Livin’ Veg

Fantastic Animal/Environmental Ads January 2, 2009

Web Ecoist posted some fantastic ads like this anti fur ad I featured. They say they are environmental ads, and many of them are, but these fur ones are straight up animal rights related. Many others show the connection between the destruction of the environment and the extinction of animals. So while they are environmental, the animal link is what draws people’s sympathy.

Click here to view all the ads….

I have to say, I wish that the AR movement had the money to advertise in every venue from Time Square to Vogue to the walls of subways. Mercy for Animals did it in Chicago with some great anti fur ads. And COK puts pro veg advertisements on MTV. And I seriously think that’s the way to get people interested and thinking about the issues.I’d love to see this little canine fellow, with his neck fur missing, pasted all over mid town…

Stella for LeSportsac on Sale December 30, 2008

More bags on sale. Of course. The economy isn’t doing so well, which means retail didn’t do so well over the holiday season. Now, the sales are going nuts. Now is the time to buy something if you’re in the buying mood.

LeSportsac has all vegan products - and without being a vegan company. It just so happens that the materials they use are veg. Pretty cool, huh? No wonder Stella wanted to design for them…

Click here to see all of Stella’s designs.

Matt and Nat Sale December 26, 2008

For Christmas yesterday I got a kick a$$ Matt and Nat clutch from my cousin - as well as some other great stuff. But that was my vegan triumph yesterday.

As I was opening it I thought, “Oh no. It’s going to be leather. How do I politely say I can’t wear it.” Then I saw the label, “Matt and Nat” and thought, “Holy crap!” Hooray! Usually I get second hand sewing bags from antique stores. This is my very first Matt and Nat bag and it’s beautiful! My cousin rocks.

Now, the good news for all of you - Matt and Nat has a ton of items on sale. The bag to your right is usually $247. It’s now on sale for $147. That’s a damn good deal. And there are plenty of other great deals like it. Check it out here.

Beyond Skin December 24, 2008

I’m pretty much in love with these shoes from Beyond Skin. Greenloop (which if I’m not mistaken, has never carried Beyond Skin before) has them now. Beautiful chunky pairs that are great for the winter. They have a great vintage feel and come in multiple colors. The only real down side is the price tag…

But stars like Natalie Portman sport Beyond Skin. They have tons of designs. If you’re getting married and want vegan shoes, they are probably your best bet.

I know in this economy, the last thing people are probably thinking about is shoes. But…we can dream, can’t we?

If you do want some items on sale, go to Kaightshop.com and see lots of great vegan designers on sale.

Tom’s Shoes December 3, 2008

I adore this boot from Tom’s Shoes. Get them at here for $98. Put these over a pair of skinny jeans and you’ve got a great look in a comfortable shoe.

Also for every pair purchased, Tom’s Shoes will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need.

So you not only get yourself a great pair of shoes but you’ll help out a child at the same time.

This is why I love ethical companies. They not only make products that are vegan, or environmentally friendly, but they go the extra mile and do everything they can to help others. Imagine if the Walmarts and Targets of the world decided to make everything they do friendly to animals, people and the environment. What a different world we’d live in.

Endangered Species Pendents December 2, 2008

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry has a line of endangered species pendants that feature polar bears, emperor penguins, golden headed langurs, giant clams and more. All animals that are currently threatened. Made with recycled silver or gold and fair trade saphires or rubies, these pendents are a great gift for the animal lover who wants to wear their care around their necks. Check the last line of this post for discount info.

They also have a nature collection which features more species - but not endangered ones. And because they are made from recycled metals, and fair trade stones, you’re supporting a company with good ethics. That’s the best way to buy jewelry…

Today is the last day to get the discount from People.com: Discount: Get 25% off when you enter the code “25cheekypeople” at checkout.

Melissa Shoes November 24, 2008

Want a pair of vegan, eco friendly, fair trade, ultra stylish shoes that cost less than $100? I’m here to help. Melissa Shoes fit in all those categories and then some.

The best part is, the shoes are recyclable when you wear them out. So they don’t get put in a land fill. They get made into other products. And by the way, Melissa Shoes also turn overstocked styles into into newer designs.

Here are two very versatile styles. But go to The Greenloop for more.

For now, is more specific info for those who need to know it all. Enjoy!

* Sleek flexible body
* Pointed flat
* Made from Mel-flex plastic, a patented, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible plastic
* Socially Responsible:  high wages, extended benefits
* Cruelty free:  no animal products
* Eco-friendly:  99.9% of factory water and waste is recycled, overstock styles are recycled into new styles
* Produced in Sao Paulo Brazil

Endangered Feces November 14, 2008

You need one every year. A gag gift. Maybe for that grab bag you do at work, or the secret santa you do with friends. And you look for something funny. Well, how about something funny, educational and animal friendly. How about an Endangered Feces t-shirt?

Here is the list of species feces you’ll get: Grizzly Bear, Point Arena Mountain Beaver, Woodland Caribou, Key Deer, Black-footed Ferret, San Joaquin Kit Fox, California Red-legged Frog, Mona Ground Iguana, Island Night Lizard, Florida Panther, Utah Prairie Dog, Sonoran Pronghorn, New Mexican Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, Shenandoah Salamander, Bighorn Sheep, Dismal Swamp Southeastern Shrew, Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel, Wyoming Toad, Amargosa Vole and Gray Wolf

Spread awareness and humor at the same time. Check it out here…

Olsen Haus Vegan Shoes November 13, 2008

Olsen Haus Vegan shoes are absolutely dazzling. And for those watching their budgets, they are more affordable than Stella and on par with Georgette and Charmone. The pair pictured will set you back about $170. So, what kind of ethics does the Olsen Haus company follow? Check it out:

We are committed to being 100% cruelty- free, producing functional goods, with a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal and human rights.

Products are made of non-animal materials, in sample rooms & factories that are personally checked for ethical practices & environment.

And if that combined with the sexy styles don’t make you want to check them out, I’m not sure what will.

Kate Winslet Tricked Into Wearing Fur November 10, 2008

Kate Winslet always seemed like one of those actresses with scruples. One you could count on to make the ethical decision. When I saw her picture in Vanity Fair I was really disappointed. But then, good news came out. She thought the fur was fake. They misled her and they admit it.

The article said:

While they were setting up the photoshoot in Los Angeles, Miss Winslet was told the fur was fake. But, in fact, she was posing on an £11,500 silver fox fur throw, flown 2,500 miles from the Boston store of Italian luxury bedlinen firm Frette.

Asked if Miss Winslet had been misled, her spokeswoman said: ‘That’s correct. She thought it was false. There was apparently false fur there and real fur there, and she definitely understood it was false.

‘Kate never wears fur. She’s very, very firm on that.’

Shame on Vanity Fair for having a fake on set and choosing to use the real (and of course for misleading Ms. Winslet about it). And kudos to Ms. Winslet for her anti fur feelings and actions. She’s a great actress and role model. Hm.