Every time we buckle a leather belt, don a fur coat, or slip on diamond earrings, we enter the controversies surrounding these items and the animal, environmental, and labor expenses they incur. Thanks to Ingrid Newkirk and PETA, the ethical issues surrounding fur are all over the news and billboards, and thanks to Blood Diamond, we know more about conflict mining, too. Fortunately, innovations in synthetic products that equal, and in some cases, rival, the quality of these controversial items allow us all to live a little more ethically without sacrificing style.

Fur?

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Ladies and gentlemen, I’m a certifiable fan of sequins, glitter and sparkles of all kinds, but the Alice + Olivia Sequin Hobo is a LOT of sequins. It really and truly earned its name, and it might need to come with some sort of eye protection warning.

Be that as it may, I still find myself oddly drawn to it. I probably wouldn’t like it in person because I don’t like bags that large that have such long, thin straps, but a bunch of olive-khaki sequins is certainly something that you could add to almost any ensemble in order to attract a little more attention to your sartorial choices. One w

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Besides Dad, a hankie, and comfortable shoes, every bride has to have some other vitally important things ready before she walks down the aisle. Namely, she needs those four precious items: something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Many brides are finding creative and unusual ways to incorporate the color into their wedding day trousseaux.

“I Do” Shoe Appliqué

Even the bride who dreams of a perfectly white wedding can hide a little flash of color on the sole of her shoe. With

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Oh, Caroline, not only divine but you read my mind and hit the nail right on the head. I’ve always sincerely admired Tim Gunn, both as a trusted mentor to those contestants, and as a man of integrity and intelligence, not to mention a clearly excellent educator. Through work I’ve also seen him speak in his capacity as part of the management board for Liz Claiborne. He’s a man whose manners, intelligence, commitment to being an excellent educator, and generosity and fairness have always caused me to have a crush on him—but when he spoke candidly, fairly, and plainly about Gretchen, I almost jumped off the couch. I didn’

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This leather wrap bracelet is one of those discoveries that causes instant obsession. It has everything going for it—lots of layers, natural materials, and a cool, bohemian vibe that’s perfect for now. When Wendy showed up with one at our Daily Grommet offices, we were all a little envious. So we wouldn’t blame you for wanting one, too. But be warned. Your friends will admire it and strangers will stop you on the street. It’s that kind of trendsetter.

The creator is Jenna Scott, who makes each bracelet by hand. She suspends colorful stones between a pair of leather cords for a look that’s casual, but with impeccable finishing. Her Mixed

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