Friday's Vegan Accessory: Snacks at the Office

To make it through the 3pm slump, I snack at work -- just about every day. My favorite snacks are food bars and granola . . . so, I thought I'd highlight a few vegan options and mention some nifty giveaways so that you might snag your own free vegan snacks for the office.

My absolute favorite is the Larabar Jocalat bar, which comes in six flavor varieties, all of which are vegan (the regular Larabars also are all vegan -- check 'em out). I like the traditional chocolate version best, possibly because it seems to be the only version that my Trader Joe's regularly stocks. In fact, here is it on my desk cosying up to some reporters:

And one lucky reader of Chocolate-Covered Katie (a.k.a. Chocolate Covered Vegan) has the chance to win an entire case (a $32 value) absolutely free. See this post for more details on the Jocolat giveaway.

I also enjoy The Simple Bar, which has a very different texture from Larabars; perfect for those days when something grainy and nutty is needed. And, they have less calories than Larabars and pack 16 grams of protein. The Simple Bar comes in 6 varieties, all of which are vegan. See the lovely fan display below; unfortunately, I don't know of any current giveaways.

Also unfortunately, most other food bars incorporate honey or some type of dairy product . . . so, I usually stick to these. (Yes, there are the Raw Revolution food bars, but they have 300+ calories, which is way too many calories for a snack in my opinion.)

However, another excellent snack option is to make your own vegan granola. I really like the custom-made granola from MixMyGranola.com -- a company run by three friends that uses locally-grown, mainly organic ingredients. You choose your base and then add your favorite ingredients. The organic granola and organic muesli bases are vegan (the other 2 have honey). Best of all, the website calculates the nutritional information of your custom made granola. It's not the cheapest ever -- the base is $4.95, then each ingredient adds to the cost, and finally shipping is a flat $5 -- but sometimes a splurge on a healthy snack is worth it (think how much you spend at Starbucks every day . . .).

And . . . I have a giveaway for the custom-made granola! Fit for Free is giving away a $10 gift certificate plus free shipping to make your own granola; see this post for details on the giveaway.

Another similar option for make-your-own cereal is Me and Goji. Note that the healthy hoops and golden granola bases are NOT vegan. The website also calculates the nutritional information of your custom made cereal. Check out the cereal I made. At $15, it seems really expensive . . . but it contains 15 servings . . . $1 a serving is less than Larabars!

And . . . another giveaway! HealthingIt! is giving away a $20 gift certificate to design your own cereal; see this post for details.

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.

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.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Shoes: Rampage Pumps

Via Piperlime. Two pairs! First, my favorite -- the "Rajah" -- smooth black synthetic leather with a ruffle detail leading up to the pointy toe. And a perfect 2" heel. Man made balance and synthetic lining. $50. Find them here (free shipping and returns on Piperlime!).

Second -- the "Maria" -- made from the same smooth black synthetic leather; this version has no extra detailing and a 2 1/2" heel. I like their classic style, though I have been looking for 2" heel black pumps for awhile and wish the heel was slightly lower. Synthetic balance and lining. Also $50. Find them here.

Designer Vegan Deal: melie bianco Bags

Tons of melia bianco bags and wallets (all vegan!) on sale (around 50% off) at HauteLook right now -- the sale started about 45 min ago (11AM EST). You have to be a member to login, but signing up for membership is relatively easy. If you have trouble, shoot The Professional Vegan an email at professionalvegan@gmail.com. I just purchased the pictured blue woven hobo handbag for an astonishing $45. Love it.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Men's Sweater

I've been neglecting men lately. But I totally love this ribbed shawl-collar sweater via Banana Republic. It's a bit more casual; perhaps something to put on while in the over-air-conditioned office. Or to wear on casual Friday. Regardless, I really like it -- especially the button at the neck and the white contrast at the end of the ribbing. Made from 100% cotton; it comes in the pictured "gull grey." The sweater is $89. Find it here.

Adventures in Vegan Cooking

Due to the massive March snowstorm in the Northeast, I have extra time this morning to write a really long post about my adventures in vegan cooking of late. I know; it's not vegan fashion . . . but, vegans have to eat, so I thought I would share. Consider it a brief timeout from the fabulous vegan fashion. I've made all of the following from scratch either from recipes in vegan cookbooks or from recipes I found online and/or invented / changed drastically myself. Get ready for some vegan yum yum!

