Currently Craving: The Over-The-Knee Boot

Designer Spotlight: Arden Wohl x Cri de Coeur

Julie Dicterow and Gina Ferraraccio, the designers and activists behind the popular vegan label Cri de Coeur, have teamed with New York designer/ artist Arden Wohl to create a new collection of vegan shoes for Spring/ Summer 2014. The inspiration? Late 19th century Symbolism. A movement championed by artists like Gustav Klimt, Edvard Munch, and Émile Bernard, Symbolism is the idea that art should represent absolute truths, such as an emotion or idea, which can only be described indirectly. For Cri de Coeur and Arden Wohl, this absolute truth is ethical consumerism, for which they seek to attract "a new ideal not by persuasion, but through artistic expression."

GET THE LOOK: Magdalena Frackowiak and Edita Vilkeviciute for W, September '13

Currently Craving: Minimalist Chic

These days, I really admire the simplicity of minimalism. It has a quiet confidence that speaks louder than any trend or label. For me, there is no joy like buying a well-crafted, timeless piece with clean lines and quality to last a lifetime. 

Featured above: 

1. Étoile Isabel Marant Diego Oversized Jacket, similar here and here. 

2. 18K White Gold Fairmined Bar Pendant, $575, Brilliant Earth.

3. 18K White Gold Luna Ring, $850, Brilliant Earth.

4. La Garçonne Moderne Portrait Top, $295, La Garçonne.

5. Stripe Wrap Skirt, $118, J. Crew.

6. Bra, $85-180, VPL. 

7. Black Flat Waist Bag, $145, Hipsters for Sisters.

8. Stella McCartney Ankle Boots, $486, Bergdorf Goodman.

I'm also excited to share with you a company I just learned about called Brilliant Earth. They specialize in beautiful, ethically-sourced diamonds and engagement rings. Take a look at their website, if you're in the mood for some serious eye candy. 

Gift Guide for Her

A few no-fail gifts for the vegan or animal-conscious, fashion lover in your life. 

Gifts! gifts! and more gifts! Shopping for loved ones can be hard and by hard, I mean trying to avoid the inevitable, 'you go shopping with the intention of buying other people gifts, yet just end up buying more stuff for yourself' syndrome. My theory is that you're more likely to come out successful if you go in with some sort of plan of what you'd like to get those on your list. Before I go christmas shopping, I like to make a list of everyone I need to get gifts for, what I'd like to get them, and the stores I'd most likely find those gifts at...at least this way, you're more focused, less stressed, and there's a bit more hope for you coming home with something to put under the tree this year. And if this sounds like a post about what I'm planning to give other people this year, I've deceived you. It's actually, quite ironically, a list of all of my favorite and most desired items on my wish list this year. Yep, and now I've gone full circle. All the way back to buying gifts for myself.

Market to Market: Fall Ankle Booties Pt. 2

Currently Craving: The Perfect Ankle Boots for Fall

Right now, I'm currently craving a pair of classic, black ankle booties for the chillier months of Fall and Winter. Personally, I like low-heeled versions best because I find they are easier to wear and can be dressed up or down to fit nearly any occasion (not to mention, your feet will thank you too!) 

Here are some of my favorite vegan finds: 

Pink and Pepper Vegan Duster Boot, Piperlime.com, $59

Ankle Boots with Metal Studs, HM.com, $49.95

Cri de Coeur Rogue Moto Boot, cridecoeur.com, $180

THE SUMMER SANDAL ROUND-UP 2013

1. The Black Sandal

Pierre Dumas Debby Sandal, $25, piperlime.com

Olsenhaus Aim Gladiator Sandal, $120, veganchic.com

Black Heeled Sandals, $74, modekungen.se

 

Olsenhaus Greece Sandal, $110, Vickerey.com

 

 

River Island T-Bar Metal Sandals, $48, asos.com

 

2. THE NUDE SANDAL

Stella McCartney Flat Sandals, $345, theoutnet.com

Stella McCartney Sandals, $200, net-a-porter.com

3. FRESH WHITES AND EYE-CATCHING METALLICS

Bamboo Bebbo Flat Sandal, $25, dsw.com

Olsenhaus Sandals, $71, fashion-conscience.com

River Island Silver Jelly Sandals, $33.50, asos.com

While searching for the best vegan sandals for this post, I was really encouraged by all that I found. There are WAY more vegan options out there than we think and believe it or not--I think many designers have finally begun to turn away from PVC and towards polyurethane, a more eco-friendly synthetic leather. Yipeee! This can only be a sign of more good things to come.

Currently Craving: The Metallic Gladiator Sandal

Springtime is here! The sun is out, flowers are in bloom! The only thing that seems to be missing is a great pair of metallic gladiator sandals. Unlike most people, I wear gladiator sandals (usually gold) like its my job during the warmer months of Spring and Summer. For me, these jems are more like a wardrobe staple rather than a trendy item I'll no longer wear when I get bored of them (because I don't get bored of them). However, I've appeared to wear my old trusty gladiators to the ground and am now left with nothing to adorn my feet...