Vegan Fashion For All Wardrobes

Fashion gurus everywhere are starting to shed their skin - or at least, their animal skins.

While leather has been a constant in couture for decades, eco and animal friendly styles have made their way from runway to retail in a New York minute. But even in the midst all of this 'go green' mania, some of us are still hard pressed to find coats, boots, and gloves that aren't leather.

Leather is loaded with chemicals that keep the material from decomposing in your closet, and the production of it involves formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, various oils, dyes, and finishes--some of them cyanide-based. So if you're not as keen on animal rights as PETA but you love the idea of protecting your environment, you might want to consider some alternatives! And don't worry, there are plenty. Synthetic materials actually account for a much smaller fraction of petroleum usage in production, not to mention there are many options that match real leather in quality, if not top them all together.

If you're looking for shoes, MooShoes is the place to shop for vegan footwear and accessories. Located in Manhattan with the first vegan retail store of its kind, MooShoes is also an online shop and has a wide selection of stunning vegan fashion! From faux leather knee-length boots, ankle boots, hiking boots, heels and wedges, there is no shortage of cruelty free closet gear here, ladies. And it doesn't stop at footwear. A variety of chic purses and hand bags are a great alternative to leather. Check out Matt & Nat's line of vegan handbags offered at a number of store locations in Toronto.

Also, keep in mind that a trip to Toronto's Kensington Market or to your fave hole-in-the-wall indie fashion shop is likely to carry all kinds of hidden gems that work with an eco-friendly wardrobe! In addition to faux leather and suede, items made from recyclables are becoming a big hit as well.

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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