Vegan on the Weekend: Interesting Article

It's a working weekend for me; not much shopping or online browsing happening. But a friend did send me an interesting article about a study purporting to show that fish feel pain (or something similar to our conception of pain). It's aptly titled: "Frying Nemo: Do Fish Feel Pain?" I grabbed the left illustration (by Charlie Powell) from Slate because I found it mesmerizing. Michael Agger, the author of the article, comes down on the side that it is rather impossible to know whether fish feel pain comparable to the pain we feel. I tend to agree. In the end, that seems to permit the author to kill (he's a part-time angler) and eat fish. In contrast, in the end, as I wrote my friend, whether it's pain fish feel or merely a reflex, my opinion is that it's wrong for me to use them when I don't need to.

In other non-vegan news, I also enjoyed this article in The Nation -- Amber Waves of Blame -- by Katha Pollitt.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Prismera Design's Posies Collection

Earlier this week, Prismera Design -- from which I have purchased some really great jewerly that I wear all the time -- sent me an email introducing their new eco collection, Posies. According to the email, it's an extension of their Flora & Folim collection. The Posies collection is a small line of post earrings, made from stainless steel and sterling silver, that each capture a "sweet little blossom." My favorite is the cherry blossom (pictured).

Each pair of earrings is $42. For a limited time, Prismera Design is offering a special deal: from now until June 20, if you purchase of 2 pairs of post earrings from the Posies collection you'll receive a free delicate sterling silver necklace (worth $36). And here's a discount good for the entire site: MAYNEWS09 is the code, 15% is the discount, works through end of May. Find the entire Posies collection here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Classiques Entier Striped Pants

It's always nice to add a bit of texture or some elongating pinstripes to your wardrobe. These Classiques Entier "Atelier 'Pixeled Stripe' Pants" have both -- a teeny bit of wavy texture and subtle pinstripes -- all set against a traditional black classic full-leg pant with a front coin pocket and faux back pockets. The pants are made from polyester, linen, and viscose, and have polyester lining. $178; find the pants here via Nordstrom.

The pants pair with the coordinating Classiques Entier jacket -- the "Atelier 'Pixeled Stripe' Jacket" -- which has a "waist-defining" belt. I don't like belts with my suit jackets, but they seem to be a growing trend. The jacket also has built-in shoulder pads, which I hope isn't becoming a trend either. If the matching jacket interests you, it is $298; here.

Vegan Purchase: Steve Madden Pumps

I purchased two pairs of vegan Steve Madden pumps at Designer Shoe Warehouse -- "DSW" (does anyone call it by its full name anymore?) -- a week or so ago and have been searching online to find a link to them, but have been entirely unsuccessful. Accordingly, I took semi-okay pictures with my iPhone and am posting them.

The pumps have 2.75" heels (perfect height!) and a pointed, yet not-too-pointy toe. As clearly indicated on the inside label, they are made entirely of man-made materials . . . vegan . . . how rare to find vegan Steve Madden pumps! I purchased them (1) in the shiny black, which, while shiny, I find to be matte enough to wear with almost any suit, and (2) in a tan/taupe, which pairs perfectly with my lighter summer suits. I also wore the tan/taupe pumps with a black suit that has tan pinstripes to rave reviews. The shoes were $59.95 each, "compared with" $79.99. I highly recommend these if you can find them at your local DSW or similar.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Eric Javits Squishee

Eric Javits is one of my favorite designers. He makes women's accessories -- shoes, bags, hats, etc. -- primarily from "Squishee," a man-made fiber that resembling straw. Most of the shoes aren't vegan because of the leather lining, but some of the bags are vegan, though some similarly have leather trim. My favorite of the vegan bags is the "Squishee Clip." It's bigger than it looks -- 14" long x 11.5" high x 4.5" wide with an 8" drop handle. It has brass feet and closes via three super-strong magnets. It comes in the pictured natural bronze and black and nine other color combinations. $290. Find it here.

Vegan Purchase: Tretorn Slip-ons

My Keds met an unfortunate temporary demise this weekend during Memorial Day festivities and craziness. As Keds are machine washable, they have been returned to their former vegan goodness. But I needed to temporarily replace them -- as in, immediately upon the unfortunate temporary demise.

