Cruise Capsule Look Book

Hello from Miami!

This week I'm sharing a quick video showing my packing process as well as some outfit ideas from my cruise capsule wardrobe.  There also may or may not be kittens being adorable.  You'll have to watch to know for sure!

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Watch the video on YouTube HERE!

LINKS TO THINGS I TALKED ABOUT...
Cruise Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/cruise-capsule-wardrobe
How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe
Fall Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/fallcapsule2015
Winter Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/winter-capsule-wardrobe
Earth Science Mint Rosemary Deodorant: http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Science-Natural-Deodorant-Rosemary/dp/B000Q3Y9X0
Vegetology Omega 3: https://www.vegetology.com/collections/vegans/products/opti3
Vegetology Vitamin D3: https://www.vegetology.com/collections/vegans/products/vitashine-2500iu-tablets
Why I add a B12 Supplement to my Vegan Diet: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/b12

I hope you enjoyed it!

Until next time,

Have you ever travelled for work?  How was it for you?

Linked Up.

Cruise Capsule Wardrobe

Last year I spent 8 months working for the mouse.  Mickey Mouse, that is!  I completed a contract as a performer on the Disney Wonder and had a ball of a time.

The only problem?  I packed WAY too much.  To my credit, I had no idea what one should pack for 6 months at sea… but a guitar, a backpack, and two huge suitcases weighing in at over 70 lbs each?  Just a little bit of overkill.  (I did eventually get the suitcases down to under 60 lbs each, but it was painful.  And believe me, lugging those babies around in the bowels of a ship was NOT a cake-walk).

So as I prepare for my second contract, a quick month, I know I can do better.  I am a minimalist now, after all.  I have Marie Kondo on my side.  I have KonMari in my blood.  Ok, maybe I’ve taken this a bit too far…  Anyway, I am definitely better equipped this time around to pack minimally for maximal impact. 

As I still vividly remember how painful it was trying to decide what to bring and what to leave behind last fall, I thought I would take you along for the ride in the hopes that you can learn from my mistakes and be ready for any opportunity that comes your way!

My Top 3 Tips for Practical Packing

Packing sucks.  

The majority of the population (including myself) hates doing it.  I know quite a few people who would rather trash all of their worldly belongings and start again rather than pack for a move.  But what about when your packing for a trip?  You’re going somewhere potentially unfamiliar, where you may be unable to purchase necessities (especially if you live an ethical lifestyle).  You need to bring the basics with you, at the very least.

So how can we make packing more palatable?  With my top 3 tips for practical packing, of course!  (Can you tell I love alliteration?  I thought so.)

I also created a Packing Checklist to help you remember every important item!  

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a small, intentional, daily wardrobe made up of pieces you love, fit you and your lifestyle, and all work together.  

I wrote a detailed post explaining the capsule concept as well as a thorough how-to for building your own, go read it HERE, get familiar, then come back and read on!

If you’re already on the capsule wardrobe train (Hi, my name’s Elizabeth.  Let’s be best friends.) I’ll get right into my streamlined capsule process!

To begin the curation process for my third capsule wardrobe I sat down, asked myself a few simple questions, and put pen to paper.  Here are the 7 questions and my responses to help you get a fuller picture of the process:

1. How long will I wear this capsule? One month.
2. What will the weather be like?  Temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees celsius, mostly sunny, possible rain.
3. What will my typical day look like? (Consider formality, dress codes, activity level and type)  Exercise and rehearsals (requiring active wear), time spent in crew areas and in my cabin, time spent in guest areas (comply to dress code), time spent at the beach and swimming, time spent in port.
4. What types of special events and activities will I be participating in? Crew events, special events in guest areas.
5. 3 words that describe my ideal style: Minimal, Neutral, Light
6. What kind of outfits do I love/inspire me?  Pin em! Capsule and Style Pinterest boards
7. What is my colour palette? Black, white, grey, and beige (neutrals) with a few pops of colour and pattern

Want to use these questions to build your next capsule?  Use the form below to join the Plant Based Bride community and get your download link for the free printable!

Once I answered these questions, it was time to shop my closet!

The Cruise Capsule

You may recognize some pieces from my fall and winter capsule wardrobes in here, but there are also some exciting new items!

With warm weather on the horizon, I turned my focus to lighter pieces - both in weight and colour.  While black is and always will be a staple colour in my wardrobe, white, grey, and shades of beige have made their mark on this capsule.  I also brought back a touch of colour and pattern that was completely lacking from my winter collection as statement pieces that stand out on the backdrop of neutrality.

