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.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Black Winter Coat

Now that Halloween has passed and Thanksgiving is approaching, it's time to think about the dreaded winter coat. Unfortunately, most of the good ones (i.e. warm ones) incorporate wool and down/goose feathers. I have a few of these coats from my pre-vegan days. They are still in great condition, so I will continue wearing them. But if I was in the market for a new fancy coat to go over a dress or a chunky sweater and pant outfit, I would be drawn to Nature Vs. Future's asymmetrical winter coat (pictured in the available black). It hits right at that knee, and, as the name suggests, features asymmetrical buttons for a bit of flare. Made from a hemp and cotton blend -- and made in Brooklyn (NY)! Kaight, a cute NYC boutique featuring eco-friendly clothing and accessories, where I found the coat, says it is "extremely warm." $425; find it here.

Vegan Purchase: Coat and Sweatshirt

In place of Tuesday's work-appropriate clothing item and Wednesday's vegan shoes or bag, as I am out of town for a couple days, check out these two items I recently bought at Ann Taylor Loft, which seems to have emerged from a lull of three or four years.

First, from Ann Taylor Loft's new "Lounge" collection, I purchased the "Rib Trim Cowl Neck" top in the black (it is pictured in the pewter melange). It is made from cotton and is very, very soft and comfortable. Though it technically is "lounge" wear, this item is as nice or nicer than many tops, sweatshirts, and sweaters: I would feel comfortable wearing it with a pair of nice jeans and black flats to the office on the weekend. In addition to the pewter melange and black, it comes in a lovely "pebble melange grey." The top is $49.50 (though I had a coupon from a previous purchase that effectively took 50% the purchase price); find it here.

Second, since I am desperate need of vegan work-appropriate winter coats, which are often impossible to find when you actually really need one, I also purchased the "Cotton Long Belted Coat" in the pictured "deep lake blue," which is the only color it comes in. Although the coat is made from cotton and lined with polyester, it is surprising substantial and heavy. In fact, I think it will be appropriate for weather above about 30 degrees absent snow. The coat is $168; find it here.

Limited Edition Vegan Coat With Sale Profits Going To Farm Sanctuary

I'm still on a bit of a break from the daily blogging (busy week on the job after returning from a short vacation, honestly) . . . I intend to return next week . . . but, to tide you over, check out Vaute Couture's limited run “Vaute” coat.

Some pertinent info from the designer: "The alluring pea/dress coat — inspired by the winning illustration chosen by 8,000 voters from the Vaute Couture community, and interpreted into a feminine hourglass silhouette with oversized asymmetrical collar, puffed sleeves and inverted pleated skirt — is fully lined in a windproof 100 percent recycled zero waste satin ripstop, and is wind, water and snow resistant. The product of eight months of fabric research, it is constructed of a brand new technologically advanced fabric from the Polartec Wind Pro Series that is luxuriously soft and designed to retain heat while staying slim and flattering."

Vaute Couture is producing a variety of colors (Black, Cobalt Blue, Gray, and Ivory, as well as a Honeycomb Recycled Black version) and in sizes XS-XL. 25 coats of each color are being made. In line with the limited nature of the run and the couture label of the designer, each coat is $562. Of interest, all net profits of the sale go to Farm Sanctuary. I love Farm Sanctuary! Find the coat here.

Vegan On The Weekend: Selections From Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is one of my best friend's favorite sale event. The sale offers some good deals on fall fashion. I thought I'd point out some of the vegan items on sale.

(1) Joie "Fara" Plaid Tuxedo Shirt: plaid shirts have been appearing all over magazine covers lately. I'm not sure if this shirt's ruffles combined with the plaid is a bit too much, although I saw it in Nordstrom and it seemed to work. The shirt is made from cotton and comes in the pictured "potion" plaid; in store, it also is available in a white-black-brown-gray plaid color combo. Originally $188, it is on sale for $109.90.

(2) Classiques Entier Drape Neck Sheath Dress: a folded collar with a sophisticated bow adds a unique look to this sheath dress; the cap sleeves are a perfect combination of the current sleeve-less look with an added bit of fabric for a more conservative look. The dress is made from polyester, viscose, and spandex, and comes in the "menswear-inspired" black multi color. Originally $228, it is on sale for $149.90.

(3) Semantiks Ruffle Pocket Cardigan: this deep v-cardigan with un-obtrusive ruffling at the pockets comes in "regular" and petite sizes in a variety of colors including the pictured "paris purple." The sweater is made from rayon and nylon. Originally $68, it is on sale for $39.90.

