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 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.

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.

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.

Article of Vegan Interest About Jelly Shoes

On Monday (Aug 17), the New York Times ran an article by Jessica Michault titled, "The Reincarnation of the Jelly Shoe, With a Designer Flair." The article discusses the pervasiveness of jelly shoes in designers' shoe lines this summer, specifically mentioning Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, See by Chloé and Tory Burch. The comeback of jelly shoes is a blessing for vegans: finding cute and trendy footwear from mainstream designers that are vegan is practically impossible save a flip-flop or a sneaker here and there. But with the proliferation of jelly shoes, every vegan can wear designer shoes, provided the jellies are comfortable and she (or he) wants to designer-brand-herself (or himself). This summer, I have been wearing Tory Burch's jelly version of her famous Reva shoe (in navy blue), and Burberry's jelly thong sandal (in black).

I'm interested to see what designers create for the fall and winter. According to the article, it was the rise of Crocs that caused designers to launch into the jelly shoe arena. This winter, as it did last winter, Crocs will offer a variety of fleece (vegan!) lined Crocs appropriate to the colder weather (see picture). I'm not much of a fan of Crocs -- too wide for me; perhaps a few designers will create something to take the place of these Crocs.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Pointed Toe Pumps

I found these pointed toe pump with a 1" heel via DSW. The heel is what drew me to them; it's very difficult to find vegan shoes with a low heel. The shoes come in the pictured purple and in four other color combinations: navy with lighter blue, black on black, dark brown with yellow, and light brown with dark brown. My favorites are the pictured purple and the light brown / dark brown combo. The shoes are made from synthetic materials. They are $24.95 (compare at price is $40); find them here.

Vegan Purchase: SE Boutique Ballet Flats

I wear ballet flats like sneakers: with jeans and a t-shirt on the weekend to walk around town. I recently purchased these SE Boutique "Celeste" ballet flats via DSW to replace an ailing pair (which weren't vegan -- I view it as a great wardrobe upgrade). They are incredibly comfortable, flexible, and stylish. Most importantly, despite what the DSW website says, they are vegan. More accurately, I purchased them in the pictured black; the inside label clearly states they are comprised entirely of man-made materials; so, at the very least, the black version is vegan. They were $59.95 (the compare at price was $95); find them here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Dress Shoes For Men

Via Vegan Chic. Vegan Chic recently added to their line of vegan shoes for men and now carries a variety of work-appropriate and weekend-appropriate shoes online, including a new (and expansive) line from Simple. Of their work-appropriate offerings, my favorite is the classic vegan dress shoe with a square-tip toe (pictured in black). Of course, it's made with "pleather." It is $55.95; find it here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Wanted "Drape" Pumps

Piperlime is holding a "secret sale" -- extra 20% off all sale shoes and handbags today and tomorrow (July 22 and 23) -- use code: JUST4U. These Wanted conservative pumps are on sale for $29.99 right now; with the extra 20% off, they will be $23.99. I would pair the pumps with a full, conservative black or grey suit, or with a dress to make the dress look a bit more conservatively professional. The pumps come in the pictured black and a light grey with a wooden stacked heel. The heel height is 2" Find the black pumps here, and the light grey pumps here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Melissa PVC Shoes

The Brazilian shoe brand Melissa designs a line of PVC (plastic) shoes and flip-flops. Portions of that line are on sale, up to 50% off, today on ideeli, another of those designer sample sale online websites. I believe you can register for ideeli without invitation; if not, shoot me an email at professionalvegan@gmail.com and I will send you an invitation.

These shoes and flip-flops clearly are not office appropriate, but they are great for the weekend or, at least some, for the beach. The most intriguing of those on sale is the "black and white joy" shoe pictured left. Lace-up, jazz-inspired, and made of 100% non-toxic recyclable PVC material. The shoe is on sale for $49 (originally $99). Check out the sale here.

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.

