Yellow Cloche, $30

Bolero Air Force Jacket, $45 (vintage)

Knee High Socks with Bows, $8.90

Sweater Skirt, $28 (vintage)

Wildberry Cowl, $25

Mod, Tan Handbag, $16 (vintage)

Soft and Cuddly Shawl, $39

70′s Clog Platforms, $49 (vintage)

Falling Twig Necklace, $24

Thrifty Grocery Shopping Addendum

There were some wonderful comments on part one of this article which made me realize I missed a key budget shopping point!  Comparison shopping is probably the best way to save money while grocery shopping.  Check out your weekly circulars or email updates from your favorite stores. You can also only buy produce that is on sale and flex your culinary muscles by developing new recipes with the random items you have bought.  And did you know that there are these magical places called salvage grocery stores? They are kind of like food outlets and you can find some wonderful bargains.  (A special thanks to Miss Molly Horn for these additions. )

Now, on to some fabulous  fashion tips for all of you busy (and broke) collegiate ladies!

Reduce, Re-use, Up-cycle!

Before you toss the clothes you haven’t worn in years, stop and evaluate them closely. Why are you going to get rid of this?  Is it too big for you? Too small? Is there a rip, burn or stain? If there is some aspect of this piece that you still love, be it the fabric, the cut, or the buttons – Save it and turn it into something else. Turn an old pair of jeans into a skirt, a sweater into a tote bag.. use your imagination and learn some crafty skills along the way!

Go to a thrift store and consider what the clothing can become instead of what it is. $30 and a bit of time can give you a whole new season of clothes. Plus you’ll be known as “that cool indie chick”.  Check out this girl who is making totally adorable clothing from $1 thrift dresses that most people would typically turn up their noses.

If you are not the crafty, sew-y type, just learn to embrace the amazing world of vintage shopping. And I’m not talking about buying a tacky 80′s prom dress on Ebay for $200. I’m talking about down and dirty second-hand shopping. The frustrations! The endless searches! The questionable odors!  But working for that perfect (super cheap!) item is worth the feeling of satisfaction you get when you find it.

Adventures In Shopping

Evaluate every purchase -  Every time you go to make a purchase ask your self – “Do I really need this?”  Most of the time you don’t.  An easy way to  squash impulse buying is by doing the 48 hour test. Wait 48 hours after finding something you “have to have” and see if you still want it badly.

Buy off season - A $300 winter coat for $60? Yes, please! At the end of each season, every store has a blowout sale. This is when you should buy your clothes. I have solemnly promised myself to never purchase anything at full price (unless it is from an indie business, but that is a story for another time). If you have the patience to let new items sit in your closet for a few months, you will save loads of money!

Don’t buy trendy nonsense - Don’t buy any trends that you know will only last a season. Sometimes these trends are obvious (trucker hats, ponchos) and sometimes they are not, but just try to use your best judgement. If it is a trend that is popping up in every teen boutique.. it probably wont last too long. The best way to save time and money is to develop your own unique and timeless style. That way you are not heading out to stores every season to stock back up on clothes.

Buy quality staple pieces – You should probably fork over a good amount of cash to purchase staple components of your wardrobe, like blazers, the little black dress, white button up, and jeans. This may seem counter-intuitive, but these timeless pieces should remain just that – timeless. They should be quality items that will last for years to come. The initial investment will be worth avoiding the stress of purchasing these same items over and over.

Budget! - You shouldn’t be buying anything unless you have it budgeted in every month. When I was in college, I had all of my expenses planned out except for clothing purchases. I would then randomly go on shopping excursions and blow my whole budget! Or I would put it on a credit card. Bad news. Don’t ever put anything other than emergencies on a credit card. Ever. You will regret it.

Quick Dress Tips

Did you know Einstein wore the same outfit everyday so he wouldn’t waste his precious mental energy deciding what to wear? You may not be developing the Theory of Relativity but you have a lot going on!  Getting dressed every day should not be stressful or time consuming.

Opt for comfort - Everything you own should be comfortable.  I personally cannot concentrate on anything if I am wearing something that is uncomfortable or restricting. When trying on clothing, be sure to move around a lot – sit down, bend over, do jumping jacks.. whatever. And only buy shoes you can comfortably walk in….even heels, ladies.