As you saw in my answers to the planning questions, I was hoping for a minimalist, neutral, and light feel in my capsule.  Flowy fabrics, long cuts, draping, and soft tailoring pull everything together for me.

For anyone interested in the pieces featured, the following is a list of exact or similar items:

TOPS (16)

1. white tee - aritzia
2. white v neck tee - urban outfitters
3. white button down - anthropologie
4. beige trench - similar
5. beige vest - similar
6. long grey cardigan - similar
7. grey cropped tank - brandy melville
8. long grey tee with slits - similar
9. grey tee - aritzia
10. black & grey reversible cami - similar
11. black sleeveless swing blouse - zara
12. black sleeveless v neck blouse - aritzia
13. black deep v neck tee - similar
14. black t-shirt - aritzia
15. black blazer - similar
16. black cropped tee - similar

BOTTOMS (5)

1. black track pants - gap 
2. black maxi skirt - brandy melville
3. a-line skirt - american apparel
4. high waisted jeans - urban outfitters
5. high waisted shorts - similar

DRESSES (2)

1. blue maxi dress - similar
2. tropical purple dress with jacket - similar

SHOES (6)

1. white sneakers - vans
2. beige heels - similar
3. beige flats - similar
4. black and white dotted sneakers - native shoes
5. black oxfords - aldo
6. black flip flops - havaianas

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I have to say that I am absolutely LOVING building and wearing capsule wardrobes.  This is becoming a way of life.  I’m hoping to progress to the point where I can let go of everything not including in the past 4 capsules (not worn in a year) and reduce my entire wardrobe to under 175 pieces total!  (That may sound like a lot to you, but to me that’s TINY!  I started out with over 500 EASY before my KonMari purge!)

I am so excited to try out the capsule model while working at sea, it feels like the perfect time to utilize this kind of dressing as you’re already limited by what you can fit in your luggage.

Well, my bags are packed.  I have a backpack, my guitar, and one suitcase weighing 57 lbs (darn having to pack enough vegan and cruelty-free skin care, hair care, and body care for a month!) and I have to say I am very pleased.  I don't claim to be the perfect minimalist.  I definitely don't have it yet.  But it feels so good to be on my way!

What would are the three words you would use to describe your ideal wardrobe?

Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

If you enjoy the free content I create for you, please consider supporting me on PATREON!  You can pledge as little as one dollar a month.  Go check it out here!

The Ultimate Guide To Winter Dressing As A Vegan

It's cold in Toronto right now.  Really cold.  -34 degrees celsius cold.  And it got me thinking... dressing for the winter as a vegan isn't as easy as it should be.  We want to be warm without exploiting animals.

Is being compassionate AND frosbite-free too much to ask?

Luckily the answer is no.

I'm going to share my tips and tricks (and you can trust me because I'm Canadian, and we know cold) and picks to keep you toasty from head to toe!

*This post contains affiliate links, indicated with an asterisk.  This means that if you choose to click through one such link and make a purchase I will make a commission, at no extra cost to you.  I will never recommend a product that is not vegan or something I don't use or believe in.  If you enjoy my content please consider using these links for your purchases as a way to support Plant Based Bride!

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H A T S

We've all heard that a lot of heat escapes from the top of our heads.  Keep your noggin warm with the innumerable styles of vegan hats!  Here are some of my very favourite...

1. Asos Reclaimed Vintage Bobble Beanie  
2. Asos Cable Beanie 
3. Hooldamb Ruderalis Hat
4. Vaute Couture Boater Felt Hat
5. Asos Fine Rib Knitted Turban Hat  
6. Urban Outfitters Lumberjack Beanie
7. Vegan Faux Fur Bobble Hat
8. Asos Rib Headband
9. Urban Outfitters Brushed Beanie
10. Asos Cable Pom Beanie  
11. Lulus Cuddled Up Grey Knit Beanie*  
12. Vaute Couture Cole Felt Hat
13. Urban Outfitters Classic Beanie 
14. Urban Outfitters Open Boucle Slouch Beanie 
15. Asos Fluffy Headband
16. Asos Short Turn Up Beanie with Pom  

Animal materials to watch out for... alpaca, angora, calfskin, camel hair, cashmere, felt, flannel, fleece, fur, leather, mohair, pashmina, shearling, sheepskin, silk, suede, tweed, wool.