To replace them, I purchased Tretorn's "Mikaela" canvas slip-on sneakers (pictured in the "goat gray" that I bought). I love the decorative buttons. They slip-on very easily and are quite comfortable. The sneakers also come in navy blue, black, and a yellow-ish gold. At $70, they were slightly expensive, but I was in desperate need and these were the only replacements I immediately could find that I thought I would get good future use out of. Find them here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Fan Cuff Shirt

This white shirt (pictured left) is a new markdown in Nordstrom's half-yearly sale for women and kids. Of course, I love the three-quarter-sleeves with large fan pleats at the ends. But I think my favorite feature is the goldtone buttons detailed with white floral centers. The shirt is made from cotton and spandex; the spandex gives it a bit of stretch. Originally $58, it is on sale for $37.90. Find it here.

Another new markdown of note is Sandra Ingrish's ruffle shirt (pictured right). The subtle ruffles at the cuffs of the long-sleeves match the delicate ruffles lining the Y-neck. The shirt also is made from cotton and spandex, and likely too has a bit of stretchy give. Originally $68, it is on sale for $44.90. It comes in white (here) and the pictured blue (here).

And while you're browsing Nordstrom's sale, check out Theory's "Talia-Cinz" shirt, available in white and apollo (greenish-blue); originally $225, on sale for $89.90; here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Ann Taylor Triacetate Suit

My favorite vegan suit is Ann Taylor's mix-and-match triacetate suit collection. I have a couple of jackets, a couple of pants, and a skirt in the black. Usually, the suit comes in black and dark brown versions. For the summer, Ann Taylor has introduced a "pelican" color triacetate suit with a with hook and eye closure on the jacket. I tried the suit on in-store; the jacket hits at the hip and the hook and eye closure fans the bottom of the jacket open a bit. Hence, I think it is perfect for a more casual, yet still business professional day. Perhaps pair it with a patterned cami or sleeveless blouse.

It is made from 55% cotton and 45% triacetate (blend of vegan fibers). The jacket is $199; here. The matching pants are $129; here.

Reader Request: Vegan Sandals Similar To Jack Rogers' Navajo Sandals

A reader (I have readers!) commented (and they comment!) on a previous shoe post asking whether there is a vegan version of Jack Rogers' Navajo sandal (pictured left in the turquoise). Jack Rogers' sandals are made from leather, alas. I have seen them all over this summer, particularly Nordstrom, as the commenter referenced, and also have been intrigued by their simple feminine style.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to locate a very similar vegan version. The best I can do is Rina Shah's thong with rivets (pictured right). Not exactly a perfect match . . . at all. It's made from man-made leather and, clearly, is decorated with rhinestone-ish rivets. At $55, it's a bit less expensive than the Jack Rogers' sandals.

Also not-so-similar are a variety of summer sandals from Madden Girl. First, there is the "Adaline" sandal. It is entirely man-made and comes in the pictured turquoise, pink, yellow, brown and black. $49.90; available here via Zappos. So similar I'm not quite sure why it has a different name is the "Bayleee" sandal. Also entirely man-made; it comes in turquoise, black, and yellow. Also $49.90; here. Third, Madden Girl makes a "Dandye" flip-flop faux leather sandal that is further away from the Jack Rogers' sandal, yet still seems tangentially similar in my mind. Also available in a variety of colors; also $49.90; available here.

Finally, the only way these Madden Girl "Bajjaa" sandals are like the Jack Rogers' sandal is that they are vaguely Native American themed, but I thought I would include them. They are available in the pictured black (which I like most because of the purple accents), brown, and white. Also vegan (obviously); also $49.90; also available through Zappos -- here.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Animal Bookends

Via Molla Space. Need an interesting bookend or book-weight? Looking for something simple yet intriguing to put in a corner of your office to give it a hint of personality? Or perhaps something for your home library? These smaller (5" x 10" x 5") bookends in the shape of animals might be just the thing. The bookends come in 4 animal styles: the right pictured sheep and dinosaur, and boar, and a lion. Each animal style is pre-named -- boar (Babu), white lion (Tumo), dinosaur (Bobo), sheep (Nell) -- but I'm sure they won't mind being re-named.

They are made from faux leather, polyester, and filled with iron sand. $48 each -- a bit pricey, but oh so cute. Find them here.

My favorite is Babu the boar; who couldn't fall in love with that strong snout:

Designer Vegan Deal: Selections from Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale

Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids started yesterday. Items are on sale for 10% - 40% off. Thought I would point out a few vegan finds in addition to the pants I already posted this morning.

