It’s your lucky day, because we’ve just made finding the perfect vegan handbags, boots, and shoes for fall easier than ever (cue sighs of relief).

But before we get down to business, can anyone tell me whether or not a 30-year-old woman (who’s like 17-ish at heart) is too old to make a Christmas list? Yes? No? Well, whatever it is, I hope you enjoy my picks as much as we do!

GUNAS

This high-fashion, independent label is touted as being America’s first 100 percent vegan handbag brand, but it doesn’t stop there – this brand also promises that your purchases are also completely sweatshop-free. Started by animal lover Sugandh G. Agrawal in 2009, after quitting her job as an industrial designer at KitchenAid, this handbag line is a trendy, high-end name that all cruelty-free fashion lovers should know. “With styles ranging from totes, satchels, cross-body bags, wallets and backpacks GUNAS has a bag to suit your every mood and lifestyle.” #Yas

1. The Radiance

Because sometimes you just need a dressy clutch. This pretty little purse is perfect for going out, special events, and those times when you want to look glamorous. Crafted from recycled metal hardware, recycled plastic bottle lining, and all vegan textured eco polyurethane, this gem of a bag is a must-have for fall fêtes.

2. The Cottontail

Super feminine, and also on trend with that rose quartz hue, this is such a sweet bag for fall. The dusty color is perfect for brown, tan, and cream pairings, and would work just as well for work as is would for the weekend. The faux leather is actually made from textured eco polyurethane, and 18k gold plated details are made from recycled metal. Carry this bow adorned bag anytime you need a little extra girlyness in your life.

Matt & Nat

A leader in vegan handbags, and now also featuring a shoe collection, which I’m definitely digging, this cruelty-free company has its head and heart in the right place. Inspired by “Mat(t)erial and Nature,” that is how this business derived its name and vision. Since 1995, the company has been using vegan materials, and since 2007, has been using recycled plastic for handbag liners. Matt & Nat’s designs never disappoint, always upholding the company’s motto to “live beautifully.”

3. The Aki

Referred to as a belt bag by Matt & Nat, let’s just go ahead and call it what it really is: a fanny pack. But, it’s also the hippest waist-slung pouch I’ve seen, and the one you didn’t know you needed…until now. This is the ultimate holiday shopping must-have, not to mention a piece that you can use year round thanks to its sheer convenience factor. The Aki is also, dare I say it, kinda cool. I like this color combo because it’s not in your face with the whole fanny pack idea, lending a chic vibe with sleek lines.

4. The Kishu

Wow, not only is the architecture of this hobo bag striking, but it was super difficult to choose between the colors this beauty comes in. The handbag featured here is in Plum, but there’s also Artichoke, Pimento, Cement, and Black, which you’ll just have to see for yourself on the website. This is the perfect, slightly oversized carry-all bag for fall, and a piece that’s perfect for work or weekend.

5. The Knight

Matt & Nat’s shoes definitely deserved a place on this list, especially because they’re so beautiful, and perfect for the chic, modern woman who would also love the selection of cruelty-free handbags. This cut-out ankle bootie in Chili, boasts a beautiful, warm color, with a keen attention to detail that will definitely set these shoes apart from others this season. Perfect for wearing with jeans, long skirts, and just about anything you can put a pair of tights with. Don’t pass these by!

6. The Potter

Um, yes please! This hip sneaker-boot is for sure on my wish list this year. These would be so freaking cool with skinny jeans and flannels, oversized cableknit sweaters and leggings, and all sorts of other casual outfits, which is how I like to roll in the fall. Holiday shop all day in these vegan lace-ups.

Cri de Coeur

Cri de Coeur has, by far, the hippest selection of vegan shoes around. They just call out to me in a way that not many other shoes do, especially if you’re looking for something statement making or even a little off the cuff. Fortunately, the geniuses behind this brand, whose name happens to translate to “cry from the heart,” have a soft spot for animals that we can all get behind. Gina and Julie are proud of the high quality materials they’ve chosen, the company’s celebrity following, and the manufacturing process, which is described as being “ethically produced from harvest to high-street.”

7. The Lorelei

Yes, yes, and more yes. These super sweet, pointy toe ankle tie flats in vegan suede are the cutest and most unique shoes for fall I’ve seen in a good while. Perfect for pairing with sweater dresses, tights, and even trousers for work, these autumn beauties are just too adorbs to pass up. You can also rest assured that these align with your values, as they contain no animal-derived materials and are made in an ethical, sweatshop-free factory.

8. The Leilana

I was sold at “oxfords,” but with the spotted exterior, these hip shoes that could fall into the menswear category are just so cool and wearable. These all vegan kicks are made from faux calf hair to create that leopard look, but they come in other colors that are a tad more tame. The wood heel is a beautiful contrast, making these surprisingly practical to wear with skater skirts and knee-high socks, slim leg trousers and sweaters for work, and even a pair of cuffed shorts outfitted with opaque tights.

