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!

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: Large Bookshelves

Building off of the last Friday vegan accessory I posted (over two weeks ago) about wall-mounted bookshelves, here are some "floor-mounted" bookshelves. I have stacks and stacks of books. Finding shelf space for them is often a problem. I selected the following bookshelves because each features many separated units perfect for visually categorizing books, each may be used as a room divider, and each is large.

First, and most economical, is Ikea's Expedit bookshelf (pictured left in the walnut finish). My friend has this bookshelf in black and currently is using it as a room divider. Ikea's website claims that it must be attached to the wall at some point, but my friend says that it is sturdy even on carpet. The bookshelf is deep enough so that my friend can set it up with books on both sides of it such that there are two rows of books in each cubby, which, obviously, enhances its desirability as a room divider. The bookshelf comes in black, white, and a light tan wood color in addition to the walnut. The pictured version is $199; find it here. Ikea also makes the bookshelf in smaller versions, such as this slightly smaller version ($159) and this much smaller version ($89.99). As with most Ikea products, the Expedit collection pairs with other storage items, such as bins and drawers for the individual cubbies, and attachable desk units.

Second, on the less economical side, is Generate's Quad bookshelf (pictured right). This bookshelf also can function as a room divider, although the areas where there is "interior" might not look as nice on the other side. I think the orientation of the cubbies is this bookshelf's best feature. It comes in the pictured white with lime interior, black with lime interior, black with white interior, white with black interior, ash brown with white interior, and walnut with interior. The pictured version is $999; find it here. The bookshelf is also available in two other configurations which are both an extra $750.

Third, continuing on the less economical side, is Smart Furniture's customizable bookshelves. I have pictured (left) the six foot wide staircase bookshelf. Smart Furniture allows customers to mix and match bookshelf parts to create the perfect storage unit for your space. The pictured staircase bookshelf is $530; it comes in the pictured black, cherry, espresso, maple, pearwood, and white; find it here.

I also like Smart Furniture's five foot wide pyramid bookshelf (pictured right), which, if you have the space, I think would look great beside a larger bookshelf used as a room divider, perhaps positioned at a bit of an angle. It would also look great in the corner of a room set a bit out from the wall, again on an angle as to the wall. It comes in the above colors which will allow easy matching with other furniture. The pyramid bookshelf is $249; find it here.

Finally, on the least economical side, is Brave Space's Stagger bookshelf (pictured left). Obviously, the best feature of this bookshelf is the asymmetrical staggered shelving. It also is great as a room divider. Based on the dimensions, I think that, like the Ikea bookshelf, this bookshelf is deep enough to double stack books so that a row of books can face out on either side if the bookshelf is used as a room divider. Also, the bookshelf is made from bamboo; very cool. It is a completely unaffordable $3,975; find it here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Men's Wallet

Not quite a bag, but a bag-like accessory. I haven't blogged something for men in awhile, so I thought I would return to a basic accessory: the black wallet. This tri-fold wallet is available via Alternative Outfitters (one of my favorite vegan online stores) and is made by The Vegan Collection. The wallet features 4 card slots, 2 interior slip pockets, a clear ID window, and two large bill pockets. It is made from faux leather. It is available in the pictured black and a dark brown. $24; find the black wallet here and the brown wallet here.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Wall-Mounted Bookshelves

My book collection is a bit out of control -- in stacks on the floor, etc. -- and the walls of my apartment are rather bare, so I have been thinking about how to remedy both situations at once. The best solution I have found so far is the bookworm shelf (pictured on wall with chair underneath). Truthfully, my friend who is obsessed with the MOMA catalogue and store found it; I simply appropriated the idea. The bookworm is a flexible bookshelf that can be constructed in various curvy shapes to decorate your walls. Approximately 20 pounds can be stored between each of the seven bookend supports. Made from batch-dyed fire-retardant PVC. The bookworm shelf is $425; find it here.

A more economical option, but very similar, is the "Lovely Rita" wall shelf (pictured right with two side by side of wall). As noted by Smart Furniture, the Rita wall shelf "can exist as a single wall shelf or can be fitted side-by-side with a series of modules to form an arrangement of curvy shelves snaking across your wall." The shelf is available in the pictured black, bright red, a deep blue, and white. Unfortunately, the website doesn't say how many pounds of books the shelf can hold. Each shelf is $285; find it here.

