Gosbags

Founded in 2018, Gosbags makes durable, functional vegan bags that are built to withstand everyday wear and tear while also looking good.  Founders, Regina and Nick, wanted to create a line of bags that encapsulated the idea of casual style while also having a positive impact.  They did this by committing to make all of their bags 100% vegan.  But the positive impact didn’t stop there.  According to Regina and Nick,

“(a)s the project evolved, we knew that supporting a worthy animal cause would be a perfect fit to align with everything we were trying to accomplish. After thorough research, Best Friends Animal Society became the perfect choice. Best Friends is a non-profit organization that operates the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals and is leading the nationwide movement to bring about a time when there are no homeless pets.”

I was fortunate enough back in 2009 to visit the Best Friend Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah and it made such an impact on me and my life choices.  Best Friends does amazing animal advocacy work and it was after this trip that I took the step from eating a plant-based diet to becoming full on vegan, so they hold a special place in my heart.  The lovely folks at Gosbags donate 5% of every sale to Best Friends Animal Society…how sweet is that?

So… lucky me, I got to try out a few of Gosbags fabulous bags.  Read on to find out what I thought!

Backpack Purse

For a while now, I have been looking for a medium-sized, fashionable backpack that I can take with me when I go out and about on the weekends.  The Backpack Purse was just what I was looking for.  Available in an assortment of fun colors (I got the orange!), this backpack is made from high-quality, durable canvas with vegan leather detailing.  One of the features that I liked right away was the lobster claw like clasp that will keep your things safe, but isn’t a hassle when you want to access your stuff.  This bag comes with an inside zip pocket as well as two additional interior slip pockets for your phone or sunglasses.  The only thing that I wish this bag did have is a snap or drawstring closure, just to make extra sure everything stays in place.  I took this backpack with me to a flea market in the city last weekend and it was lightweight and comfortable to wear and I could also use it to stash some of my smaller purchases.

Everyday Tote

Whether I am hauling my laptop and papers to and from work or groceries home from the grocery store, I like to have a good, reliable tote bag.  Having one that is stylish and vegan…even better! Gosbags makes a great Everyday Tote that is roomy (15″ h x 13″w x 6″ d) and durable.  Available in six different colors, I got the super cute grey and orange combo.  This bag has a really nice flat bottom so you don’t need to worry about things tipping over inside.  In addition it has a large outside slip pocket, interior zip and slip pocket, key holder, top snap and a water bottle holder!

The Crossbody Purse

There are certain bags that I feel every woman should own.  A good cross body is one of those bags.  The Crossbody Purse really is the perfect bag for everybody for everyday!  Just the right size to fit all of your essentials, this bag is lightweight and versatile.  It comes with an adjustable canvas strap so you wear it as a cross body or a should bag.  With an interior zippered pocket and top flap and magnetic snap closure, you can rest assured that your things will stay nice and secure inside this lovely canvas bag.  As with all of the other Gosbags, the Crossbody Purse comes in a nice assortment of colors.  I ended up selecting the black one…I know, how boring of me, but you can’t ever have too many black bags…right?!

So if you are in the market for a great, durable, everyday vegan bag, I suggest you check out Gosbags.  Great bags that give back!

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BC Footwear has gone vegan!

Yep, you heard me correctly!  This cool, laid-back, LA based footwear company has taken the plunge into compassion-land and is now making all of their shoes with 100% animal free components and they are Peta approved.

According to the kind folks at BC Footwear, the reason why they made this awesome change is because “(w)e want to do our part to minimize the suffering of animals.”  How awesome is that!?  I told you it was some exciting news!

I was fortunate enough to receive two pairs of BC Footwear booties to test out and let me tell you…I was impressed.  When I pulled each pair out of their respective boxes, the first thing that I was struck by was the quality of these shoes.  There was no strange chemical smell that can sometimes accompany man-made leather.  Not only were both of these pairs of shoes super cute, they were both beautifully made from high-end, quality materials.

Ok, enough chit chat, let’s get to the shoes…shall we?!