9. The Arden

Vegan boots can be hard to come by, especially when you’re looking for a cruelty pair that reaches or exceeds knee height. Luckily, Cri de Coeur has an awesome selection of really trendy boots and several tall styles to choose from, including this really cool pair of knee-high boots that contain zero animal anything. These are the perfect wear everywhere pair of boots you need for fall.

Wipe that drool off your chin, and go to the EcoSalon Facebook page to tell us which vegan handbags, boots, and shoes are your favorites!

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Image of Red Handbag via Shutterstock

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The invitations are pouring in, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner, which means it’s time to don your happiest holiday party outfits as you set out to celebrate the season with family and friends.

This year, though, you don’t have to sacrifice style for compassion because we’ve rounded up three of the hottest cruelty-free holiday party outfits that, unless you share the details (which we totally hope you do), no one will ever know the difference between what we’ve chosen and a designer outfit you’d by from a department store.

Whether you’re attending a Christmas cocktail party, the annual office shindig, or ringing in the New Year with your besties, we’ve got an outfit for every occasion. Many of the designers featured are kind to animals and the planet, which is a great way to end the year if you ask us – by consciously including the welfare of our furry friends and natural resources in your thoughts as you embark on a new beginning full of positive vibes.

The remaining holiday events are just around the corner, so let’s get started!

1. Golden Girl

The outfit pictured here is perfect for the modern woman who wishes to celebrate in style, and could easily go from the office to a variety of holiday occasions. The simplicity of the black and white palette really allows the golden accessories to shine. Its neutrality also lends a lot of versatility and offers the ability to play with the addition of color, whether in the shell top, shoes, or the jewelry and clutch it’s paired with. Wear this to cocktail hour, dinner, the company Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve party, and so much more.

The booties keep this outfit from looking too stuffy, while the bold black and white stripes lend a contemporary and whimsical vibe to an otherwise plain pencil skirt.

Clockwise from the top: Relux Sustainable Jacket $82.68; Nama Brass Fringe Necklace $180; Vegan Dance Card Gold Clutch $28; Vegan Dannie by Beyond Skin Bootie $199.99; Fair + True Sustainable Skirt $82.68; Skunkfunk Organic Cotton Vest Top $20.06.

2. Posh Print-cess 

Whoever said that holiday party outfits are relegated to the typical red, green, black, gold, and silver was so wrong. And we’re here to prove it. This gorgeous blue floral and botanical print jacket adds such a sophisticated yet unpretentious vibe to this ensemble. Layered simply with a flowing black tank, grey pants, and wedge boots, this is an outfit that might already be somewhere in your closet, you just haven’t realized it yet. Wear this to a tree decorating party, holiday gift exchange, night out with friends, or a homey dinner party.

The key to any great party outfit is to accessorize smartly, which we’ve done here with the mock mother of pearl clutch and the fluffy, face framing and eye-catching feather earrings.

Clockwise from the top: Fair + True Floral Print Blazer $66.14; Flock Together White Feather Earrings $15; Vegan Of the Pearl-essence Silver Lucite Clutch $46; Vegan Tamara Covered Wedge Bootie $139.99; Komodo Fair Trade Herringbone Trousers $77.17; Go Green M by M Sustainable Eco Vest $30.87.

3. Silvery Siren 

Again, there’s no reason to shy away from color when it comes to dressing for holiday parties. This stunning pink lace dress is a show stopper. With the black velvety pumps and festive accessories, you’ve got a winning combination. To really bring this look into the winter weather season, and keep your legs warm, be sure to layer a pair of black tights underneath this dress and pair it with your favorite coat. Wear this to a New Year’s Eve soiree, formal brunch, company holiday party, dinner, drinks, and so much more.

The jewelry and clutch are what really elevate this dress to party status level by adding some much needed sparkle, shine, and texture.

Clockwise from the top: Fair + True Fair Trade Square Shoulder Lace Dress $82.68; Astute Courtier Silver Rhinestone Earrings $11; Vegan Destined for the Arena Beaded Clutch $52; Vegan Margaret Velvet Pumps $99.99; Rotating Prism Silver Rhinestone Necklace $28.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our holiday party outfits post filled with beautiful eco-friendly and cruelty-free finds. What did you think about our choices? Any big holiday plans this year – what will you be wearing? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Blue Shoes via Shutterstock

The post 3 Holiday Party Outfits That Will Help You Rock the Night Away appeared first on EcoSalon.

Don’t let price deter you from having the ethical wardrobe you’ve always dreamed of wearing. With a little resourcefulness, affordable vegan fashion is more attainable than you might think. Fortunately, a lot of the legwork has already been done, so you can just kick back, relax, and enjoy the subsequent cruelty-free eye candy we’ve got in store for you.