Vegan materials perfect to keep you warm... acrylic, corduroy, cotton, cotton flannel, denim, faux-fur, flannelette, leatherette/imitation leather, linen, moleskin, muslin, nylon, polyester, polyester fleece, rayon, spandex, ultrasuede, velour, velveteen, viscose. 

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Great North Tip: Always, and I mean ALWAYS keep your head covered.  Your brain is essential to the well-being of this planet.  And also your ears.  Those are less essential, but really hurt when they get too cold.  So just wear a hat, ok?  Ok.

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S C A R V E S

I don't know about you, but I like to prevent cold wind from blowing down my neck and into my coat on bitterly cold days.  Scarves are the perfect solution, not to mention cozy and stylish (and they don't need to be made of wool).  Check out some of my vegan picks below...

1. Asos Oversized Scarf in Colourblock with Tassels  
2. Urban Outfitters Boucle Cable Hooded Eternity Scarf 
3. Urban Outfitters Avant Garde Brushed Woven Scarf  
4. Asos Pieces Ribbed Oversized Blanket Scarf 
5. Lulu's Que Sera Serape Reversible Black and Ivory Print Blanket Scarf*  
6. Urban Outfitters Femme Super Soft Square Scarf
7. Asos Blanket Scarf In Black And White Design  
8. Asos Woven Oversized Scarf In Geo Shapes
9. Asos Long Scarf In Colourblock With Tassels
10. Urban Outfitters Brushed Plush Lined Eternity Scarf  
11. Urban Outfitters Multi Stripe Blanket Scarf
12. Asos Long Scarf With Mixed Stripe And Chevron  
13. Lulu's Weaving Path Beige Striped Scarf* 
14. Urban Outfitters Faux-Sherpa Eternity Scarf  

Animal materials to watch out for... alpaca, angora, camel hair, cashmere, fleece, fur, mohair, pashmina, shearling, sheepskin, silk, wool.

Vegan materials perfect to keep you warm... acrylic, cotton, cotton flannel, faux-fur, flannelette, linen, modal, moleskin, muslin, nylon, polyester, polyester fleece, rayon, spandex, tencel, ultrasuede, velour, velveteen, viscose. 

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You might also like...  Finding My Wedding Dress: No Silk, Please. 

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S W E A T E R S

It's called sweater weather for a reason.  Get your layers on!

1. Asos Jack & Jones Shawl Collar Cardigan in Mixed Yarns 
2. ModCloth Recipe Club Sweater in Salt* 
3. Asos Jumper in Twist with Aztec Design 
4. Lulu's Log Cabin Cream Cable Knit Sweater*  
5. Urban Outfitters Native Youth Sweater  
6. Lulu's Cup of Cozy Light Grey Cardigan Sweater* 
7. Asos Shawl Neck Jumper in Grey Cotton  
8. Urban Outfitters BDG Elbow Patch Sweater
9. Lulu's Icy London Icy France Black and Ivory Sweater* 
10. Asos Cotton Crew Jumper with Blocking
11. Urban Outfitters BDG Parker Cardigan  
12. Urban Outfitters O'Hanlon Mills Calhoun Sweater  
13. Lulu's Parker Bridge Black Sweater* 
14. J Crew Rugged Cotton Sweater

Animal materials to watch out for... alpaca, angora, calfskin, camel hair, cashmere, flannel, fleece, fur, leather, mohair, pashmina, shearling, sheepskin, silk, suede, wool.

Vegan materials perfect to keep you warm...  acrylic, batiste, chambray, chino, cord, corduroy, cotton, cotton flannel, denim, faux-fur, flannelette, gingham, khaki, leatherette/imitation leather, linen, moleskin, muslin, nylon, polyester, polyester fleece, rayon, spandex, tencel, ultrasuede, velcro, velour, velveteen, viscose. 

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Great North Tip: The chunkier the sweater, the more Canadian you look.  And we all know that Canadians are irresistible.  So throw on that heavy knit sweater with abandon, you sexy thing, you.

