The leaves are turning. The nights are getting cooler. I’ve been shopping.
I’ve always considered fall my “new year.” When I was younger I think it was because my birthday is in September – always a sense of renewal – and because I was a school nerd. I loved back-to-school shopping: clothes and classroom supplies. I couldn’t sleep the night before the first day of school. I was giddy. Now, at the ripe young age of 49, I still find myself in a Staples or Office Depot in August. (Mind you, I have no children.) I purchase pens, folders, notebooks, and the occasional pink stapler (don’t judge). When I walk in the door my husband says, “Ah, you went back-to-school shopping.” (He gets me.)
Fall is also when I spruce up my wardrobe. When I lived in New York the pace was quicker, I made more money, and I found myself trying to keep up with the Fashion Jones’s. Life is different in Colorado Springs. I make less money (but I also reduced my cost of living by 55% when I moved so less equals more). There isn’t as much fuss about fashion here. And no one really gives a shit about the Jones’s. It’s awesome.
But I love pretty things. I love vegan fashion. And I do love to do a seasonal wardrobe freshen-up. I just shop less than I used to. Instead, I set money aside throughout the year and do serious, cumulative, intentional shopping twice a year. This time of year.
I kicked off my shopping season by ordering this Waxed Belden coat from Vaute Couture.
Um, no, that is not me in the picture.
I love Vaute coats – the warmest vegan winter outerwear I’ve ever worn – but I learned quickly that it doesn’t actually get too cold in Colorado Springs. The Belden is lighter than the Emily I purchased back in my NY days but it’s lined and should be perfect for 40-degree days.
Then I went shopping at the quarterly Vegan Pop-Up Market that I produce on behalf of the Colorado Springs Vegan & Vegetarian Group. (I say that the only reason I produce the pop-up is so that I can shop. I’m only half-joking.) The Compassionate Closet – a new, online experience for his and her vegan shopping – joined the market for the first time.
I picked up this Italian vegan leather bag by Tracce.
Could I be happier?
I also grabbed a pair of vegan Dr. Martens.
And…a bracelet…
a belt…
a necklace…
…and a sweatshirt.
I have great news for you. Though The Compassionate Closet is physically located in Colorado, it’s actually an online-only store. This means anyone can get any of these great items (and more!) by simply shopping at www.compassionatecloset.com. The founder, Stephanie Boyd, is offering my readers a great deal: use discount code STYLE15 to save 15% off your entire order through November 5!
I rounded out my fall vegan fashion adventures with my first ever personal shopping experience. I have speaking engagements coming up this fall + the book coming out in January and I wanted a few key pieces that look nice but are also comfortable for doing cooking demos (and travel well). I decided to enlist some help. I called my local Nordstrom and talked to a nice person on the phone about my size, style, etc. I also mentioned that I’m round and not trying to hide my body. Oh, and that I needed her to pull vegan clothes only: no silk, wool, leather or other animal fibers. She had her work cut out for her! I picked up a dress, skirt, slacks, jeans, sweater and a few tops that should get me through until the spring.
What great fall vegan fashion finds have you scored? I think we could all use some ideas for kind shopping!
And don’t forget: You can get 15% off a shopping excursion on The Compassionate Closet (use discount code STYLE15)!
2 thoughts on “Fall Vegan Fashion (The Compassionate Closet discount code!)”
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Love the boots and bag! Well done 🙂
I’m pretty happy with the, @nuttykitty:disqus!