New Site of Vegan Interest

I know I disappeared for a month. But I am back with a great new site of vegan interest: Our Hen House. I found it via one of my favorite law professor blogs, Animal Blawg. (In addition to posting, I also am catching up on my blog reading.) Our Hen House is a blog and “a central clearinghouse for all kinds of ideas on how individuals can make change for animals.” It has some awesome podcasts on it and a bunch of great stories and lots of other information. Of particular relevance to shopaholic vegan professionals, one of the four major categories covered by Our Hen House is titled "Money Squawks": "Along with brainstorming ideas for for-profit opportunities that can make positive change for animals, this section will highlight business ventures and products that are already changing the way the world works." Check it all out here.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Classiques Entier Herringbone Pants

Perhaps best for the upcoming spring, these unlined "dynamic herringbone" pants feature a wide, contoured waistband and cuffed trousers. The pants have a slight flare below the knee to create a boot-cut silhouette. I especially enjoy the row of three buttons at either hip. The pants come in the pictured color. Pair them with a dark sweater set or button-down shirt to create a classic business-casual look. They are made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. $168; find them here via Nordstrom.

Vegan On The Weekend: The Limited Sale

Last weekend I went to the mall the day after Christmas. Not the best idea ever, but it did lead me (and my shopping buddy) to The Limited. The Limited was, and still is, having a rather good sale on a variety of its clothing: legwear is 40% off (see available legwear here); pants are buy one get one 50% off; jewelry is buy two get one free; and a bunch of turtlenecks and other work-appropriate sweaters are reduced, drastically in some instances. The Limited is good for vegan fashion: many of the suits are made from cotton, polyester, and rayon blends, as are many of their sweaters. Here are some sale items of potential interest:

Forenza Shaker Cowl sweater: perhaps more for the weekend, or casual Fridays, this chunky sweater is made from 100% acrylic. It comes in the pictured "dark teal" and nine other colors, including the black that I purchased. I've worn the sweater a couple times -- it is very warm and comfortable. Great for cold weather. Originally $59.50, it is on sale for $14.99.

Printed Button Cowl top: continuing with the cowl neck, this top is perfect for putting underneath a full suit, perhaps black or a dark grey. The animal print is not too over-the-top, especially under a suit jacket, and will add a bit of flare to your outfit. The top is made from polyester and spandex. Originally $39.50, it is on sale for $14.99.

Ultra Pleated shirt: another top to put under your suit jacket to add a bit of modern flair to a plain suit. I like The Limited's description: "A crisp woven shirt need not be dull. Ours has oodles of pleats on the stand collar and neckline, giving it a polished look that works with or without a jacket." The shirt is made from cotton and spandex. It comes in the pictured "dark ivy green" (here) and "black and white stripe" (here). Originally $49.50, it is on sale for $19.99.

Basic Pencil Skirt: though billed as "basic," I'm not sure how basic this skirt really is: it has "waves of sheen" woven in, "creating hypnotic, undulating lines." However, it seems to hit perfectly at the knees, which is great for the office. The skirt is made from polyester and comes in the pictured black, which , conveniently, doesn't show the undulating, hypnotic lines. Originally $69.50, it is on sale for $39.99.

Vegan Purchase: Trousers From Talbots

On sale! A few days ago I shopped Talbots' after-Christmas sale and purchased a couple pairs (two different colors -- black and brown) of the same vegan (polyester, rayon, and spandex blend) bootcut trousers. They are great for more dressy business casual, and heavy enough that their lack of lining isn't that much of a concern in the winter. Originally $79, I got them for $37.49 each. I tried to find them online, but only came up with the below vegan sale items from Talbots, each very professional (and vegan) on its own:

Bi-stretch twill seamed pant: these are made from the same polyester, rayon, and spandex blend as the pants I purchased. However, I think they have a slightly higher waist and the leg-opening is much straighter. They come in the pictured "cool taupe" and 7 other colors. Originally $79, they are on sale for $26.24. Find all the colors and a variety of fits and lengths (regular, petite, woman, long) here.

