Thanks to Anne Hurley, founder of James&Co., I’ve found my new “out and about” staple!

Based in Australia, the James&Co. line of vegan leather jackets come in an array of styles and various colors for an authentically personal choice.

Not sure how to choose? Here is a guide:

1. Do you tend to dress in neutral colors? Choose a jacket with a pop of color, to make a personal statement.
2. Does your style usually include various colors? Pull your outfit together with a neutral color.
3. Know your body type.

The tight moto style can show off your figure.

The “boyfriend” moto is a bit more forgiving in the middle.

The blazer can really compliment an hourglass figure.

The trench is a great choice if you like more coverage and the option to cinch your waist with a belt.

But those aren’t the only options. Choose a style with a hood or without a collar; add a fabric or detachable faux shearling lining.

The best thing is, that you can either choose one of their stock designs, or, you can create your own combination of cut, color and lining. Very cool!

Anne is also dedicated to running not only a cruelty free, but socially responsible company. They are a listed member of The Ethical Fashion Source, as well as being PETA approved.

My favorite thing about James&Co? They come in sizes xs – 4x. Because you are beautiful and fabulous exactly the way you are and your ethical choices should reflect just that!

Extra special bonus: For the month of September, they are running an animal advocacy campaign called “Don’t Eat Them, Don’t Wear Them”. With your purchase, they will send you a copy of the “Forks Over Knives” cruelty free cookbook!

Find your jacket at www.jamesandco.boutique

The post Can’t Find a Fall Jacket You Like? It’s Easy with James&Co. appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Fast forward to when I became vegan and I realized not only was fur wrong, but that leather was as well.  So I set out to revamp my wardrobe and replace all of my leather bags and shoes with vegan leather options.  I didn’t have any fur pieces to replace, however, because I felt at the time that even faux fur was wrong because it seemed so garish…so over the top.  I guess I thought that somehow faux fur was a blatant representation of a dead animal.  You know, because leather isn’t (insert eye roll here).  Sometimes I look back and I wonder, “what the heck was I thinking?”   Needless to say,  I’ve gotten over the idea that faux fur is bad and faux leather is good and realize that if something is made from cruelty free products, it really doesn’t matter.  There is lots of faux fur out on the market, but few are as fashion forward as Unreal Fur. This company has style for days my friend.

Unreal Fur was created out of “…a love for animals and a passion for fashion.” Sounds like my kind of company!  Based in Australia, you can get these fabulous faux furs in over 20 countries, 100 cities and 450 stores.  Unreal Fur offers a wider variety of clothing, accessories and even pillows all made from faux fur and/or leather. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Check out the oh-so-chic Hybrid-Hoodie Jacket.  This jacket is made from knitted faux-rabbit with contrasting ribbed-knit sleeves and body.  I love the body hugging fit, cozy hood and sleeves with thumb holes.  I mean, who doesn’t like thumb holes?

I’m also in love with the Wanderlust Coat in grey ombre.  I could see this dressed up with a great little black dress or thrown over a pair of jeans for a girls night out.  This coat is available in several colors and also in a shorter jacket style.

Need some drama in your life?  Unreal Fur has got you covered.  The offer a cape and a poncho.  Can you say impact piece?   The Fire and Ice Cape in black and ivory is a real show stopper in my book.

If you’re not feeling like having that much drama in your life, that’s ok because Unreal Fur has several adorable  vests that you can choose from.  Throw on Fur Play vest in black to instantly pump up your outfit!

Unreal Fur has a wide assortment of scarves in different lengths and colors.  The stand out for me is the Furocious Thread Through Scarf  in dove and white.

Looking to add a bit of style to your home?  Unreal Fur also sells homewares; pillows and blankets.  I love the detail of the Raven Cushion.

So I hope that you take the time to check out the fabulous faux fur finds (say that five times fast) at Unreal Fur and see how chic kindness can be.