First up is the Scale Ankle Boot

This ankle boot is made gorgeous vegan leather with a cool angular flap detail, subtle topstitching, a peep toe and a 3.25″ stacked heel.  I got the grey which is more of a vegan suede that is so incredibly soft.  I styled these booties with a pair of cropped, distressed girlfriend jeans and they were just perfect.  The best part about them is that they are really comfortable!  All of BC Footwear’s shoes are made with high performance Ortholite insoles so they are cute and comfortable!  I wore this pair for a night out with friends and found that not only were they easy to walk in, the material was also very breathable, which is awesome because who wants sweaty feat…am I right?

Available in three colors; grey, black and tan, these are the perfect booties as we start to transition into the cooler months.

Next up is the Ringmaster Ankle Boot

This sleek ankle boot is made with a vegan fabric that is super soft with a bit of stretch that snugs your ankle in all the right places.  With at 3″ stacked heel, these booties can be worn with jeans or dressed up with a dress or skirt.  I got these in dark taupe which is such a great neutral and I paired them with a casual denim skirt and t-shirt for the perfect weekend, running around town outfit.  These booties were really comfortable to walk around in and the stretch fabric made the fit around my ankle just right, no sagging or bagging!  The Ringmaster Ankle Boot comes in three colors; taupe, black and black exotic.

BC Footwear doesn’t just make booties, they have a lot of other styles of shoes from sandals to heels to flats.  Lots of fashionable choices for every season.

So go on tell your family and your friends…heck, even tell strangers the great news… BC Footwear has high quality, fashionable footwear that is now 100% vegan!!  Go check them out!

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I’ve lived in the mountains all my life and, while, in the past, stylish cute apparel has been hard to find, things are getting much better and I believe that we make the best of what clothes can find. Mountain lifestyles are very active so comfy clothes like yoga pants, sandals, and t shirts are some of the most common things you’ll find on the streets and trails in the summer but, in the winter, we need a little extra planning and warmth. As some readers know, finding ethical products to keep you warm in the winter can be a bit challenging. Many boots are made with leather, jackets are made with down and hats and socks made with wool. It’s taken me a long time to find products that align with my values. My hope is that some of the info below will help with surviving winter in mountains the compassionate way

My tips for preparing for cold winter month include; wearing layers (long underwear has been a lifesaver for me many times), always being prepared for a variety of conditions with fun, warm accessories; gloves, warm hats, a nice scarf, warm socks, comfy footwear and wearing bright colors to keep from experiencing winter blues. Also, do your shopping at some of our great Colorado local or online retailers!

Some of my favorite places to grab vegan winter clothing, if you are in Denver, include:

True Love Shoes and Accessories: https://www.trueloveshoes.com/

Hoodlab http://www.hoodlabstore.com/

And for online shopping you can find some great ecofriendly, Colorado vegan finds and beyond at:

The Compassionate Closet https://www.compassionatecloset.com/

The Vickerey http://www.vickerey.com/

The North Face and Patagonia are also great sources for jackets for skiing, snowboarding or other adventures. Look for products that contain Primaloft®, which a synthetic insulator, ThermoBall or other products made with synthetic fibers.

Hiking boots and outdoor recreation gear can be a bit tough to find, a good online source is Vegan Outdoor Adventures, they have all sorts of great product information and reviews for those of us who love to adventure: http://veganoutdooradventures.com/

I’ve also even found some good, budget friendly and good looking vegan accessories, clothes and shoes at Target!

When it comes to a beauty routine be sure to wash your face often with natural products and moisturize your face and neck as well as apply a non-toxic, vegan sunscreen. My favorite places to find the best include natural grocery stores! This way you can test out which products are the best fit for you.

I also very much enjoy wearing lots of cool hats to protect me from the sun in both the winter and summer! And don’t forget your sunglasses!

Many of retailers listed above and the designers they carry have found an alternative to the use of animal products and provide sustainable and environmentally conscious clothing. Many jackets, shoes and other accessories are made hemp, recycled and sustainable fibers, even bamboo. Purchasing these products is also such a great way we can close the loop on recycling and love our environment too!

In your search to find compassionate winter clothing, always be sure to read the labels before purchasing and ask the retailer about the items that the products contain. This also sends a signal that the demand is there for high quality, cruelty free products!