(4) Foxcroft Fitted Shirt: classic crisp white button-down shirt in a feminine "fitted" fit with pleats and princess seams. The shirt is made from cotton, and is of the "no-iron" variety. Originally $68, it is on sale for $44.90. The Nordstrom sale also features a bunch of other Foxcroft shirts, most with patterns or texture; find them all here.

(5) Kristen Blake Iridescent Quilted Coat: I particularly like the huge pockets on this shiny quilted water-resistant coat. It comes in the pictured pewter and a bronze, and in "regular," petite, and plus sizes. The coat is made from polyester and nylon, and has polyester lining. Originally $150, it is on sale for $89.90.

(6) And, finally, something for men: Façonnable Cotton Jacket: this lightweight zip-up jacket made from cotton is perfect for weekend excursions or more casual days traveling to and from the office. It is lined with the ever-popular plaid. The sweater jacket comes in the pictured navy and a dark-ish tan. Originally $295, it is on sale for $199.90.

Notable Vegan Items on Sale

Thought I'd post a handful of (meaning three) items from two stores that are on sale and vegan:

(1) Calvin Klein Pleated Dress via Nordstrom: great for more casual offices or dress-down days. The cotton dress boasts an empire waist with a large, but not overbearing side-bow and a slightly flared skirt. Obviously the addition of a cami underneath is a must. The dress comes in the pictured black. Originally $108, it is on sale for $70.

(2) Jane Post for Saks Fifth Avenue Nylon Jacket via (amazingly) Saks Fifth Avenue: clearly a non-work-appropriate item. I really like the all-over ruffle front and the sleek sheen of this 100% nylon jacket. Interestingly, it comes with a nylon tote for storage, though I'm not sure how wrinkled the jacket would get in the tote. It's available in the pictured black. Originally $325, it is on sale for $161.90.

(3) Theory 'Valens - Crunch' Pants via Nordstrom: these pants are made from a combination of linen, rayon, and elastane, which gives them a textured, somewhat crinkled feel and look. Because of the linen, I might suggest these pants are more for casual days or the weekend. They come in the pictured "north sea," black, dark plaster, and white. Originally $245, they are on sale for $147.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Brooks Brothers Trench

I know it's the beginning of summer and the last clothing item you want to consider is outerwear. But this trench is on sale and still available in many sizes. And its from Brooks Brothers. And its vegan. And its shapely, which is the problem I tend to have with most Brooks Brothers and similar trenches. And its short, which is my favorite length for a trench. So, I am posting.

The trench comes in the pictured khaki and a mellow sage. It's made from a cotton and lycra blend with a matching fabric covered belt and, importantly, faux horn buttons. The trench originally was $268; it is on sale for $134. Find it here.

Vegan Purchase: Black Trench

To continue with the trench theme-of-the-day, I purchased this Style&co "Polished Double-Breasted" trench coat from Macy's a couple week ago. I especially liked the length and the belt that can be worn tied or buckled. It also has cute detailing at the cuffs. I wore it a couple times before the winter weather returned; it's perfect for milder spring-like days and looks great with jeans or a full-suit. My only qualm with it is that it thinks I have more of a chest than I really do, though that's not surprising -- at least there is enough room to fit a suit jacket underneath.

The trench is made from cotton, polyester, and spandex. It is originally $99.00; I got it for 40% off ($59.40); it is now on sale for $49.50 (50% off). Find it here.

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Trenches

From Target, of all places, because they are classic, yet trendy and look very well-made in person.

My favorite is the Merona Ottoman Trench with trim in deep navy -- although, it might not go with every outfit you wear to work. Medium weight; perfect for cooler spring days; made from cotton with polyester lining. I especially enjoy the two rows of contrast piping down the back and the funnel neck. The trench is $54.99; here.

For a more classic look, I suggest the Merona Long Double-Breasted Trench. It comes in the pictured black and off white. Made from cotton and nylon with polyester lining. The trench is on sale for $27.99 (originally $34.99 -- 20% off). Find the black here and the off white here.

The trench also comes in a slightly shorter version in a wide variety of colors: black, khaki, yellow, rose, navy, and green. The slightly shorter version is $39.99.

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Kenneth Cole Trench Coat

Macy's is offering this Kenneth Cole single-breasted belted trench coat on super sale: originally $180, on sale for $63. I like the look of the stand collar combined with the flaps at the shoulder. The coat comes in the pictured tan and a black -- at this time, a variety of sizes are available in both colors. It is made from polyester with polyester lining. And it qualifies for free shipping! Find it here.

Tuesday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Nanette Lepore Coat

It's going to be warm this afternoon across the east coast and for the first time in several months, I intend to take a short walk during lunch -- which means it's time to break out the spring lighter-weight coats . . . or . . . if funds allow . . . buy a new vegan spring coat.