First, my best creation -- vegan butternut squash soup. This can (right) of pureed butternut squash had been sitting in my pantry for at least 3 months. When I finally took it out, I realized it had a really simple recipe for butternut squash soup on the back of its label that could be easily veganized. So, I switched out the cream for soy creamer (the Silk original) and the butter for soy butter (I use Earth Balance) and omitted the offensive onions and garlic . . . and created a lovely, sweet soup. Here it is on the stove:

The soup ended up a bit more watery than I expected, likely because I switched the cream out for soy creamer. It also was much sweeter than I expected; next time I might use half of the sugar the recipe called for. So, to thicken it up a bit and offset the sugar, I added white rice to it. (I cheated and used one of those ultra-expensive Uncle Ben's ready rice packets.) The final product:

Coming off the vegan cooking high from the soup, I decided to venture into the world of substantial main courses. To start, I made vegan sloppy joes (called "snobby joes" in Veganomican, where I got the recipe from). Basically, its lots of lentils, tomatoes, and veggies with some spices, maple syrup, and yellow mustard. Instead of using offensive onions and garlic, I used green and red peppers. Here it is in the pot; the recipe makes four enormous servings:

For my first meal, I heaped one serving on a hamburger buns (Arnold's). The recipe called for a kaiser roll, but I didn't have any . . . it was great on the bun. For the next three meals, I paired it with Tostitos scoops tortilla chips (I like the baked version). Perfect meals; I'm definitely making this again!

Next, I made a vegan mac and "cheese" casserole using a recipe from Veganomican. It wasn't a smashing success. To be blunt, it was awful, though edible and I slowly have been working my way through the remaining servings. Perhaps I have had real mac and cheese too many times to really enjoy a vegan version. The meal's only saving grace was the peas I mixed into the casserole. The finished product, much of which is still in my fridge:

After the mac and "cheese" failure, I decided to return to my baking roots; I am so much better at baking. I found a recipe for cheddar and scallion scones (really biscuits, I think) via 30 Bucks a Week -- this post. I switched out the butter for soy butter, the egg for egg replacer, and the cheddar cheese for soy cheddar cheese pre-shredded (the Veggie Shreds version). Like Tina at 30 Bucks a Week, I used unsweetened soy milk. The biscuits turned out fabulous. The recipe made 6, but they were so good fresh out of the oven that I ate 2 before I could arrange them for a picture. Here are the remaining 4:

Thanks for a great recipe 30 Bucks a Week!

Monday's Vegan Suit: Nanette Lepore!

Perfect for the spring and summer, Nanette Lepore's "Sittin' Pretty" twill jacket has three-quarter-length sleeves accented with buckled tabs that double-breasted button front. I'm a fan especially of the double-breasted front paired with the half-belt around the back. The fully-lined jacket is made from cotton, viscose rayon, and elastane. Check it out here; $495.

The jacket pairs with Nanette Lepore's "Showin' Some" skirt, which is a great length except for the slit that depending on your height might show a bit too much leg (I guess that's the point though?). Made from the same cotton, viscose rayon, and elastane blend. Find it here; $275.

Although Nordstrom (where I found the suit) doesn't show the jacket paired with pants, I think that the jacket likely pairs with Nanette Lepore's "Picnic" pants. The pants are made from the same vegan fiber blend and boast similar buttons as the jacket. However, I would check the items in person to decide whether they actually go together. The pants are $295; check them out here.

Finally, bonus vegan suit, also from Nanette Lepore: the "Woodshole" jacket paired with the "Plymouth" pants. Both come in navy accented with ivory stitching and both are made from a cotton/spandex blend. The jacket is $495; here. The pants are $295; here. Stock up while the vegan suits are in season!

Vegan on the Weekend: Summer Shoes

Though it might "slush" on the East Coast this weekend, the stores have their summer shoes out in full swing -- and I can't stop browsing them online. Here are a few of my favorites:

Rampage "Dania": simple and classic thong sandal; great with jeans and with summer skirts; and they have a perfect, walkable 1.5" heel. They come in the pictured black and silver metallic. 100% man-made materials. $40 through Piperlime (here -- and free shipping and returns!).