Continuing with the linen pant trend, and on the more expensive side even with the 40% off, are Leifsdottir's "Pebble" wide-leg linen trousers in the left pictured navy. The decorative gold buttons along the side-slant pockets match the three gold buttons that line the back pockets. I like the turned-up cuffs and the extra wide legs. Made from linen and viscose. The pants originally were $258 and are on sale for $153.90; here.

To wear over your suits during in-climate weather, check out Michael by Michael Kors' "Clip Closure" topper, pictured right in the "sand." It also comes in a bright "taxi yellow" (perhaps not work appropriate) and black. The accompanying drawstring hood is detachable. Made from cotton and polyester. Best of all, it is machine washable. Originally $128, it is on sale for $79.90 (35% off). Find it here. Also, if you are looking for something slightly more tailored, you might like Via Spiga's "Sienna" walking coat, which comes in a similar light camel, a chocolate brown, and black. Originally $148, on sale for $89.90 (35% off); here.

On the very, very expensive side, St. John Collection's "Floral Print" stretch cotton dress is on sale for $594 (originally $995 -- 40% off) (pictured left). I love the high neck, knee-hitting length, and matching thin belt. The dress would look great with a black blazer or a black cardigan, as well as a taupe blazer or cardigan. Pair it with black or taupe heels. Made from cotton and spandex. Find it here.

Finally, Marc by Marc Jacobs' line of totes is on sale for 33% off, such as the right pictured "tobo." I'm not sure how work-appropriate these totes are, but they are great for the weekend or carrying lots of items to the gym in an eye-catching bag. Made from nylon. The pictured tote originally was $198 and is on sale for $131.90; here. Marc by Marc Jacobs makes a similar full tote that originally was $188 and is on sale for $124.90; here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Classiques Entier Pants

Via Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids, which started yesterday. There are some great items on sale -- for as much as 40% off -- such as these Classiques Entier "Nouveau" linen-blend pants with straight legs, side pockets, and faux welt back pockets. Perfect to pair with a shirt or sweater for a dressy business casual look. Perhaps pair the pants with a black blazer for a dressed-down business professional look. The pants come in the pictured "acorn," a lighter "oat," and black. Made from linen, viscose, rayon, and spandex -- yes, vegan! Originally $168, they are on sale for $99.99. Find them here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Melie Bianco Ruffle Chain Bag

This bag is big -- 17" x 22" x 5". Big enough to carry your laptop, a couple hardcover books, a pad of paper (even a legal pad), and all the other items that end up in a handbag. I love the piping and the rings attaching the handles. It comes in four summery colors: the pictured white, teal, champagne and pewter. As always, all Melie Bianco bags are vegan! $95. Find it here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Ella Moss Top

I think this Ella Moss top would look great under just about any color suit or paired with solid pencil skirt. And I bet the top is especially good for the work - to - evening transition. I love the combination of deeper blues and light blues hinted with sea foam green all set against a mellow grey, the ruffles at the collar, and the feminine, yet not overdone tie.

The top is made from cotton -- vegan, of course! It is $98; available here through Anthropologie.

Vegan Purchase: Semantiks Suit via Nordstrom

I purchased a Semantiks suit in-store at Nordstrom a couple of weeks ago while I was on vacation. I have been waiting for Nordstrom to put it on its website, but it doesn't look like what I purchased will be available online anytime soon. Unfortunately, the pictures I took with my iPhone aren't very crisp, but I really want to show the suit, because it's vegan and black and pinstriped, so an over-exposed picture is to the left.

The jacket and pants are made from a combination of rayon, polyester, and spandex. The suit is a matte black with small, very closely set, off-white pinstripes. See the pinstripes:

The jacket has two really useful pockets in the front and the pants have slit side pockets and fake back pockets (wish they were real -- the more pockets, the better). The jacket was $138 and the pants were $88, which totaled to a doable $226. I've worn the suit twice so far and absolutely love it. So comfortable! If you are near a Nordstrom, it's definitely worth checking it out if you are in the market for a black pinstripe vegan suit.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Calvin Klein Suit

Calvin Klein's lux stretch suit, available through Bloomingdale's, features a simple long sleeve jacket with a one-button front closure and side pockets. I like the four button cuffs to contrast the one-button closure. The matching pants have straight legs, slit side pockets, and a banded waistband. The waistband also boasts belt loops, which, for me, is a must for suit pants.

