Fabulous Vegan - A Style Blog

Faux Fur

2009-11-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

Plainly put: the fur industry is disgusting. I strongly feel that if fur-wearers watched what happened to an animal while it's being skinned, they might never wear fur again. That being said, some people just don't care and never will and all we can do is try to show them another way. I have a fabulous faux fur coat I got an Nordstrom Rack years ago, it's gorgeous and warm and I proudly state, "It's faux" every time some one compliments it. As the weather starts to get chilly, let's take a look at some other options.

HSN

Fabulous-Furs

Silk & Sable

Happy Friday!

2009-07-31T11:29:00.001-07:00

Some super cute scarves from Old Navy.

Fall Preview - Victoria's Secret

2009-07-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just got my Fall Preview VS catalog yesterday, and was thrilled at all the vegan-friendly options.

Take a look at my favs:

My New Winter Coat

2009-07-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

I just ordered my new winter coat today. Searching high and low for a warm, vegan-friendly coat is not easy. I was just looking at the clearance section in Chadwick's and came upon this fabulous find. Look at that deal!

And as soon as I can splurge on part two, I will.

SATC: Redo!

2009-07-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sex and the City is my favorite television show of all time. I feel like I'm friends with Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda (although if I was I would insist they stop wearing fur...which they would of course because they wouldn't want to upset me).

Anyway, on May 30, 2008, when the first movie released, I had grand plans for what I would be wearing to opening night. But, I had a terrible day at work that day, got home much later than anticipated, it was pouring rain and I had about 5 minutes to get ready. So all I managed to do what put on my super cute shoes.

But when SATC 2 is released the spring of 2010.....I will be ready. Oh YES! I will be ready.

(I will also be going with my godmother instead of poor R, who was literally 1 of 3 men in the sold out theatre. He is such a good sport!)

I have already started my Carrie-inspired outfit search (which to me means the cutest possible thing I can find that is totally unconventional and fabulous). I don't think I will have to go too far, because I have one fantastic contestant already!

I literally cannot wait! Stay tuned....

Fall Fantasies

2009-07-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

This has been the oddest summer weather in Chicago history.

I am declaring that a fact.

So, I've been just fantasizing about fall fashion. Hearing my call, olsen Haus posted their Fall 2009 collection.

Why?!

2009-06-25T07:03:00.001-07:00

What's with this wool/silk/cashmere blend cardy trend? When I purchase a cardy, I usually like to be able to throw it over anything and everything, and a perfect material to do that with is cotton. Now....a tribute to the cotton cardy.

JCrew

JCrew...again

Abercrombie (don't ask what I'm even doing on their website)

Comeswithashirt attached cardy (for those rough mornings ((you know what I'm talking about!))

Chicago Summer

2009-06-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

For the wind.

For the rain.

Waterproof!

Ok, Chicago summer might never get here. In fact, I'm pretty sure we're going to head directly into fall. So, I'm trying to keep a positive spin on things despite the fact I have yet to wear ONE cute summer frock. And it's mid-June.

COLOR

2009-05-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

The name of this summer...color. Thanks once again, Chadwicks.

A Return

2009-05-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my delay in posting. But I'm back now, thanks for your patience.

I just received these cute run-around-on-the-weekend shoes I ordered from planetshoes.com. The come in a couple fun colors. I think I'll grab the turquoise pair next....

Happy Friday!

My Friday Recommendations

2009-04-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, and I'm full of opinions today! The weather here in Chicago continues to stink, so here are a few things to keep you occupied until the sun is shining and we are all running around outside.

If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend that you do. Whether you are a vegan or not, it will change the way you look at everything you eat & wear. It's unbelievably moving. It's also available through Netflicks.

An inspirational book about Randy Grim, a complete lunatic who travels the streets of St. Louis in a van to capture stray dogs living on the streets and rescue them. Talk about a tear-jerker. Oh my. He is one of the bravest men I know of. I particularly love this book, because the theme shining through is how one person can make such a difference to the lives of so many, whether it be people or animals.
And if all else fails, just pop here and make you and your loved ones some tasty treats. I just made the Red Velvet Cupcakes last weekend and let me tell you...they were a big hit. We love Hannah Kaminski!

Summer Bag

2009-04-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Is it too early to plan my summer purse? Ah, who cares?

It's all about color this spring and summer.

Etsy4Life

2009-04-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

I know. I tend to feature etsy quite a bit here. But I have to tell you, etsy sincerely has the most unique items. I make jewelry myself, and I can appreciate the time, effort and creativity that can go into a handmade piece.