My funds don't currently allow it, but if they did, I would purchase Nanette Lepore's "Kissing Coat." I love the belted cuffs and back, the buttons down the front, the cute pin-tucks at the high waist, and the perfect longer length. Made from cotton, it comes in the pictured white. I'm not sure if white is appropriate quite yet, but it will be great in a month or so. Unfortunately, the coat is an insane $550. Find the coat here.

Neiman Marcus pairs the coat with Nanette Lepore's "Picnic Pique Pants," which are also vegan-friendly and also adorable and very work-appropriate. Made from cotton, viscose, and elastane, and lined with acetate. They are $295; find them here.

Vegan On The Weekend: Trip To The Shore

I am going to the Jersey Shore this weekend for a girls' night at the shore -- we're going to watch movies and have massages and, of course, eat -- my contribution is vegan chocolate chip cookies (recipe via The Joy of Vegan Baking), vegan mocha chocolate muffins with coffee-infused frosting (recipes via Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World), vegan blueberry muffins (recipe via The Joy of Vegan Baking), and vegan apricot bean dip (recipe via Bush's vegetarian baked beans -- mine turned out a bit more soupy than the online picture, although it still solidly stays on tortilla chips).

Although it's still very cold, preparing for going to a beach house made me think of actually going to the beach. And then I remembered a magazine I received from Nordstrom at the beginning of January which highlighted tons of beach and summer wear -- some vegan. Here are a few items I especially covet; as an aside, I don't actually like to go in the water at the beach, or, really, uncover more than minimal amounts of skin, which may explain some of my choices:

Laundry by Shelli Segal Anorak: I love the bubble bottom and the drawstring waist and the buckle tabs at the convertible sleeves (so I can say: see, I am wearing short(ish) sleeves!). The coat comes in the pictured khaki (left) and black. Made from cotton and nylon; $138.

On the topic of spring/summer-weight coats, I also like the Calvin Klein "Asymmetric Trench," which comes in aqua (bright blue) and yellow--two colors that are a bit much for me, even in the summer, but lovely nonetheless. It's made from cotton and spandex, and is $148.

To wear to the beach to maintain maximum cover-up, while still appearing "beachy," I recommend James Perse's "Racer-Back Maxi Dress" (pictured right in the "deep"). Some may say this isn't beach appropriate -- but I love the length and the dark color and think it will look great over a bikini. The dress also comes in black, porcupine (grey), and vintage (white). Made from cotton; $155.

Finally, while on the beach, keeping time is of the essence (for those sunscreen applications, of course!). While flipping through the "magazine," Zodiak's "SeaDragon" watches caught my eye. Stainless steel case with a rubber strap. Comes in three colors combinations (see left). My favorite is the turquoise with the pink face. The watch is $150.

Cute Skirt -- Vegan and On Sale

Mod Cloth, one of my favorite online shopping websites, is holding its "post holiday circus sale" (ends Sunday). I really like this "sociable chevron skirt" (pictured right), both because it's longish (probably falls just below the knees) and because the name reminds me of the famous Chevron case from admin law (I know, that's a bit dorky). Depending on your office environment, I think the skirt is appropriate any day of the week if paired with a blazer, cardigan, or fancy blouse, or perhaps only on "casual Friday." The skirt is 92% polyester and 8% spandex. As of posting, it is available in small and medium. Originally $39.99, it's now $20.

I also like this "ski club" jacket (pictured left), although it definitely is a weekend wardrobe piece. The website says it's appropriate for autumn and chillier fall weather. It's made from 100% polyester. As of posting, it is available in small, medium, and large. Originally $64.99, it's now $32.50.

Vegan Selections From Kenneth Cole Sale

Kenneth Cole is promoting its post-holiday season sale under the catchphrase: "free for all (more or less)." I'm not a huge fan of the sales tactic, but the quantity of clothing on sale, some of which is vegan, makes up for the maxim. A few selections for women (men's clothing is on sale too, but each sale item only is available in one or two sizes; you can browse men's sale clothing here).

1) Satin Trench Coat (pictured right in the black): my favorite feature of this coat is the extra-wide collar. The coat is 58% cotton, 40% polyester, and 2% polyurethane. My second favorite feature of the coat (well, possibly my first favorite) is the price. The coat originally was $248. It is on sale in black for $179.98 and in cobalt for $129.97 (small is the only color available in cobalt). Best of all, 50% is taken off the markdown price at checkout, making the black coat $89.99 and the cobalt coat $64.99.

