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.

Vegan Boots

Fall has arrived and with fall comes boots. I love boots, so I'm sure I'll be posting many over the coming months, but to start the fall off, here are a few vegan boots currently available through Vegan Chic, purveyors of vegan shoes, vegan boots, and vegan bags.

My favorite of their current offerings is Neuaura's "Kaveri" ankle boot (pictured left in the grey). The boot has a slight 1/2" heel, making it perfect for walking, hardware at the upper ankle, and a bit of a rounded toe for extra comfort. The boot comes in the grey and a soft black. The grey comes with plaid insulated lining, and the black has the same soft insulated lining. Made from vegan-friendly pleather. $124.99; find them here.

For a taller boot with a higher heel, I like Neuaura's "Thames" dress boot. This boot comes in the pictured dark brown and black. It has a 3" heel and is made from the same vegan-friendly pleather as the ankle boot. It also has the same insulated lining, making it perfect for colder fall and winter months. $175; find them here.

Finally, for something a bit more trendy and less expensive, check out Vegan Chic's "Comfort Vegan Slouch Boot." The boots come in the left pictured black. They have a 2" heel and lots of straps. Like the above two, the boots have an insulated lining to combat colder weather. They are made from vegan-friendly pleather. $44.99; find them here. Also, if you aren't into a heel on your slouch boots, check out these of about the same price that have a flat sole.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Rocket Dog Flats

I recently received an email from Piperlime stating that grey and other neutrals add "a rich touch to your look." For the summer, I too enjoy adding a bit of non-black to my outfits by mixing up the color of my shoes. As such, today's vegan shoes are these grey Rocket Dog's "Mystique" round-toe ballet flats. Although they do have a 1/4" defined heel and the pleated detailing, making them work-appropriate in my opinion, they definitely are for more casual work days. Perhaps pair them with black slacks and a nice button-down shirt or summer sweater. The shoes are made from synthetic leather and rubber. They are $40; find them here via Piperlime.

Also via Piperlime -- although most likely not work appropriate, I thought I would point out these Blowfish "Zandu" high shaft slouchy boots. They boast an interesting drawstring at the back of the shaft. Made from fabric lining, textile outer, and a synthetic sole -- vegan! I'm not sure how wearable they are in the summer heat, but they'll be great as summer transitions into fall. The boots come in the pictured "bark" and black; they are $75; find them here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Nordstrom Shoe Clearance

Hundreds (literally - about 1,000 pairs) of shoes of are on sale during Nordstrom's shoe clearance. I've picked out most of the vegan items for women that are available in more than one size, though you may want to scroll through and focus on the sneakers and winter boots. I've omitted some vegan items that, to me, aren't appropriate past 21-years-old. For convenience, I've listed them below with minimal description and commentary.

Report "Sammi" Thong Sandal: black, red, silver, teal, or white faux patent with synthetic lining and rubber sole; originally $39.95, now $22.90 (40% off); here.

Report "Sasha" Sandal (pictured in green): black, white, green, or yellow faux patent with synthetic lining and rubber sole; originally $39.95, now $22.90 (40% off); here.

Helly Hansen "Equipe" Boot: black or white with synthetic upper, faux fur lining, and rubber sole; originally $169.95, now $99.90 (40% off); here.

Tribeca "Be Happy" Sandal: black, copper, or pewter synthetic upper and lining with rubber sole; originally $49.95, now $28.90 (40% off); here.

Sperry Top-Sider "Pelican: Tall Rain Boot: black and grey paisley combination in rubber; originally $59.95, now $34.90 (40% off); here.

Chinese Laundry "Shameless" Sandal: black or mink satin upper with synthetic lining and sole; originally $59.95, now $34.90 (40% off); here.

J. Reneé "Kipp" Pump (pictured): black, red, purple combo, black, mazelwood combo, or black, pewter combo made from synthetic materials with synthetic lining and sole; originally $74.95, now $36.90 (50% off); here.

Designer Vegan Deal and Vegan Purchase: Earth Lodge Boots

I've been eyeing these vegan winter boots since the beginning of the fall/winter season, but couldn't stomach spending $159 for them. But now they are on sale via Gaiam for $89.99 in the black and tan versions pictured. Made from faux-fur suede with thinsulate insulation and faux-fur lining -- reviewers say they are very warm. I purchased them in the tan and got $15 off my purchase (of $75 of more) by using the code: EN8B. Find the boots here.

I plan to use them to replace my UGG boots from 4 winters ago, which are the original version of this past seasons' "Upside Boot." The lining inside the boots is matted down and most of the original gripping power of the boots has disintegrated -- so, next winter it will be time for new boots and now I have them . . . on sale! I'll report back re: the actual warmth of the new boots once they arrive.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Shoes: Winter Boots

Not exactly work appropriate in the office, but definitely appropriate for getting to the office. Victoria's Secret has a huge (in terms of number and occasionally in terms of discount) sale on boots (and other shoes, most not vegan) going on right now -- such as these Madden Girl "pom-pom" boots (pictured right in both the black and brown colors). Made from polyurethane with acrylic faux fur. Originally $69, they are now $47.99.