I have been lusting after one of Raquel Castillo's necklaces since I came across her shop. Not only are her color combos amazing, but her earrings are adorable, too. I could literally buy every single item in her shop. If I had my wedding day all over again, I would get the Butterfly Enamel Garden. Imagine that paired with a soft, flowy white dress in a garden ceremony.

Check it out.

Monday, Monday

2009-03-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Birthday of a fellow fashonista coming up? They have great necklaces. You can find a meaningful one for any occasion.

love

2009-03-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

I could wear this in every season in Chicago.

today is a great day

2009-03-25T12:56:00.001-07:00

la la la

le le le

lo lo lo

Summer Lookbook

2009-03-24T07:23:00.001-07:00

I will be attempting to recreate this look for summer (at a much more reasonable price). Thoughts on these boyfriend jeans everyone is going crazy for?

It's Friday - Express Yourself!

2009-03-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

I volunteer weekly at my local animal shelter. I have a few t-shirts with the shelter's logo on it, which I primarily wear during fundraising events for the shelter. Last fall (when it was still nice enough to get away with no jacket) I was running numerous errands one Saturday morning, and threw on one of the t-shirts to run around in. I was amazed, absolutely shocked at the number of people who stopped me to talk about my shirt. Some asked me if I worked there. Others asked me if I got an animal there. Those who had adopted animals, recalled the stories of their adoptions. One woman was struggling financially and asked if I knew a place she could get her Yorkie neutered at a reasonable cost. I explained to her that my shelter actually has spay/neuter certificates for half the cost of a regular spay/neuter, and wrote down all the information for her.

I guess it had been so long since I'd wore anything with a saying/logo on it, I never realized the impact it could have on those around me. Maybe it was just a good day. But without being obnoxious or pushy, there are ways to get a message across, or just start a dialogue with someone you otherwise would not have.

All these (and about a million others) are available here.

My Secret to Good Sleep

2009-03-19T09:20:00.001-07:00

What did you expect? Something in the form of a pill? Heck no.

This lotion will rock your world. I lotion up my whole body before I go to bed, and it tingles my skin into relaxation from my head down to my toes. The peppermint is the perfect combination of calming but not overpowering, and it's quickly become part of my Absolutely Mandatory Tasks I Must Do Before I Crawl Into Bed.

Avalon Organics is an amazing company, one of my favorites, and you can read more about their dedication to honoring our bodies here. The best news is that you can now find them in the organic section of Jewel, not just health food stores and Whole Foods.

One easy & fabulous outfit...check!!

2009-03-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

You can wear this with anything.

I have this. I love it.

Joe's Jeans are my personal fav.

Go on with your bad self!

Manic Monday

2009-03-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

I want this. Bad.

Happy Monday!

Happy Scandalous Friday

2009-03-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

I waited a long time before I started telling anyone I was going vegetarian and eventually vegan. Mostly because I wanted to educate myself about exactly what I was doing before I started answering the rapid fire questions I knew would be headed my way.

When I finally broke the news, after eating completely vegan for two or three months, reactions varied. Few were supportive, mostly out of concern for my health, weight and well-being. As anticipated, I got a lot of the "What are you going to do for protein?" and "How will you ever get iron?". But one male friend's reaction was so funny, it stuck with me to this day.

"Um, does that mean vegans don't wear silk underwear?"

Oh, to be a man. No, vegans do not wear silk underwear. Newsflash: there is plenty of underwear that is cute and not silk. So this is dedicated to all those who are inappropriately concerned with a vegan's knickers.

I know. I apologize. I realize these images are very hard on the eyes.

Brought to us by our friends at Victoria's Secret.

Have a great weekend!!

Creative Hair

2009-03-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

I have a very good friend, we'll call her Toucs. Toucs inspires me in a variety of ways, she is one of those people that looks effortlessly amazing every time you see her. Her style is like no other, and on special occasions, she created these masterpieces with her hair that look straight out of an edgy Berlin fashion magazine. Not that I've ever seen one of those, but you get the point.

So, about a year ago I decided that I was going to stop lusting after Toucs' hair from afar, and try to create my own little masterpieces. Well, what I learned was that every dramatic hairstyle needs a topper (a little vegan icing on the cake, if you will). Some of my creations have gone virtually unnoticed, while others have caused quite a stir. Right now I'm thinking of walking down my stairs, my husband standing at the bottom and he gasps, "Oh my...".