A much, much more economical option is the conceal bookshelf (pictured left as though on wall), also found via the MOMA store. This metal shelf mounts on the wall and then attaches to the bottom flap of one book (I think it must be a hard-back book). Each shelf accommodates up to fifteen pounds (about three law school textbooks or ten regular books) and can be stacked up to sixteen inches. If you have certain favorite prolific authors, I think it would be interesting to stack their books in different towers all over the walls. Each shelf is $15 at MOMA. Alternatively, each shelf is $11 at Smart Furniture; find the same shelf for less here.

Finally, something a bit similar, is the "Flybrary Bookshelf" (pictured right as though on wall). This metal mounted shelf hangs your books on metal strips to create the surface of the shelf. I think for maximum effect, all your hung books should be hard-back. Also, I'm not sure if I like the idea of sticking a piece of metal through all my books; though, it might be nice to combine the Flybrary shelf with the Conceal shelf to create contrast as to the orientation of the books magically floating on your wall. Each shelf holds up to 20 pounds. The Flybrary bookshelf is $30; find it here via Smart Furniture.

Designer Vegan Deal: Vera Bradley

Quick heads up. A limited selection of Vera Bradley bags and accessories are on sale now for drastically reduced prices at RueLaLa.

If you need an invitation to access the site, email me at professionalvegan@gmail.com.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Iced Coffee

Another (another!) heat wave is hitting where I live. This morning, the doggie woke me up at 4:30, 5:30, and then finally 6:30 -- when I actually got up --to advise me of the hot weather situation. I know it's not actually hydrating, but I love iced coffee on hot mornings. In the future, instead of going to Starbucks and spending a small fortune every day, I think I might try a more economical version of iced coffee I recently stumbled upon at the Lamill Coffee Shop: the Hario iced coffee maker (pictured in all its contraption glory).

To make iced coffee in an instant, all you need to do is put the grounds in a filter and place the filter in the cone-shaped dripper, which rests atop a pitcher with a large ice chamber in the middle. Then pour hot water over the grounds; as it drips, the brew will cool rapidly. Iced coffee in a flash! The iced coffee maker is $30. Find it here. You'll note that Lamill Coffee Shop also stocks a variety of iced coffee maker sets that come complete with lamill coffee shop coffee and filters.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Nau Bags

One of my best friends forwarded me an email about Nau bags that originally came to her via Thrillist. According to its website, Nau uses environmentally friendly fabrics to create functional, elegant design. Nau sells women's and men's clothing, and accessories.

My favorite of their current offerings is the new Motif Courier (pictured). Nau's description says it all: "A refined take on the classic messenger bag, the Motil Commuter shapes technical fabrics into a cleanly integrated design. Pared down and water repellent, this shoulder bag moves easily from the saddle to the office or studio, carrying comfortably all your daily gear." The messenger bag comes in the pictured caviar. It is made from woven from durable recycled polyester and comes complete with a 17" laptop sleeve. (However, the shoulder strap has recycled wool padding -- I've yet to decide whether recycled animal products are or are not vegan . . . I guess technically they aren't, but, then again, the exact item wasn't made by using an animal -- thoughts??) The bag is $225; find it here.

Vegan Deal: Blue Avocado Summer Blowout Sale

Blue Avocado, purveyor of very functional reusable bags that scrunch up into a little egg that is super easy to carry in your purse, is holding their summer blowout sale: 40% off all purchases of $29.99 and above. My favorite Blue Avocado items are the gro-pac collection full kit, which replaces 16 grocery bags and folds up neatly into one bag (pictured), and the insulated chil bag, perfect for carrying items that need to be kept cold. Visit Blue Avocado and enter gooodkarma40 at checkout for your 40% off; sale ends August 31.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Kalevala Moon Goddess Earrings

I've been coveting these earrings for awhile now. They dangle (in multiple places!), feature an intricate design, and are not too large -- perfect! The Kalevala Moon Goddess Earrings are part of a collection available at Finn Style (yes, they are made in Finland). In addition the pictured small bronze earrings, the collection includes the same earrings in the same size in silver, larger bronze earrings of the same design, and a matching necklace in bronze and silver. The pictured earrings are $90; find them here.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Small Wooden Bear

Ursa the grizzly bear truly is a non-functional accessory, perfect for displaying on a bookshelf or corner of a side table or perhaps even giving to a child as the toy she is meant to be. The bear is made from sustainably harvested beech wood and has elastic band hinges so that it is easily poseable. The bear stands 13.5 x 6.5 x 5.75. $98; find it here via Daytrip Society.