Images source and credit for all images: Unreal Fur

The post Bringing the fashion back into faux fur appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Galian handbags have been around for 25 years. You have probably seen the self-proclaimed “affordable luxury” designs at retailers like Aldo and Steve Madden. You can also order online at www.galianonline.com

Their company rep tells me that this is a vegan friendly line and the website describes the materials as “vegan leather”. I get pretty excited when a mainstream brand actually uses the word “vegan”!   They have a wide variety of styles and colors. Most of them also come with a smaller, internal pouch that can be used as a wallet, makeup bag or even a crossbody style on its own. Cool bonus!

Most styles are under $100, making it worthy to pick something fun! With trendy details like the all important bow, so popular this season, you will get a lot of use out of these bags now and likely all year.

Here are just a few photos of the styles they sent to me, but I notice, their web options change. In any case whether you prefer a tote or a satchel, fringe or a shoulder chain, a neutral, camo, tribal print or something brightly colored, there is something for every handbag aficionado, at Galian.

The post Galian Handbags appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I was blown away, when I received my olive-metallic toned, faux-python skin tote bag from California based designer Sous Sus! It is just gorgeous, well constructed, roomy and goes with everything I own. I have received many compliments on it. Really, it’s this handbag junkie’s dream!!

Sous Sus is a high end, luxury line of handbags and belts. In addition to their “vegan” line, they also create bags from actual “exotic” animal skins like crocodile and snake. Of course, as a vegan, I feel it’s unfortunate that any company would use animal skins for handbags; especially when they offer an alternative with such amazing high quality and which is indistinguishable from animal leather.

If you are in the market for a high-end, ethically made clutch bag please do check out the options on their “vegan” menu. At this time, they are focusing on 3 vegan clutches. These clutches are stunning and will make a very strong impression. I assure you, the luxury price tags are justified.

I am also going to take the opportunity to show you a few things from the look book that includes my handbag and the other designs that they could offer. I encourage all of you reading this to use the power of “supply and demand”. We live in a world where basic economics dictates that if consumers want the alternative textiles to animal skins and create the demand, the designers will supply. By the same token, if no one wants animal skin leather, they will stop making it. It’s that simple.

This is the perfect example of using our voices and our dollars to vote. If you love the handbag they gave me, or any of the other handbags I’m showing you here, tell them you want it! There are so many beautiful, quality, durable textiles that are absolute viable alternatives to leather. We must demand them!

That said, I am encouraged by Sous Sus, as they reached out to Chic Vegan for a review. They say on their web site, “In the language of ballet, ‘sous sus’ means to rise up. “ Therefore, I offer you a challenge, to tell them to ethically and consciously, “rise up”. You can create more demand for these compassionate creations. The talent is there. The materials exist. We will get there!

You can find Sous Sus at www.soussus.com and click the “Shop Vegan” menu.
Send them your feedback and be the change you want to see in the fashion world!

The post Exotic Handbags by Sous Sus: Encouraging a Compassionate Alternative appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I love to be comfortable in my clothes. As much as I love fashion, frankly, if I could get away with wearing my yoga pants & t shirt every day, I would. But, when I can dress that way, it’s still gotta be cute!

Chic Vegan asked me to review a clothing line from Wildlife Works. I was kind of expecting the basic “swag” t shirts with the company logo, but I was very wrong! Not only are the clothes lovely, they are part of an entire sustainability program in Africa.

Wildlife Works goal is to sustain biodiversity & offset global warming. They do this through supporting community development in rural areas around the world. People are employed to make these products, giving them alternatives to jobs like poaching and deforestation. I really admire the founder’s vision, of recognizing the need to balance saving wildlife animals with the humans’ need to work & support themselves. It’s completely inspiring to see a solution where everyone wins. You can read more about that here. But I want to talk about the cool fashion they offer. So let’s get to the fun part!

Wildlife Works’ clothing is far from your average swag to promote awareness of and raise money for the company. There is real design and style knowledge in their construction. Everything is handmade and hand printed by people in the supported communities in Kenya. You can see the care taken in the work, right down to the professionally finished stitching. They offer a diverse selection for women, men and kids. They even have a “curvy” collection, which is a welcome nod to all kinds of diversity!