Here are some beautiful (and of course, vegan!) ideas to inspire the Toucs in all of us:

Available on Etsy in the Myrakim shop. I have it listed as one of my favorites!

Seriously. I would wear this everywhere.

Fabulous!

Love the red.

Perfect for the upcoming summer!

Finale. I have to have it. Someone please buy this and send me your photo in it.

Have fun! That's what life is all about.

A sermon of sorts: Why Faux is the way to Go

2009-03-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Forever 21.

The first year of my journey to veganism was a fairly smooth ride. I had never been a big meat eater before and most dairy upset my stomach, in no time at all I was bragging to anyone who would listen, "Oh, yeah. It's so easy to be vegan". But after a few months on my completely vegetarian diet, I have a moment. I'm layering up for a cold night out in Chicago. I grab my wool coat, cashmere gloves, silk scarf, leather clutch and whip on my suede riding boots. One final look in the mirror before I bust out the door and it all hit me like a ton of bricks. Um…wow. This is a bit hypocritical, isn't it? Uh…I better do some research*.

*This has become my vegan catchphrase

After consulting my self-proclaimed Vegan Bible, Being Vegan by Joanne Stepaniak and a few unpleasant visits to PETA's website, I immediately put my cruelty-filled clothes aside. After basically wearing the same outfit for three days straight because I know that my jeans and a cotton t-shirt are "safe", I determine that I better figure out what I can wear with a clean conscious. But the question is, can I still be my fabulous, stylish self as a vegan? Am I destined to a lifetime of rubber flip flops from Old Navy and prairie skirts? Heck no! I've taken it upon myself to prove that you CAN look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside. It's easy, it's simple, it's actually cheaper to dress as a vegan and feel good about what you are wearing. Stand tall and be proud of what you are doing to help end cruelty to animals. Just don't forget to look good doing it, right?

In the meantime, I have worked to flush out my leather and suede. Instead of replacing everything at once (because let me tell you, I had a LOT of leather, suede, wool and cashmere) I have replaced these items as they wear out because that is what worked the best for me. Every person has a different experience, and this blog is just about mine. I'm not here to preach or brag or push my views on anyone. I'm just here to review these great items I have found and maybe turn a few people onto them.

It's Friday - Treat Yourself

2009-03-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

I have two of Julep115's necklaces. "Eco chick" and "Puppy Mills Kill". I absolutely love them and wear them constantly. 10% of their proceeds this month are going to Vegan Outreach. They are reasonably priced and such great conversation starters. Seriously, you deserve it. Get one.

Have a great weekend. And from the bottom of my heart, thanks for reading. Writing this blog is my favorite thing to do each day.

If I could pick one item right now....

2009-03-05T14:10:00.001-08:00

and buy it in every single color it is made in, it would be this. Well done JCrew.

I had lost faith in you, but my new spring catalog was beautiful, filled with cotton!

Bluefly anyone?

2009-03-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

Would you believe a fashonista like myself has never purchased anything from Bluefly?

It's a shame, right? I agree.

But boy, do they have some of the cutest vegan dresses around.

They are not kidding when they call it potion...

2009-03-02T11:29:00.001-08:00

Over a year ago I was at Ulta and it was one of those days when all the representatives from each make-up company was there to answer any questions, which always drives me crazy because I'm usually not too chatty when I'm going to Ulta. It's like going to church: let me worship in peace. Anyway, I was looking over the Urban Decay products, and our of nowhere the saleswoman had convinced me to buy what she claimed (and this is a direct quote here) was a "miracle". She said the Eyeshadow Primer Potion would keep on my eyeshadow better than anything else I had ever tried. Urban Decay has a lot of rich eye colors, and when they stick to the crease of your eye, it's really not a flattering look. So, I went home & tried it with their very own eyeshadow. I have to agree - miracle. My eyeshadow literally does not move until I use make-up remover at the end of the day. It's so dramatic, that once you apply that eyeshadow, if you make a mistake, you're wearing it the rest of the day.

But so worth it. And vegan, as most of their products are.

A Spring Salute to Target

2009-02-27T08:59:00.000-08:00

For the past few seasons, Target has been disappointing me with their selections. But my last trip there, I was thrilled to see so many options...and it made me eager for the weather to warm up.

Purse Fiend

2009-02-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

I have always been obsessed with purses. I remember eyeing my mom's Gucci purse collection as a child and wondering what I could possibly find to put in a purse. Crayons? Madonna tapes?

