Haute Vegan Action Blog

Alexandra Kogan

Haute Vegan Action #8: Glitz and Glam

So, it's the holidays...or wedding season...or it's your anniversary and you have no idea what to wear. And, you're on a budget, so you have to figure out how to gussy up what's already in your closet.
 
Have no fear...accessories are here!
 
Here are a few AH-MAY-ZING timeless trends that you can score on the cheap that'll take any old little black dress (or tunic and leggings) and transform it from blah to brilliant!

• Military boots. While military boots are HUGE this season, a good pair can take you from year to year. Just a few sharp accents like buckles or grommets can make your average black or brown tall boot ultra chic...and they look incredible with leggings and long, flowy tops (one of my favorite go-to outfits for fall/winter.
• Lattice and woven accents. Lattice patterns on purses, woven handles on handbags, studs and delicate beading on clutches and wristlets...can you say "instant glamour" for evening? These also make FANTASTIC gifts!
• Quilting. I'm not talking about quilted Granny bags here...I'm talking about cool patterned totes and hobo bags (think Marc Jacobs) and sumptuous quilted shoulder bags in rich purple and midnight black. There's nothing about contemporary quilting that says class...not kitsch!
• Iridescence. A little shimmer can make just about any accessory explode into to-die-for evening wear...and glam up a daytime look like no other!
• Heavy metal. Chains and studs might sound over the top, but when paired with rich solid colors (especially wine, blue, black and gold), you look incredibly chic...even if you're just running errands around town!

Mix and match any of the above, and no one will ever know the dress you're wearing to the party-or the jacket you're wearing to dinner-are a few years old. After all, it's not about buying a new wardrobe every year...it's knowing how to rock what you've got! You might even set a new trend!

Haute Vegan Action #7: Doctor Satchel

Two of the most exciting handbag shapes this year are also two of the most classic handbag shapes: the doctor bag and the satchel.
 
Both can sit delicately in the crook of an arm or sit highly on the shoulder. And they are the epitome of ladylike bags, making them utterly timeless. Is it any wonder that Hermes' classic Birkin is among the most revered and widely sold luxury handbags in the world?
 
2010 is the year of the doctor bag and the satchel. Both shapes dominated Summer and Fall; having either (or several of each, if you're anything like me) can make just about anything seem currant...even vintage becomes cutting edge when mixed with a doctor bag or satchel.
 
Doctor bags are very structured handbags with perfectly-centered closures. Doctor bags are particularly glamorous with simple patterns (tweed, herringbone, Swiss dot, stylized floral prints). They sit high on the shoulder or are held in the crook of the arm.
 
Satchels are basically large totes with small, almost delicate handles. The last word in suit dressing, satchels also go wonderfully with jeans, shirt dresses and 3/4 sleeve dresses and tops. Known for solid colors with gold or silver hardware, satchels also epitomize contrast, a classic satchel has white or black handles and accents paired with white, neutral, or solid color fabric.
 
If you want to embrace the best trend of 2010, get a doctor bag or a satchel. You'll come back to it year after year!

Haute Vegan Action #6: Precious Metals

Metallic colors are among the most versatile hues for shoes. You can pair gold, bronze, silver and pewter with just about any pattern or color and transform something casual into something dressier. Just swapping out a pair of flip flops for a pair of metallic shoes transforms a casual maxi-dress into a fantastic dress for a romantic summer night dinner. There's just something classy about metallic shoes...from flips to stilettos, a metallic shade can transform a look like no other. Even metallic accents can turn a pair of basic black flats into a shoe that really kicks up a look.
 
Metallic shades are year-round, so you'll find them on flats, flips and sandals in the summer and flats, wedges and boots in the fall/winter, year after year. They also take a peep-toe pump, flat and strappy sandal from casual to couture.
 
It's easy to pair all metallic with solids, but they go just as good with patterns. In fact, there's a metallic for every pattern and solid you can imagine!
 
Here's a handy guide to pairing the right hue with the right color and texture palate:
 
Gold: Women have been pairing gold and black almost as long as we've been dyeing our hair. But, that's almost a waste of a versatile and diverse shade...gold can come in yellow and rose hues. And both go beautifully with animal prints and virtually any solid color. Yellow gold really jazzes up floral prints; rose gold takes flowy or column maxi dresses and makes them look date-night classy. On the purse/handbag side, nothing says Hollywood glamor like a gold-colored clutch.
 
Bronze: This strong, dirty yellow was made for gladiator sandals and hobo bags. And, unlike other metallic shades, bronze balances well against itself, making bronze an ideal primary shade for your handbag and jewelry combination. And bronze goes incredibly well against denim. Bronze sandals can take a pair of jeans, denim skirt or dress from day to night like no other metallic.
 
