Jacket Round Up

This morning was the first morning that it was Fall like in So Cal, it was perfect! Walking my pups in 55 degree weather felt heavenly!  I couldn't help but be excited for jacket weather.  I enjoy adding a few items to my wardrobe here and there (sparingly...we have very little closet space), and I feel like a change of season is always the perfect time to do so.  Here are a few jackets that would be a great Fall addition to your wardrobe...all vegan of course ;)

So In love with the sweater front on this one!

Sweater Front Jacket


The patch detail on this Free People jacket is great!

Military Shirt Jacket

I love the mixed material!

Canvas Sleeve Jacket


I ended up purchasing this one! It is a great weight and I love that it is timeless!

Olive Roll Sleeve Parka


I love the color! Rare to see white jackets!

 Faux Suede Drape Jacket


Great layering piece!

Drape Vest


Collar is on point!

Beige Vegan Leather


I saved my favorite for last!  I can not get over how great this statement jacket is!

Embroidered Jacket


Hopefully it will be jacket weather in your area soon! Which one is your favorite?

Since my closet space is so limited I've learned to purchase wisely and also donate what I no longer wear or need.  If you are purchasing a new jacket this Fall, I'm sure you have one in your closet that might need a new home.  There are great places to donate used clothing, it is also fun to sell what you no longer wear and donate the money to a good cause!

Happy Hump Day!

Cruelty Is A Fashion Statement We Can Live Without

Before I knew better I used to buy and proudly wear designer leather handbags,  now when I look at the bags that I used to love to carry I see exactly what they are-- animal skin.  The fact that it is animal skin is now more than enough for me to not buy leather.  If for some reason that weren't enough though the fact that the animal was used for its milk or meat, denied its chance of living a peaceful life, and more than likely tortured in the process definitely makes it enough for me to not buy leather.  In fact some designers, Chanel, Prada, Saint Laurent, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Christian Louboutin (and I'm sure many others), boast about using calfskin (yes, skin from a baby cow) because the leather is much softer and smoother...WTF?!?!  It's even more disturbing that consumers are well aware that they are purchasing baby cow skin...it is pompously displayed for purchasers to see.

Will someone please help me understand how this is any different than puppy skin, I'm sure it's equally soft and smooth. Yet, if a designer started making bags from puppy skin, he / she would be ostracized, why is this? Many people have publicly expressed disgust concerning the Yulin dog meat festival (don't get me wrong, I am outraged also), but our mistreatment of farmed animals is just as outrageous...where is the disconnect?

For me, making these connections was incredibly eye opening, and I found myself wondering why it took me so many years to understand what I was actually purchasing and contributing to.  If you decide to ditch leather I have found (and linked) some great cruelty free "leather like" alternative.

Free People Mezi Saddle Bag

 Free People Alexa Vegan Satchel

Free People has a growing selection of vegan bags shop their collection HERE

Crossbody Saddle bag

Street Level Tassel Flap Crossbody

 Matt & Nat Minka Shoulder Bag

Matt & Nat is one of my favorites! You can shop their whole line HERE

Sole Society Faux Leather Backpack 

 

Reversible Tote
 

Beaded Clutch

 Embroidered Clutch

  Beaded Clutch

Sunset Cream Fringe Clutch

With change comes loss, I've lost all desire to carry a handbag that an animal paid its life for.  I'd much rather carry a compassionate bag because cruelty is a fashion statement we can all live without.


What are your thoughts on leather vs cruelty free handbags?  Did I miss any of your favorites?

Be the change, 

Espadrille Love!

If you are anything like me you've probably been drooling over these amazing Chanel espadrilles. These little numbers would be the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.  BUT these adorable shoes come with a hefty price tag (even on Ebay)...we're talking upwards of $500! Since I knew that I would never pay such an astronomical amount for shoes I began my search for more affordable alternatives.

The REAL deal!

Sincerely Jules
The all black ones are my Fav!

 Bitter Sweet Colours 

 Andy Adler via Instagram Typical Domestic Babe

Below are some amazing options, most with a price tag significantly below $100

Tory Burch Lace Espadrilles      $150

Aldo Shoes OLEAWIEL      $70

Kendall & Kylie Madden Girl Espadrilles       $49.95

Soludos 'Classic' Espadrilles      $42.95

Steve Madden Destiny Espadrilles ON SALE at Nordstrom for $39.90

These three are by far my favorite!

River Island Espadrilles      $16

Will you be wearing espadrilles this spring / summer?  Have you found other cute styles?  Leave a comment below or send me an email at allthingsmelissaann@yahoo.com

Rain, rain go away! Come again another day (When I have Hunter Wellingtons!)

The weather was rainy and gloomy this morning in Southern California, and I trudged through puddles with my UGG sweater boots (I know now, NOT a good idea!)  When I made my way back home my feet were wet and cold!  I couldn't help being envious of the ladies I saw out and about in their amazing Hunter Wellies!!

To die for! I definitely did not look this cute in the rain today!

 I am in love with red rain boots!

If I decide to splurge and purchase a pair of Hunter's (for the next time it rains...six months from now) I will probably go with black, there are so many cute ways to wear them.

witwhimsy.com

 

Pinkpeonies.com 

 The Simple Swan

 

The rain is supposed to be even worse tomorrow, so I wish I had these adorable rain boots in my closet!  But since I don't, I guess that's a good excuse to stay in, keep my feet dry and read a good book!  What do you think of rain boots?  Are Hunter Wellingtons worth the $$? Are there other more affordable options for cute rain boots?  I'd love to hear from you!  Leave a comment or email me at allthingsmelissaann@yahoo.com