Vegan(ish) Purchase: Makeup and Kiehl's!

I haven't updated my swiftly dwindling stock of makeup and skincare products for months and months and months, so when I landed at the King of Prussia mall on Sunday, I went a bit crazy and purchased a mini-stockpile. Here are the highlights, all of which I think are vegan, but I'm never really sure with makeup and skincare products unless its clearly marked one way or the other (such as Kiehl's stylist haircare line that includes silk -- eek -- that was my favorite pre-vegan!). As for the companies I purchase from, I have no idea what their policies regarding use of animals for testing are (either on their completed products or as to their suppliers). Please don't pounce on my choice of companies or products. Transitioning a life to eating vegan, dressing vegan, and using only vegan products is complicated and takes time; for me, the products that land in my bathroom or makeup case seem to be the biggest challenge. Regardless, here's some of what I got:

To begin, I replenished my supply of Laura Mercier's foundation primer. I use the original, created in 1995, to "prime" the skin before application of foundation and other layers. It is $30; available here.

While I was replenishing my supply of primer, I noticed, and fell in love with, Laura Mercier's shimmer bloc. I purchased it in the peach mosaic and intend to wear it over foundation to add a bit of shimmer to an otherwise matte face. The shimmer bloc is $38; here.

For my eyes, I've been craving a purple-hued shimmery eye-shadow. Naturally, I went to MAC for that and ended up purchasing the mineralize eye shadow duo in odd couple (pictured), a combination of purple with gold mixed with lavender and bronze veining. The eye shadow goes on sheer and leaves a soft shimmer. The eye shadow duo is $19.50; find it here. To apply the eye shadow, I also purchased a tapered blending brush ($28; here).

Finally, I bought a bag-load from Kiehl's, including intensive treatment for dry and callused areas, which is the best I have found for swiftly taking care of ultra-dry areas ($22.50 for a tube; here).

Post-Weekend Vegan Round-up

I've been hoarding a number of items I wanted to post. After spending a lovely weekend at the beach and shopping for cosmetics and related products, and not blogging, I thought a round-up might be in order:

(1) Have a dog? Check out Wagwear (which I found through Daily Candy deals). It has tons of (rather expensive) items -- I think all vegan -- for your doggie. My favorite is the indoor doghouse tee-pee hound lounge, pictured right, which features a removable fleece covered machine-washable sleeping bed; $208. I think Daily Candy is still running its 25% off deal on Wagwear purchases.

(2) Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry. I've been browsing a lot online lately and have come across some interesting independent designers: Diana Warner Studio (includes pieces for brides and bridesmaids!); Pineapple Seed (with its great gold vermeil collection); Alex and Ani (which uses recycled metals); and Liquid Silver (which uses melted-down computer parts to create "slightly goth," according to Ideal Bite, pieces).

(3) In honor of my trip to the beach, a couple interesting bathing suit designers. First, my friend sent me a link to Wreck n' Sew, a San Francisco based designer (also where my friend is based, coincidentally), that makes retro-inspired swimsuits for women that are designed to stay in place. Yay! Also, check out Cala Ossidiana's swimsuits. She offers a variety of one-piece suits that I adore, such as the "Knot-Back Maillot," available in the pictured black, turquoise, and navy. The suit is $295 (eeek, expensive!).

(4) Finally, check out this awesome article from NY Magazine about Lululemon, my favorite yoga clothing brand. I admit, I am a Luluhead -- big time.

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.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Hollywood Intuition Large Satchel

From Target! I've been posting a lot of expensive items lately, so I thought I'd highlight a bag more within my budget. Luckily, Hollywood Intuition recently launched a line of bags and accessories at Target, including this fabulous large satchel that would be perfect as a briefcase. The bag is 16" x 13" x 3.5" and comes in the pictured black and an orange. It is made from polyurethane and has polyester lining. The only feature about it I'm not in love with is that it closes with a magnetic clasp, not a top zipper. The satchel is $26.99; find the black here and the orange here.

