Giveaway of Interest: Envirosax

Leslie Elizabeth over at Jacksons World is hosting a father's day Envirosax giveaway. Envirosaxs are compact environmentally friends shopping bags that come in a variety of sophisticated and fun styles. Depending on the style, the bags can hold 22 - 44 lbs of groceries, clothes, and other goodies. Win one by entering the contest here.

Of course, don't forget to enter my FOOD, INC. book giveaway -- 2 sets of 2 books (the movie companion and Fast Food Nation). Entries end Thursday at Noon EST. Right here!

Also, Gilt Groupe is holding a Matt & Nat sample sale tomorrow, starting Noon EST. If you aren't a member of Gilt and would like an invitation, send The Professional Vegan an email at professionalvegan@gmail.com and I'll set you up.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Bag: Big Buddha Messenger Bag

On sale via Piperlime's "lime tag sale." This Big Buddha messenger bag is huge -- 10" high, 22" wide, and 2" deep -- and comes with detachable cross-body strap; it's meant to (and will) wrap a bit around your body, even if you use the 6" drop shoulder strap. Perfect for carrying everything you need around town or to the office. The bag is on sale in the pictured white: originally $85, now $49.99. Like all Big Buddha bags, it is made from synthetic leather. Here.

Also check out these other vegan bags on sale: Chinese Laundry's all tied up tote in canvas with rope (originally $60, now $39.99); Pink Studio's Zera satchel in blue and fuchsia (originally $64, now $39.99); Big Buddha's Jade large foldover clutch in turquoise (originally $59, now $39.99); Puma's One-to-Two hobo in a lovely magenta-purple blend (originally $85, now $39.99) (pictured); and Melie Bianco's Rouched satchel in white and orange (originally $75, now $49.99).

Designer Vegan Deal: Selections From Neiman Marcus Sale

Neiman Marcus is holding an online and in-store sale. The sale starts on-line today and in-store on Thursday. I did a quick browse through the sale; there are a few vegan items. Some of my picks; I've tried to weed-out those items that are available only in one or two sizes:

Burberry Check Dress (pictured left): love the neutral mushroom color and contrasting white checks, and, of course, the ruffles along the button front; the matching belt adds even more style to this shirt dress. Made from cotton, polyamide, and spandex. Originally $550; on sale for $330 (40% off).

Armani Collection Pin-Tuck Blouse (pictured right): when I first saw this blouse, I thought it looked more like a light-weight jacket with three-quarter sleeves. It really is a blouse, though I think its a great stand-alone piece, especially considering its stand collar -- wear it over a white cami and pair it with pants that have a little flair themselves (pinstripes, texture, etc). Made from cotton, nylon, and spandex. Originally $495; on sale for $297 (40% off).

Prince of Scotland Degrade Cardigan and Knit Top (pictured together at left): yes, this sweater set is really, really expensive, even with the Neiman Marcus sale discount, but it's Neiman Marcus, so, it's expected. The cardigan and matching knit top are hand-sprayed in Italy to create a degraded gray trim on the optic white background. I like the cardigan's v-neckline set against the top's scoop neckline. The set is made from cotton. The cardigan originally was $695 and is on sale for $417; the top originally was $550 and is on sale for $330. That makes them both 40% off. The matching pleated gray print skirt is also vegan (acetate and polyester) and is also 40% off ($1,150 to $690).

Eric Javits Squishee Shoulder Bag (pictured right): available in the pictured fuchsia, orange, and parrot green. Made from rayon and polyester with goldtone hardware. A perfect 11" x 14" x 4". On sale for $175. Here and here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Selections from Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale

Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids started yesterday. Items are on sale for 10% - 40% off. Thought I would point out a few vegan finds in addition to the pants I already posted this morning.

Continuing with the linen pant trend, and on the more expensive side even with the 40% off, are Leifsdottir's "Pebble" wide-leg linen trousers in the left pictured navy. The decorative gold buttons along the side-slant pockets match the three gold buttons that line the back pockets. I like the turned-up cuffs and the extra wide legs. Made from linen and viscose. The pants originally were $258 and are on sale for $153.90; here.

To wear over your suits during in-climate weather, check out Michael by Michael Kors' "Clip Closure" topper, pictured right in the "sand." It also comes in a bright "taxi yellow" (perhaps not work appropriate) and black. The accompanying drawstring hood is detachable. Made from cotton and polyester. Best of all, it is machine washable. Originally $128, it is on sale for $79.90 (35% off). Find it here. Also, if you are looking for something slightly more tailored, you might like Via Spiga's "Sienna" walking coat, which comes in a similar light camel, a chocolate brown, and black. Originally $148, on sale for $89.90 (35% off); here.

