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.

February Vegan Cuts Beauty Box Unboxing + Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Welcome back to the blog, I'm so glad to have you!  Today's going to be fun... I have a Vegan Cuts Beauty Box unboxing video for you AND you have the opportunity to enter for the chance to win your very own Beauty Box! 

Without further ado, it's unboxing time!

Watch the video on YouTube HERE!

If you'd rather just subscribe to the box, click here.  For the rest of you, I know you're excited to enter... so good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget you can come back and get more entries every day, so bookmark this page and set a reminder on your phone!

Until next time,

This post contains affiliate links - this means if you click through a link and purchase something, I receive a commission at no extra cost to you!  It's a win-win - you can support me while getting something you already wanted for the regular price!  If you don't want to use my affiliate link (that's totally fine!) just go through a google search.

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!

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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/

Review: e.l.f. Mad For Matte Palette (Vegan & Cruelty-Free)

Hello, friends!  It's time for another beauty review... and this time we're taking a look at the e.l.f. mad for matte eyeshadow palette!  A compact palette of ten neutral matte shades at a very affordable price... but is it any good?  Let's get into it!

​What e.l.f. has to say about it...

'Achieve both beautifully bold or subtle everyday eye looks with these perfectly curated 10 matte eyeshadow shades. This collection of hues is ideal for shading, highlighting, and defining the eyes. The satin matte shadows can be used as a liner, on the lid, and in the crease of the eye for an expertly contoured and blended look.'  (from elfcosmetics.com)

Cost: $10 US

Vegan?  Of course!

Cruelty-Free?  100%.

Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Nylon-12, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol. May Contain:Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Red 40 Lake (CI 16035), Ultramarines (CI 77007) 

This palette comes with a 10 neutral matte shades, ranging from light to dark and cool to warm.  From left to right there is light nude, baby pink, light warm brown, medium pink beige, medium red brown, medium cool brown, medium taupe, dark warm brown, medium gray, and soft black.

The Good

• This palette has a nice range of everyday shades, making this a great starter kit for anyone transitioning to vegan and cruelty-free makeup;
• The matte shades are very wearable and versatile;
• Most of the shades are quite pigmented;
• Very affordable, and;
• Decent longevity of about 5 hours when applied dry with a brush.

The Bad

• The shades are smooth, but slightly chalky which means they can cause fallout, so be sure to tap off the excess before applying and be prepared for a bit of cleanup;
• The two lightest colours don't show up on my skin at all (but would perhaps be pretty on someone with a darker skin tone);
• The darker colours are difficult to blend, and;
• There is no highlight shade for lighter skin tones.

Shade by shade...

light nude... good for setting my primer or concealer on the lid, but not light enough to work as a highlight (basically invisible on my skin).

baby pink... almost invisible and not a good shade for my skin tone.

light warm brown... my go-to eyebrow colour since I picked up this palette!  I used to use omega from MAC, and while this one has a warmer undertone than the cooler taupe of omega, that's actually a better match for my slightly reddish brown hair.

medium pink beige... a very pretty 'no makeup makeup' shade for the crease on days you want your eye look to be subtle, or a lid colour for a more dramatic look.  Blends well.

medium red brown... a pretty everyday crease colour, blends relatively well.

medium cool brown... the cool version of your everyday crease shade, also blends pretty well.

medium taupe... for me this is the cool version of the medium pink beige, aka a great crease shade for subtle eye makeup or a nice lid colour for something dark and dramatic.  Blends well.

dark warm brown... my favourite 'natural' eyeliner shade applied with an angled brush and a nice dramatic crease shade, but is a bit difficult to blend.

medium gray... a pretty late gray shade that is a nice subtle eyeliner or a pretty crease shade.  Blends relatively well.

soft black... my favourite for everyday liner, applied with an angled brush.  Another one that is more difficult to blend.  Wetting the brush can deepen this shade and give it more of a dramatic feel, but it is definitely a SOFT black, not a deep or true black.

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RATING: 4/5

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Final Thoughts:  This is a very good quality palette considering the price point and is a great starter kit for any vegan beauty lover!  I wish it contained a true highlight shade as that would land it squarely in the land of all-in-one everyday eyeshadow palette, but I do think the shades are well varied.  I find the fallout slightly irritating but it doesn't prevent me from using this palette daily.   I dislike shimmery eyeshadow and wear almost exclusively neutral shades, so this palette a big hit - convenient and affordable!

Would I recommend?  I would definitely recommend this palette if you are just starting your makeup collection (or restarting it, as I have been!) or want an all-in-one neutrals palette.  It is also great for those of us without extra cash to spend on expensive single shadows or high-end palettes.  Plus, it's 100% vegan and cruelty-free!

Do you have the e.l.f mad for matte palette?  What did you think?  Is there a vegan and cruelty-free product you'd like me to review or another e.l.f. product that you love?  Let me know in the comments below!  

Also, be sure to check out my list of cruelty-free beauty brands before you head on your next shopping trip!

Until next time,

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