Unisa "Coco": another classic summer sandal, though slightly dressed-up with the metal chain links on the t-strap. Again, great with jeans, shorts, and perhaps a casual skirt. Based on the buyer comments, they are perfect for walking: they have a 1" heel. Made from cork, rubber, and a synthetic upper (plus the metal) -- completely vegan! They come in the pictured white and black. $59 through Piperlime (here -- and, again, free shipping and returns!).

Naturalizer "Sistine": wedges are hot this summer; unfortunately most incorporate leather (boo). But not this espadrille sandal style! The sandal has a fabric (linen) upper and a woven wrapped 2" wedge heel. The sandal comes in the pictured natural, black, brown, coral, and an interesting floral with an off-white base that is way too flowery in my opinion (notice the floral inside the pictured sandal -- imagine that all over the outside). All colors are available on Naturalizer's website for $60 (here). Some useful codes: 20% off entire order: PSB29; $10 off order: ECK28. Also, Piperlime has the black version on its website for $55 (here); the different in price is baffling. As an aside, I tried these on in the Naturalizer store; I was 1/2 size smaller than my normal shoe size -- so, beware.

Naturalizer "Sensitive": an interesting take on the above wedge sandal. I'm not much into slides, but I appreciate the summery colors incorporated into this one. It comes in the pictured blue stripe satin and a similar red stripe satin. The sandal has a fabric upper and the same woven wrapped 2" wedge heel. Both colors are available on Naturalizer's website for $60 (here).

Finally, I'm absolutely, completely, totally coveting JCrew's unisex "Jack Purcell sneakers." They come in a distressed version (pictured in the blue; also comes in white) and a broken-in-chino version (comes in pale surplus and faded black). 100% cotton. Each pair is $65. I think I would get the blue distressed version, though I vacillate between that and the pale surplus broken-in-chino version or possibly the white distressed -- ahhh! So many I like! Find the distressed version here and the broken-in-chino version here. The sneakers pair nicely with the very large Madakat tote (100% cotton canvas, $68; here).

Today in History: Voting Rights Anniversary

On February 27, 1922, the U.S. Supreme Court in Leser v. Garnett upheld for the first time the constitutionality of the 19th Amendment, which was proposed on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920:Happy Suffrage Upheld Day (yes, I made that up . . .).

Friday's Vegan Accessory: Designer Thank You Notes

At some point in your career, you will need to write a thank you note. And, yes, that means hand-written. If I'm going through the trouble of writing a thank you note, I want the note card itself to be something that the recipient might enjoy looking at. I used to go to Kate's Paperie rather regularly, but now the physical store is a bit out of my way and for some reason, I haven't warmed up to ordering off their website. Instead, I have been getting my thank you cards and other similar items from Smock, a line of letterpress wedding invitations, announcements, and greeting cards printed on bamboo paper in upstate New York. The cards come individually or in packs of 6 -- and are mini-works of art. My favorites are the pagoda (pictured) and poppy thank you notes. Find thank you note cards here.

Thursday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Ann Taylor Pintuck Shirt

On sale! This cotton, nylon, and spandex blend shirt with a v-neck and a point collar comes in the pictured blue and a very springy orange -- both great colors to wear with a lighter-colored summer suit. I especially enjoy the pintucking detail. The shirt originally was $59 and is on sale for $29.99. Get an extra 25% off that price by entering EXTRA25 at checkout. Find the shirt here.

Designer Vegan Deal: Handbags on Sale via Nordstrom

Couple new markdowns at Nordstrom on MAXX New York and Matt & Nat handbags:

First, MAXX New York: "Monte Carlo" Shopper -- cute medium-sized tote made from PVC that comes in three really bright summery colors (the teal is pictured). Not exactly work appropriate, but great for the weekend to add some pop to blander outfits. Originally $145, now $96.90 (33% off). Find it here.

Second, Matt & Nat: "Rice Paper" Dome Satchel -- really long, but slim satchel with top handles long enough to put over your shoulder; made from Matt & Nat's signature crinkled, rice-paper vegan material. I assume this bag is huge in person. It's on sale in white, red, and black -- very work appropriate, except possibly the size may be a bit overbearing. Originally $275, now $183.90 (33% off). Find it here.

