella McCartney creation at the 2010 Golden Globes. With her is boyfriend and True Blood co-star Stephen Moyer, who is not wearing a cruelty-free pick: his suit is by Burberry. So don't look at him!
The always cheer-inducing Chris Colfer from TV's Glee, already pumping iron with his SAG award at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild awards. He sported his cruelty-free pick: a dashing John Varvatos suit.
Diane Kruger has made some good choices this awards season, starting with this Donna Karan gown at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and followed by...
...a fun and sexy Herve Leger pick for the People's Choice Awards.
Camille Winbush joined Diane Kruger in wearing Herve Leger to the People's Choice Awards.
And Mariah Carey brought the popular Herve Leger bandage dress into the formal forum at the Golden Globes this year, with a floor-length version which really accentuated her...um...globes?
Perrey Reeves also wore Herve Leger to the Golden Globes.
And lastly, Michelle Monaghan stunned at the SAG Awards in this Calvin Klein gown.
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