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C O A T S

I could argue that a good coat is the most important aspect of keeping warm in the winter.  We can get away with less than perfect boots, a lack of layers, and no gloves or hat if we have a warm coat with a hood and pockets!  But it is difficult to survive the winter in any sort of comfort without a warm coat.  Here are some of my picks for men and women, made without animal products:

1. Vaute Couture Lincoln 
2. North Face Men's Thermoball Snow Hoodie
3. Vaute Couture Whitman in Primaloft Insulated Moleskin  
4. Hoodlamb Ladies Parka in Black, this is my winter coat - check out my unboxing video here!
5. Nau Luminary Trench
6. Vaute Couture Mark Mountain Coat in Primaloft Insulated Moleskin
7. Marmot Downtown Component Jacket
8. Hoodlamb Men's Tech 4-20
9. Vaute Couture Emily in Insulated Moleskin 
10. Nau Temp Jacket 
11. Vaute Couture Mark Snow Coat 
12. North Face Women's Thermoball Hooded Parka 
13. Nau Men Synfill Hoody Pullover
14. Vaute Couture Amanda Maxi Coat   
15. Fair Trade Vegan Cocoon Coat
16. Marmot Uptown Jacket

Animal materials to watch out for... alpaca, angora, calfskin, camel hair, cashmere, down, feathers, fleece, fur, leather, mohair, pashmina, shearling, sheepskin, silk, suede, tweed, wool.

Vegan materials perfect to keep you warm... acrylic, cotton, cotton flannel, denim, faux-fur, flannelette, gore-tex, khaki, leatherette/imitation leather, linen, moleskin, muslin, nylon, polartec wind pro, polyester, polyester fleece, primaloft, rayon, spandex, synthetic down, tencel, thermolite, thinsulate, ultrasuede, velcro, velour, velveteen, viscose, waxed canvas.

There is literally something for everyone!  Vegan coats are more abundant than I ever realized until I put research into it, and they can be VERY warm (like my Hoodlamb!) 

Check out this post from Green Planet for even more vegan coat options, and a bit more information on synthetic insulation types!

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You might also like... Say No To Fur (Hoodlamb Vegan Coat Unboxing)

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G L O V E S

Weather it's using your phone or holding your coffee, often you can't just keep your hands in your pockets while you're out in the cold.  Keep your digits protected no matter what you get up to with vegan gloves!

1. Burton Gore-Tex Gloves
2. Asos Echo Touch 'Cashmere Feel' Drawstring Glove
3. The North Face Montana E-Tip Gloves  
4. Manzella Adventure 100 Gloves
5. Asos Touch Screen Gloves in Burgundy Fair Isle Palm Print
6. REI Tahoma Gloves
7. Vegetarian Shoes Vegan Gloves
8. Adidas Originals Trefoil Gloves  
9. Seirus Prism Gore-Tex Gloves  
10. Asos Plain Touch Screen Gloves  
11. Dakine Bronco Glove  
12. Asos Fingerless Gloves In Black  

Animal materials to watch out for... alpaca, angora, calfskin, camel hair, cashmere, fleece, fur, leather, mohair, pashmina, shearling, sheepskin, silk, suede, wool.

Vegan materials perfect to keep you warm... acrylic, corduroy, cotton, cotton flannel, faux-fur, flannelette, gore-tex, leatherette/imitation leather, linen, moleskin, muslin, nylon, polartec wind pro, polyester, polyester fleece, primaloft, rayon, spandex, synthetic down, tencel, thermolite, thinsulate, ultrasuede, velcro, velour, velveteen, viscose, waxed canvas. 

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Great North Tip:  Instagram is important, I get it.  But losing a finger makes it hard to like all of my photos.  So maybe wear gloves with touch-screen technology.  It's really the best of both worlds.  Pictures of my cats, and all ten digits.  #blessed

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B O O T S

As anyone who has ever been outside in a snowstorm in inadequate footwear will know, warm toes is a must for winter comfort.  Here's a wide variety of vegan men and women's boots to keep your feet warm and dry. 

1. Kamik Seattle - I own these!
2. Vegetarian Shoes Brooklyn Boot
3. Vegetarian Shoes Vintage Boot  
4. BC Footwear Collective Boot
5. Brave Gentleman Worker Boot
6. Kamik Sugarloaf
7. Vegetarian Shoes Veggie Trekker
8. Native Shoes Jimmy Winter
9. Jambu Artic Vegan
10. Dr Martens Vegan 1460
11. Vegetarian Shoes Snug Boot
12. Vegetarian Shoes Engineer Boot
13. Cougar Serge

Animal materials to watch out for... alligator skin, calfskin, fleece, fur, kangaroo skin, leather, shearling, sheepskin, snakeskin, suede, wool.

Vegan materials perfect to keep you warm...  acrylic, cork, cotton, cotton flannel, faux-fur, flannelette, leatherette/imitation leather, linen, microfibre, moleskin, muslin, nylon, polyester, polyester fleece, polyurethane, rayon, spandex, tencel, ultrasuede, velcro, velour, velveteen, viscose, waxed canvas. 