2) Long Sleeve Turtleneck (pictured left in the violet): I love, love, love turtlenecks, especially when they are on sale. This turtleneck is lightweight and slightly stretchy. It is made from 92% cotton and 8% spandex, and comes in violet, aqua (a light blue), lipstick (a fiery red), and black. Originally $78, it is on sale for $49.99. After 50% is taken off the markdown price, it is $24.99.

3) Gold Leaf Design Brooch (pictured right): I think this brooch would look fabulous on a black or grey suit or perhaps on a peacoat (vegan, of course). My feeling about brooches and suits and younger professionals is that if the brooch doesn't look like you took it from your great-grandmother's jewelry box, you're good to go. I especially like that the design of this brooch is a bit sea-life infused. The brooch is made from "white metal" with gold colored plating. It originally was $48, is on sale for $29.98, and after the 50% is taken off, is $14.99, which I think is an appropriate price for such a suit accessory.

Last Minute Vegan-Friendly Gifts

I'm wrapping up (literally and figuratively) my holiday shopping this afternoon. A few ideas for last minute vegan-friendly gifts:

Bluefly has guaranteed Christmas delivery (2-day shipping) and it's free to upgrade to it. Also, today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday), Bluefly is offering an extra 10% off when you spend $100; an extra 15% off when you spend $200; and an extra 20% off when you spend $300 or more.

For women, I like this Free People "Grandpa" v-neck sweater (pictured left in the black). It looks super cozy, but very feminine and slightly dressy with the deep v-neck. I think it would be great to keep in the office as an alternative to your jacket while working at your desk . . . or simply for when it is freezing in the office. It's made from 100% cotton. Originally $108, it is on sale for $65. In addition to the black, it comes in silver, raspberry, and dark olive.

For men, I like this Alara dress shirt (pictured right). The purple color is subtle enough not to be overbearing, and I am quite fond of the spread collar held in place by hidden button closure. The shirt is 100% cotton. Originally $98.50, it is on sale for $59.

Amazon.com is also offering 2-day shipping in time for Christmas. For her, I adore this Matt & Nat "Portishead" shoulder bag (pictured below in the available black). Originally $250, it is on sale for $75. That's 70% off; enough said. Here's a link:


And for him, I'm not sure how much I like these, but I know that many men like to golf, and, oddly, many of those men also like to wear Crocs. So, here are Croc golf shoes. I kid you not (see picture / link below). Available in black/black and khaki/chocolate. Originally $39.99; on sale for $19.99:

Finally, Mod Cloth also promises to ship by Christmas. I bought something from their website on Thursday and it shipped mere hours later, so I believe this promise. Mod Cloth has some super cute items, such as this Fine Vineyard Coat for women (pictured right). The deep purple color is gorgeous and will add a splash of color. I also like the "Peter Pan" collar. The coat is made from 100% polyester. Originally $89.99, it is on sale for $67.49. Pair it with this "royalty wrap" scarf. 100% acrylic; $23.99.

And for anyone -- female, male, young, old -- consider the Mimoco Organic Panic Flash Drive (pictured left). Because we all panic sometimes. 2GB; $44.99.

Nicole Farhi Sale

Nicole Farhi is one of my favorite fashion designers. She worked on the French Connection label before starting her own label, which is based out of London. As such, her clothing is most widely available in the London area. In NYC, she has a cafe / store (which she terms a "lifestyle store") with a small selection of her "best" clothing and eclectic household items ("202" -- 75 Ninth Avenue).

The Internet solves the problem of traveling to London for her complete line of clothing; in some instances, it also solves the problem of her clothing being rather expensive. Unfortunately, it does not solve the problem that most of her clothing incorporates wool and silk and leather. Perhaps sometime Nicole Farhi will make more vegan-friendly designer clothing. Until then, my wallet thanks her.

Currently, YOOX has some of her clothing items on sale -- two of the items on sale are vegan. First, there is this fabulous black jacket (pictured left). The jacket is made of 100% polyester and has a velvet-ish feel to it. And it has a really awesome flap in the back. It's about as warm as a mid-weight trench coat. The jacket originally was $758; now it is $379. It is available in sizes 6 and 8.

And there is this dark brown jacket (pictured right). The jacket also is made of 100% polyester; it has a shimmery tint to it. I would think it's also about as warm as a mid-weight trench coat. The jacket originally was $558; now it is $308. It is available in size 8.