Develop a core wardrobe -  Most of your closet should contain items that can easily be worn with each other. This is another post in itself, and thankfully Megan over at Charade has covered this beautifully.

Mis-match – I randomly go through phases where I will throw on random things in my closet without giving it much thought or consideration. Those are the days I get the most comments. Have fun and play!

Plan out your outfits for the week -  Or at least the night before. There is nothing better than getting dressed and going! This is also a great time management tip if you find yourself getting lost in your closet every morning and then getting to class late.

Stay tuned next week for Part Three of A Thrifty guide For College Bound Vegans covering cruelty free  beauty and makeup!

Photo Cred : This stunning lady.

So lets have a brief sneak preview of some notable footwear for the colder months.

Olsen Haus

From left to right: Force, Innocence and Harmony. All made from recycled TV Screen Microfiber!
Check out the Fall ’10 Lookbook.

Cri De Coeur

Yes, I know I already covered this line, but seriously… look at those Dillon boots. From left to right: Ravishing Above-Knee Boot, Brilliance Platform Boot, and Dillon Over-Knee Wedge Boot.
All Fall ’10 shoes are ready for purchase.

Beyond Skin

For all you Euro- shoe lovers out there.. Beyond Skin has some sassy boots for the fall.  From left to right: Renee, Roxanne, and Romeo.

For those on a more realistic budget.. here are some affordable boots for your viewing pleasure.

Go Max, Shelby from LuLu’s. $56

Anne Michelle, Revenge Bootie from LuLu’s. $44

Boot from Vegan Chic. $48

Plaza Slouch Boot from Alternative Outfitters. $54

Wild Diva, Vernita Whicky from LuLu’s. $33

Hemet Boot from Bakers. $99

Amy Kathryn
Amy Kathryn makes fun and funky handbags made from animal and eco-friendly faux-leather. She specializes in creating unique patterns to compliment functional designs. Her collection includes handbags, clutches, diaper bags, wallets and even computer cases.

Cherry Berry
These bags are serious vegan luxury.  Cherry Berry is dedicated to making the finest products while using the most sustainable vegan “leathers” they can find. The result? Beauty!

GG2G
This company is one of my best bets for “The Next Big Thing” in sustainable and vegan accessories.  All GG2G items are made from recycled materials such as salvaged vinyl, highway billboard, bicycle inner tube, recycled glass bottles, P.E.T and other sustainable fabrics. Who ever knew old diner seating could be so beautiful?

Ro & Co
Ro & Co is a vegan owned Eco-luxury brand  for women and men desiring an alternative to leather that is of luxurious quality and affordably-priced.  These bags are gorgeous and incredibly well made with sustainable faux-leathers.

Melie Bianco
Melie Bianco specializes in affordable luxury. Creator, Melissa Song, puts some top-notch construction into her trend-invoking bags that are taking the fashion world by storm, but giving our wallets a break!

REVEAL
If you can’t tell already, REVEAL is my new favorite shop! Each wonderfully chic bag  is made from one of many sustainable materials like bamboo, hemp, or recycled polyester. And for every purchase you make, REVEAL plants a tree!

Pansy Maiden
These bags are fun, flirty, functional and hella sustainable.. Laura Collins, owner and designer has quite possibly the best about page ever. I am fascinated with her genuinely ethical, and totally transparent business model.  This little lady is after my heart!

“I believe materials made with animal products are completely unsustainable. I will never use leather, wool, or silk to build my bags, and I wash my fabric using a plant-based, ecofriendly detergent. When glue is called for, I use an animal-derivative-free brand.  The mills where my fabrics are sourced abide by Fair Trade regulations, are GOTS and SKLA certified, and the dyes they use are plant-based, non-sulfur dyes (no harmful chemical run-off). I work mainly with organic, reclaimed or vintage material and donate all my scraps to local art programs and/or artists.”

Susan Nichole
This veg-owned line of bags ranges from hippie-chick to saucy-chic. Susan Nichole bags are beautiful, timeless and carry a profound message.