For more rainy than snowy days, consider these Colin Stuart wedge boots (pictured left in the three available colors). Made entirely from acrylic and polyester. Note that they have a 3" wedge, which may make them less useful for their apparent purpose of trudging through rain and slush. Originally $105, they are now $49.99.

There is also these Report wedge boots (here), which seem to be made from polyester and faux suede and faux leather, although the online description is not entirely clear (originally $110, on sale for $69.99).

Professional Vegan Shoes

The point of this blog is to identify and showcase vegan clothing and accessories suitable for the corporate world. The last post -- Keds -- despite the intrigue of wearing Mrs. Dalloway on my feet, is not suitable for the corporate world, possibly not even suitable for those long weekend hours. So here are some professional vegan shoe options. First 3 for women; second 2 for men.

1) Te Casan by Natalie Portman shoes. Entirely vegan, including sandals, flats, wedges, pumps, and boots! Most of the shoes are in the $250 - $300 price range; tall boots are in the $400 - $450 range. I work in an extremely conservative environment (full suit everyday, jacket must be on when you step out of your office, no funky stuff, definitely no open toe shoes). These "Poppy" pumps (pictured left, $255, 3" heel) are my favorite of her offerings.

2) olsenHaus shoes. I previously blogged on the designer bags; the shoes are just as great. The current line of shoes is mainly pumps, flats, and booties. Slightly less expensive than the Te Casan by Natalie Portman line, the shoes range from $175 - $225.

3) Stella McCartney shoes. Stella McCartney is also a vegan-friendly designer, although her line of shoes is way more expensive than the previous two (in the $600 - $1,000+ price range). Nevertheless, of course, her shoes are gorgeous, and her shoe line includes pumps, flats, wedges (tons of wedges!) and boots (short and tall!). If you can't make it to her boutique in NYC, Neiman Marcus carries a good selection. I love this pull-on ankle bootie made of black faux leather (pictured right, $645, 4" heel).

4) The Vegan Collection shoes. The Vegan Collection is an online shoe company based out of Los Angeles. They offer vegan men's shoes at reasonable prices (around $50!). Best of all, 25% of all profits from purchases is donated to one of four animal-rights organizations (the purchaser gets to choose which one of the four).

5) Vegetarian Shoes. If you can deal with ordering your shoes from the UK, Vegetarian Shoes offers some great options for men, such as this black semi-dressy "Kent Clark" shoe (pictured left, £54.95). I'm not as into the women's options, but there seem to be lots for men to choose from.

Also, Moo Shoes, a NYC boutique, carries tons of women's and men's vegan shoes. Check out their website here. They also carry bags, wallets, belts, cosmetics, and a small selection of clothing.

It's Cold; Time For Boots

I have lived in the Northeast my whole life. I grew up in Connecticut, went to undergrad in New York City, then worked for a bit in New York City, and went to law school in Massachusetts. I still am located on the East Coast. Accordingly, I own three pairs of cold-winter-weather boots: (1) black leather and suede thick sole UGGs (similar to this); (2) a take on the classic tall UGGs (the original version of this); and (3) the original version of the black Coach snow boot from three seasons ago that is vaguely similar to this, although about twice as tall with a less sturdy sole and a 3" heel (like this one).

Like the first linked Coach boot, I am pretty sure that mine incorporates real rabbit fur; eeek; forgive me, I have changed. Anyhow, the less sturdy rubber sole of the Coach boot is completely worn down, making it essentially unwearable in the snow (not that it was ever that amazing in the snow) and un-sturdy most other times as well. I already meant to replace it this season. The pair of black UGGs, which has survived five winters, is on its last bit of sole as well. I also already meant to replace it this season. The other pair of UGGs is in good shape and will remain part of my wardrobe.

Pre-vegan, I would have replaced the Coach boots with these UGGs (pictured left). I love that it is different than most other UGGs, yet still a tall, warm boot. But it has dead cow (suede) heel guard, is lined with sheepskin, and is knit with a wool blend. Ouch. So, I found a similar version that uses no animal products . . . and bought it. It's made by Union Bay (pictured right) -- and is half the price. The boots are super cozy, although possibly not as fuzzy or warm as the UGGs, but warm enough; and I am willing to give up some fuzz for the animals. I'm also not thrilled that the toe isn't as reinforced as the UGGs, but if I want to remain a vegan, I must take what I can get.

Now all I need to find is a pair of vegan boots that can replace my super-sturdy, snow-mounting, puddle-smacking, ultra-waterproof, long-lasting black UGGs. That might take a bit more time.