The Fashionable Side of The Pit
Vanity. It's a part of our every day lives. We need it, we want it, we enjoy it. It's often disguised as "confidence" or style. I've previously mentioned my tendency to want to shop shop shop, glamorize myself, and indulge in beauty products. Somehow this resulted in my laziness and detachment of my prior commitment to a cruelty-free life. Years ago, as a vegan, I didn't focus on hair products, skin moisturizers, or outfits that made me feel untouchable. Now, as a lesbian and a writer, a lot of my time is consumed reading glossy magazines and folding pages of items I "must have".
Well I'm here to make a vow to you. I will not purchase an item that is tested on animals, no matter how euphoric it makes me feel when I place the open container to my nose. I will not purchase a pair of leather shoes, even when I get the feeling they will change my life and make me happy forever. I will appreciate the Method products that line my countertop and never buy a cheaper version of a cleaning supply because a) they are not as pretty and b) they do not include a lovely message of love on the back (NEVER tested on animals, vegan, biodegradable). Not to mention, Method products are really cheap now and will make you feel as if you are indulging.
I haven't done SO terribly the last couple of years. I haven't bought leather shoes for myself, but I did buy a pair for my girlfriend because I simply knew they would make her birthday memorable. I haven't eaten meat since I was nine, and that will never change. I've converted a few devoted carnivores into vegetarians. I've saved cats and dogs. Still, I'm back to investigating, sharing, and purchasing cruelty-free, vegan, AWESOME products. I expect you to do the same, here's some help:
www.AlternativeOutfitters.com - go! Although it's not difficult to go to Aldo or any other major shoe store, check the shoe's materials, and walk away with an awesome pair of all man made material footwear, shopping at your online fashion stores is a lot more fun. Plus you support the cause at the same time. You will find cute girly stuff for a reasonable rate on this site.
Want a pair of shoes that will stay in your closet forever and not fall apart? Shoes and bags that I guarantee your friends WILL ask you about and want? Go to www.MooShoes.com. It's a bit pricier, but it is worth it. I've had many totes and shoes from this store and they last forever. They are unique and look expensive. What more can you want? Plus when people ask you about your new fabulous accessories you get to point out that they can get an awesome pair of shoes that don't harm animals (or people). So many websites are offering a "vegan" tab now. Don't let it scare you, embrace it.
Now ... products. Simply can't live without L'Oreal? Use their new EverPure line. I'm not sure why they didn't take the plunge in making ALL their products vegan and cruelty-free but I'm assuming this line is to "put it out there" and see if their customers are interested in actually being green (seriously people... being green does not mean buying a product that says "green" on it... it actually involves some work and reading of labels). So, let's show L'Oreal that yes, we will only buy their EverPure products.
You can still buy a lot of products you see reviewed in magazines. Did you know that Clinique does NOT test on animals? Either does Origins or M.A.C. All it takes is ONE google search of "products that DON'T test on animals". Check out a list, write down a few companies that put a smile on your face, and stick to them for a while! This is the easiest way for a beginner, and soon I think you'll find yourself more educated and memorizing more lines that you no longer feel guilty about supporting. Take the above simple steps, and let me know how it goes (and how good you feel).
