Friday's Vegan Accessory: Cork Tie and Belt

There is no way to even vaguely suggest that this cork tie and belt, as a combination, might be work appropriate. The belt, maybe, in a very "liberal" office that encourages wearing non-professional items on days when you don't meet with clients, etc. and if you are the sort of person who can pull off a cork belt. The cork tie and belt hail from Cork Design, which makes handbags, placemats, and a limited number of accessories entirely from cork, meaning they are all eco and animal friendly. And, unlike maple syrup, which some vegans consider non-vegan, the bark of a cork tree can be harvested without injury to the tree -- cork is very, very vegan!

Cork Design's website compares the feel of the tie to the texture of nubuck suede. Find the tie here; it is $50. The belt, which comes in three cork colors and lengths and has a silver nickle buckle, also has that nubuck suede texture. The belt is $40; find it here.

Cork Designs primarily makes a line of designer handbags -- obviously, completely made from cork. Based on your office environment, and your love of cork, I think carrying a cork bag or wallet might be acceptable. My favorite of their handbags is the quilted Chanel-inspired zipped bag (pictured). It's 14" long at the bottom and 6" deep. The bag is $145 and comes in five cork color varieties; find it here.