Although my perspective on a Gucci purse has changed, I still love a good bag to complete an outfit. I also commute every day, run around all weekend long, and need something that isn't going to fall apart. When I first started purchasing manmade bags last year, some of them did just that. Thus began my search for a high-end vegan bag, and a friend pointed me in the direction of a great Chicago boutique, Fixture: "I think Fixture has vegan bags, and really cute ones."

They also have online shopping, for those not in Chi-town. I ordered my Melie Bianco bag from them in the beginning of October, and they were a bit backed up due to the high demand...so they sent me a lovely email apologizing, promising me the bag in a few weeks and gave me FREE SHIPPING. Immediately I was reminded why it's so nice to order from an actual store versus a warehouse in the middle of nowhere. It's now the middle of February and my bag is literally still in perfect condition.

Fixture's fall/winter handbags are now 40% off and they just received a new shipment of Big Buddha bags. Check them out.

And thanks to Fixture for giving us vegan girls an option.

Itemsiamlustingafterthisfridayafternoon

2009-02-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Look these shoes. Italian, vegan and eco-friendly. They are basically my shoe twin. They are also sweat-shop free. Amazing! I could see myself prancing all over town in these babies....

This will be the next addition to the JJBC library....

Could potentially become a weekend staple....

It is suppose to snow 8 inches here in Chicago this weekend. I'm dreaming of cuddling up...

Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks again for reading.

Shiny Happy Hair

2009-02-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

For me, finding great vegan haircare products was hard....until my stylist threw Pureology into my hair and it looked and smelled better than ever. Avaliable in Ulta stores. Or on Amazon. This is a HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Summer Shoe Watch

2009-02-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

The catalogs are pouring in. Although it doesn't feel it in Chicago, spring is right around the corner and so I've begun my 2009 Summer Shoe Watch. My all-time favorite vegan shoe spot? Chadwick's. Oh yes. Not only do they have a wide variety of manmade shoes, they also are very clear (even in their catalog) about what each shoe is made with. So you can easily determine manmade from leather and suede. And girls like me appreciate that information more than anyone at Chadwick's probably realizes. Another thing to appreciate? Chadwick's great prices. And once you order from them once 15%, 20% and 30% email coupons will be rolling in.

You smell ridiculously good...

2009-02-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

A quick "vegan perfume" search on etsy* assisted in an amazing find. The Wylde Ivy shop had so many scents to choose from I felt like I had stepped into a Vegan Scent Wonderland. The clincher? Scented oils! I love oils. One might say I'm an oiloholic.

Ok, so I ordered the Black Cat Oil Perfume, and received it a few short days later. I was beyond pleased. First of all, the Black Cat scent is like nothing I've ever smelled. It's a musky sort of sexy scent, just decadent. Secondly, it was packaged adorably. I would love to give this as a gift. Really unique bottling. Thirdly, they included samples! Oh, who doesn't love a free sample?! Especially when you are taking a risk and ordering something you have never smelled online.

As it explains in the description on the shop's site, reapplication is necessary to keep the scent going all day, but so what? It's oil and seeps into the skin. It frightens me to think of what's involved in keeping a perfume smelling on my skin for 12 hours straight. And I only found I had to reapply once to keep it going all day. Anyway, I'm sick of the overload of "products" in my cabinet. I'm eager to use things up. I currently have about 5 half-full perfume bottles from the summer of 2004, where I went on a little perfume spree. I'm so sick of looking at them! So I will be reapplying vigorously.

Wylde Ivy is featuring their Valentine's Day Inspired Perfumes right now. How adorable. Take advantage.

*If you are not yet familiar with etsy, you need to get familiar. If you thought facebook was addicting, you have no idea...

Yes. Another vegan blog.

2009-02-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my very first blog entry on my very first blog. Bare with me as I figure out exactly what I am doing.

I am coming up to my one year anniversary as a vegan. With this, I have made a promise to myself and the animal community to rid my entire lifestyle of anything nonvegan. For the most part, this has been no problem. Pretty simple: Identify and destroy (or, less dramatically, give to a friend or goodwill).

But now comes the fun part. Replacing everything I have been using for years and wearing for years with items I like just as much but can use without the guilt. I am one of those people, if I like a product, I'm a dream customer. I will use that product and no other. I will recommend that product to everyone I know and buy them their own and follow-up to make sure they are as satified as I am.

So, let's get going here. Let's find those cruelty-free, vegan items we cannot live without and celebrate them. And that is what this blog is all about.

Thanks for reading.