And finally, for a comprehensive list of cruelty free clothing, check out Peta’s Shopping Guide to Compassionate Clothing! Have a wonderful winter!

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The Everyday Backpack from Anthropologie is a simple, chic backpack with a minimalistic feel.  I love the wide straps with subtle topstitched detail.  This bag comes in two colors, black and khaki (shown below).

Image Source and Credit: Anthropologie

Two big trends this season are velvet and embroidery and the Lipsy Backpack from ASOS puts them both front and center.  This on-trend backpack is further accentuated with bold gold zippers and tassels that make this bag fun and fashionable.

Image Source and Credit: ASOS

If you know anything about me, you know what a big fan I am of camouflage print, so when I saw this Camo Backpack from Forever 21, I was sold.  Made from nylon and vegan leather, this bag has a cool, utilitarian vibe.  I could totally see myself using this as my new weekend bag.

Image Source and Credit: Forever 21

Backpacks aren’t just for the weekend.  There are lots of sophisticated styles that will go perfectly with any work or date night outfit.  I am crushing on this Backpack with Front Ring from ZARA.  With an elegant brass front ring closure, this bag is made from pebbled vegan leather and comes in grey (below) or black.

So if you still think that backpacks are just for lugging books around or for a hiking trip, think again.  There are tons of stylish vegan styles out there and they are calling your name!

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HoodLamb CO aka HoodLAB is a family owned and operated HoodLamb Concept Store & World Agent for Amsterdam clothing label HoodLamb Hemp Tailors. They operate a  wholesale showroom and e-store Hoodlabstore.com. They also work with companies that want to create branded sustainable merchandise for their crew and following.

HoodLAB’s signature clothing line, HoodLamb Hemp Tailors, contains design t-shirts, hoodies, furry hoodies, heavy-duty winter coats, knitwear and accessories’, all made from hemp, organic cotton and other recycled materials. Wonderful news for the conscious shopper is that HoodLamb since this season officially is PETA-approved!

HoodLAB also carries THTC (The Hemp Trading Company), THTC is multiple award-winning ethical and fair brand from London/UK with a broad range of organic t-shirts designs that will make you think.

What does HoodLAB carry for winter? A full winter line! Hemp is extra warm! Developed in Amsterdam for the harsh winters, HoodLamb has always focused on functional utilitarian wear to protect against rain and cold. Since 2009 they also dress the Sea Shepherd crew on their campaigns around Antarctica and worldwide in the most extreme weather conditions. The Mens’ and Ladies’ jacket line contains key features such as 100% recycled insulation, thumbholes and oversized hoods for extra warmth, vegan faux-fur, hand-warmer pockets to name a few design details.

HoodLAB operates a Colorado based E-store (www.hoodlabstore.com) and also has a Rino District Showroom Store in Denver, Co, anyone can make an appointment to come try on jackets and gear. Give them a call at 720-669-3369 if you’d like to visit to the Showroom.

Cici’s tips for surviving winter in the Mountains: “Colorado has many microclimates and we got 300 days of sun here so it can be deceivingly beautiful and things can change rapidly due to the mountain landscape. Make sure you have good gear to help you stay warm and comfortable. Dressing in layers is always a good idea.” And don’t forget to shop HoodLAB!

You can find HoodLAB at:

http://www.hoodlabstore.com/
http://www.instagram.com/hoodlab
http://www.facebook.com/hoodlabstore
Hoodlamb Colorado
3049 Lawrence Street
Denver CO 80205 USA
PH: 720-669-3369

The post Hoodlamb CO aka Hoodlab – Beautiful Vegan Jackets and More!! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Started by Natália Guerreiro and Vítor Lopes, Corkor is made, start to finish, in a workshop in Portugal. With an eye on creating quality vegan products that are fairly sourced and reasonably priced, Corkor has succeed in creating a 100% sustainable, vegan and eco-friendly alternative to leather that you can wear with pride.  The folks at Corkor don’t just create beautiful bags and accessories, they are also committed to helping the environment.

“Sustainability is one of the biggest issues of our times. It touches many aspects of our lives, right down to the materials we choose to buy. In these defining times where our choices can and will define the future of the planet, cork stands out as the number one eco–friendly raw material.

