I haven’t worn wool now for 17 years, there are plenty of quality alternatives out there, these are just a few I found while doing some online window shopping.  I found so many that I had to divide them up into the following categories: Chunky Knit, Poncho, Button Cardigan, No-Button Cardigan, Long Sleeve, Short Sleeve, Cowl Neck and Oversized.  Happy shopping!

What’s wrong with wool, you ask?  They don’t kill the animal to get the wool, how inhumane can it possibly be?  To learn more about the cruelty of the wool industry, go HERE.

Check out some of the other vegan fashion & accessory Polyvore sets I’ve done HERE

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If you’ve been a reader of this site for awhile, you know that one of my favorite things to do is to take the annual Lucky Magazine style guides and create ”vegan versions” with cruelty-free alternatives for those of us who are fans of the magazine but want shoes or bags made without leather or silk.

This month’s Lucky contains their Fall Bag Style Guide and covers Front-Pocket Totes, Minaudières, Small Cross-Body Bags, Weekenders, Envelope Clutches, and Two-Strap Satchels.  

This year I started using Polyvore for the first time and it has made the process so much easier, so thank you Polyvore! Enjoy and please let me know what you think!

Update: Thanks Polyvore for the cool write-up in your blog!!

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Have you checked out LovingEco yet?  Think of it as the “guilt-free Gilt Groupe” — eco-fashion and cruelty-free beauty products that you can feel good treating yourself to.  Through a series of limited-time and brand-specific sale events, subscribing consumers are given the opportunity to access and shop for eco-friendly, fair trade and natural products at a discount in fashion and accessories, beauty and products for moms, babies and kids.  Each sale features the best ‘natural’ brands, which are hand-selected and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Additionally, 3% of net proceeds from each purchase is donated to the current ‘tastemaker charity’ to help support a social or environmental cause.

This week’s tastemaker is actress and animal rights activist Shannon Elizabeth who says: I am excited to share my favorites including sexy vegan shoes and purses from Cri de Coeur, natural beauty products from MyChelle, and eco-fashion Jonano and Vaute Couture – love their stunning vegan winter coats.

3% of net proceeds from each purchase will be donated to Farm Sanctuary, Shannon’s favorite charity (and mine too).

Shannon’s Picks will run through Sunday night (9/4).  Shop HERE (after you register – it’s free!)

Follow LivingEco on Twitter HERE
Like them on Facebook HERE

p.s. You can snag the ‘Style For Change’ tank that Shannon is wearing above for $24.95 on LovingEco, and 100% of net proceeds from the purchase go to the cause of your choice (there is a drop box on the site to choose from)!

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A few of my favorite vegan-friendly things right now…. and yes, I lust after food. Don’t judge. ; )

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In my never ending quest to find well-made vegan products, I’m happy to have stumbled upon Malcolm Fontier, an accessories company that works with modern, PVC-free materials like coated canvas, natural linings, and PU trims.

They sent me the wallet pictured (the Mimosa) so I can attest to it’s quality.  It’s sturdy, has no strong smell, and is packaged very nicely in a thin, elegant (cardboard) box.  I received the burgundy one, it also comes in sea blue, brown and black.  I’m not a fan of the color I got, but I think the black one looks very cool.  Priced at $45, it’s good quality for the price, and has a unique look.  In addition, I feel that vegan men are in lacking in cruelty-free product choices (and okay, okay on my site too in general….) and there are some great options here, including the Cuba Libre men’s wallet below ($39).

Malcolm Fontier also sent me two of their new Mojito wallets.  Billed as “The World’s Smallest Wallet”, the Mojitos are designed to hold up to 6 cards/ID’s and some cash (there’s a version, the iMojito that also holds your iPhone).  The Mojito ($25) is a little too simple for me, but the iMojito ($35) could be useful just when you want to throw a few flat items in your back pocket.  A customer comment on one of the pages claims the Mojito “saved” his life when he was held up at gunpoint and was told “that’s too small to be a wallet, what’s in your other pocket?”  Doubt it’s true, but pretty funny.

They also have a line of messenger bags including the nifty Diplomat 13 below.  There’s an “ice blue” color that is very cool.

Anyway, Malcolm Fontier also offers free shipping (you know how I feel about free shipping!) and free returns.  Check out their story and line of products HERE.

Follow the brand on Twitter
Keep up to date with them on Facebook

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I got a nice surprise in the mail a few weeks ago, a bag from cruelty-free company Namaste.  Finding a quality vegan bag is tough, you either get something cute and flimsy that doesn’t last, or something substantial but not in any color you want.  The “Laguna” bag kind of fell in the middle.  I wasn’t too crazy about the color I got (Eggplant – you can see it HERE) but I loved how sturdy the bag felt.  Both the material and the construction feel like they will last.  The bag has strong handles and four little metal feet on the bottom so it stays upright when you set it down.  It’s lined and there are plenty of little pockets and compartments to put your things.