The suit is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. It is only available in the pictured black. The jacket is $99; here. The pants are $79; here.

Bloomingdale's pairs the suit with Calvin Klein's classic white stretch poplin long-sleeve shirt, which is made from cotton and spandex -- also vegan. $59; here.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Turquoise Jewerly

Lauren by Ralph Lauren's summer collection, via Nordstrom, includes a bunch of matching earrings and necklaces made from turquoise beads set alongside gold-tone metal. I love it all.

My favorite earrings are the left pictured "gypsy" hoop earrings. They are a perfect in 1" diameter -- large enough to make an impression, but not so overly huge that they become de facto unprofessional. $38; find them here. For something slightly longer, try the turquoise chandelier earrings. $48; here.

The earrings pair fantastically with the "illusion" beaded necklace pictured right. I really like the interspersing of the colored glass beads with the matching turquoise beads. The necklace is 36" long -- great for wrapping into a double-strand. $58; find it here. For something all turquoise like the earrings, I also like the chunky turquoise necklace. $198 (it contains a lot of turquoise and is a long 34.5"); here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Nanette Lepore Skirt

I admit, I have an affinity for Nanette Lepore. And I really like this pencil skirt in the pictured "rendezvous tweed." The two front-flap pockets with buttons, the white contrast trim on the pockets and hem, and the seam detail on the front dress up the skirt while still making it professional and work-appropriate. Pair it with a light colored blouse or black sweater or even something of a more vibrant color.

The skirt is made from rayon, cotton, and acrylic -- vegan! It regularly is $295, but it is on sale via Bloomingdale's for 30% off, making it $206.50. Find it here via Bloomingdale's.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Kitten Heels

I've been looking for a certain type of kitten heel for months and months and months -- black, pointed toe (not the round that seems to be everywhere), a one-inch heel, perhaps some decoration to make the shoe intriguing. I finally found a pair . . . via Payless no less! Their "American Eagle" brand black kitten heel features a one-inch heel, a pointed toe, and pleats around the toe. I haven't tried the shoe on yet (going this weekend), so I can't attest to comfort. The shoe is vegan though -- made from manmade materials. Regularly $24.99, the heels are on sale for $19.99. The shoes also come in a "raspberry" color; find them here.

Designer Vegan Deal: LuLu via Hautelook

Hautelook, one of what seems to be a growing number of websites offering online designer sample sales, today is offering a selection of LuLu handbags, clutches, and wallets, all on super sale (up to 70% off). I haven't looked through all the items, but most (likely all) are vegan.

Check it out here. And if you need an invitation to access, email the Professional Vegan at professionalvegan@gmail.com.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Shirred Jewel-Neck Sweater

Via Talbots. Every so often I find something I really like at stores geared more towards older women (Ann Taylor is the recognized young version of Talbots, at least to my knowledge). This time Talbots has done good with its shirred jewel-neck sweater. It comes in the pictured "basil green" and five other colors, all great to wear under and spruce up suits. I especially like the shirring at the neckline and the elbow length sleeves with ribbing at the ends (which matches the ribbing at the bottom of the sweater). I imagine the sweater would work well as an accompaniment to a nice pair of trousers or a skirt on more casual days.

The sweater is $49; find it in misses sizes here and petite sizes here (I always end up in petites at Talbots).

Monday's Vegan Suit and Vegan Purchase: Tahari Suit via Macys

Late last week I went to Macy's to check out what seems to be a perpetual clearance on complete (two or three piece) suits. I found a really nice pant suit by Tahari (not Elie Tahari . . . just Tahari). It's black with small off-white pinstripes and has ruffles at the jacket pockets (see pictures to left and right). It was originally $320, and I got it for $99.99! Yes, bargain shopping feels good. Unfortunately, the suit is not available online. But there are other suits by Tahari on sale via Macy's website.

This grey pinstripe pant suit is possibly the closest to the suit I purchased. It doesn't boast the feminine ruffle pockets, but it has a similar one-button front closure and small off-white pinstripes. The suit is made from rayon and polyester, just like the one I purchased. Originally $280, it is on sale online for $149.

