It's been a while since I last editorialized on the reasons I am doing this blog, so I thought I'd preface this post with a reminder about my motivations. Please bear with me, it's an important message that I will restrain from repeating too often but it is, I feel, worth a read as a reminder from time to time.
It is important to have a conscience. Especially in today's world, which is often corrupt and capitalist.
Companies like to make money; the bottom line is that they are entirely focused on their bottom line. Sadly, in order to meet their financial goals, many of them look for the cheap way out - not caring who or what they hurt in the process. There are all kinds of problems that have emerged because of this competitive attitude: sweat shops, fur farms and child labour are just a few. The cruelties of the leather and fur industries, the realities of poorly-regulated animal testing that still takes place in overcrowded laboratories - it is overwhelming and can make any consumer feel disturbed and powerless. However, if the companies' concern is their bottom line, that is something that everyone, as a consumer, can impact.
Major designers such as Max Azria (owner of the BCBG group) and Stella McCartney (whose line is vegan, meaning fur- and leather-free) have taken stances against the use of fur in the fashion industry. Brands such as Almay and Origins boast natural, often organic and always cruelty-free products at drugstore prices. Cosmetics giant Revlon has trumped its competitors - L'Oreal and Maybelline among them - by banning animal testing in the production of its products.
For guilt-free purchases this holiday season, below is a list of festive products that would make an ideal gift for anyone and everyone. Using purchasing power for good will ensure everybody wins – including the animals.
You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi
A COSY KNIT SWEATER:
Expensive Elegance: Stella McCartney’s wool cashmere ladder knit V-neck sweater, $825, StellaMcCartney.com (shown here in round-neck version)
Ideal Investment: BCBGMAXAZRIA’s cable-knit long cardigan, $198, BCBG.com
Bargain Buy: Old Navy’s women’s cable-knit V-neck hoodies, $34.50, OldNavy.com
AN EYE-CATCHING CLUTCH:
Expensive Elegance: Matt and Nat’s Kogan clutch, $150 (Canadian), mattandnat.ca
Ideal Investment: Bebe’s satin bow clutch, $59, bebe.com
Bargain Buy: Charlotte Russe’s studded chain clutch, $16.99, CharlotteRusse.com
THE ULTIMATE PAIR OF PARTY SHOES:
Expensive Elegance: Mink Shoes’ Bull pump, $355, minkshoes.com
Ideal Investment: Charmoné’s Cinnamon – Black shoes, $179, charmone.com
Bargain Buy: Payless ShoeSource’s Miss Puerto Rico by Payless Divina sandal, $34.99, Payless.com
A RED LIPSTICK FOR ALL:
Expensive Elegance: Estee Lauder lipstick removed after more research discovered the company partakes in animal testing
Ideal Investment: Too Faced Cosmetics’ Drop Dead Red lipstick, $18, TooFaced.com
(Too Faced's Lip of Luxury lipsticks)
(Drop Dead Red)Bargain Buy: Revlon Colorstay soft & smooth lipcolor in Red Velvet, $9.99, Revlon.com
HIGH-SHINE NAIL POLISH:
Expensive Elegance: OPI’s Designer Series DS Reflection, $12.50, OPI.com
Ideal Investment: Sally Hansen item removed (the company is owned by Coty, Inc. which does animal testing)
Bargain Buy: Avon’s Nailwear pro nail enamel in Ruby Slipper, $5.99, Avon.com
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