Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Lacoste Classic Collection

Macy's is offering Lacoste's "classic every day" collection of shoppers, bags, and hobos on sale, including the left pictured medium shopper. The collection is made from polyester with PVC (vegan!). The pictured shopper comes in candy floss (light pink), sea blue, sunflower (bright yellow, and white. Originally $150, the bag is on sale for $104.99 and qualifies for free shipping. Find the medium shopper here.

Also included in the collection and on sale are: (1) classic every day hobo -- originally $115, on sale for $79.99 -- here; (2) classic every day small shopper -- originally $114, on sale for $78.99 -- here; and (3) classic every day small vertical shoulder bag -- originally $88, on sale for $55.99 -- here.

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: Melie Bianco Patent Bowler

Made from 100% synthetic pvc materials, not actual patent leather. This huge (huge! - 17" high, 15" wide, 4" deep) comes in the pictured yellow that is quite appropriate now that the sun is shining in full force, though possibly not office-appropriate depending on your office, and a more subdued gray that goes well with lighter summer suits. The bag comes with a removable shoulder strap, which I likely would ditch as the handles have a perfect 8" drop. The bag is $95 via Piperlime, which, as always, offers free shipping and free returns. Find it here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Stella McCartney

Via a wonderful comment from a reader informing me that Yoox has some Stella McCartney handbags on sale -- and, wow, Yoox has a bunch of great bags on sale. I had a hard time choosing which one to post, so I'm posting a few.

First, I greatly enjoy this white "large fabric bag" made from cotton and canvas. It's bigger than it looks -- 11" high, 16" wide, and 7" deep -- perfect for use as a fashionable summer briefcase. Originally $295, Yoox has it on sale for $149. Find it here.

Second, I am really taken by this faux shiny patent leather tote-ish handbag in the pictured beige (that would match a pair of Steve Madden vegan pumps I picked up a couple months ago). It's also made from vegan materials, of course, and is slightly smaller than the above fabric bag. My favorite feature is the zipper and logo pendant details on the front. Originally $730, Yoox has it on sale for $365. Find it here. The bag also comes in a coral: same materials, same size, same price; find it here.

Third and finally, my favorite of my favorites is this shoulder bag with white with tan contrasting that is somewhat of a combination of the above two bags. The bag is made from cotton and faux leather (even though Yoox says its "leather," as I understand, no Stella McCartney bags use real leather). Originally $590, Yoox has it on sale for $295. Find it 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.

Vegan Deal: Jane Marvel Sample Sale

If you live in NYC (or will be in NYC, Tuesday, June 23 - Thursday June 25, 10am to 7pm) and are looking for vegan handbags and related accessories, see informative flyer:

Designer Vegan Deal: Matt & Nat Now At Bluefly

"Eco-friendly arm candy," as Bluefly terms it -- aka Matt & Nat handbags and accessories -- have recently arrived at Bluefly. For all those not familiar with Bluefly, it is the "ultimate hook-up for the fashion obsessed," as it calls itself. I think Bluefly is a little too obsessed with itself, but it occasionally has some good deals on designer fashion and tends to offer an "OMG biggest sale ever" sale every other day -- so, it's worth checking in on occasionally.

And now it carries Matt & Nat products! I own the right pictured crinkled "Hamburg" large bowler in grey (the magenta is pictured; grey also available on Bluefly), which I got on even bigger discount through Gilt Groupe a month or so ago. I absolutely love the bag; the first time I used it, it immediately became my everyday, all-the-time bag. It's on sale for $192 (originally $275) on Bluefly. Find all of Matt & Nat on Bluefly here at between 30% and 40% off.

Also, Matt & Nat itself is holding a sale: 50% off select styles. Check out the sale here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Valentino Fabric

I was alerted to Valentino's line of fabric bags from a reader. Thank you! Though most of the fabric line of bags have leather handles or are made from silk, there is one item that is 100% cotton -- the black bucket fabric bag adorned on the side with a large matching black bow. I'm not sure how I feel about the black bow in a work setting, though I think it reaches the level of office appropriate.

The bag comes in a medium and a large size. The large is pictured in its entirety; the bow of the medium is pictured. The medium bag is 11.7" x 10.9" x 5.3", which I think should be considered large; and the large bag is 17.9" x 10.9" x 5.1", which I think should be considered extra-large. Both bags are on sale, 40% off: the medium is $657 (originally $1,095) -- here; and the large is $837 (originally $1,395) -- here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Another White Bag

It seems to be handbag week; good deals keep popping up. Endless.com has this white MAXX New York "shopper" on super sale: 53% off -- list price $220, now $103.81 (and free shipping!). The bag is slightly smaller than the below Big Buddha bag: 13" high, 15" wide, and 5" deep. It is made from synthetic leather with fabric lining. Find it here.