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You might also like... Should You Get Rid Of All Your Leather Now That You're Vegan?

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O T H E R   L A Y E R S

Layers are your friend!  Here are some other layers like socks, long johns, and lightweight tops you may want to consider piling on to keep warm.

1. ASOS Esprit Henley T-Shirt
2. Urban Outfitters Project Social T Finley Tank Top
3. Braintree Clothing Blair Rock Thick Bamboo Socks
4. Urban Outfitters Truly Madly Deeply Helena Raw Edge Thermal Top
5. Urban Outfitters Polyester Fleece Lined Full Tight  
6. PETA Vegan Knee High Socks
7. Urban Outfitters Project Social T Christy Tunic Tee
8. ASOS 2 Pack Crew Neck Jumper in Cotton  
9. Urban Outfitters Out From Under Leggings
10. Urban Outfitters Nassau Galaxy Tank Top  
11. Uniqlo Women's Heattech Socks
12. ASOS Jack & Jones Long Johns
13. Bergies Cat Lady Crews

Animal materials to watch out for... alligator skin, alpaca, angora, calfskin, camel hair, cashmere, down, feathers, felt, flannel, fleece, fur, kangaroo skin, leather, mohair, pashmina, shearling, sheepskin, silk, snakeskin, suede, tweed, wool.

Vegan materials perfect to keep you warm... acrylic, batiste, chambray, chino, cord, corduroy, cork, cotton, cotton flannel, denim, elastic, faux-fur, flannelette, gingham, khaki, leatherette/imitation leather, linen, microfibre, moleskin, muslin, nylon, polyester, polyester fleece, polyurethane, rayon, spandex, tencel, ultrasuede, velcro, velour, velveteen, viscose, waxed canvas. 

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Great North Tip: The more layers you wear the more you will sweat when you finally get inside and can't just start stripping willy nilly.  It's just a fact of life.  You'll just have to get used to it, or move to the equator.  Which actually doesn't sound like a bad idea right about now.

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You made it!  If I accomplished nothing else, I hope I've shown you how very possible it is to be warm and stylish (no matter what your style may be) as a vegan in colder climates (and maybe made you smile).

To help you out while shopping (and just to simplify everything as much as possible, because I know it can be hard to remember all of the different materials and their origins.  Listen, I got you.) I have created a printable list of animal materials and vegan materials.  

Best of all?  It's free!  Sign up below to get your download link right away.

Want inspiration for vegan winter fashion?  Follow me on instagram to see my outfits and check out my winter capsule wardrobe to see my foundational pieces!

Until next time, stay warm, stay compassionate!

What are your favourite vegan winter pieces?  Any tips to share with new vegans to stay warm?  Let us know in the comments below!

Linked Up.

Sources & Further Reading

http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/nonveganingredientlist?rq=avoid

http://features.peta.org/how-to-wear-vegan/

http://bikesexual.blogsport.eu/2012/03/24/list-of-fabrics-vegan-or-not/

Finding My Wedding Dress: No Silk, Please.

If you follow me on instagram you will already know that I have chosen my wedding dress! (cue the squeals)  You will also know that the number one biggest struggle in finding my dream dress was the lack of vegan options.  Or in other words, the abundance of silk.  Not sure why you should care about silkworms?  Neither was I.  That was, of course, until I looked into the industry and really thought about what it's doing.  And I want to share with you why you may want to rethink that silk blouse or snazzy silk bowtie you've been eyeing.

WHAT ARE SILKWORMS?

Silkworms are the larva or caterpillar of silk moths, or as they are scientifically classified, Bombyx mori.  They are, therefore, young insects.  They are also now extinct in the wild, existing only in captivity.  They originally lived peacefully in northern China eating mulberry leaves and dreaming of unicorn moths and rainbows (presumably).

HOW IS SILK MADE?

Silk worms are raised on silk farms.  The eggs are incubated for 8-10 days until tiny brown larva emerge.  The larva are fed exclusively mulberry leaves for approximately a month as they grow from 3mm to 8 cm long and lighten in colour.

The silk worms are then ready to begin their transition from caterpillar to moth, and turn their efforts to weaving a cocoon.  They do so using the "silk gland" below their lower lip to produce a sticky substance that hardens into silk thread when in contact with the air.  They use this mechanism to form the skeleton of their cocoon, climb in, and finish it around themselves - using as much as 1 km of silk thread in the process.  The cocoon goes from start to finish in about 4 days.  