Cable-knit turtleneck sweater: if you like the limited (light green, red, an orange-red, and the pictured pink) that Talbots has left, this turtleneck sweater might be a rather inexpensive way to complement a full dark suit. Made entirely from cotton, it is vegan. Originally $59, on sale for $33.74. Find the sweater in a variety of fits here.

Jewel-neck cardigan : made from a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex, this cardigan would look nice over a collared shirt paired with slacks, or with a matching cami (find some on sale here). It is available in four rather neutral colors, including the pictured "pine cone." Originally $59, on sale for $29.99. Find it here in misses and petite sizes. And for a similar cardigan, but with a cable-knit and three-quarter length sleeves, see here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Charmone Shoes

I've been very MIA the past month -- and may be for a while longer as to regular posting. But I wanted to highlight the Greenloop's massive close-out sale on Charmone pumps and boots from last season (though still perfectly acceptable style-wise for 2010, in my opinion). The Greenloop came to my attention when a couple of my friends sent me an awesome gift certificate. I spent a portion of the gift certificate already, and just used the rest to get the right pictured "marco-polo" pumps in the moss color. As with all Charmone shoes, they are vegan. Originally $229, they are on close-out for $49. They also come in a slate (grey) version. Find the moss color here and the slate color here.

The Greenloop also is offering Charmone's "darjeeling" booties for $49 (originally $269). They come in the pictured black and a green. They have a 3.75" heel (same as the above pumps) and are made from a vegan micro-fiber "suede" that give them a velvety look and feel. Find the black here and the green here. Also check out Charmone's "dragonwell" tall boots -- originally $299, on sale for $59 -- here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Classiques Entier Jacket and Black Pants

Not exactly a fully matching suit, but still, I like the look of Classiques Entier's "Chevron" jacket (pictured left) paired with Classiques Entier's "Luxe Twill" pants (pictured right). Both are available via Nordstrom (and both are relatively new to Nordstrom). The jacket is made from cotton and acrylic, and comes in the pictured "black multi." The pants are made from polyester, viscose, and spandex, and come in the pictured, but different, "black multi." I like the slight shine of the pants, although the fact that they are unlined combined with the fact that it is getting colder, makes me like them a little less. Perhaps the twill of the fabric makes up for the lack of lining?

Depending on the weather, I would pair the jacket and pants with a lower-cut white or black sweater (maybe even a cami), or a black turtleneck. The jacket is $268; find it here. The pants are $168; find them here.

Black Friday

I am not going out today. Well, perhaps for more strings of lights for the Christmas decorations. But no major shopping. Though if I was, I would be sure to stop by Nordstrom to check out this Caslon cardigan. Including the pictured "military green" it comes in six colors. I like the oversize fold-over collar and hidden zipper. A good mix of dressy and casual; perfect to store in the office for chillier days. Made from cotton, nylon, and spandex. $58 at Nordstrom; find it here in "regular" and "petite" sizes, and here in "plus" sizes.

Happy (Vegan) Thanksgiving!

Friday's Vegan Accessory: "Tofurkey and Gravy" Soda Gift Pack

In the spirit of not harming turkeys and other animals this Thanksgiving and holiday season, Jones soda has created a limited edition "tofurkey and gravy" flavored soda. You can purchase the soda as part of the "Tofurkey and Gravy Soda" gift pack, which includes 3 bottles of tofurkey soda, 3 bottles of miscellaneous flavored Jones "Zilch" (zero calorie) soda, and 1 tofurkey metal lunch box. The complete gift pack is pictured. Each gift pack is $11.99 plus shipping and handling. And, with each case of tofurkey soda sold, Jones will donate $1 to PAWS, people helping animals. Order a gift pack for a friend (or yourself) here, and enjoy some tofurkey-and-gravy-flavored soda this Thanksgiving instead of real turkey and animal-based gravy!