The company was kind enough to send me a few of their boxy-tees and tanks with animal graphics as well as a pair of beautifully printed leggings. I found everything to be super comfortable and breathable, organic cotton. Clearly, they understand dressing for hot weather! My tees are also printed with elephants (my fave) so I’ll be wearing them often! I like that their prints aren’t too youthfully cartoonish. They feature sophisticated animal drawings or patterns, bringing an elegant feel to some of the more casually loose & flowing shapes. I also like that they are mostly designed in neutral tones, so you can wear them with anything.

A tip from the stylist: If the boxy, cropped design is too short for you ladies, pair it over a fitted tank top that can peek out on your shoulder and cover more of your mid section. The boxy shaped tee will balance out, for example, a tight tank & leggings, so you don’t look like you just stepped out of an Alvin Ailey rehearsal. (We wish, right?) Use a bright color if you’re in a “Flashdance” kind of mood. (Just maybe don’t go too far). But, if an overall body conscious style is more your thing, they have great looking, fitted, v-neck & scoop neck shirts…and check out this HOT tunic!

These styles are perfect for yoga class, a warm weather walk in the park or a casual shopping day. Since it’s the middle of winter in NYC right now, I’m enjoying my leggings & elephant print tee on the weekend, relaxing at home, curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, catching up on General Hospital. I know I will absolutely live in these everywhere, over the summer!

The people at Wildlife Works also make beautiful gifts like glass beaded charms, baskets, and tote bags – all organic, fair trade and carbon neutral.

Check out their website and pick out some beautifully designed new tops, a jacket or a tote for yourself and the whole family. You will be seriously styling while supporting humans and animals alike. This is a powerful way to show the world that caring about the health of our planet is in fashion!

The post Can a T-Shirt Save our World? Wildlife Works Does it with Style appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Donna Oakes is an angel among us. She owns and runs “Cow Jones Industrials”, a great, all vegan, on line boutique, filled with elegant and easy women’s styles.  She curates the store’s collections from some of my favorite designers, like Olsenhaus, Cri de Couer and Prairie Underground. Donna is also one of the mentors for the “5-Day Ghost-Free Journey”, working with people on transitioning to the vegan lifestyle. This program is inspired by the recently released movie, “The Ghosts in Our Machine”, both of which we’ll talk a bit about, as well.

Chic Vegan: Donna, let’s start with your vegan journey. How long have you been vegan and what was your inspiration?
Donna Oakes: I have been vegan since 1989 – it was and will always be because of the animals. Late one night (in the summer of 1988), I saw an anti-fur ad for Friends of Animals. I joined them and started to receive newsletters from other groups. One in particular stands out in my mind – it was from PETA. On the back page was a picture of a cow with the words: “Good intentions are not enough – stop eating meat”. It immediately clicked and I became a vegetarian – it really was quite simple. A few months after that, I became a vegan. I have never felt as if I was missing out on anything or deprived – quite the contrary. I was very active for a few years with the organization Trans Species Unlimited (I lived in NYC at the time). I read everything I could get my hands on as far as animal rights books, etc. There seemed to be a lot of momentum back then for effecting change. The NYC chapter disbanded and I moved out of the city a few years after that – my involvement in activism changed through the years. Opening my shop in 2007 was a different form of activism – to some people, it might only have been a shop, but I had photos of animals with messages on them scattered throughout the shop and in the storefront windows. I had brochures for numerous sanctuaries and I had my own personal library of books on animal rights that people could borrow.

CV: Tell us the story behind Cow Jones Industrials. How did it all start and where did the name come from?
DO: Cow Jones opened in the summer of 2007. I had been thinking about opening a shop and everything seemed to come together at that time – learning about stylish vegan brands that were out there, plus there was an empty store front on The Main Street where I live. It seemed that the time had arrived to bring vegan specific styles to the area where I lived, even though the demographics were not right. I had already been a vegan for about 18-19 years by that time and knew how challenging it could be to find alternatives. The website didn’t go live until 1 ½ years after opening the storefront.
As far as the name – that was a struggle. I wanted something that reflected the ethics/values of the shop – but everything that I came up with sounded so trite. It was my husband who suggested the name – really as a joke – but I loved it. It is a play on words in several ways – the obvious one being Dow Jones Industrials. We envisioned a cow reading a ticker tape that showed readings of stocks that were all cruelty free. And of course, the fact that there were no cows in any of the styles made it perfect.