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.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Marais Flats

Available at MooShoes. These cute flat faux patent leather shoes with a tiny 1/4" heel and side cut-outs are perfect for more casual days at work or walking to and from the office. The tiny heel makes them dressier than the very flat flats that are pervasive lately. The shoes come in the pictured chestnut and in a green-tinted "Easter" color that I don't find all that office appropriate, though it may depend on the office. $49; find them here.

Vegan Purchase: Steve Madden Pumps

I purchased two pairs of vegan Steve Madden pumps at Designer Shoe Warehouse -- "DSW" (does anyone call it by its full name anymore?) -- a week or so ago and have been searching online to find a link to them, but have been entirely unsuccessful. Accordingly, I took semi-okay pictures with my iPhone and am posting them.

The pumps have 2.75" heels (perfect height!) and a pointed, yet not-too-pointy toe. As clearly indicated on the inside label, they are made entirely of man-made materials . . . vegan . . . how rare to find vegan Steve Madden pumps! I purchased them (1) in the shiny black, which, while shiny, I find to be matte enough to wear with almost any suit, and (2) in a tan/taupe, which pairs perfectly with my lighter summer suits. I also wore the tan/taupe pumps with a black suit that has tan pinstripes to rave reviews. The shoes were $59.95 each, "compared with" $79.99. I highly recommend these if you can find them at your local DSW or similar.

Vegan Purchase: Tretorn Slip-ons

My Keds met an unfortunate temporary demise this weekend during Memorial Day festivities and craziness. As Keds are machine washable, they have been returned to their former vegan goodness. But I needed to temporarily replace them -- as in, immediately upon the unfortunate temporary demise.

To replace them, I purchased Tretorn's "Mikaela" canvas slip-on sneakers (pictured in the "goat gray" that I bought). I love the decorative buttons. They slip-on very easily and are quite comfortable. The sneakers also come in navy blue, black, and a yellow-ish gold. At $70, they were slightly expensive, but I was in desperate need and these were the only replacements I immediately could find that I thought I would get good future use out of. Find them here.

Reader Request: Vegan Sandals Similar To Jack Rogers' Navajo Sandals

A reader (I have readers!) commented (and they comment!) on a previous shoe post asking whether there is a vegan version of Jack Rogers' Navajo sandal (pictured left in the turquoise). Jack Rogers' sandals are made from leather, alas. I have seen them all over this summer, particularly Nordstrom, as the commenter referenced, and also have been intrigued by their simple feminine style.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to locate a very similar vegan version. The best I can do is Rina Shah's thong with rivets (pictured right). Not exactly a perfect match . . . at all. It's made from man-made leather and, clearly, is decorated with rhinestone-ish rivets. At $55, it's a bit less expensive than the Jack Rogers' sandals.

Also not-so-similar are a variety of summer sandals from Madden Girl. First, there is the "Adaline" sandal. It is entirely man-made and comes in the pictured turquoise, pink, yellow, brown and black. $49.90; available here via Zappos. So similar I'm not quite sure why it has a different name is the "Bayleee" sandal. Also entirely man-made; it comes in turquoise, black, and yellow. Also $49.90; here. Third, Madden Girl makes a "Dandye" flip-flop faux leather sandal that is further away from the Jack Rogers' sandal, yet still seems tangentially similar in my mind. Also available in a variety of colors; also $49.90; available here.