The sleeping caterpillar will become a pupa, and in the wild would finish its transition to moth, emerging from its cocoon to live another life.  In the current silk industry, however, they are never given this chance.  Once the cocoon is completed the pupae will be killed by extreme heat as their cocoons emerged in boiling water.  The thread will then be reeled off, treated, and woven into silk fabric.

WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING

Wedding dresses have been made with silk for a very long time.  It is viewed as a luxury fabric, and most brides want to feel luxurious on their wedding day.  Silk is a beautiful fabric, in look and feel, and it is completely understandable that designers would wish to work with such a fabric to make their designs come to life.

But what can we do if we don't feel comfortable supporting the silk industry and yet want a beautiful gown?

My top tips for any vegan brides out there are as follows:

ONE Do your research.

This is an essential first step...

• Join a local vegan group online or off and ask any recently married women where they found their gown;
• Search online for vegan or eco-friendly designers with shops in your area, and;
• Find bridal boutiques that have a vast array of silk-free options by exploring their website and getting in contact with them to inquire.

The more research you do at the outset, the easier the entire process will go!

TWO Set your budget ahead of time and stick to it.

This isn't vegan specific, but it is VERY important.  Just do it!  Oh, and set your budget a couple hundred dollars below your max.  You WILL need alterations, and they don't come cheap!

THREE Tell them upfront that you won't consider silk.

Once you've found a couple of shops with promising options you'll want to book your appointments.  Be sure to tell them in that first communication that you are looking for silk-free gowns ONLY and will not consider buying a dress made with silk.  Ask them (nicely!) if they can pull a selection of silk-free gowns or at least be able to point out during your appointment which options are available to you.  

I didn't do this myself and very much regretted it, as I spent much of my short appointment time trying to figure out which dresses were and weren't vegan.  Do yourself (and your associate) a favour and let them prepare ahead of time!

FOUR Don't be afraid to look into custom or vintage gown options.

If your perfect dress just isn't materializing, perhaps it's time to repurpose or get creative!  A custom dress means you can get exactly what your heart desires, including the fabric choice.  I seriously considered a custom gown before deciding on my dress, as many of my favourite pieces were just shy of perfect or were (unfortunately) not vegan friendly.  A custom dress means every aspect is completely up to you!

Another great option is a vintage dress or a dress passed down in your family!  In my opinion, buying a secondhand dress or repurposing one containing silk doesn't make you a "bad vegan".  It doesn't contribute to the exploitation of silk worms and is reusing materials which is more eco-friendly, to boot!   

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If you are shopping in or around Toronto, I would whole-heartedly recommend Sash & Bustle!  This is where I found my vegan gown, and they were very accommodating - sending me pictures of the material tags so that I could be triple sure that my top 2 were vegan, helping me find only the silk-free options, and being all-around awesome people.

A WORD ABOUT PEACE OR AHIMSA SILK

Some vegans see peace (or Ahimsa) silk as the perfect option to fulfill all their silk desires.  While I will leave you to make up your own decision on this one (and I would love to hear what you think in the comments) I personally do not feel this is a compassionate option.  Yes, the pupae are spared and allowed to hatch.  But no, it is not a process free of killing.  While the moths who emerge from their silk cocoons will be allowed to live and bread millions of their offspring will die, only they will die of starvation and dehydration approximately one day into their lives rather than of heat exposure within their cocoons.

This is the most comprehensive article I have read that expresses my opinion on this topic, I urge you to give it a read!

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I know this is a tough one for many people to grasp, and I understand, truly.  We don't know if insects can feel pain, and may never be able to determine the truth one way or the other.  But what we DO know is that silk worms have just as much right to live out their lives as we do.  If their deaths were a necessary sacrifice for our survival, I would likely come down on a different side of this argument.  But as I have never heard anyone make a convincing argument for why silk is required for survival, that hypothetical has no bearing on real life.  

While I sympathize with those who make a living in the silk trade, I would urge them to support their families through work that doesn't exploit innocent beings, and for those of us who are lucky enough to have been born into a more privileged life to help create those opportunities.

If we all work together, this amazing planet we call home could be a place of solidarity, compassion, peace, and acceptance - for every creature, whether they be big or small.

Until next time,

I REALLY want to know what your thoughts are on this topic.  Let me know in the comments below!

Linked Up.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

http://www.advantour.com/silkroad/modern-silk-production.htm

http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsusedinclothing/a/Why-Vegans-Do-Not-Wear-Silk.htm

http://www.wormspit.com/peacesilk.htm