Silver: Silver is as strong a shade as gold, but it balances well across the spectrum. Mixing silver and gold jewelry is a daring and fashion-forward statement. Silver goes with abstract and geometric prints flawlessly along with neutrals and olive...but its best use is with blues. From pastel to lapis lazuli, silver complements blues perfectly, making it easy to pair with every use of a blue shade...meaning from solid colors to elaborate prints, if there's blue in an outfit, there needs to be silver in it somewhere, from shoes to satchels.
 
Pewter: Absolutely the most chameleon-like shade out there. Pewter is my favorite metallic because it has the unique ability to complement some of the hardest-to-complement solids (especially purple, plaid and very elaborate floral prints) and almost seems to change colors when paired with particular shades. Pair pewter with a little olive and purple, and it appears almost greenish; paired with reds and pinks, pewter has a rosy glow. It's also a very unexpected shade for handbags, so if you find a pewter bag of any style, snap it up; your purse will get complements year after year.
 
Everyone should have at least a few metallic shoes in their closet. It's the easiest way to take a look from day to night and to class up a look. And you can pair these timeless shades with every color and pattern there is...metallic colors have the versatility of black with the glamor of evening wear.

Haute Vegan Action Spring Summer 2010 edition

Haute Vegan Action #5: Perfectly patterned

Summer, for me, is all about patterns. Mixing, matching and mis-matching...it's part of what makes summer so much fun! In this installment of HVA, I'll tell you how to combine color with patterns and patterns with patterns, so you can make your summer wardrobe fun and fashionable.
 
Culture clash When mixing patterns, it's not about clashing...it's about complementing. Ikat prints and tie dies, in particular, mix wonderfully with floral prints, paisleys and simple check patterns. They also work wonderfully with neutral shades. Also, simple floral prints and one-symbol patterns (hearts, peace signs, smaller paisleys, etc.) can be mixed with solids and stripes to add some fun to nautical and neutral outfits.
 
Animal style Animal prints go perfectly against browns and blacks, but, like neons, can overwhelm an outfit if they're not used sparingly. Don't pair an animal print dress with an animal print bag, shoe or scarf; instead, use a solid color, like a coral or a metallic to really complement an animal print dress or blouse. Animal print shoes, however, go wonderfully with denim; flats or heels help take a dark denim from day to night perfectly. Balance animal print shoes with a metallic bag for a great summer night look. And faux snakeskin is amazing with neutrals and denims!
 
Flower power Who doesn't love a little flower print every now and then? Floral prints are the epitome of spring and summer girly goodness...and help soften neutrals and add femininity and grace to even the most utilitarian outfits. Pair a floral print tote with even cargo pants or khakis and see what happens...it's amazing! Floral prints also go well against plaids; just make sure that at least one color in the plaid and the print coordinate. Remember: the larger the print, the stronger it looks, so if you have a "loud" bag or scarf, pair it with a neutral or a subtle print.

Haute Vegan Action #4: Get some color

What would spring be without bursts of colors? Give your wardrobe the same treatment with strong, vibrant shades that'll send your winter blues packing. Bright greens, corals, turquoises, yellows...they add punch and style to even the simplest outfits. One question that frequently comes up with colorful bags and shoes is: what will this go with? The answer is very simple: just about anything! Nothing needs to be matchy-matchy; if anything, a colorful bag or shoe can add punch to neutrals (which most people wear). If you're a fan of darker neutrals (blacks, browns, greys), you can pair color with pretty much every one of your outfits to really turn up the wow factor from day to night. Here's a handy color guide to help you take the blahs out of your spring wardrobe with just a little color:
 
Coral/dusty rose: Both shades go amazingly well with olive drab, khakis, indigo and, of course, black. If you're pairing a black top with a pair of olive or khaki pants or a skirt, add a larger shoulder bag in coral or rose to soften your look. You can be feminine and "practical"; all it takes is one bag.
 
Kelly green: What says "spring" quite like a vibrant green? Green is one of those great shades that goes with just about anything...but pair it with whites or pastels and watch your outfit pop! Green also goes wonderfully with browns and blues...might want to steer clear from olives, though. Too many green shades together can make you look like a salad bar, and no one wants to look like lunch.
 
Turquoise/teal: Turquoise is such an amazing shade because it transitions seamlessly into summer and it absolutely goes with everything. Teal, a greener hue, does equally well; and a darker teal will take you through the fall, so if you're looking for a smart investment, turquoise and teal are your best bets. Pair a little black dress with turquoise for a smart and fun combination or get really fun, and make it a maxidress and combine your turquoise bag or sandals with chunky bead necklaces, including turquoise stones. Just make sure you mix it up a bit on accessories and don't just stick to one shade: remember; you want to add texture and color, not match your shoes, bag and necklaces.
 