The idea of affordability is likely to be interpreted in different ways depending on one’s lifestyle and income, but to take the guesswork out of what we will be sharing with you today, just keep in mind that all of our affordable vegan fashion pieces will be $100 or less – which is pretty darn awesome if you ask me!

Purchasing genuine leather and fur, and buying from companies that employ slave laborers and utilize slave labor tactics, is a total bummer. If you’re not exactly sure why we take this stance, please refer to these articles here and here. On the bright side, however, it is becoming more budget friendly than ever to source new vegan clothes, shoes, and accessories without breaking the bank, which is why we think you’ll love our compilation of compassionate clothing just as much as we do!

Threads 4 Thought

Threads 4 Thought’s sustainable apparel is a must see for any vegan fashionista on a budget. With lounge, cocktail, athletic, accessories, and even some suitable business casual pieces, you’re sure to fall head over heels for this retailer. Nearly all of the women’s clothes on the site are under $70 and the sales are really good, too. Plus, spend $50 or more and you’ll save money with free shipping.

The mission at Threads for Thought is “to create great fashion that evoked a lifestyle of shared responsibility for each other & our world. We continue to work towards that mission every day…using sustainable materials to make our products, working with factories that respect their employees and treat them humanely and fairly.” Definitely give this business a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Alternative Outfitters 

This award winning online retailer is one of the best places to snag some of the best vegan shoes and handbags at seriously affordable prices. Oh, and did I mention that they have vegan boots under $100? I repeat, vegan boots under $100. That would be like completely absurd if it wasn’t true. In fact, most of the items on the website are well below that price point, but look like they cost so much more.

Alternative Outfitters is a vegan boutique with the mission to “exceed the expectations of our customers by continually providing them with outstanding customer care, high quality products that are always fashionable and cruelty-free, and by making it convenient to shop with compassion.” This business has been working diligently to bring together a collection of all vegan items all in one, easy to find place.

H&M 

If you’re in need of vegan essentials and accessories, then look no further than H&M’s extensive offerings. This super cool place to shop for affordable fashion has shown much improvement in its environmental and social standards practices. With wardrobe staples, like undergarments, socks, and stockings, plus tons of other ultra-affordable items, like dresses, sweaters, jeans and more, your hundred bucks will go far. Although some leather goods are sold on the site, so long as you steer clear of these items, there’s no need to worry.

This business is commendable, though, in many ways, including the commitment to reducing environmental impact through garment collecting, ensuring that there is no child labor used, the implementation of living wage parameters for the manufacturing and supply facilities, which are not owned by H&M, and the commitment to using only faux fur and mulesing-free merino wool.

From the website: “At H&M, we like to think of sustainability as something we do, rather than something we simply say. This is an ongoing process, with a clear aim of continuous improvement. This is a journey that requires determination, passion and teamwork.”

Next time you’re in the mood to shop, remember that affordable vegan fashion is easier to attain than ever before. Set those innocent little animals free, along with your conscience, and enjoy collecting your new cruelty-free pieces. What did you think of our affordable vegan fashion roundup? Are there any pieces you’re dying to get your paws on? Let us know what you liked best on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Women with Shopping Bags via Shutterstock

The post Affordable Vegan Fashion for a Beautiful Cruelty-Free Closet appeared first on EcoSalon.

We are big fans of cruelty-free fashion. And that’s why we are thrilled that multiple companies are banning the use of angora wool all together.

Angora wool comes from the incredibly cute and fluffy angora rabbit. Angora hair is soft and downy, which makes it highly valued. Angora is typically used to make sweaters, scarves, and gloves. Sadly, angora hair is typically harvested in cruel ways that greatly harm rabbits.

People and clothing companies alike are starting to talk more about angora wool farming because of PETA’s recent expose on angora rabbit farms. The animal rights organization’s footage is incredibly hard to watch, but the film needed to be made. So many people just view rabbits as emotionless animals, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Rabbits have feelings and just like any other animal that’s farmed in a factory-like setting, it suffers severely when it’s confined in a small cage.

“In its exposé of a PETA Asia investigation, some rabbits used for angora scream in pain as their fur is ripped out, while others are cut or sheared and invariably wounded by the sharp tools as they struggle desperately to escape. In addition, the angora-farming industry condemns these intelligent, social animals to years of isolation in small, filthy wire cages,” reports PETA.

One of the more recent clothing companies that dropped angora wool from its clothing line because of PETA’s reporting is bebe, a popular, fashion-forward clothing company. Other mainstream companies (such as H&M, Forever 21, and Target) that no longer sell angora products are listed here. PETA most recently updated its “angora-free” company list on June 16, 2015.

We are thrilled many mainstream companies are dropping angora wool, but also want to mention that there are businesses dedicated to being cruelty-free. To discover brands that are totally vegan, or sell vegan products, check out Farm Sanctuary ‘s extensive list.

What are your favorite cruelty-free clothing brands? If you have any, share in the comments.

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Angora rabbit image from Shutterstock

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