Wednesday's Work Appropriate Shoes: Cork Dress Pump

Made by Oh Deer! and available through Piperlime. I admit, this pump may not be entirely office-appropriate, but it is so interesting (perhaps strange is the better word?) that I had to post it. As a friend said, "they look like they're made of particle board that got burned at the toes." Oh deer (or is it dear?) indeed.

The pumps are made from 100% synthetic materials . . . such as . . . wait for it . . . cork! It also has a bone-breaking 4" heel. $165; find it here.

Clickety Click

I am not a fan of mass forwarded emails . . . not at all. I recall only ever responding to one -- and it resulted in a week-long email debate in which I wrote the equivalent of a short book; this post makes two. Apparently the Breast Cancer Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle). Click here.

And while you're there, and the point of this post, check out some of the cute vegan merchandise the site has for sale. Most of the stuff isn't professional office appropriate . . . but . . . I am a fan of: the pink & white polka dot lunch bag (made from polyester and PVC, $7.95, here); the Wind of Peace organic tee (pictured, made from organic cotton, $26.95, here); and the bamboo birdhouse ($14.95, here).

Tuesday's Work Appropriate Clothing Item: Lutz & Patmos Flutter Sleeve Tee

I found Lutz & Patmos via last week's Daily Candy Deals email. From browsing the site, it seems they specialize in overpriced sweaters, knits, and accessories made from mainly cashmere and occasionally organic cotton. Many of the items are really, really cute despite the huge pricetag. Such as their Organic Flutter Sleeve Tee. 100% organic jersey cotton; scoop neck (may require a cami to deal with the scoop); double row of ruffles at the sleeve -- perfect to go under a lighter colored suit for the spring / summer. Unfortunately, the "tee" is $185! Yes, $185 . . . for a cotton t-shirt with lovely ruffles . . . I hope they don't succumb to the economy.

Lutz & Patmos has other insanely overpriced cotton items: a gorgeous flounce dress ($310, here); a belted crewneck cardigan ($395, here); a ruffle cardigan ($195, here). As of last week, if you enter DAILYCANDY30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off your entire order.

The Professional Vegan Bakes . . . Again!

This weekend, I baked vegan cookies 'n cream cupcakes in honor of one of my co-worker's birthday. Read all about it at Tales of Expansion. To pique your interest, the final product:

Monday's Vegan Suit: Diane von Furstenberg Bianca Suit

This off-white suit definitely is a late spring / summer suit, perhaps not court or really, really important meeting appropriate, but perfect for those scorching summer days when a suit is necessary. And it's part of Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2009 Runway Show! The wide, drapey legs on the pants, the matching vest with the four perfect buttons and cute pockets (clearly something needs to go under that vest), and the contrasting jacket with a single button closure -- how can you not want this suit . . . right now!

Each piece is made from 65% linen, 32% viscose, and 3% elastane. The jacket is $425 (here); the matching vest is $198 (here); and the pants are $265 (here). The vest and the pants also come in khaki and deep sea -- although the jacket only comes in the off-white pictured.

It's Diane von Furstenberg, so no discounts and I doubt it'll go on sale anytime soon in any good sizes; but . . . free shipping if you order from her website with this code: DVFFREESHIP.

Vegan Purchase: Banana Republic Puff-Sleeve Sweater

Yesterday I went to Banana Republic still in search of this short-sleeve ruffle shirt that I posted on Monday, but, alas, the store still (still!) didn't have it in stock. But the store did have a bunch of new sweaters and, in store only I believe, all full-price sweaters are 30% off. Plus, by purchasing with a BR credit card, you get an extra 10% off.

Ultimately, I was overwhelmed by the offer and the new puff-sleeve sweater in the "chocolate bunny" color (pictured) that perfectly matches my glasses and the hardware on a pair of Stella McCartney vegan pumps I purchased on super sale at the end of the season. So, I bought it. It's made from cotton, nylon, and spandex -- and is machine washable. Originally $44, once I applied the various discounts, I paid a bit under $30, which I find not stellar, but not too bad.