Yellow: Yellow is an under-appreciated shade, ideal for spring and early summer. Yellow makes neutral shades really come to life, especially brown and blue shades. If you're going for a bit of a "safari" feel, add a yellow bag or shoes to a brown and white outfit; it has the same effect as animal prints without limiting you to a day look only. Yellow pops against black and white outfits, making a simple ensemble mod and fabulous. Yellow also pairs well with greens, but should be used sparingly...two strong shades used equally can turn your best intentions into a bright, hot mess.
 
Lavender: Lavender is a great accent color. My favorite use of it this season so far is on sandals. Simple shoes added a little lavender and cream for flats and gladiator sandals that I cannot wait to pair with long, flowy dresses. I'd caution against making lavender a primary outfit color, as it can have the unintended effect of making the wearer look like an Easter egg. Mix it with neutrals and whites to add just the right amount of sweetness.
 
Scarves are a great way to add color to your spring wardrobe. Choose colorful patterns and bright hues to add a little oomph to jeans and t-shirts or sundresses. A simple draped scarf can take any outfit into spring...and paired with a great bag or pair of shoes, you've got a great weekend look you can wear through the fall!

Haute Vegan Action 3: Patent-ly insane

One of my favorite textures and finishes is patent. Not only is it perennially chic, but it's one of those rare textures that can take you from day into night effortlessly. And, it's absolutely stunning in the fall and winter months, typically the drabbest and dullest months of the year, fashion-wise.
 
Patent has come a long way from the Buster Brown Mary Janes and white patent baby booties you may have worn as a child. Patent can transform a shoe into an event, a boot into a statement piece and a purse or clutch into just what you need to make a little black dress spectacular.
 
Traditionally a "dressier" texture reserved for dress shoes and evening bags, bold colors and designs have pushed patent to new heights, from bright patent boots that are amazing (and waterproof) pops of color to delicate, latticework sandals that round out a strappy sundress perfectly. Patent is even available on wallets, so you can carry a little piece of luxe with you every day!
 
With so many patent possibilities, it's almost impossible to narrow down favorites, but there are a few that look amazing on everyone...fashionistas and novices, take note!
 
Boots. Everyone needs at least one pair of patent boots in their closet, if not two. Black is anything but basic in patent...and you'll love what black patent boots can do to a simple pair of leggings (or skinny jeans) and a blousy tunic. Take it one step further and get a bright pair of red patent boots and take an all-black ensemble and turn it upside down; red patent boots look exceptionally good with shorter, black dresses (worn with black opaque hose) or paired with black or black and white striped leggings and long black sweater/sweatshirt dresses. And if you're really daring, go for animal prints...rowr!
 
Shoulder bags and handbags. A great shoulder bag is sometimes hard to find. It's easy with patent. Hands down, my favorite bags of 2009 are two patent Samsaras: the Vaughn in purple and the Rory in black. Seriously, these two bags ROCK. The purple is bright enough to dress up a day look while still being able to bring bold colors to a nighttime look; the Rory is just pure class, plain and simple, and the shocking purple lining is almost as gorgeous as the exterior.
 
Handbags in patent are about as classic as you can get. But, don't be afraid to play with textures and colors...bold hues, two-tone patents (green/black and red/black are my two favorites), faux snakeskin textures, contrasting stitching...there are so many possibilities, you really can't go wrong with a patent handbag on your arm.
 
Sandals. Patent on sandals? Absolutely! Be they dressy or dressy-casual, patent sandals make even the simplest sleeveless shift into a great first date outfit. And, if you have a few summer weddings you have to attend, flat patent sandals are a refreshing (and much more comfortable) change from pumps or sling-backs.
 
Messenger bags. Patent transforms the messenger bag -- the workhorse of unisex accessories -- into the ultimate in utilitarian chic. It's both daring and effortless; you've got the everyday functionality of a messenger bag dressed up in patent -- so stylish and so easy.
 
With all of these possibilities, there's room for everyone on the patent bandwagon. Get on and get glam!

Haute Vegan Action #2: The Peoples' Purse

The world of high-fashion is dominated by lines and collections...and most of them aren't vegan. Over the past few years, though, a few amazing vegan accessory lines have hit the streets -- Stella McCartney, Vegan Queen, Cri de Coeur, olsen Haus -- which is fantastic news, if you've got money to burn. But most of us don't.
 
One line that's stuck to their ethics without charging through the roof over the years is Canada's Matt and Nat. Since 2000, they've been turning out some of the most exquisite and affordable high-fashion bags, and each season gets better than the next. Expanding to include men's furnishings and shoes, their collection fills a real void in manmade-material accessories for clients of all ages.
 