At Corkor, we feel we can truly make a difference by providing people with a premium, eco–friendly alternative to other highly polluting products. Cork is good for the environment in more than one way: recyclable, reusable and sustainable, cork is also a high–end alternative to leather. Beautiful, sustainable and vegan accessories are our contribution to a better, greener world.”

So this all sounds really cool…but I bet you’re wondering how Corkor’s products look and feel…right? Well lucky for you…and me…Corkor sent me one of their amazing vegan backpacks to test out.It is hard to believe that this backpack is made out of cork. It is incredibly soft but also sturdy. It has a drawstring closure with an additional flap and magnetic closure to make sure that all of your belongings stay safe and sound. The interior is nicely lined and has one zipped pocket as well as a strap with a latch to keep your keys on.  This bag is incredibly lightweight which is perfect if you are like me and carry around a ton of stuff.   Available in five colors, you can have a different cork backpack for every outfit.

Head on over to Corkor to check out their backpacks and all of the other cool vegan bags and accessories that they offer and see for yourself what amazing things can be done with cork.

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By utilizing plastic bottles and discarded scraps of cotton to make their clothing, Recover helps the environment by keeping these products out of landfills.  However, they take it one step further.  Because dying of fabric is one of the most toxic parts of the textile manufacturing process, Recover doesn’t dye their clothing.  That’s right!  They are able to create beautiful colors by pre-sorting both the plastic bottles and recycled cotton by color, which saves them from dying the fabric during the manufacturing process.  This eco-friendly process results in:

• 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• 66% reduction in energy consumption
• 55% reduction in water consumption
• 8 plastic bottles = 1 shirt!

How awesome is that!?  Well, it get’s even better.  According to Recover, “…it’s not just about the planet, it’s about the people” and they mean it.  They work with partners in the United States, Haiti, and Guatemala to make their products.  Some are made in the good ole U.S.A. in North Carolina, while others are made through work co-ops in Haiti.  Helping the environment and helping people.  This is good stuff goin’ on here.

So I bet you are wondering right about now how these eco-friendly products look and feel…right?  Well lucky for you, the kind people at Recover sent me two t-shirts to try out!

The first one that I took for a test drive was their Women’s V-Neck Recover Sport Tee in lovely heather green (below) which also comes in heather blue and black.  I wore this to the gym for an hour-long boot camp session and it was great.  The fabric is extremely soft, wicks moisture and has a really flattering cut…I particularly like the v-neck.  This t-shirt kept me dry and comfortable throughout my entire workout and trust me, I sweat a lot.  With fall right around the corner (I hope!) I’ve been eyeing up their crew neck long sleeve version available in heather grey, below, and heather blue.

The second shirt that Recover sent me was this cute Women’s Range Tee.  I really liked the feel of this shirt with its 50/50 cotton/polyester blend and the cut was flattering but not too fitted.  It was great to wear on a hike with my dog or just out and about in the city.  This shirt also comes in the color pilsner which is a lovely yellow/gold.  Recover has several other cute prints to choose from like the Women’s Recover Van Tee or the  Women’s Mill Tee.

Logos not your thing?  That’s ok because Recover has a really nice selection of plan t-shirts available in both crew and V-neck with a wide assortment of colors, a few of which I’ve featured below.

Don’t worry guys, Recover also offers a wider assortment of men’s t-shirts, hoodies and polos, all made from 100% recycled fabric.   Looking for a good gift?  Recover has got you covered.  From drink coozies to coffee mugs and everything in between, they have an awesome selection of cool accessories for all of your eco-loving friends and family.  So if you are looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly product made by a company that is committed to being socially responsible, go check out Recover…you won’t be disappointed.

The post Discover RECOVER – An Eco Conscious, Vegan Clothing Brand appeared first on Chic Vegan.

To be reassured by their versatility and timelessness, one needs only to look into the wardrobes of minimalists and capsule wardrobe enthusiasts, to see these pieces in their vital closet arsenal. Yet I believe that the true value comes when combining this lasting style with a superior fabric, and made by environmentally conscious brands.

Now your have longevity personified!