New Compilation of Vegan and Vegetarian Blogs

Ashley M. Jones of Pharmacy Technician Certification -- a website dedicated to providing resources to students contemplating or currently completing pharmacy technician certification from online schools and the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in general -- has compiled a list of the top 75 blogs for vegetarians and vegans. The Professional Vegan is among them! And some of my favorite blogs made the list too -- SuperVegan, Vegan Soapbox, and Vegan Guinea Pig to name a few. Check out the entire list here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Gap Sale and Men's Clothing

I have a bit of free time today and Gap is holding an online sale -- 25% of entire online purchase of regularly priced items; enter code GIFT123 at checkout -- so I thought I would post some vegan items Gap is offering for men. Depending on work environment, some might not be office appropriate, but they would be good for the weekend!

First, the standard cotton crewneck sweater (pictured left in the "indigo blue"). Made entirely from cotton. Great to put over a collared shirt for a more casual, yet still professional look, and great to wear alone on the weekends for a very casual look. Originally $39.50, now $25. Not sure if that means it qualifies for the 25% off special. Regardless, it already is more than 25% off. Find it here in the blue and seven other colors.

Second, a moleskin blazer (pictured right). This blazer definitely is work-appropriate. Customer reviews say it is great for fall and winter. Wear it over a collared shirt to complete a dressy business-casual look. Made from cotton. It comes only in the pictured brown. $98; find it here.

Third, striped shirts (pictured left in the blue "bank stripe"). Perfect to pair with a full suit or with pants and a nice (vegan!) belt for a more casual look. Made from cotton. Gap is offering striped shirts in a variety of colors: the pictured shirt (here); it also comes in "malbec and white stripe" and "blue hydrangea and white stripe" (both here); and a darker blue stripe (here). All the shirts are $44.50.

And, finally, for the upcoming cold days and night, a sherpa-lined parka (pictured right). A twill exterior combined with a sherpa-lining all the way to the knees is sure to keep you warm. Made entirely from cotton, so you also can feel warm about not harming any animals! Available only in the pictured "chino bark." $128; find it here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Matt & Nat Laptop Carrier

Perfect for both men and women. As a woman, I opt to shove my laptop (in a padded case, of course), into a large purse, but for those women who carry laptop bags, and for men, Matt & Nat's "Archive" laptop carrier (in a professional black color) is a great way to tote around your computer and accessories. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Inside it is lined with light grey faux suede made from recycled bottles. And inside you will find room for your cell phone, second cell phone, and some pens. Comes with a protective laptop sleeves. And, of course, it is vegan! $245; find it here.

Tuesday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Turtlenecks from The Limited

When I was out shopping recently, I stopped in The Limited. I haven't been there for years. They have a bunch of vegan suits, though I wasn't all that impressed with the length of the suit jackets. Apparently The Limited thinks short waisted is in, but that won't fly in my office. However, The Limited did have some great turtlenecks. At $44.50 or $49, depending on style, I think they are a bit pricey. But they would look fabulous under a suit jacket or paired with nice trousers during the colder months.

First, the most professional is the "shirred shoulder turtleneck" (pictured right in the sky blue). It features ribbed cuffs and hem, and slight sheering at the shoulders. Made from rayon and nylon. In addition to the blue, it comes in four other colors, including the office-standard brown and black. $44.50; find it here.

Second, still on the professional side is the "rib detail turtleneck" (pictured left in the garnet red). It features similar ribbed trim on the cuffs and hem, though a bit finer, and a wide-ribbed trim around the shoulders and turtleneck. Made from rayon and nylon also. In addition to the garnet red, it comes in four other colors, including a lovely deep purple, and, of course, black. $44.50; find it here.

Finally, on the less professional side, better for more casual days, are the "striped turtleneck" and "tiny stripe turtleneck." The tiny striped turtleneck is pictured right in the green. The striped turtleneck features wider stripes and comes in a garnet/grey combo and a black/grey combo. Both are made from rayon and nylon. And both are $49.50; find the striped turtleneck here and the tiny stripe turtleneck here.

Vegan Treat to Start the Week: Annie's Bunny Cereal

I polished off a box of Annie's Cocoa and Vanilla Bunnies Cereal last night. Very yummy. Great for breakfast or as a snack or a midnight treat. I've tried it with plain soy milk, vanilla soy milk, and just as a munchy -- all very satisfying. Annie's makes five bunny cereal varieties. All are vegan except for the Honey Bunnies.