Also check out this light brown pant suit (pictured right). The jacket has a feminine three-button closure and hits at the hip; and the pants have clean, straight legs. Normally I'm not a fan of brown suits -- just never liked the color. But, in honor of Justice Rehnquist and the controversies he continues to be implicated in (see here), I think it is a fabulous suit, especially considering it is brown and has matching pants! The suit is made from linen, polyester, and viscose. Originally $320, it is on sale for $169.

Vegan on the Weekend: Miscellaneous Vegan Adventures

While I was on vacation last week, I flew all over the country and visited some vegan restaurants along the way. My favorite was Lovin' Spoonfuls in Tuscon, Arizona. We stopped for Saturday brunch. I had fabulous banana pancakes and my friend had the fiesta scramble. I sampled some -- also fabulous.

I also was in Boston -- yes, I meant it when I said I flew all over the country -- where I met a friend at the Burdick's in Cambridge. I tried the dark hot chocolate with soy milk -- which is vegan! It was divine, of course. So, if you are ever in Tuscon or Boston, I recommend these places.

To continue placating my sweet-tooth, while on vacation I devoured a couple pre-packaged vegan cookies as well. Both were made by Alternative Baking Company: the phenomenal pumpkin spice and mac the chip. The website offers free shipping; the cookies were so good, I am considering ordering more from the website.

And when I returned, I found my friend had ordered the best gift ever! She got me a vegan sweatshirt! I'm positive she had it custom made, but if you covet something similar, Farm Sanctuary has a similar sweatshirt in its online shop (here).

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Not Quite Dangly Earrings

When it comes to jewerly, I find I wear earrings almost every day. I really enjoy long, dangly, intricate earrings. But the professional guidebook declares such extravagances as wearing fabulous pieces of art un-professional. Sometimes I throw caution to the wind, tell myself that I will not mold to the traditionally masculine workplace, and wear the earrings anyhow. Other times, however, I submit and put in some simple studs.

As such, I have been searching for a compromise between my desired dangly and simple studs. I found a few on the website Charm & Chain, an online jewelry boutique based out of downtown Manhattan which brings together emerging and established jewelry designers. Though I almost skipped over them at first, I am becoming more and more intrigued by tuleste market's hexagon chainmail earrings, which, coincidentally are marketed as a combination of dangly and stud. They are available in silver, gold, rose gold, and gunmetal finishes (the gunmetal is pictured right). $95 a pair; find the gunmental here, and the other finishes here.

I'm also drawn to House of Harlow's simple gold medallion earrings (pictured left). Not quite studs, but I think the smallish disks will land close enough to the earlobes to deem the earrings conservative-enough. The geometric etchings bring a bit of flair to the earrings. Perfect to go with a basic black suit. They are $35; here. Also, somewhat similar to these are Soixante Neuf's gladiator disk earrings, which I mention because they are on sale: originally $245, now $135 for the gunmetal (here) and $125 for the rose gold (here).

Finally, for a simple take on the not quite (really) dangly, but not quite stud earrings, check out By Boe's gold cube earring (pictured right). There is something transfixing about the simple, delicate loop accented with the cubes at the end. They are $35; find them here. By Boe makes a similar emerald-colored earrings; here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Stella McCartney Bags and Shoes via Nieman Marcus

Quick post. Neiman Marcus is holding a one-day "first mark private shopping event" -- up to 30% off original (i.e. regular, full-price) prices on more than 250 designers carried by Neiman Marcus. One of those designers is Stella McCartney. A sizable number of her vegan bags and vegan shoes are on sale, such as the pictured "Appoulousa Flap Front Shoulder Tote" in an ivory color. Made from paisley-embossed cotton and polyester coated in polyurethane. Originally a whopping $1,395, it is 30% off today only, making it a still whopping $977. Find it here.

And find all of Stella McCartney's items that are on one-day sale here. Likewise, visit the entire sale here and search through it for vegan clothing and other items. Today only!

** To note, get free shipping on all orders regardless of price by entering code: NMMAY.

Vegan Clothing Deal: IGIGI's "Sale of the Century"

IGIGI, a website offering "sexy, sophisticated plus size clothing," (sizes 12-32) is holding its "sale of the century": take an additional 75% off already reduced prizes on all of the clothing on this page, much of which is vegan.