On the very, very expensive side, St. John Collection's "Floral Print" stretch cotton dress is on sale for $594 (originally $995 -- 40% off) (pictured left). I love the high neck, knee-hitting length, and matching thin belt. The dress would look great with a black blazer or a black cardigan, as well as a taupe blazer or cardigan. Pair it with black or taupe heels. Made from cotton and spandex. Find it here.

Finally, Marc by Marc Jacobs' line of totes is on sale for 33% off, such as the right pictured "tobo." I'm not sure how work-appropriate these totes are, but they are great for the weekend or carrying lots of items to the gym in an eye-catching bag. Made from nylon. The pictured tote originally was $198 and is on sale for $131.90; here. Marc by Marc Jacobs makes a similar full tote that originally was $188 and is on sale for $124.90; here.

Vegan Purchase: Felix Ray (for Target) Handbag

I love Target! Especially its new Felix Ray (for Target) handbag collection. I purchased the right pictured canvas tote while I was in Florida a couple weeks ago. It was perfect for transitioning from the beach to a casual evening out. The navy color is very "in" this season, as is the gold hardware accents. Target's website says the bag is made from cotton and polyester, with patent leather trim, but based on the tag inside and the wear of the handles, I am (very) confident that the so-called "patent leather" trim really is a form of PVC plastic. The bag is $39.99 and also comes in gold. Find it here.

While we browsed Target in Florida, my friend considered the envelope clutch with a chain strap handle. In the end, the shell decoration led her to put it back on the shelf, although the shell may appeal to some people. The clutch comes in the left pictured gold and a navy blue similar to the canvas tote. It's made from the same cotton and PVC plastic, although Target's website correctly identifies the "patent leather" trim as PVC plastic, which further leads me to believe that the website is incorrect about the material of the trim on the tote. The clutch is $29.99. Find it here.

And, finally, for a combination of the tote and the clutch, check out Felix Ray (for Target)'s large straw tote in blue. Made from the same vegan materials, including the gold accent shell. $49.99; here.

Vegan On The Weekend: Virginia Woolf and Some Totes

On my weekend adventure to Woodstock, NY, I brought my copy of Jeffrey Masson's The Face On Your Plate: The Truth About Food (see below post) along in a Virginia Woolf tote bag I purchased at Barnes & Noble many, many (many, many) years ago. Apparently it currently is out of stock (see here).

But! As fate would have it, today I ate at a restaurant that had this quote on it's sign outside. The picture is a bit crooked because it was raining and I was rushing to get into the warm, dry car:

I've been meaning to post a couple of cute totes; this seems like an opportune time. First, on the more expensive side, possibly more appropriate to carry books and other papers into work, is J.Jill's "luster linen-blend beach tote" (pictured left). The rope handles are my favorite feature. And, of course, the fact that it's vegan. It comes in the pictured "flax" color. $59; find it here.

Second, on the less expensive side, possibly more for grocery or other shopping on the weekend, are the totes designed by Green Eyed Monster, which markets itself as providing "the most unique and socially responsible alternative to disposable paper and plastic bags on the block." There is one standard canvas tote available that comes in six designs. The classic Green Eyed Monster design, pictured right, is my favorite. The tote bags are $25 each. The Green Eyed Monster website is really cool too -- something worth browsing even if you aren't looking for a tote bag right now; check it out here . . . and, as the site says, "start living ENVIably!"

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Bag: Beckon's Bows

The huge bow on this tote may make it not truly work appropriate, but I thought I would post anyhow because it's large, but not too large, comes in a variety of colors, and is vegan. I particularly enjoy the 10" drop of the straps -- the bag will sit nicely under the arm. It's made from cotton, polyester, and metallic fibers, and is available in the pictured black, beige, pink and yellow. $168; available via Nordstrom here.

Beckon makes a similar bow clutch, which also comes in the same four colors (the beige is pictured) and is made from the same vegan fiber mix. It's $98; also available via Nordstrom here.

Another Giveaway!

This one's for a tote bag! I discovered the giveaway through Passionate Green -- this post. The "contest" is for one of Focus Organic's Print Pattern Library Chic Totes designed by Rebecca Peragine. There are 6 versions you can choose from if you win! To enter, visit this post at Focus Organic.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Chinese Laundry Embroidered Tote

Continuing with the totes from last week, I am quite taken by Chinese Laundry's Embroidered Tote. As with most totes, great for carrying books, extra clothes, just about anything. The tote comes in two color combinations: the dark blue with yellow stitching pictured and a bright orange with purple stitching. My feeling is the dark blue is much more work appropriate than the bright orange, though different offices have different dress codes. The tote is made from canvas and has a nylon lining. The handles appear to be a PVC-like man-made material, though I would check with Chinese Laundry or Piperlime (where I found the tote) to be certain. It's $59. Find the totes here.