I took the bag with me to Vegas last weekend and used it to pack stuff and as a pool bag.  The color was actually kind of fun.  It’s a little big for me to use every day but a cool travel carry-all for sure.

Namaste has a wide variety of bags and wallets, you can check out their other accessories HERE including the cute “Monroe” below.

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I’ve been on a cruelty-free feather earrings kick recently.  A few weeks ago I posted about the new vegan options at Edge of Urge, and over the weekend I stumbled upon an Etsy shop called the Friendly Feather Shop.  The artist claims she uses “only cruelty-free, natural plumes…naturally molted feathers from happy, healthy birds.” They’re all handmade and one of a kind.  Besides earrings, there are also necklaces and hairpieces, ranging in prices from $10 to $40.

Check out a few of the offerings:

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I recently tried out Polyvore for the first time for my veganized Lucky Magazine Spring Shoe Guide.  The process was sooo much easier, and I appreciate being able to get my own guide out the same weekend that I get this month’s Lucky in the mail. Plus I think they look way cooler. Enjoy and please let me know what you think!

Check out my new Polyvore profile HERE
Previous vegan versions of Lucky style guides include ’10 Fall Shoe Guide, ’10 Fall Bag Guide, and ’10 Spring Shoe Guide: inc. Cork-Soled Platforms and Two Strap Sandals. (Note: since these are months old, most of the links are broken because the products are no longer available).

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Yeah!  Hopefully due to demand, earring designer Jessie Williams has added vegan options to her line of “make your own” earrings featured on indie boutique Edge of Urge.  Previously, shoppers could only choose from real feathers and ones made out of leather.  But the new “make it yourself” vegan options, dubbed “Unicorn Hair” (which reminds me of Two Faced’s “Teddy Bear Hair” make-up brushes) come in “glitter,” “shine” and even “glow in the dark.”

Priced really reasonably at $6 a strand, and another $6 for each silver hoop, you design your own earrings by picking from 15+ colors, in different sizes.  I will definitely be ordering a pair of these (or even just one to wear alone).  I also think they would make cool personalized gifts!

Edge of Urge has also let me know that they will be adding even more vegan options to the “design your own” section soon, including sequin and mesh feathers!

Check out some of the colors below, and the rest of the varieties HERE

To check out Jessie’s handmade animal-friendly earrings (mesh & “feathers”) go HERE

UPDATE! NEW STYLES ADDED! Check out Vegan Dark Magic and Vegan Cosmic Pink HERE

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If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know that one of my favorite things to do is to take Lucky Magazine’s annual style guides and create “vegan versions” with cruelty-free alternatives for those of us who are fans of the magazine but want shoes or bags made without leather or silk.  Normally these guides take me over a week to research products and complete the arduous process of linking images and pages back to my site.

This weekend I tried out Polyvore for the first time and I’m very happy with the results!  The process was sooo much easier, and I appreciate being able to get my own guide out the same weekend that I get this month’s Lucky in the mail.  Plus I think they look way cooler.  Enjoy and please let me know what you think!

Check out my new Polyvore profile HERE

Previous vegan versions of Lucky style guides include ’10 Fall Shoe Guide, ’10 Fall Bag Guide, and ’10 Spring Shoe Guide: inc. Cork-Soled Platforms and Two Strap Sandals. (Note: since these are months old, most of the links are broken because the products are no longer available).

Also! Make sure and check out my Veggywood Shoe Store powered by Amazon.  It contains many of these shoes as well as other hand-picked footwear featured on Vegan Shoe of the Day.  And for some reason, the prices seem to be cheaper than Endless.

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Silk Pure Coconut Milk in Vanilla, approx $3.99 at Grocery Stores
I have not been a fan of drinkable coconut milk until I decided to try Silk’s Pure Coconut in Vanilla on a whim last week shopping at Ralph’s.  I’m completely obsessed with it, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever drank.  Previously I’d been all about Silk’s other foray into non-soy beverages, the Pure Almond Dark Chocolate, but this blows it out of the water.  It’s like drinking a glass of coconut ice cream.  And as an added bonus, it has tons of calcium and vitamin B12.  Seriously, give it a try.

* For a post about other vegan things you can find at Ralphs and other “Not Whole Foods” markets check this out.

Michael Antonio Studio Gala Wedge, $61.10 at Endless HERE
I got these last week, and yes they are as hot as they look.  Even better, actually, as they don’t look cheap at all (in my opinion). 5.75″ heel and 1.25″ wedge? Yes please.