Find them all here. I got mine two for five dollars at Whole Foods a few weeks ago. Having polished off the Cocoa and Vanilla, it's onto the Fruity Bunnies.

Monday's Vegan Suit: New York & Co. Pinstripe Suit

New from New York & Co. This deep charcoal suit with off-white tiny pinstripes features a two-button completely lined jacket and matching wide-legged, low-rise pants with a slightly extended-tab waistband that closes with two buttons. I love waistbands with button closures; much better than tab closures of any sort in my opinion.

The suit is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. The jacket is $69.95 and the pants are $46.95. NY&Co. is running several potentially applicable promotions: select tops and pants, including these items, buy one get one 50% off. So, with the promotion, the entire suit is $93.43. Then possibly use promo code 1650 to get $25 off any purchase of $75, bringing the suit to $68.43.

Find the jacket in regular and tall sizes here. Find the pants in petite, regular, and tall sizes here.

Vegan On The Weekend: Jimmy Choo for H&M

Today marks the launch of Jimmy Choo's collection for H&M. The collection consists of women's shoes, bag, clothes, and accessories, and a smaller men's collection. I'm not sure whether all (or any) of the item are vegan (most of the bags and shoes seem to be made from leather). H&M has set up a really interactive website for the collection, including a homepage introduction that warns that there may be lines today and apprises visitors of the bracelet policy they are instituting. Either this collection is going to be a really, really big deal, or H&M has a big head. I might go to my local H&M later and check on the progress. Until then, you can interact with the website here. Be warned, it has annoying music.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Adopt A Turkey For Thanksgiving

Every year Farm Sanctuary, my favorite sanctuary, runs its Adopt-A-Turkey Project, which "seeks to end the misery of commercially-raised turkeys by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving." For $25, you can sponsor a turkey residing at either of Farm Sanctuary's locations (CA and NY). The money goes towards feeding the turkeys and otherwise running the sanctuaries, as well as Farm Sanctuary's annual "Celebration for the Turkeys." My co-workers and I sponsored a turkey last year and the adoption certificate we received still hangs in the break-room. This year, my roommates and I are planning to sponsor Bubbles, who resides at the New York Shelter and whose motto is "friends don't let friends eat turkey at Thanksgiving!" Perfect for my roommates and me.

See all the sponsor-able turkeys here. If you are feeling really generous, sponsor the entire flock for $150. Or make a compassionate Thanksgiving donation to all of Farm Sanctuary's animals here.

Vegan Article of Interest: "Going Vegetarian for Thanksgiving"

Find this titled article from yesterday's New York Times here. Not quite a vegan article, as some of the dish alternatives offered by the author involve dairy products (and likely eggs), but interesting nonetheless. Good job New York Times on promoting the reduction of turkey abuse! The picture was so adorable I had to post it too. (Media credit to Brian Snyder/Reuters.)

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Striped Banker Shirt

I've always loved banker shirts on women. Something about the white collar and cuffs contrasted with a light blue pleases my eye. And they're great to wear under a suit jacket or alone with a nice pair of trousers. Pair the shirt with a jeans for a dressier weekend look if required at your office. Banana Republic's current banker shirt features subtle stripes on a light blue background and a pocket accented with a button (pictured). The shirt is made from 100% cotton. $60; find it here.

Wednesday's Vegan Shoes: Men's Slip-On Work Shoes

Per a reader's request (yay, readers!), today's vegan shoes are the Jenson shoe from Vegetarian Shoes. I'm not quite sure what the etiquette is regarding men wearing slip-on versus lace-up dress shoes at the office, but if slip-on works at your office, these shoes will add a bit of dress to a casual outfit, or, in contrast, a bit of casual to a dress outfit. As with all Vegetarian Shoes' shoes, they are vegan. In addition to the pictured black, they come in a deep brown. £59.95 ($99.90); find the black here and the brown here.