For example, the left pictured polyester/elastane blend pants in charcoal, originally were $78, currently are on sale for $62, and with the extra 75% off, will be $15. Find them here. And there is a very professional black jacket with white trim also made from a polyester / elastane blend. It originally was $198, currently is on sale for $138, and with the extra 75% off will be $35. Check the jacket out here and check out the entire sale here!

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Foxcroft Ruffle Blouse

Nordstrom recently added some of Foxcroft's summer line of shirts to its website. I especially like the white ruffle blouse (pictured). Its three-quarter length sleeves are great for summer and the y-neck combined with the out-turned subtle ruffles add eye-catching flair to the shirt. It's made from cotton; $58; find it here.

If you are into white shirts with subtle feminine touches, check out Foxcroft's "fitted crinkle blouse." The shirt has an all-over crinkle texture and its sleeves can be styled with a bell shape or a french cuff. Made from cotton, nylon, and spandex (to create that crinkle texture); $72; find it here.

I also enjoy Foxcroft's "shaped paisley shirt." It also boasts three-quarter length sleeves and is decorated with a large paisley print of navy blue set on the shirt's white background. Also made from cotton; it is $68. Find it in "misses" sizes here and plus sizes here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Sabrina Handbag by Offhand Designs

Cow Jones Industrials, a vegan boutique based in upstate New York with an awesome website, is holding a handbag sale -- 20% off all regularly priced handbags and an additional 10% off all reduced handbags -- now through Sunday, May 11 (Mother's Day, I might add). If I needed a new handbag, or if I was searching for a gift for someone, such as a mother, I would pick the "Sabrina" handbag from Offhand Designs in the licorice print pictured. The bag is bigger than it looks -- 12" x 17" x 5". It can hold a laptop, a bunch of books, a wallet, a water bottle, and all your other accessories. And the adjustable strap can be worn across the body or as a double shoulder strap. Made from vegan fabric! Originally $190, it is on sale for $152. Find it here.

Also, on the subject of vegan accessories, check out this post about vegan shoes on the fashion site Hollywood Life -- Where to Get 'Em: Cute Non-Leather Shoes.

Calling All Vegan Chefs (and Others): Tofu Takedown

If you're from NYC, you might have heard of the Chili Takedown -- since 2005, amateur cooks have been bringing their amateur(ish) chilis to a massive event and competing for prizes, money, etc. Actor/filmmaker Matt Timms is "producing" a similar (hopefully inaugural) event for tofu, aptly named the Tofu Takedown. "Tofu Gladiators compete for blood and prizes," the event poster announces and challenges.

Tofu Takedown is set for May 10 (that's Sunday!) at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan. So, if you are an amateur vegan/tofu chef, enter the competition and show the world (well, NYC) what you can do with tofu. And if you like tofu, come to the event and eat!

I will leave you with some words from the producer: "For too long, vegetarians have been unhappily doggy paddling in a sea of comfort food. NO MORE.The most audacious takedown to date features TOFU, meat of the soy gods. Some may interpret this as a smack in the porky face of the previous bacon takedown!!! All it is, is another takedown!!!" For more information, go here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Nanette Lepore Pants

On sale! Classic work-appropriate trousers with a touch of contrast stitching at the waist and wide belt loops to add a bit of modern flare. My favorite feature is the number of pockets: 4 -- two in the back and two at the sides. The pants are made from cotton and elasterell (vegan!). Originally $295, they are on sale via Saks for $176.90. Unfortunately, they are only available in the pictured cream -- although cream is great for the summer! Find them here.

Also, if you are a size 6 and looking for black Nanette Lepore pants on (semi-)sale, check out these "into the wild" pants, also via Saks and also on sale for $176.90. Like the above, they are made from cotton and elasterell. Too bad Saks only has them available in size 6.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Semantiks Suit

The Professional Vegan is back from vacation! And I'm jumping right in with Monday's vegan suit. This suit is made by Semantiks and available via Nordstrom. I love the three-quarter length sleeves on the jacket -- perfect for summer -- and tie belt at the waist of the jacket. The jacket also boasts largish front pockets, which I always find useful during hectic days. The jacket can be paired with the matching pictured skirt or pants; and the suit is available in regular or petite sizes. It is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex.

The jacket is $138; available here. The matching skirt is $68; available here. And the matching pants are $88; available here. I noticed that Nordstrom has "lucky" sizes available online, especially in the jacket. However, I was in a Nordstrom this weekend and the physical store had more than just a few sizes.