* Also make sure and check out my Veggywood Shoe Store powered by Amazon.  It contains this shoe as well as other hand-picked footwear featured on Vegan Shoe of the Day.  The prices tend to be cheaper than on Endless for some strange reason (as it’s owned by the same company as Amazon).

(Minus The) Leather Limited Edition Jacket, $148 at Express HERE
Despite these last two items, I’m really not a fan of the leather look.  I do enjoy checking out products that seem to duplicate it well and/or put on a unique spin, like this jacket designed by the design editor of Nylon Magazine.  That Nylon, one of the coolest mags out there, chose to design a non-leather jacket is definitely notable.  Although I don’t think this one is for me, it is probably the most well designed faux leather jacket out there right now.  Also has a cute pink lining that you can’t see here.  Plus Express will make a donation to a breast cancer organization with every purchase.

Mamba Leggera by Work Custom Jeans, $440 at Revolve Clothing HERE
So, I know that not only can I not afford these, they would never work with my hips — but a girl can dream.  The new Mama Leggera by  Echo Park’s own Work Custom Jeans is made of an exclusive Japanese synthetic leather, an animal-friendly alternative that is supposedly super supple yet breathable and maintains its shape and form.  Sigh.

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Urban Decay’s Vegan Palette, $34 at Sephora HERE
I was lucky enough to attend the PETA 30th Anniversary Gala last month and even luckier to get one of these gorgeous sets in my gift bag.  It includes six eyeshadows, a travel size eye pencil and an eyeshadow primer potion, all encased inside a beautifully designed case (printed on recycled paper with soy ink).  The like the kit so much it begs the question of why ALL the Urban Decay products aren’t vegan in the first place.  The palette makes a great holiday gift, but grab it fast because it’s a limited edition!

Sequin Slouchy Clutch, $39.90 at Express HERE
Featured in Lucky Magazine!

Monster Ball Mini, $58 at Fred Flare HERE
I like how this dress has little sheer parts peeking out on the arms and along the bottom.

Caryssag Pump, $129.50 at Steve Madden HERE
Lady Bug Sequins by Chinese Laundry, $89.95 at Zappos HERE
5″ heel (Steve Madden) and 4.25″ heel (Chinese Laundry) for plenty of holiday cheer (well, maybe not for the balls of your feet).

Sequin Jacket, $159 at Victoria’s Secret HERE
I’m a sucker for sequins.  I’d love to throw this jacket on over jeans and wear it to a concert.  It comes in navy, smoke and black.  But… I’d probably wear a top.

Glittery Stardust Black Sequin Leggings, $29 at Lulus HERE
These are perfect when you want to dress up for holiday fun but don’t want to go over the top.  You can dress them up with heels, or down with flats and a long tunic.

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Erin Platform Boot, $390 at Endless HERE

Spell Cutout Bootie, $120 on Endless HERE

Velvet Ballet Flat, $90 at Endless HERE

Gypsy Side Fringe Hobo, $390 at Endless HERE

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If it’s two things I can’t get enough of, it’s shoes and bags.  And apparently, I can’t get enough of  Lucky Magazine either.  I recently took their Fall Shoe Guide and posted my own cruelty-free version, so I decided to go ahead and try something similar with their Fall Bag Guide.  The guide features the following styles:  Carryall (Canvas & “Leather”, Two Buckle, Printed), Evening (Sequined Shoulder, Hard Clutch, Beaded Pouch), Satchel (Duffel, Framed, Round Top), Travel (Rolling Suitcase, Weekender, Carry-On), Minibag (Saddlebag, Drawstring, Chain Strap).

Because a good pair of shoes deserves a good bag to go with it.

Check out my posts on the following styles:

Carryall

Evening

Satchel

Travel

Mini-Bag

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Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Vegan Leather Skirt by TULLE, $43 at Lulus HERE
I really think this is super hot, I love the panels and the hint of lace…

ZOYA is a sexy line of nail polishes free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) – chemicals that are known to cause cancer and birth defects.  And just as important, it’s vegan-friendly.  My favorite of their seasonal collections is Dare, a selection of  dark, deep berry colors perfect for Fall.  $36 at Zoya.com HERE.

Chevron Clutch in Black and White, $52 at Moxie HERE
I love, love, love this bag.  100% synthetic leather, cute satin polka-dot lining.  Can be carried as a clutch or with the metal chain strap.

Gala Wedge by Michael Antonio, $75 at Endless HERE
I think the wedge bootie is my favorite fall trend.  I already snagged these from Alloy, and I just stumbled upon this pair from accidentally-vegan-friendly Michael Antonio.  They’ve got a 4 1/2″ heel and 1″ platform.  Also in red, blue and gray.