CV: It is a memorable name, I wish I’d thought of it! I actually bought my first pair of vegan shoes from your store about 5 years ago. My Olsenhaus “Truth” booties. I still wear them. How do you curate your collection?
DO: Since the business is based on personal ethics, it is easy to narrow the scope. The first qualification is that the product must be vegan – after that is established, it also has to be eco-friendly and produced using fair labor – and it has to be beautiful (at least to me). I look for styles that are not too trendy – ones that are timeless and well made – ones that you will reach for again and again. Clothing and accessories that fit that criteria will stay in your closet for years – they will become comfort pieces.

CV: Describe your own style and how it/if it differs from Cow Jones? Who are your style icons?
DO: I am inspired a lot by street style – by the way that people can put together looks that have nothing to do with traditional fashion magazines. The designers who push the envelope of creating ethical products in the most sustainable way inspire me. Their dedication to doing it right keeps me motivated. As far as a style that defines Cow Jones, I would probably have to say it’s all about searching for styles that are beautifully timeless – and wearable!
My own style is very much what you see on my website (although not so much the high heels which I adore but can rarely wear). This might be a downfall – ordering based on what appeals mostly to me. I don’t really have style icons per se although I loved the mod styles of Carnaby Street (late 60’s/early 70’s).

CV: Well, I love that you choose styles that you would wear and even model some of them yourself. You look so chic! It creates accessibility and we can really see ourselves wearing them.

What is your advice to someone who wants to start their own vegan business?
DO: Do your research and make sure to create a business plan. This might sound dull, but I neglected to do both of these. My business plan was as follows – I know about veganism. Let’s just say that there is a lot more to it! If you are opening a storefront, make sure to know the demographics. If you are going to be online only, don’t duplicate what is already out there. Create a buzz before you launch. I think about Vaute Couture and Leanne (Mai-ly Hilgart’s) success. Everyone knew about her coats before they were available to buy. Most recently, the Kickstarter campaign for Nicora Johns was greatly successful. People who pledged received outstanding quality footwear in return.
Be prepared to have people question what you are all about – this is a good thing. Having an opportunity to discuss veganism and vegan products with others is how awareness starts.

CV: I agree, any opportunity to discuss vegan products plants that seed. So many people just don’t realize how materials we see & use every day are sourced. Let’s take that further, how did you get involved as a mentor for “The 5-Day Ghost-Free Journey” and the movie, “The Ghosts in Our Machine”?
DO: More than 2 ½ years ago, I saw a post on “Our Hen House” about an amazing documentary that was being made. At that time, the director Liz Marshall was asking people to help spread the word about “The Ghosts in Our Machine”. When I saw the first trailer, I was mesmerized. This was the film that would be a catalyst for deep and meaningful change. Needless to say, I became obsessed with this incredible project.
“The 5-Day Ghost-Free Journey” started as a Vegan Challenge that took place on the Ghosts FB page. It was informal and from what I remember lasted somewhere from 7-10 days. It was personalized for 1 person – there was no lottery system then because everything was just starting. It took place every month and there were 2 mentors. I did not become a mentor until the 3’rd journey. After that, Liz Marshall and Nina Beveridge asked Rosemary Tarentino Foos and me to be the ‘official’ mentors and the journey started to evolve. Rosemary and I knew in advance who the participant would be and what the focus would be. She and I collaborated and did a great deal of research before each journey began. Eventually it became a 5 day journey – taking place on the website every other month and there was a lottery system.

CV: What is the 5 day journey like?
DO: I hope you will not mind that I am going to pull that information directly from The Ghosts website – it is something that my dear friend (and my fellow mentor) Rosemary Tarentino Foos and I articulated as follows:
“As practicing vegans, we facilitate people on their Ghost-Free Journey by addressing everyday, relevant topics that include food and fashion choices, social issues, and how animals are viewed and used in our culture. Our intention is to ultimately foster a moment for each participant to connect deeply to animals as sentient beings, deserving of our respect and thoughtful choices. We believe that when one’s reverence for animals is acknowledged and merged with an understanding of choices available to them, this harmonious connection is what helps sustain the ability and desire to remain Ghost-Free.”
Each journey is unique – that is the beauty of having a customized experience.