This frontier-chic inspired line features chunky boots with meticulous detail and wedge heels! The most exciting thing for me about the wedge heels is that you can look glamorous and stylish while being comfortable and not teeter-tottering all over the city. This is awesome since I walk a lot and find myself frequently opting for sneakers or boring flats. Below is the Charlie bag, Sara boots and Dillon boots (and faux fur).

The cowgirl-glam Lucy Tote! This is Cri de Coeur’s first line of bags and the start of a beautiful friendship between them and I.

The super fun Assymetrical Pump and the playful Jean Clogs both feature comfort and style.. a trend I hope catches on!

Next up is everyone’s favorite: The Heart of Darkness line. This line is filled with adorable, affordable shoes.  Although this is their economy line, every single pair of shoes is of the highest quality and completely gorgeous.

Shown below is the Brilliance Platform Boot, Glamour Velvet Pump,  Ravishing Over-Knee Boot, and Luster Peep-toe Pump.

Cri de Coeur’s FW2010 line will be available for purchase very soon! You can also check them out on the runway of the Veg Expo’s Vegan Fashion Show in Albany, NY!

Site | Facebook |  Twitter

Be a Vegan Model!

There is absolutely no shape, size, experience or look requirement. You just need to have that vegan glow and be ready to have some fun. The perks? You get to meet some really cool people and get a bunch of swag! All you have to do is send in a headshot and full body photo (professional photos not required!) and answer these questions and you will be entered to win the contest. Check out the official Veg Expo page for complete details on how to enter.

The contest will be judged by a brilliant panel of inspirational people such as Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart from Vaute Couture and Chloe Jo Davis from Girlie Girl Army.

Those selected to model will receive the following goodies:

• Gift certificates to Moo Shoes, Vegan Essentials, Turtle Mountain & Cow Jones Industrials
• A t-shirt from Herbivore Clothing Company
• A copy of Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin’s Skinny Bitch or Skinny Bastard
• Canoe boats (aka “twinkies”) from X’s to O’s Vegan Bakery

Remember, models of any shape or size, male or female are encouraged to enter. This contest opens August 2nd and closes August 20th.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO about your a chance to be in the Vegan Fashion Show. I hope to see you there!

Oh and they are also  in need of volunteer makeup artists and hair stylists. If you’re interested or know of anyone who is, please contact Kristin at AlbanyVegNetwork(at)gmail(dot)com.

Did you know that Etsy is one of the best places to find adorable vegan bags for affordable prices? It is! Here are some great shops that are proudly creating some beautiful vegan handbags.

Yellow Wallpaper – Adorably bright clutches and handbags. Love the texture of the materials and the funky hardware!

Mehran – I covered this shop in one of my recent newsletters, but good things are always worth repeating. LOVE THIS SHOP!

Pansy Maiden -Ultra cute and sustainable bags coming from a creator with a lovely mission.

Ninu – These intricately crafted bags will reel in the compliments.

Crystalyn Kae – I’ve been a fan of Crystalyn Kae for a long time. Her well made, unique bags are funky and classy all at once!

This is the second part of the article I wrote last week  about what the true price of cheap clothing is. I was surprised to discover that many of you are going through (or have gone through) the same moral dilemma as me.  Inexpensive, cheaply made clothing produced by large companies are typically void of ethical business practices. This clothing is produced by underpaid workers, using toxic production methods for either the material or final product. Large corporations push out small businesses and designers creating a monopoly of cheaply made, cookie cutter clothing. What is an ethical girl on a budget to do?

Now it is obvious that supporting an industry that actively chooses to produce vegan, environmentally  friendly, sustainable products will help make those products readily available and more affordable in the future. However, I know that most of you (myself included) are on a strict budget and can’t afford to buy clothing from ethical designers although you would really like to.  Below are some great ways to shop ethically, on the cheap!

Vintage - Vintage shopping is a great way to recycle, shop frugally and develop your own killer style. I am a huge advocate of vintage shopping and think that on top of all the other perks, it is so much fun! Try out your local vintage shops. While Goodwill and The Salvation Army can sometimes have good finds, you may have more luck with smaller shops. For more info check out: The Comprehensive Guide To Thrifting Like a Champ.

Etsy – Oh, Etsy. How I love you so. For those of you that don’t know, Etsy is a huge marketplace for creators. There are thousands of little shops selling handmade jewelry, clothing, and beauty products. There is even an option to search locally, so you ensure your purchase will be supporting your local economy.