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Rushes and Reeds Jacket, $228 at French Connection HERE
I don’t know what it is about this jacket.  But I’m obsessed.  I even tried it on at the store the other day like it was a wedding dress.  Maybe it’s the Cruella da Ville vibe, or feather-like beading.  I’d love to wear this over jeans with some boots, it’s a total rock show jacket.  If I wasn’t going to Japan in a few weeks and needed an extra $228 to…well… EAT….

We Who See Fringe Boot, $78 at Urban Outfitters
The number of outfits you could wear this with I think are endless.  They’d work with dresses, skinny jeans, leggings… plus look cool enough to be mistaken for vintage.

Black Vegan Mingus by Matt & Nat, $195 HERE
When I was a kid I hated carrying a backpack.  It seemed infinitely uncool, and symbolized nothing more than the time I had to look forward to doing homework, hours of my childhood I would never get back.  Now years later, the president of my company carries a backpack and I have to say, as I struggle with a heavy and disorganized purse throwing out one of my shoulders, I’m envious. This leather-look backpack by Matt & Nat is sophisticated with clean lines, and a faux gray suede interior.  School-girl never looked so sexy.

Sara Boot by Cri de Coeur, $390 at Endless (late Sept)
These boots have too many things that I love to count: a wedge, wood heel, height, laces.  One thing I don’t love: the price… but I know it means Cri de Coeur quality, and a shoe that is both an investment as well as a piece of art.

The Audrey by Vaute Couture, special introductory price of $310.75 HERE
This coat, designed by the lovely Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart leaves me speechless… and wanting to move immediately to a city where winter temperatures dip below 65 — so I can actually wear it.  Preferably every day.  And the promise of a camel color version?  I wonder what the going rent in Antarctica is these days.

(Minus the Leather) Side-Zip Pant, $59.90 at Express HERE
Part of their cheeky and vegan-friendly “(Minus the)” line, these sexy pants also have zipper detailing going up the sides that is hard to see from this photo.  Not sure if I’d be brave enough to wear these with a tucked in shirt, but hey — when in rome, right?

Glittering Leatherette Wallet, $7.50 at Forever 21 HERE
Imagine pulling this out of your bag to pay for your next drink at a grungy dive bar.  It would be like offering the bartender a giant lollypop.  And who doesn’t want to be reminded of candy 24/7, really?

Also, check out some of my  other recent vegan fashion posts!

Lucky Magazine Fall Bag Guide: The Cruelty-Free Version

Lucky Magazine Fall Shoe Guide: The Cruelty-Free Version

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Lucky Magazine Fall Bag Guide: The Cruelty-Free Version

Lucky Magazine Fall Shoe Guide: The Cruelty-Free Version

Cri de Coeur & Heart of Darkness Fall Preview

Massive Fall Vegan Boot Guide (50+ Styles!)

Rebel With A Cause: Faux Leather Jackets

Note:  Some of these were posted a few weeks ago, so if a link isn’t working, it most likely means the item sold out!

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If it’s two things I can’t get enough of, it’s shoes and bags.  And apparently, I can’t get enough of Lucky Magazine either.  I recently took their Fall Shoe Guide and posted my own cruelty-free version, so I decided to go ahead and try something similar with their Fall Bag Guide.  The guide features the following styles:  Carryall (Canvas & “Leather”, Two Buckle, Printed), Evening (Sequined Shoulder, Hard Clutch, Beaded Pouch), Satchel (Duffel, Framed, Round Top), Travel (Rolling Suitcase, Weekender, Carry-On), Minibag (Saddlebag, Drawstring, Chain Strap).

Because a good pair of shoes deserves a good bag to go with it.

Check out my posts this week on Carryall, Evening, Satchel, and Travel! Our lasty Lucky-picked style is the Minibag.  Lucky calls these their three favorite types:

1. Saddlebag

Intermixed Saddle Bag, $31.13 at The Sak HERE

Mini Leopard Crossbody Bag, $25 at Threadsence HERE

Main St. Mini Crossover Purse, $18 at Fred Flare HERE

Magnifique Green Purse, $29 at Lulus HERE

2. Drawstring

Nine West Cinched Small Drawstring, $98 at Endless HERE

Freebird Small Drawstring, $31.13 at The Sak HERE

3. Chain Strap

Black Quilted Faux Leather Handbag, $32.99 at Ami Clubwear HERE

Quilted Bow Shoulder Bag, $17.80 at Forever 21 HERE

Autumn Cross Body Bag, $98 at French Connection HERE

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