bi-coastal beauties December 18, 2007

You have to love that New York and San Francisco are so fashion-forward, so unique, and so dedicated to being both! That said, hats off and over the hearts for Azalea Boutique and Dema in San Francisco and Kaight (where I sometimes shop in my dreams – for reals) in New York City, for pledging allegiance to the Fur Free Retailer flag!

I’m not saying everything they carry is vegan but their willingness to make this committment shows that they’re at least willing to stand up for animals in this way and that’s more than most. And that’s better than nothing!

P.S. HOLIDAY NOTE: I hope you all get lots of goodies and absolutely everything on your lists this holiday season. Thank you so much for your ideas and tips – please keep them coming in the New Year! That said, PVT is on holiday (if you consider driving a U-haul across many mountain passes in the dead of winter a holiday) and will be back early in the New Year with lots of harrowing highway tales, no doubt, and a new take on life from the silvery streets of Seattle. I still love me some NorCal though. Sniff!

A kind, and cute, last minute gift! December 12, 2007

If you’re searching for that one special gift that no one else will think of giving, how about signing your loved one up to be a “Chimp Pal” of chimpanzees at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest? Not only do you get a totally cute organic cotton, made in America, “98.76% chimp” t-shirt, you also help give a new start to seven chimps that have spent their lives in laboratory cages. Good present for loved one + good for the environment + sweatshop free + animal saving = SIGN UP NOW!

Now, what gift could possibly be better than that? I am toally not biased on this topic and I say none!

Oh jeezus girl, just shake it. December 12, 2007

OK I admit, I drove past a store on Friday,and can’t get it out of my mind. I even did a drive by – on Monday. And totally shocked myself.  It’s a total hoochie mama store, the kind that gives kisses to Fergie and ass-slaps to Beyonce, but there was a dress in the window I MUST HAVE (sixth dress to the right, these people aren’t understanding buying online, i think.) And only for New Years. Or, for dress up nights. Or, if you are single, for EVERY damn night. SING: this little light of mine……. 

play dress up with your face! December 6, 2007

Make-up is something one wears on one’s face and I couldn’t resist passing along this great tip on vegan, cruelty-free Arbonne cosmetics (make-up, body and hair care products):

“A friend of mine, Lorraine,  is a consultant for Arbonne and sells make-up, body care, and hair care.  This company does not test on animals. I have been using their make-up for awhile and just bought the foot lotion.  I have to say that everything I have purchased is just fabulous – they also have a wonderful return policy if you do not like what you purchased.  My friend will donate 25% of retail price from all sales to the Animal Protection Institute, API –  the person submitting the order must tell Lorraine they want a portion of proceeds to go to API. The link to her website is http://www.aprettyplanet.myarbonne.com/. This is perfect time to shop for the holidays – gifts for you and your loved ones.  I hope you enjoy the products as much as I do.”

Thanks for the tip Nicole! I can smell the ginger-citrus scrub that I am no doubt meant to purchase already…

stellllllaaaaaaaaa December 2, 2007

So, Stella McCartney has gone and won the British Fashion Awards 2007 Designer of the Year! Yay for Stella – perhaps some other designers will take note that abusing animals and fashion DON’T go hand in hand. Unless you consider invertebrates sentient animals (i.e. the poor, forlorn, silkworm), here are some great deals on Stella goods. 

Note: I can’t say I am huge fan of Stella stuff. As an “ethical designer” I think it’s a bit weird that all of her pants and coats are wool or cashmere, boots are leather and every single dress is silk or wool. I might think she kicks major ass if she would branch out to some more creative materials like bamboo, synthetics, cotton blends, etc.  Anyway, by popular demand:

 Black mini-dress. Reminds me of the 80’s. How I miss those days… 

White, bead-embellished mini sheath. Reminds me of the 60’s. If I had been alive then. I’m kinda pissed I missed it. Oh well. 

It’s like I keep going back a decade with these! Romantic, Marilyn Monroe-esque pleated, v-neck halter.

Super cool, round neck cotton trench.  Very Hepburn. I think I am starting to figure out McCartney’s inspirations. 

Hmmm…Interesting empire-waist mini-dress with great square neckline.  

Frilly, ruffly, funky, gorgeous long-sleeve mini.

This is one of those dresses that looks crap on the hangar but when you put in on…ooh la la! I so hot! 

Flirty satin ruffle dress. This is just the cutest thing ever. I would wear this until I was 90. 

And last but not least, the perfect little black dress.