Also, they aren't exactly work appropriate, but I really enjoy these matching faux-leather bracelets, pictured right.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: A Vase For Your Office

Staring at the dead flowers on my desk for the fourth day in a row, I was inspired to post a flower-holding item. This "petite vase" (5" wide x 8.5" high) from The MacBeth Collection comes in a wide variety of patterns. Each pattern is laid onto the pictured metal bucket with handles. And the vases are monogram-able! Perfect for a corner of your desk or a side-table in your home. The MacBeth Collection also features vases and other buckets with similar patterns in a variety of sizes and shapes if you are looking for something slightly different. The petite vase is $35; find it here.

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Bread Warmer Basket Set

This weekend I am traveling to see married friends and meet their new baby. Of course, I purchased an adorable outfit for the baby (baby clothes are irresistible). But I wanted to get something for my friends that had nothing to do with the baby. Also, I decided to bake some vegan muffins for them . . . so I thought something tangentially related to the muffins, or in which the muffins could be presented, might be nice. I ended up getting a decorative bowl, in which I will place nice kitchen dishtowels and then put in the muffins -- a bit "desperate housewives," switching the traditional basket for a bowl.

However, what I really wanted to get them was a bread warmer basket set. I've heard a bit about these lately. Essentially, the set is a bamboo or wicker basket, a cloth liner, and a terra cotta warming stone. The terra cotta warming stone is placed in the oven or microwave, warmed, and then slipped into the cloth liner and put at the bottom of the basket. The loaf of bread or other bread-like products to be kept warm are placed on top of the cloth liner.

Alas, I couldn't find any readily available in-stores. But Target has a set available online (pictured left). It's 17.99 and has been receiving good reviews. Find it here. Overstock. com has a similar set, on sale for $17.49; find it here (pictured right).

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Vegan Sunscreen!

It's summer -- really, really summer, which means it's time for the beach or other sun-ray-catching activities. Never fear! There is vegan sunscreen to attend to your sun woes. Not incorporating any animal products, not tested on animals -- you can feel safe wearing these skin-protecting sunscreens:

(1) Alba Green Tea SPF 30+ Sunscreen via Alternative Outfitters (a vegan boutique) (pictured): 70% certified organic ingredients, hypo-allergenic, with green tea antioxidants and aloe vera, both of which absorb quickly, leaving a light, fresh scent.

(2) Jason Suncare: complete line of vegan sun care products, including sprays, anti-aging sunscreens, water resistant sunscreens, and lip balm.

(3) Kiss My Face sun-lotions: most of these vegan sunscreens are made with oat protein; they come in convenient spray bottles as well as tradition lotions.

Designer Vegan Deal: Amrita Singh Sample Sale

Today, already started, HauteLook is hosting a sample sale of Amrita Singh items. Of particular interest are the vegan shoes (sandals), clutches, and handbags. HauteLook is one of those invitation websites; if you need an invite, email the Professional Vegan at professionalvegan@gmail.com.

Miscellaneous Items of Vegan Interest

Browsing the Internet and reading the Professional Vegan's inbox of eco-friendly tips, I have accumulated a stack of items which don't each require an entire post, but which I didn't want to overlook nonetheless. Think of this as a Tuesday round-up:

(1) From today's Ideal Bite bite, a collection of eco-friendly sunglasses made from materials such as wood, bamboo (yes, I know that's a type of wood, but it's extra cool), recycled plastic, and just plain-old vintage. Browse the list here.

(2) From Vital Juice's e-mail of about a week ago, peel-off nail polish! Made by Sula Beauty (which is available at Anthropologies and ULTAs around the country). This seems very summer camp during middle school to me, which makes me even more interested.

(3) If you are looking for something to do this July 4th weekend, consider signing up for one of the hundreds of road races (that's running -- and sometimes walking) taking place across the country this weekend. To find a race near you, click here.

(4) While you're running, or simply while you're outside, beware of the penetrating summer sun. I haven't tried it, but I'm intrigued by the UVSunSense bracelet which claims to help you determine when it is time to reapply sunscreen. Here's an explanation I took from a Vital Juice email: "While you're applying sunscreen, use a dab of lotion to coat the wristband where it says 'Apply sunscreen to this side.' The band will turn purple, indicating it's been activated. When you've absorbed too many harmful UV rays, the band morphs to brown signaling it's time to reapply." Find the bracelet here.

(5) And, finally, check out Correspondent Kate's post on Tales of Expansion about her experience volunteering at the NY Coalition for Healthy School Food's monthly family dinner night during which vegan pizza was served (I appropriated her picture of the pizza)! Very cool Correspondent Kate!