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You see, the most challenging wardrobe issues for vegans are in the winter when wool, leather, down, shearling, & fur rule. While cruelty-free choices are expanding and compassionate dressing is evolving, it is still considered (when it is considered at all) an unconventional way of dressing--most often because people are unaware of the true meaning and impact of the clothing choices they make. That, as we are seeing, will change with time and education.

In the meantime, enter spring! Cotton, linen, rayon and lighter fabrics, in general, abound. Vegans can now shop the fashion trends and be reasonably assured of finding animal-friendly fabrics (silk is the one exception this time of year so be sure to read labels carefully).

Knowing all that, how do you wade through the options and choose where to spend your money to build a beautiful spring wardrobe? What trends are worth it and which ones are not?

Here's a little compassionate style guide to help you make wise and budget-friendly choices:

* THE GOOD

COLOR -- Color always takes precedence over other style factors when considering what to buy. If the color is not flattering, move on. A style is rarely worth giving it a second look unless the color makes you sparkle.

This season, while black, of course, is a perennial favorite, color is in (see the "ugly" category for more on color), and it is bright, bright, bright, especially yellow (be careful!) and blue. Thankfully, pastels are not as prominent as they were last spring (they are dreary on many people), but you will find an overabundance of nudes and neutrals. They were popular at the academy awards, and while it can be refreshing, it is also a very tricky look. Get the shade of nude wrong for your skin, and it is a fashion disaster.

COLORFUL HANDBAGS -- Not only are we seeing oversized handbags continuing as a staple in women's wardrobes, but they are also super bright. It can be a fun way to add color and interest to your wardrobe without having the color overwhelm you. Thankfully, there are also great options in vegan-friendly materials like PU (polyurethane), also known as faux leather Colorful Vegan Handbag

If a handbag the size of Milwaukee is not your style, how about a sleek messenger handbag -- also called a cross body bag because it has a long strap that you wear across your body. The bag should be relatively small and as flat to your body to your body as possible -- do not overfill it or you run the risk of having one hip look enormous. It is a terrific style for traveling or anytime you need both hands free.

FLORAL PRINTS -- I'm trying to remember when florals have not been a popular spring trend. It is certainly appropriate to the season and lovely for those who enjoy wearing a flower motif. This season brings a welcome new twist on the floral theme -- watercolor florals. The flowers have a softer, slightly more ethereal look to them which means that women who usually avoid florals can wear them with style! Check it out!

ROMANTIC BLOUSES -- Last year we saw the return of the tie neck blouse. Thankfully, that has transformed into this season's version which is feminine and pretty without being cloying. Soft ruffles cascade down the front of the blouse and many of the ruffles blend in quietly with the print. The effect is gentle, understated and very wearable. This is one of the trends, however, that often comes in silk so vegans must read the label carefully. Spring Vegan Blouse

MAXI DRESSES -- They are everywhere (American Idol fans know this!) -- long, almost hippie-style dresses, and young women are having a field day with them. Those of us who are a bit older can still wear them but give yourself a reality check before purchasing (or wearing) one. They are meant to be worn casually with a relatively low heel or flat sandal or try this year's necessity -- the low wedge heel. Most dresses are available in cotton, rayon, polyester or tencel lyocell (made from wood pulp) so have fun shopping! Pretty Vegan Maxi Dress

* THE BAD

TAPERED TROUSERS -- Wear these only if you can afford to add the illusion of pounds to your hips (the fullness of the pleats adds volume) and want your legs to look shorter. This trend will, hopefully, be fleeting.

SHEER DRESSING -- Being transparent, propriety and good taste dictate that something be worn underneath this look. Since this style is generally worn in hot weather, wearing another layer kind of defeats the purpose. If you don't, however, you risk exposing everything. Yikes!

* THE UGLY

COLOR -- I promised I would be back with more about color. Stop with the yellow already. And, while you're at it, get rid of the light gray. It made a pronounced appearance last Fall and is still hanging on. In fact, we're even seeing yellow and gray paired together in one outfit -- oh, please! Not only are both colors hard to wear but those who can wear yellow look dreadful in gray and the reverse is true as well. Make a bold statement and bypass both unless you are absolutely sure it is flattering. If you must have yellow in your wardrobe (especially if you know it is not your best color), buy a yellow handbag like this one: Yellow Vegan Handbag

JUMPSUITS -- While I am a fan of some jumpsuits, the elegant and slimming ones are too hard to find to make this a viable look. Unfortunately, for the most part, this season's interpretation of the trend is downright ghastly. Who decided that strapless jumpsuits are a good idea. To make matters worse, they come in a cropped version and a "romper" (a short jumpsuit) creating this season's babydoll look that infantilizes women. My suggestion: stay far, far away from this trend unless you are 10 years old!

GLADIATOR SANDALS -- Why is this trend still around? When worn with a dress, these shoes are universally unflattering. If you really feel inclined to wear them, do it with pants -- otherwise they make your legs look short and your ankles look heavy -- don't say I didn't warn you!

SNAKESKIN -- Sadly, snakeskin accessories (snakes are often skinned alive because there is a belief that the skins are more supple that way) are considered status symbols this season. Now, the look (for those who want it) can be had in faux snakeskin as seen here: Faux Snakeskin Sandals

For the most part, this season's vegan fashions are lovely. They are feminine without being overly frilly (an unusual feat for the springtime styles), and there is color to be found (and not just pastels!). Vegans can be stylish, cool, and still honor their values. Remember to shop early since the season is short, and the best choices are often gone by the time it really gets warm enough (at least in the north) to enjoy them. Happy Spring!