Chic Vegan

Spring is finally here, and why is it that I never remember about spring rain until it is 5 days into a nonstop downpour and I’m talking to doorknobs because I have not left the apartment? Ah, preparation – a virtue I definitely lack. Now that I live in rain country (Pacific Northwest), I have to stock up on rubberized… everything. How lovely!

Whether you are in a city of constant rain, or a suburb of random showers, it is always important to look cute when its soggy. There is nothing worse than feeling like the weather. Here are some choice weather-proofing options to help you survive spring showers. The flowers are coming next, I promise!

Boots

Earth Elite, $82

Fancy Wellies! Lady N Hunter Boots, $140

Retro Birdie Rain Boots, $24.99

Chooka Koi Boots, $49.95

Sorrel Sorrellington, $98.96

See by Chloe, $199

Bogs Classic, $82

Old reliable: Hunter Wellingtons, $115

Umbrellas

Big Fish Umbrella, $27.99

Panda-monium Umbrella, $14.99

Heart Polka Dot Parasol Umbrella, $24

For the umbrella aficionado:  Bella Pagoda B & W Pinwheel Umbrella, $129

Sky Umbrella, $48

Raincoats

The “Rumsey” by North Face, $86

Sunny Disposition Trench, $84.99

Scantron Raincoat, $72.99

For those of you with deeper pockets: L.A.M.B. Drape Front Jacket, $345

Columbia “Surefire” Softshell Jacket, $80 (I own this, and it is amazing!)

I was lucky enough to score (and by score I mean, I won) tickets to the Vaute Couture Fashion Show in NYC on Monday from  ecorazzi.com.  This show was part of  The Green Shows, and was held at a nice little green condo building in the East Village.

I could not have asked for a better experience with my first fashion show. The ever-fabulous  Michael DuDell from ecorazzi.com introduced me to vegan internet phenoms, Chloe Jo Davis and Joshua Katcher.  I also had a moment to say hi to the  sweet as honey Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart – the creator of Vaute Couture.  All in all, a big day for this little introverted blogger! (more…)

Keeping with the whole theme of embracing cold weather and making the best of it: Here are some winter accoutrements to keep you oh so toasty while looking fabulous.

I don’t know about you folks but I have a whole closet overflowing with hats, scarfs, and gloves (most of the fingerless persuasion). My winter sock collection is also unrivaled by most. There is nothing more fun than layering on the most ridiculous accessories for the sake of warmth. It’s like a free pass to be silly.

These fun pieces can be worn for fashion or for fun, but either way they will keep you toasty!
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The holidays are in full force and unfortunately so is the cold, bitter air. I recently got last season’s winter coats out of storage and have discovered that I don’t officially love any of them.  How sad. They are nice and all but nothing outstanding.   Good thing there is an abundance of stand out sheep-butt free coats to keep my booty warm available at everywhere from chain stores like Target, to specialty indie clothing websites like Modcloth. Can someone say Christmas presents? (ahem.. I wear an xs.)

If you have not yet found your ideal winter warmth-maker, or you are jonesin’ for something new, here are some warm, fashionable, and  animal friendly options. Most are of the pea coat variety, and all are awesome.

Amber Road Coat in Brown Houndstooth
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It appears that the cold weather is coming much more quickly than most of us would like. But hey, who can argue with mother nature? Being the bright-side looker that I am, I have decided its better to concentrate on all the good things about the inevitable chilly weather. Things like soup, sweaters, holiday gatherings, hot tea and snowy days.  Whether we like it or not, the cold is right around the corner. That means we now need stuff to keep us warm.  Luckily this year vegan fashion is on steroids and we have more choices than ever! It is so exciting! We have gone from our only option being a flimsy, boxy, fleece, pea-coat-looking-thing to having the choice from an incredible array of gorgeous couture and warm, stylish outerwear.

For the couture lover with a lot of money to spend is the much coveted  Vaute Coat by Vaute Couture. All proceeds from this adorable coat go to Farm Sanctuary. This beauty is vegan, eco-friendly, and made in Chicago. It also claims to be windproof, heat retaining, and water resistant, which means its warm, warm, warm! (more…)

The weather here on the east coast has drastically changed in the past two days. The humidity is gone. It is a nice breezy 70 degrees out. I could just roll around in the grass all day.  It is a nice change from the ultra humid 90 degree days we have been having.

All this niceness had gotten me to thinking about the fall and how much I enjoy fall fashion.  I love the cozy, laid back styles. And oh.. the layers. I love layers.  Here are some interesting ethical fall fashion related finds I have recently stumbled upon.

Olsen Haus does it again with their ultra funky fall line of shoes. Also check out their Fall 09 Lookbook.

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Embodies really embodies (sorry I couldn’t resist) the idea of a fashion forward eco and health conscious existence.  Everything that is sold on this site is beautiful, unique and of fantastic quality from many companies which pride themselves on a sustainable product. (more…)

Newcomer to the vegan and eco fashion scene, Vaute Couture, is having a fashion sketch contest open to anyone who has big talent, and an even bigger heart.

All you have to do is submit a sketch for one (or all three) of their Coat Categories. If your design is chosen, you will not only win $1000, but your design will be turned into an eco-friendly, vegan, and beautiful winter coat. Also, all proceeds from one of the three coats will be going to Farm Sanctuary.

For more info on Vaute Couture and the contest, check out their website.

In a few weeks, the nights and mornings will be growing colder and Jackets and blazers are helpful to keep the chill away.  I prefer simple pieces that go well with anything,  that I can throw off and on as needed.  However, it can be hard to find cute cover-ups made without wool.  Here are my sheep-butt-free picks for this fall:

Gap Double-placket belted coat -Totally cotton and totally cute. This jacket is a lighter alternative to the winter peacoat. (more…)