This is where Tencel comes in; derived from wood pulp, this non-synthetic, yet vegan-friendly fibre, offers a silky soft skin feel, drapes beautifully, is more absorbent than cotton, and will keep you cooler than linen. Learn more about Tencel here

Let me assure you, in some cases it’s not easy to find the umbrella sustainability picture of each’s company’s manufacturing and labour practises, but I recon I have you well-covered in terms of eco conscious and ethical brands listed below:

Edda Tunic Dress by Siizu
Composition: 100% Tencel | Colour: Black

LULE Tencel Shirt by Komodo
Composition: 70% Tencel / 30% Linen | Colours: Light Denim & Dark Denim

Museo Tunic by Exofficio (and found on Zappos)
Composition: 100% Tencel | Colours: White & Black

Fairtide Black Blouse by Kestan
Composition: 75% Tencel 21% Cotton 4% Spandex | Colour: Black

Long Sleeve Twisted Tunic by Nau
Composition: 58% Tencel 42% Organic Cotton | Colour: Bone, Caviar, Sable & Space

The Shirt Button Down by Siizu
Composition: 100% Tencel | Colours: White & Black & Blue

Kiley Long Sleeve Shirt by KUHL (and found on Zappos)
Composition: main body: 59% Tencel, 39% Organic Cotton, 2% Spandex| Colours: Charcoal, Ash & Denim Blue

Kiri Shirt Dress by Amour Vert (and found on Elborne Living)
Composition: 100% Tencel | Colour: Denim Blue

Rex Shirt by Fig Clothing
Composition: 100% Tencel | Colour: Denim Black & Denim Blue

L’Herbe Rouge Denim Hebrides Oversized Shirt by The-Acey
Composition: 100% Tencel | Colour: Denim Blue

Have I missed your fave? While Tencel is going to be, if not already, a dime a dozen in the fast-fashion retailers, it’s the sustainable brands we’re interested in.

Let me know, in the comments below, if you’ve lovin’ an ethically made Tencel shirt, tunic or shirtdress!

The post 10 chic Tencel shirts, sustainably-sourced and eco-friendly appeared first on Chic Vegan.

BANGS Shoes are modeled after simple work boots worn by workers and farmers discovered by founder, Hannah Davis, while she was teaching English in China.  The name BANGS comes from the Chinese character for “help”, which ties right into their slogan: Your Adventure Helps Others Find Theirs.  BANGS Shoes is all about helping others and doing good.  First, their shoes are 100% vegan which right off the bat help the environment and the animals…Yay!  But BANGS Shoes’ good work doesn’t stop there, they have a social mission where they invest in entrepreneurs around the world by providing loans through their nonprofit partner, Kiva.org.  BANGS Shoes’ contributes 20% of net profits into these loans which give people the funds they need to help make their business succeed.

So the good people at BANGS Shoes let me take a pair of their shoes out for test run.  I got the Onyx High Top because I can just never have too many pairs of high tops.  I already knew that I liked the look of the BANGS Shoes’ high tops, but I wasn’t sure how they would hold up to a weekend hike with Jack.  Well I am happy to report that these shoes were great!  One of the things that I always worry about with new shoes is that they will cause blisters.  Not BANGS Shoes.  Jack and I did a 5 mile hike and not a blister in site.  These shoes were comfortable and sturdy, with great arch support.  In case you are wondering, these shoes aren’t just for outdoor activities.  They are so cute and comfortable, I wore them all weekend long.

If you know me, you know that I like most of my clothes/shoes to be black.  But don’t worry, BANGS Shoes’ offers these high tops in a wide variety of non-black options.   Below are just a few of their super fun colors.

Not into high tops?  No problem.  BANGS Shoes also has a low top version.  Just as cool, just as comfortable and ready for adventure.  The low tops come in three colors; onyx, London fog and Stonehenge featured below.

There is also a slip on version of the low top that comes in Siberian snow (below).  All styles are available in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Cool, comfy, durable, stylish….and cruelty free, you can’t go wrong with BANGS Shoes.  So when planning your next adventure, whether it’s hiking through the mountains or navigating the city streets with friends to find your favorite brunch spot, be sure to snag a pair to bring along for the ride.

All Images Source and Credit: BANGS Shoes

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