Finding vegan accessories that are at once adult, timeless and affordable can make you feel like you're searching for a contact lens on oatmeal Berber carpet. It seems like everything out there is either designed for teenagers or is so at-the-moment trendy that by the time you finally wear it, the latest craze will be yesterday's. And, both options are usually so cheaply made that they're destined to fall apart on you after just a few uses.
 
Enter Matt and Nat. Year after year, they've churned out designs that are consistently quality and classy...perfect for anyone who wants a great bag that goes with just about everything that they can wear year after year. From sumptuous faux leathers in amazing pebble, patent, paper, linen and synthetics made from recycled bottles, these gorgeous bags are luxuriously lined and styled to go from day to night with ease. Clutches, bucket, shoulder, briefcases, totes, wallets, duffels, carry-ons and key fobs, all bearing custom hardware and meticulous attention to detail in the most fantastic array of colors -- changing from season to season without once falling for cheap gimmicks or hasty trends. And, even though they've introduced a frivolous style and color over the years, they've never once produced a collection that a woman in her 40s and over wouldn't want to wear.
 
This past year, in response to leaner times and lesser pocket money, Matt and Nat introduced a new mini-line, Samsara, which gives customers everything they've come to expect from their previous collections at a lower price point. Launched in fall 2009, Samsara focused on two of Matt and Nat's most popular textures, patent and pebble, taking inspiration from some of their most beloved styles (including the always age-appropriate, all-weather favorites, Jorja Fox, Streamline and Clash).
 
Samsara's color palates keep it simple, too. The fall collection focuses just a few color choices, including classic black, red, plum and purple. You'd think such a small-scale line would come up short...not even close. Two finishes, and just a few colors and styles are all Samsara needed for a collection that's as exquisite as it's economical. The classic black and red, the warm reds and the punchy purple are enough to kick up any fall wardrobe (no matter how new or old your wardrobe may be).
 
A word or more about the Samsara collection's finishes: if you're a Matt and Nat aficionado (and I absolutely am), you've come to expect some pretty choice details on your bags. And they didn't skimp on Samsara: from the stitching to the lining to the hardware finishings, these bags have all the bells and whistles you could ever hope for. And the textures are nothing short of luxurious: the shiny patent and the rich pebble textures make the bags look every bit as expensive as anything Stella's sent down a runway.
 
Thanks to Matt and Nat, investing in a great bag doesn't have to jeopardize your ability to pay your bills. With Samsara, they've made frugality fabulous...and here's an insider-scoop: Samsara's Spring 2010 colors and styles will knock your socks off. And you'll read all about it here on Haute Vegan Action!

Haute vegan action

Have you ever been asked by a non-vegan to answer for "the vegan community"? As though we're all the same person?
 
Ask any vegan, and we'll tell you: we're as different as any other group. We may all agree to a certain point, but opinions diverge pretty quickly. The same can be said for how we dress.
 
To the "non-vegan" world, vegans appear to have two looks that seem to fall into two unavoidable categories: "the hippie" and "the bike messenger". Sure, there are celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Zooey and Emily Deschanel, Toby Maguire, Casey Affleck and Morrissey who have serious style (and stylists), but the average vegan is still presumed to be fashion-challenged, or worse, fashion-exempt.
 
I'm going to take those assumptions and throw them into the compost bin, where they belong! This vegan style blog, graciously hosted by All Vegan, will show the non-vegans out there that being vegan also means being FABULOUS. Because we ARE fabulous...just ask us!
 
Have you turned your back on ever fashion magazines that show nothing but pages of shoes and purses you can't wear? Have you ever felt that veganism and fashion are mutually exclusive terms?
 
I have great news for you: your days of fashion-deprivation are over. There is a whole world of fabulous vegan accessories out there that can transform any outfit...and any attitude.
 
It sounds crazy, but a great bag and pair of shoes can really boost your confidence. Have you ever rocked an outfit so hard that you felt amazing? Or, have you ever gotten compliments on a purse or piece of jewelry when you've been running around in what you wore to go food shopping? That's the power of great accessories!
 
Haute Vegan Action is your source for all things faux and fab. I'll separate the crap from the credible, the dull from the delicious and the boring from the beautiful. You'll get the hottest trends and the greatest lines that help you celebrate your amazing self without emptying your wallet...complete with suggestions on how to maximize your vegan accessory investments. No matter what you wear or what you're wearing it for, I'll help you glam up your game so you always look as amazing on the outside as you are on the inside.
 
Now, let's show "them" how stylish "we" are!
 

About the author:   A NYC expatriate, Alexandra is a writer and greyhound mom who firmly believes that many of life's problems can be solved with a great new purse. After decades of helping her friends and acquaintances overhaul their wardrobes, she's taking on the world at large with Haute Vegan Action, a style blog for fashionable (and fashionably-challenged) vegans.