The Northeast and North Face

I spent my Thanksgiving in the upper portion of the Northeast (which I define as upper CT, MA, VT, and NH), which I sometimes lovingly refer to as "the land where North Face prevails." Seriously, everyone has a North Face jacket or hat or gloves or boots. Having spent time in the land where North Face prevails, I too am now partial to North Face. As such, here are some of my favorite vegan North Face items (first two for women, second two for men):

1) Varius Guide Jacket (pictured right in the black with white leopard lining): made exclusively from nylon (some North Face jackets are filled with down - not this one), it is very warm. And it comes in a variety of colors: blue, white, brown ("brownie"), a deep pink, and green. At $199, it's not cheap, but it's not the most expensive jacket North Face offers.

2) Sophia Trench (pictured left in the black): I am still debating whether this sophisticated warm trench is dressy enough to wear with a full suit. I think it definitely is appropriate to wear over with business casual outfit. The shell exterior is made from 100% polyester and it is filled with North Face's Primaloft. Primaloft is an ultrafine microfiber blend that is soft, lightweight and water repellent - and vegan! The trench comes in white, brown, and a deep taupe. At $249, it's slightly more expensive than the guide jacket. There also is this shorter peacoat-inspired version (the Chloe Jacket), which is $199.

3) Hustle Triclimate Jacket: this "three-in-one jacket" for men has a removable inner fleece liner. It comes in black, red, and green, and is $299. I think it would be appropriate over a business casual outfit, and possibly a full suit during inclimate weather.

4) Everlong Hat (pictured right in the black): I really like hats with flaps on men. I really, really like them. And I really like that this one has a baseball cap feel to it as well. The hat is made from 100% cotton with 100% polyester sherpa fleece accents. It is $28 and also comes in a cocoa brown color.

Sale on Vegan Outwear at Free People

Free People is running a limited time promotion: $100 off select outerwear (discount taken at checkout). Among the sale offerings are a vegan jacket and and a vegan coat, both for women, although I'm not sure how business appropriate either of them are. They would be great for law students and/or weekend excursions though!

1) Quilted nylon jacket (pictured left in the camel, $298 before sale). 100% nylon with a detachable hood lined with faux fur. The jacket also comes in black and "rocker blue."

2) Rugged herringbone coat (picture right, $198 before sale). 100% cotton with a detachable hood that is lined with a detachable faux fur trim. The jacket only comes in the pictured blue.

Also, through Dec 1, if you enter "HEYTHANKS" in the promo code field, you can get free standard shipping.

Vegan Outerwear For Men

I assume that men like to wear coats during the winter too. Here are a couple vegan outerwear options for men; they are both from Banana Republic. The first is casual, while the second is suitable for the office.

1) "All-weather hooded zip-front jacket" (pictured right). The jacket comes in black and fog colors. It's 100% polyester. I'm not sure how warm it is, but of the vegan all-weather jackets I have encountered, it looks like one of the warmest. I especially like the fleece lining at the collar. I'm also intrigued by the use of a model wearing sunglasses to sell the jacket which is why I chose to picture the jacket in the black rather than the fog (the model wearing the fog jacket is not wearing sunglasses). The jacket is $198.

2) "Cotton moleskin topcoat" (pictured left). The topcoat only comes in black. Banana Republic's website says this topcoat is 100% cotton, but I would check with a salesperson first to determine if the lining incorporates wool because one of the other online images associated with the topcoat displays a label that reads "Italian wool cashmere." It's confusing. Anyhow, the topcoat is $275.

I think both coats are too expensive, but Banana Republic tends to put its clothing on sale, so if you like what you see, check back in a few weeks and it might be less expensive.

Finally, I would feel incomplete if I didn't point out that Banana Republic currently makes no outerwear for women that does not incorporate wool or down except for this 1/2 sleeved "coat" which does not come close to constituting true outerwear in my view. Please make some outerwear for me Banana Republic!

Also . . . for more men's outerwear options, see this post at The Discerning Brute.

Non-Black Vegan Outerwear For Women

I have been apprised that I blog about black and/or drab colored clothing too often. Here's a burgundy double breasted 3/4 sleeve coat (pictured right). It's made by Priorities and is heavyweight, although I don't know how that comports with 3/4 sleeves when it's cold. The coat's shell is 85% polyester and 15% rayon, and the lining is 100% polyester. Bluefly has it on sale for $137.70, which is 1/2 off the original $270. It also comes in ivory (which, just to highlight, is not black).

If you want to go crazy, this DKNY nylon-cotton-polyester blend belted trenchcoat is red with a capital "R" (pictured left). Perhaps that's why the color is called "lacquer red." Originally $275, Bluefly has it on sale for $140.25 (do you see the 1/2 off trend yet?).

And this Nanette Lepore vegan walking coat is simply out of control with the colors and patterns. Unfortunately, Bluefly only has it in sizes 0, 2, 4, and 10. If it wasn't $340 after Bluefly's 1/2 off, I actually might consider buying it.