Finally, the only way these Madden Girl "Bajjaa" sandals are like the Jack Rogers' sandal is that they are vaguely Native American themed, but I thought I would include them. They are available in the pictured black (which I like most because of the purple accents), brown, and white. Also vegan (obviously); also $49.90; also available through Zappos -- here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Kitten Heels

I've been looking for a certain type of kitten heel for months and months and months -- black, pointed toe (not the round that seems to be everywhere), a one-inch heel, perhaps some decoration to make the shoe intriguing. I finally found a pair . . . via Payless no less! Their "American Eagle" brand black kitten heel features a one-inch heel, a pointed toe, and pleats around the toe. I haven't tried the shoe on yet (going this weekend), so I can't attest to comfort. The shoe is vegan though -- made from manmade materials. Regularly $24.99, the heels are on sale for $19.99. The shoes also come in a "raspberry" color; find them here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Stella McCartney Bags and Shoes via Nieman Marcus

Quick post. Neiman Marcus is holding a one-day "first mark private shopping event" -- up to 30% off original (i.e. regular, full-price) prices on more than 250 designers carried by Neiman Marcus. One of those designers is Stella McCartney. A sizable number of her vegan bags and vegan shoes are on sale, such as the pictured "Appoulousa Flap Front Shoulder Tote" in an ivory color. Made from paisley-embossed cotton and polyester coated in polyurethane. Originally a whopping $1,395, it is 30% off today only, making it a still whopping $977. Find it here.

And find all of Stella McCartney's items that are on one-day sale here. Likewise, visit the entire sale here and search through it for vegan clothing and other items. Today only!

** To note, get free shipping on all orders regardless of price by entering code: NMMAY.

Vegan On The Weekend: Eco-Friendly Shoes For The Weekend

Ecoshoes are in; and major companies (Payless, Keds) are launching lines of eco-friendly shoes. Being eco-friendly, most (perhaps all) are vegan. Most of the freshly-released ecoshoes are sneakers or sneaker-ish casual shoes. Great for weekends, though not so good for work -- perhaps good for walking to work, though.

Payless recently launched a new line of casual footwear (and bags and jewelry) made from materials like hemp, organic cotton, and water-based glues. The Zoe&Zac line was designed with help from eco-model Summer Rayne Oakes. It includes sandals, the right pictured wedges (which also come in a brown), skimmers, mary janes, and sneakers. The shoes range from $19.99 to $29.99; check out the collection here. Also, for every pair of Zoe&Zac shoes you buy between now and May 4, Payless will donate $1 to plant trees.

Keds also recently launched a line of eco-friendly shoes, titled its "Green Label." The Green Label includes Keds' classic lace-up in green, black, or white; and Keds' more-recent "moc" in tan, blue, or white (the blue is pictured left). The shoes are made from organic cotton and recycled rubber; the laces are made from recycled water bottles, which I think is the coolest feature of the shoes. The shoes are $55; find the entire collection here.

On a related note, on Earth Day (April 22), H&M is set to release a line of clothing made from recycled plastic bottles. Not quite sure how that will work, but I'm eager to see what they have to offer. And Loomstate, purveyors of expensive organic clothing, is teaming with Target to make a line of clothing aptly named Loomstate for Target. As with all "[fill in the blank] for Target," the line will run for a limited-time; it will include men's and women's casual clothes (jeans, dresses, swimwear). It debuts at Target this Sunday!

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Shoes: Charmoné Bellini "Rosemary" Shoes

Charmone Bellini is one of a few designers of high-end vegan shoes. Their mission "is to create beautiful, luxurious, sexy shoes that are also sustainable and cruelty-free. Every shoe incorporates European design and quality while using only animal-free, eco-friendly materials." The shoes are made sweatshop-free in Italy and Brazil; they range in price from $120-$220.

Of their current offerings, my favorite is the "Rosemary" shoe. It comes in the pictured dark brown with black and grey grosgrain ribbon cross-straps, and a lighter brown with taupe and dark brown grosgrain ribbon cross-straps. The heel height is a perfect 2.75 inches. The shoes are $179. Find the pictured dark brown here and the lighter brown here.

If you aren't into wearing the faux-suede in the summer, I also enjoy the "Star Anise" shoe, which comes in the pictured "smoke" and an "espresso" that incorporates some faux-suede. The shoes also are $179 and have a similar 2.75 inch heel. Find the pictured smoke here and the espresso here.