CV: What has the experience been like? Have you had any “a-ha” moments or truly inspiring moments?
DO: It’s difficult to put into words how beautiful and inspirational the experience has been. From making new lifelong friends to having the honor of being part of someone’s journey – the past 2 ½ years have been a highlight of my life. As mentors, Rosemary and I sought to bring participants to their own ‘a-ha’ moments. In doing so, we ourselves had many. My resolve to live my life causing the least harm possible has been strengthened. Additionally, I have become more patient with others and have learned to approach from a place of love.

CV: How can someone sign up to be mentored?
DO: Here is the link to sign up: http://www.theghostsinourmachine.com/join/

CV: What does it mean to you to be vegan?
DO: It means doing my best to live a kind life.

CV: What advice would you give anyone who is transitioning and struggling?
The best advice that I could give would be to be gentle with yourself and remember that every step towards a kinder life has meaning. Find a Meet-up group in your area, join the FB pages that encourage new vegetarians/vegans, try the PCRM 21 day Kickstart – of course, one of my favorite resources is the TGIOM website – read about the journeys that others have taken. If family members and friends don’t understand at first, be patient – loved ones can feel that the relationships are threatened when somebody changes. In time, they will not only understand, but might make some life changes too.

CV: Is there anything new coming up for you?
DO: There is always something new coming up for us in life – we just don’t know what it is yet. I have always believed that everything that we do leads us in some way to the next step – even if that step seems so unrelated to what our interests might be at that time. Encounters with other people, new friendships, life changing moments – everything has meaning for what lies ahead.

CV: Wise words, indeed. Thank you for your time and insight Donna!
You can visit Donna’s boutique at http://www.cowjonesindustrials.com/

The post Interview Series – Donna Oakes of Cow Jones Industrials appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with one of my favorite clothing designers, Lois Eastlund. She has been completely vegan for over 2 years, but her designs have always been “accidentally” vegan. We talked about how the vegan lifestyle has influenced her life, professionally and personally. Lois is a great example of how following your heart & conscience will take you anywhere you want to go!

Adrienne Borgersen –  How long have you been vegan & what motivated you?
Lois Eastlund – I went vegan in April 2011 after seeing [the movie] “Forks Over Knives”. I had been mostly vegetarian up to this point. I hadn’t eaten beef for about 20 years, but was still eating dairy, occasionally fish and chicken. But, after I saw (in the movie), what animal foods/products do to your body, I knew I would never eat them again. (Full disclosure- it took me another week to give up cheese). I’ve always been healthy, (I haven’t been sick since I was 25), so I saw this as another way to continue to stay healthy. This has now evolved into my desire to see that no animal is harmed for food or clothing.

AB – What inspired you to be a designer & how did you get started?
LE – I was born that way! It’s all I’ve ever wanted, all I’ve ever known. I was drawing fashion sketches before I started kindergarten and that evolved into having Barbie fashion shows. My mom always loved clothes and fashion, my maternal grandmother worked in a sewing factory, and I had these wonderful, crafty, great Aunts on my dad’s side, so it definitely was in my genes. I begged my mom to teach me how to use the sewing machine, but she was afraid I would sew my hand! I had to wait until I learned in 7th grade “home-ec” class. Up to that point I sewed everything by hand.

Then, when I was around 11, a girl in my art class told me about the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and that was it. I told my parents that’s where I was going to college. I graduated from FIT with a degree in Fashion Design, and worked in NYC’s garment industry for 20+ years designing men’s sportswear, boy’s wear, women’s wear, junior sportswear and tween clothing. Eventually I ended up having my own line, which I sold to specialty boutiques in the US, (Patricia Field!), Asia and Paris. Fast forward a few years, I owned my own boutique on the Lower East Side for almost 5 years, (which closed this past January).