Get creative – If you are looking for a new hobby, maybe you could start making your own clothing and accessories! You could upcycle clothing purchased second hand to create a custom piece you would love to wear. Try to think of new and exciting ways to use recycled and sustainable materials.

Be a deal hunter – Many vegan designers frequently have huge sales either directly (50% off at Beyond Skin right now!) or through membership sites like Rue La La, and Beyond The Rack. Membership is free if you can score an invitation code.

Buy off season – At the end of each season, scour your favorite indie sites and local boutiques for sales. I have found that you can typically find pieces for 50-70% off and sometimes even more. You can wear your finds during the season transition and during future seasons to come. If you buy all of your clothes off season you can save piles of money, the only thing you need is patience.

Buy less. Buy timeless - Instead of buying a ton of random items that end up in the back of your closet with no partner, try to purchase with intention. Developing a “core wardrobe” is a great idea and can save you time, money and frustration. Also, make sure your purchases aren’t obvious trends that will only last a season.  Super trendy clothing will only make you look like everyone else and waste a whole lot of money.

Lately I have been having an internal conflict about certain products that I regularly suggest as “cruelty-free” options for women on a budget. This consists of clothes, shoes and accessories from chain stores such as Forever 21, H&M, Target and other corporations that offer hoards of clothes for incredibly affordable prices. Although these products are technically vegan, it is more of an accidental side effect of cheap mass production. Sure $20 shoes are wonderful for our wallets but what effect do they have on the rest of the world?

Whenever we spend money on a purchase, we are supporting the industry and ethics behind the company. Our purchase is a vote towards that company and their practices.  Do we really wish to support inhumane working conditions, environmental destruction, and corporate greed? Even if animal cruelty is not involved in the process, does that make it ok?

This recent revelation came when I made a quick stop by Forever 21 a few days ago to pick up some basic pieces that I so desperately needed. I spent a bit of time sifting through the endless racks of clothing and trying to control my heart palpitations induced by the cheapest fashionable clothes I had ever encountered. Upon returning home I dumped a huge pile of clothes onto the bed and marveled at the wonder of what $60 can buy. Then I thought about it. Why were these clothes so cheap? What corners are cut that make mass produced clothing so cheap and independently produced clothing so unbearably expensive?  Why does this belt smell like poison?

Most cheap clothing is made in factories by underpaid workers doing their jobs in squalor. Unfortunately like many industries out there, these companies are expected to adhere to vague regulations and monitor production themselves. Think this is only an issue in Asian countries? Think again. It happens in the good ol US of A.

Conventional clothing production puts heaps of toxins into our air, water and bodies. It supports forest destruction and unfair situations for farmers. Cotton production uses more pesticides than any other single crop in the world!

Companies conveniently offering low prices push out small businesses and ruin local economies. They take business away from small shops owned by a single person devoted to quality goods and personal service.

It is often argued that these large businesses provide jobs, but in retail they typically employ people who do not give back to the local economy, and spend most of their money at their place of employment – like teenagers, or younger persons with no mortgage or property tax.

Large retail companies are known to throw out or even burn clothing after each season, instead of giving those garments to charities and people who could greatly use them.

Inexpensive clothing is not made as well as its designer or independent counterpart. After clothing falls apart, stretches or develops holes we are forced to go buy more clothing, creating more waste.

Many trendy chains (I’m looking at you Forever 21) rip off designers who have worked hard to develop their line and a quality product. They sell these sub-par rip-offs for ridiculously cheap prices, devaluing the work of real artists.

Supporting an industry that actively chooses to produce vegan, environmentally  friendly, sustainable products will help make those products readily available and more affordable in the future.

Now the question is – How do we still wear fashionable, and affordable clothing while remaining an ethically well-rounded individual?  THAT my friends is in Part 2 of this article.

Hot Spot Romper, $45

Sugar Snap Romper, $38

BCBG Strapless Skort Romper, $128

Ruffle Blouse Two In One Playsuit, $67

Button Belted Military Playsuit, $42

Piqué Cross-Front Jumper, $38

Ruffled Trims Romper, $14

Apiarist Romper, $35