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?

Guiltless Goodies: SELF's seasonal sparkly suggestions

Hi all:

SELF Magazine's December issue featured all that sparkles in both clothing and make-up. I previously posted on the clothing, but here is the make-up feature - thankfully, the majority of products featured in this editorial are cruelty-free, so there is a fantastic range of sparkly, glittery cosmetics here for both body and face! For full feature, click here.

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

GiGi

BODY
AVON Spotlight Moisturizing Shimmer Gel, $10

This gel is a clear winner, with see-through sparkle and a delicate floral scent.

NYX Cosmetics Glitter Gel, $4

Feeling festive? Gild yourself with NYX's glitter gel. Smooth one pump into palms, then spread evenly over your arms, legs and neck.

Soap & Glory Glow Lotion, $10

Brighten pale skin with rose-coloured body highlighter Soap & Glory Glow Lotion. Spray on right after moisturizing; rub in a circular motion to blend.

Victoria's Secret Garden Holiday Shimmering Powder Puff in Sparkling Sugared Pear, $8

Gold-flecked shimmering powder imparts a heavenly halo effect and aroma.

HAIR

Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Liquid Glass Serum, $7

Go from lacklustre to glossy in an instant with the silk protein and avocado oil in Organix's serum.

Ultra-thin gold Revlon headband, $6 (comes in a 2-pack with a silver band as well)

(Image unavailable)

Prettify any style by adding a bit of bling.

MAKE-UP

Revlon DoubleTwist Mascara, $9

Chose a volumizing formula with a wide wand such as this mascara to cover every lash - from inner to outer corners- with a single swipe. (You'll use less, so it's economical, too). Comb out clumps, then cover lower lashes with clear mascara to avoid raccoon eyes.

Sephora Glitter Pot in Silver, $8

Swipe a wet eyeliner brush into the ultra-fine glitter pot. Brush across lids to achieve eye-catching allure.

Mark Mini Mark It Stick for Eyes eyeliner and shadow in Gold Opal, $8

For golden, smoky eyes, line lids with this supersoft eyeliner and eyeshadow and lightly smudge.

Femme Couture Mineral Effects Baked Eye Colour in Pure Platinum, $7

Chemical-free Femme Couture eye shadow goes on sheer; layering creates an opaque effect.

Mehron Metallic Powder, $8

Accessorize eyes with silvery metallic powder.

Smudgeproof e.l.f. Liquid Eyeshadow in Sexy Silver, $1

This eyeshadow glides on easily while the noncreasing finish equals that of pricier brands.

Hard Candy Lash Tinsel Glitter Mascara in Gold Digger, $6

If sparkly shadow seems a bit much, dazzle them with a swipe of Hard Candy glitter mascara.

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: