Guiltless Goodies: Serious sparkle for the season

Hi all!

SELF Magazine’s December beauty and fashion pages were all about sparkle for the party season, and there were some fabulous make-up and accessory finds to add that necessary, festive bling to any evening look.
The cruelty-free selections recommended in one of the magazine’s accessories features, titled Brilliant Picks, are below.

Look out for an upcoming post on SELF’s glitzy make-up finds this season.

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

GiGi

Jersey on one side, glitter on the other, this scarf combines comfort and glamour.
American Eagle Outfitters scarf, $20, ae.com

Dazzle in the best of faux sparkle with Padma’s purple cocktail ring, $69, Emi-tations.com.

Bling up your ears with the light-reflecting jewels in these earrings, $45, JCrew.com.

These bracelets scream sparkly chic, $65 each from AnnTaylor.com.

NOTE: There was also a cruelty-free option in this feature, a chunky silver necklace from Express, but unfortunately the item is no longer available so it has not been included in this post.

Guiltless Goodies: Revitalized brands' Ideal Investments

Hi all!

I saw a feature in Oprah's October magazine about some clothing retailers who have been around for a while revitalizing their lines and their reputation with new style. Most of them are guaranteed fur-free retailers, so I have put below what Oprah's magazine had to say about the companies' old and new reputations and did some sleuthing on their sites for current great buys from the companies.

All of the products below are Ideal Investments in my view!

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

GiGi

I couldn't find any info online about these two having a fur-free policy, so although they were part of this story I am not featuring them here. If anyone knows any different, email me!
Chico's
New York & Co.

Liz Claiborne
Then: Pioneering sportswear that had lost its oomph
Now: Brimming with pattern and colour

The colour of these facet stone drop earrings is beautiful - I love Liz Claiborne's jewellery!

Earrings, regularly $28, now $19.99, LizClaiborne.com

The Gap
Then: Weekend staples, wall-to-wall khakis
Now: Dressy, fastidiously engineered jeans and separates

LOVE these: Sexy Boot jeans in medium tint wash, $59.50, Gap.com

Express
Then: 20-something and trendy, not for grown-ups
Now: Sophisticated and polished

A vest is a surefire quick way to smarten and funk up any outfit

Stretch studio vest, Express.com, $49.50

Ann Taylor
Then: Ultra-traditional career woman clothes
Now: Glamour mixed with authority

Wool dolman sleeve sweater dress, $130, AnnTaylor.com

J. Crew
Then: Pretty, casual
Now: Posh instant heirlooms

Satin limelight clutch, $78, JCrew.com

Talbots
Then: Your mother's store
Now: Ageless classics

Plaid muffler, $49, Talbots.com