Teardrop Spot Blouse $76

I was a bit frustrated with the jumper/sweater collection as they all had wool, which I no longer buy and a lot of the cute dresses had silk, which I also avoid.  That aside, there were plenty of other items I wanted so I’ll definitely be going back.  It’s so much fun to have the shop in town now – I adore it so much!

So I finally made it into an H&M to check out that conscious collection.  What a disappointment!  I tried on several items and ended up walking out with one – and one that I wasn’t even interested in to start off!

Nothing I tired on fit right.  There were so many cute pieces that I was super excited about but as soon as they made their way onto my body they were failures.  To begin with, the sizing was awful. 

The shorts for example were a no, simply because I’d have had to go up two sizes.  I know that’s a silly reason for getting them but I was being a total girl and didn’t want to look at a tag that was that much larger than my usual size.  Otherwise they’re adorable!

This jacket would’ve been cute but they didn’t have my size in stock…

At first I thought this dress was adorable and would be fun for a summer wedding until I put it on and realized how poor the construction was.  I don’t expect much from H&M but at the top there is a row of beaded crystals…you’d expect them to be in a straight line but they were all over the place – I think I could have done a better job of attaching them!

I couldn’t find pictures of the other items I tried but here it goes anyway.  One cream colored dress was cut really badly and gave you a massively poofy tummy.  I did think that it would be great to wear to a dinner party – you could stuff yourself silly and your tummy would appear no bigger than when you arrived…or it could be great maternity wear!  Basically, it was insanely un-flattering. 

There was a floral dress that was absolutely adorable – so much so that I gave in and was willing to go up two sizes – but by the time I got to the size that actually fit me, I realized the construction was so that there were two pointed peaks protruding from the top of my boobies – not attractive

What I did end up with was a floral shirt with slightly ruffled cap sleeves and a little pocket on the left side of the chest.  It’s white and the flowers are light pink with sage colored greens.

Morale of the story – don’t bother with this collection.  It all looks great on the hangers but on an actual person it’s just not right.  I left there frustrated, saying this is why I hate shopping lately and exactly why I do things like wear the same bra from VS for the last 10+ years. 

I love how light and airy this collection is for summer. This dress is adorable, it could so easily be dressed up with fun jewelry and heels for a wedding or wear it on a summer afternoon with flat sandals and just one very simple accessory.

Recycled Fabric Dress $49.95

 According to H&M, the materials they’re using in this line are…

This is my other favorite piece – $44.95…

Check out the entire collection…H&M Conscious Collection

If you’re interested in learning more about H&M’s corporate responsibility – working conditions, wages, environment, etc., you can find it all here.

For the big 3-0 my fabulous husband got me these comfy Brompton boots by Stella McCartney at Barney’s!!!  Aren’t they awesome?!?!  I’m absolutely loving my new vegan boots!  The great thing about them is that they are over the knee to start but then you can fold them down and they’re below the knee and show off the snugly, faux shearling!  So cute and so versatile!  I’ve gotten a ton of use out of them over the last few months.  I sprayed them prior to wearing so they’re staying very clean and are repelling water. 

I had been waiting for these adorable sweatshirts for ages and I finally snagged myself the adorable pink one with elephants.  I’m in LOVE!  These Alternative Apparel shirts are super soft and cozy and Leanne’s animal prints make them so unique and a must for your wardrobe.  With the wide neck I can even see throwing one on in the summer over shorts and a tank as the day cools off.  They’re great all year round.  More importantly they share an important message without screaming crazy vegan!  Although when I put mine on Eric did tell me if I was really going to continue to ”do this vegan thing,” I need to darken my hair, get some tattoos and maybe dress a little more like Katy Perry.  Funny he should mention that because I do have an appointment to go darker on Thursday but the tattoo thing still isn’t me and I’m pretty sure Katy Perry is only married to a vegan, not one herself, so I’m not really sure why he chose her – other than he thinks she’s hot   Eric is right though, that at first glance I don’t come off as the old stereotypical, edgy looking vegan, but that’s what I think is cool about it – veganism has become so much more main stream now that all different types of people are embracing it!

Anyway, now’s the time to get yourself one of these super cute sweatshirts!

Congrats to Vaute Couture for winning Company of the Year!   So happy for them!!!

$40 from Kind Boutique

I love my first Alternative Apparel Annie Cowl Neck so much that I bought another one from Kind Boutique!  The grey one I have is a thicker than the new one in oatmeal but I love it just as much - it feels even softer than the other – so cozy!  I’ve been living in the grey one all fall so this new oatmeal one is a very welcomed additional to my wardrobe.  These make getting away with a turtleneck fashionable rather than dorky old mom/kid turtlenecks.  I highly recommend this as a Christmas gift or even a treat for yourself

Kind is running a buy more save more sale right now so it’s a great time to do some shopping and save up to 30%!

I love to knit but sometimes I run out of people to knit for.  So…I’ve started a little Etsy shop!  As of right now I’m selling infinity cowls and neck warmers that I’ve knitted with organic cotton.  They’re all super soft and cozy and would be fabulous holiday gifts.  Please check it out!

shoes.com and eco-friendly Naya have partnered with Soles4Souls to give you the opportunity to make a choice that matters. By giving, you will receive.

Through our Renew Your Soles program, donate a pair of gently worn shoes and receive $20 off an $80 purchase* at shoes.com.

These shoes will be distributed to people in need in over 127 countries. Our hope is that together, we can all leave a softer footprint while helping others.

1. All you need to do is put a gently worn pair of shoes in a box (even the box that contained your new shoes).
2. Fill out the form below and include in your box.
3. Attach the label provided and send your package. Postage is not included.
4. You will receive an emailed coupon for $20 off an $80 or more purchase* on shoes.com.
5. Soles4Souls will also send you a receipt in the mail for your tax deductible donation.

*Exclusions apply.

Soles4Souls is a non-profit charity that distributes donated shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class or any other criteria.

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Naya Renew Your Soles

Although I personally do not purchase leather, I figured I’d still pass this along to those of you who do.  If you must wear leather, Naya is a good choice as they do their best to be as eco-friendly as possible.  The good part for me and a lot of you, is that Shoes.com does carry a great deal of vegan shoes!  So, if you’re working to remove leather from your closet, send in an old leather pair of shoes to be recycled or donated and then type vegan in the search box at the top right corner of shoes.com and order yourself a new vegan pair with your $20 discount!

It’s that time to start holiday shopping, yes – it’s early for some of us, but I honestly know people were were more than half way done with their shopping in October!  Crazy!  Awhile back I mentioned The Andean Collection and suggested you keep it in mind for your holiday shopping.  I recently received an email from them highlighting some great gift items…

Andean Collection Holiday Gift Guide

Their pieces are gorgeous and affordable AND fair trade!