Guiltless Goodies: Fair Isle cardigans are yum for winter warmth

Hi all!

I love cardigans; they've always been a weakness. Living in the Caribbean, the one thing I do miss is the chance to wear these knits more often, but they are a staple when I travel. Wraps, scarves, pashimnas, cardigans ... but especially Fair Isle-print cardis.

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

GiGi

Wear with leggings, a light turtleneck sweater underneath and knee-high boots a la Kate Hudson:

People Style Watch's November issue featured a few that were sported by celebs in recent months and I have featured a few from their selection plus a couple of my own below - all sold or made by fur-free retailers/designers. Wrap up with these Ideal Investments!

Eddie Bauer's "Owl Creek" merino wool-lambswool cardigan, $99 ($109 for tall version), eddiebauer.com:

The Gap's Fair Isle hooded sweater - for those of you who want the traditional type of sweater in this cozy hoodie, $98, gap.com:

Urban Outfitters Fair Isle cardigan (seen on Diane Kruger), urbanoutfitters.com:

Victoria's Secret Fair Isle cardigan on Vanessa Hudgens, victoriassecret.com:

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