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: Stella McCartney Handbag

On sale via Neiman Marcus' updated designer sale. Stella McCartney's "east-west lock-top tote" is made from navy textured faux leather with goldtone hardware. Originally $1,295, Neiman Marcus has it on sale for $868 (33% off). Find it here.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Jane Marvel Computer Bag

Jane Marvel, a purveyor of vegan bags, is holding its first ever clearance sale. Its "puddle jumpers," "runarounds," "computer / messenger bags," and "duffel weekenders" are all 40% off.

Of the clearance items, my favorite is the computer / messenger bag, pictured left in the plaid flowers print with rust handles and trim. It comes with a removable padded pouch that fits most laptops with up to 15" screens. The computer bag is available in twelve other color combinations; I would pick the stars night pattern with rust handles and trim. As with all Jane Marvel products, the bag is vegan. Originally $100, it is on sale for $60. Find it here.

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.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Eric Javits Squishee

Eric Javits is one of my favorite designers. He makes women's accessories -- shoes, bags, hats, etc. -- primarily from "Squishee," a man-made fiber that resembling straw. Most of the shoes aren't vegan because of the leather lining, but some of the bags are vegan, though some similarly have leather trim. My favorite of the vegan bags is the "Squishee Clip." It's bigger than it looks -- 14" long x 11.5" high x 4.5" wide with an 8" drop handle. It has brass feet and closes via three super-strong magnets. It comes in the pictured natural bronze and black and nine other color combinations. $290. Find it 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.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Melie Bianco Ruffle Chain Bag

This bag is big -- 17" x 22" x 5". Big enough to carry your laptop, a couple hardcover books, a pad of paper (even a legal pad), and all the other items that end up in a handbag. I love the piping and the rings attaching the handles. It comes in four summery colors: the pictured white, teal, champagne and pewter. As always, all Melie Bianco bags are vegan! $95. Find it here.

Designer Vegan Deal: LuLu via Hautelook

Hautelook, one of what seems to be a growing number of websites offering online designer sample sales, today is offering a selection of LuLu handbags, clutches, and wallets, all on super sale (up to 70% off). I haven't looked through all the items, but most (likely all) are vegan.

Check it out here. And if you need an invitation to access, email the Professional Vegan at professionalvegan@gmail.com.

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.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: Sabrina Handbag by Offhand Designs

Cow Jones Industrials, a vegan boutique based in upstate New York with an awesome website, is holding a handbag sale -- 20% off all regularly priced handbags and an additional 10% off all reduced handbags -- now through Sunday, May 11 (Mother's Day, I might add). If I needed a new handbag, or if I was searching for a gift for someone, such as a mother, I would pick the "Sabrina" handbag from Offhand Designs in the licorice print pictured. The bag is bigger than it looks -- 12" x 17" x 5". It can hold a laptop, a bunch of books, a wallet, a water bottle, and all your other accessories. And the adjustable strap can be worn across the body or as a double shoulder strap. Made from vegan fabric! Originally $190, it is on sale for $152. Find it here.

Also, on the subject of vegan accessories, check out this post about vegan shoes on the fashion site Hollywood Life -- Where to Get 'Em: Cute Non-Leather Shoes.

Wednesday's Work-Appropriate Bag: New Line of Vegan Handbags From Matt & Nat

After 14 years of designing and producing Matt & Nat, the line of luxury designer vegan handbags and accessories, the company recently launched samsāra, a line of slightly less expensive designer vegan handbags and accessories. Like Matt & Nat's products, this line is produced with the environment and animal welfare in mind. And, for each samsāra bag sold, one dollar is donated to a non-profit organization of your choice (among four very excellent choices -- I would have a difficult time choosing between Enough and Canada Women's Foundation).

In comparison, Matt & Nat bags run around $250 - $300 and accessories run around $75-$100; samsāra bags run around $125-$155 and accessories run around $35-$55. My favorite bag of the current collection is the Vaughan Pebble Handbag (in the right pictured white). It also comes in plum, cognac, and black. $155; find it here. I would pair the bag with the Nunavut Small Pebble wallet, in the white, of course. The wallet also comes in plum, cognac, and black. $45; find it here.