AB –  Talk about your design aesthetic and what inspires it.
LE – My tagline is “Comfortably Find Your Chic”, and that says it all…I don’t think anyone should have to suffer for fashion! You can be super stylish, super chic, and still be comfortable. I’ve always used cotton, as I think it’s the most comfortable and versatile fabric.
I’m inspired by everything around me, but specifically, 60’s mod, 80’s punk, indie rock music, pilates, exercise, and the great city that is New York.

AB –I can definitely see all of that in your designs.  How would you describe your personal style?
LE – I’m definitely a downtown, jeans, t-shirt, boots kinda girl. I never wore dresses until I started designing them, so I made them feel like jeans & tees…and now I wear dresses!

AB – It’s worth noting that all of the accessories your models wear (shoes & jewelry) are also vegan. Why do you think some designers are apprehensive about using vegan materials?
LE –  The word “vegan” really throws people off. They think it’s “cheap”. It’s not and can it can be done really well, (sometimes it’s hard to tell between pleather and leather). I believe customers are open to, and want good quality imitations, and let’s not forget about cotton! (Which I’ve always used.) Unfortunately, some companies, brands, designers, are afraid of changing what has always worked for them.

AB –Agreed, sometimes “pleather” looks cheap, but so does any other material not made well. There are so many high quality vegan materials out there, it’s become very hard to distinguish between “real” and “faux” options. We are getting there! What advice can you give up & coming designers who want their fashions to be cruelty free?
LE – Don’t be afraid to experiment and be different! Search out companies that make vegan fabrics and materials. Don’t take no for an answer and never compromise your beliefs.

AB – I believe no problem is insurmountable, so I get that. Have you ever had to compromise style & quality In order to stay cruelty free?
LE – Never. There have always been vegan/cruelty free options. Of course now, they are so many! Since I’ve gone vegan, I’ve only used vegan boots and accessories in my runway shows. Even before I went vegan, I bought vegan boots, handbags and coats to supplement my wardrobe.

AB – Do you have a pet peeve about the fashion industry?
That there still is a fur trade. And that leather fashion is still marketed as “cool” and “hip”.

AB – Yes, using real fur is so awful and seeing leather come back every fall can be very disheartening. Do you have a favorite quote that keeps you inspired?
Knowledge is power!

AB – Right on! As vegans, I think we tend to inherently explore & learn about everything going on around us, whether it’s food, fashion or any lifestyle choices.  Do you think there is a connection between food & fashion?
LE – Eating healthy makes you feel better, and when you feel better, you look better, and when you look better, you dress better. I can’t speak for everyone, but that’s certainly how I feel.

AB – Great point! What’s your favorite food and/or recipe?
LE – Oh, it’s so hard to pick! Fave foods – raw yellow string beans, dark chocolate, and pretty much anything with mushrooms. Fave recipe – my chocolate chip cookies and my black bean nachos.

AB – Yum! Do you have any advice for people who are vegetarian or vegan and are struggling?
LE – First and foremost, don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it one step, one day at a time.  Make sure to read up on the benefits of a healthy plant based vegan diet to see what it can do for your health. Do research on the meat and dairy industry and see how the animals suffer and end up as food/clothing. Every day is a new opportunity to make a positive change for the animals, the environment, and you!

AB – I love it. Thanks so much for your time, Lois, your positive attitude is very inspiring! Where can we see & buy your collection?
LE – You’re very welcome! Currently, I’m doing temporary “pop up” shops, weekend markets, and festivals. I’ll be at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary 12th Annual Shindig in Saugerties, NY on Oct 5th, and at ID POP Shop in Chelsea Market, Oct 14th- 20th.
You can find my clothing online at www.opensky.com/loiseastlund, www.foranima.com/store/loeye, and at www.LoisEastlund.com.

The post No Compromise: NYC Designer Lois Eastlund Takes Her Hip, Downtown Vibe to Vegan Fabulous! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Dress, ASOS

Sandals, Melissa at Compassion Couture

Sunglasses, Topshop

Bracelets, H&M

Shoes, OlsenHaus at Modavanti

Bikini, Zara

Hat, Accessorize

Bag, FreePeople

Shorts, Urban Outfitters

T-shirt, Vaute Couture

.

Header image courtesy of Flickr.

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