Note: Chinese Laundry's website also has a red with light blue embroidery version and a tan with light pink embroidery version. However, they are $72. Find them here.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Bag: Cute Totes

Corporette posted a really cute canvas tote yesterday via Piperlime (here) and highlighted the tote's spaciousness and suitability for carrying documents to and from work. Though as Corporette indicated, its price tag of $185 is not too over-the-top, to me, that's a bit much too spend on a tote, even if the tote is super cute and looks more like a handbag-tote-crossover.

So, I set out to find an as cute, but much less expensive alternative. And I found one: Palace Tote Bag via India Rose ("a home furnishings textile company"). Made from 100% cotton canvas, the tote comes in the pictured green and white with gold and also in black and white. I can't decide which color combo I like more, though accessorizing with green seems appropriate to spring.

The tote is full-price at $42 . . . but India Rose has a deal going with Daily Candy . . . 25% off everything in its online store . . . enter daily25 in the promotional code box before adding each item to your cart.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Travel Bag

This Steven Alan travel bag via Refinery29 ("one destination for independent style") is appropriately marketed to both women and men as a work-friendly and weekend-friendly carryall. I especially like the side snap pockets - great for carrying toiletries and other sundries that must be scanned separately at airport security. It comes in the pictured olive and a (bright!) red. Made from 100% cotton; is is $138. Find it here.

Also -- Refinery29 is offering a 100% cotton Steven Alan black plaid tie on sale for $29 (originally $55). I'm not all that into the plaid, but it is rare to find a vegan tie. Check it out here.

Vegan During The Weekend: The Traveling Vegan

Stella McCartney's Le Sportsac "check in case" is great for weekend excursions and, with a full-size garment sleeve included, even better for business traveling -- not having to check baggage is key because chances are the partner or executive you are traveling with isn't checking baggage. At its original $395, it was way too expensive in my opinion, but Kitson has it on sale for $197.50, which is slightly more reasonable -- mainly because I am willing to spend more for carry-on luggage that has wheels that look sturdy and I really like the separate shoe compartment at the bottom. Kitson has it on sale in the navy (pictured) and the bark. I would choose the navy because I think it's a more professional color and, more importantly, less likely to get dirty. Available here.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Bag: Laptop Bags

My personal-use laptop is really small -- the old version Sony Vaio's TT series (here) -- 11" screen, 3 lbs, easy to slip in and out of my bag at the airport checkpoint. I carry it in a Built NY small laptop sleeve (here) and put it in whatever tote I am using at the moment. But I realize that others do not have (and maybe do not want) such small laptops, and that it is troublesome to remove the laptop from the sleeve at the checkpoint. So now that airports allow you to leave your laptop in the case as long as the case is TSA compliant, here are some ideas for security checkpoint friendly laptop bags:

CODi Phantom CT3 Checkpoint Tested Laptop Bag (pictured left): made from ballistic nylon, the bag hinges so that you can leave your laptop in the bag through the scanning tunnel at the airport. However, the bag is 14" x 11" x 3", so it doesn't fit all laptops. Originally $225, it is on sale at ebags for $149.99. Find it here.

Aerovation's Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag: this bag also is TSA compliant (it hinges too), although I don't think it looks as nice as the CODi bag. Big enough for a 15.4" or 17" screen and weighs a little over 3 lbs. The 15.4" screen version is $129.95 and the 17" screen version is $149.95.

And, finally, for Apple users, check out Incipio's QuickCheck “Check Point Friendly” Notebook Carrying Case (pictured right). Though not a case with a sturdy handle, I enjoy the sleek design on this carrying case that comes in 4 different sizes: MacBook Air ($44.99), MacBook 13" ($44.99), MacBook Pro 15" ($44.99), and MacBook Pro 17" ($49.99). All cases are TSA compliant; they are made from nylon and come with a removable/adjustable shoulder strap.

Stella McCartney for LeSportsac on Sale

Though not completely office appropriate, Stella McCartney's line of vegan LeSportsac handbags are great for weekend excursions or trips to the gym / yoga studio, etc. Full price, at $300 - $350, I think the bags are a bit expensive. But, finally, a few websites are beginning to put them on sale, such as the UK-based mywardrobe.com. For example, it has the Essential Day Bag in taupe on sale for $195 (originally $325; pictured left) -- that's 40% off. It has the black version on sale for $228 -- that's 30% off -- available here.

The site also has the Carryall Bag in taupe (here) and green (here) on sale -- both 50% off at $175 (so, originally $350). The green is pictured right.

Tobi has the Hobo Bag, which is my favorite of the current line, on sale for $210, but only in the dirty pink, which is my least favorite color (pictured left). The bag was originally $350. Tobi also has the Travel Clutch Bag on sale for $90 (originally $150); available here.

Nankeen Has Vegan Accessories For Men and Women

Today my Daily Candy email linked to a weekend bag for men from Nankeen. I'm always looking for good vegan fashion for men. Unfortunately, the weekend bag has leather handles and a leather bottom, but Nankeen -- which makes "chic, fun, durable, and functional accessories for everyday style" -- makes other items that are vegan. Nankeen's products are Asian influenced: "Our designs fuse 100% cotton, indigo dye, and exquisite patterns using a traditional Chinese art form dating back to the Song dynasty." Interesting . . . and Nankeen uses fair labor practices and environmentally friendly manufacturing.

For men, I like this "zou tie" (pictured left). It's made from 100% hand-dyed cotton and is lined with 100% cotton navy lining. I love the fish design, although I'm not sure how court appropriate or big negotiations/meeting appropriate the design is. Nankeen makes two other cotton ties: this "quake tie," which has a more conservative black-and-white pattern, and this "tsunami tie," which has a slightly less conservative, yet still not as bold as the fish, pattern. All the ties are $65.

Also for men, Nankeen offers a few belts that would look great with chinos or jeans on the weekend, such as this "wen belt" (pictured right). It's made from 100% hand-dyed cotton and is $45. There is also this "ji belt" and this "trac belt," both also $45.

For women, Nankeen has some great 100% hand-dyed cotton totes. I definitely prefer them to similar from J.Crew or L.L.Bean, etc. My favorite is this "luna" version (pictured left). It's huge and I love that it is huge. At $195, it's slightly expensive, especially for a tote, but that pattern is fabulous! I also enjoy it in the wave pattern, also $195.

Kenneth Cole's Awearness Campaign

Today marks the nationwide protests against California's proposition 8. I thought this Kenneth Cole t-shirt (100% cotton) is particularly relevant today:

To the left is a blow-up of the t-shirt's graphic. It reads "Love Is . . ." followed by depictions of a bride and groom, two grooms, two brides, one groom and two brides, and then a groom and two sheep (I assume these are all depictions of "marriage").

The t-shirt is part of Kenneth Cole's "Awearness" campaign under which the company has established a non-profit organization that will continue Kenneth Cole's philanthropic efforts with a special focus on amFar and Help USA. Historically, Kenneth Cole's philanthropic efforts have included supporting socially relevant issues.

In addition to the non-profit organization, the campaign is releasing a book titled "Awearness: Inspiring Stories About How To Make A Difference." According to the "Awearness" blog, the "book consists of 86 essays and conversations by individuals who have been inspired to do their part to effect meaningful social change."

The campaign also includes a line of t-shirts and accessories for women and men, such as the t-shirt pictured above. The accessories include a drawstring bag, a canvas tote, and a large zip tote that looks similar to Lululemon's and Puma's gym bags. Of the items, I think only the canvas tote is vaguely work appropriate, such as to carry some extra books or gym clothing. All of the items are vegan, except for the large zip tote, which is made from leather.

Although I am all for "awearness," I find it strange that one of the items used to market the campaign incorporates leather. That doesn't seem very "awear" at all. And although I enjoy the above t-shirt for its positive message about sexuality and equality, I have some issues with it.

First, though I don't have totally concrete views on polygamy, I am disturbed that polygamy is only depicted as a man and two women. Where is the woman with two men? The fact that the t-shirt really only depicts polygyny (one man having more than one wife), as opposed to polyandry (one woman having more than one husband) is unfortunate and glosses over women's (include lesbian's) fight for equality.

Also, I do have views about bestiality. It is rather impossible to know if those two sheep consented. I don't think bestiality has anything to do with the fight for gay rights and I think it shouldn't be on the shirt. In fact, as with using leather to market "awearness," depicting bestiality as "awearness" is actually anti-awareness. And why is it two sheep with one man? Why not two men with one sheep? Or a woman with one sheep? What does the depiction say about who is dominating what?

Finally, I understand that aesthetically the five "instances" of marriage may need to be arranged vertically. But, I find the order very telling. Looking at it, it seems as though it is ordered from most legitimate to least legitimate: traditional marriage, two men marrying, then two women marrying, etc., etc. The underlying message may have been more powerful if the depictions were ordered differently. Just a thought.

Kenneth Cole's "Awearness" products are available for purchase online here. The accompanying blog is available here.