1. These I Heart Vegan Girls/Boys buttons. Okay so maybe when I went vegan nearly 10 years ago there wasn’t exactly a market for vegan girls as a PREFERENCE and heck, when I went vegetarian at 10 most kids thought I was just weird for it (though hmmm, perhaps that had more to do with my self-cut bangs, handmade slogan tees…?) But that was a lonnnng time ago, as exhibited by existence of said fantastic button, and corresponding “I heart Vegan Boys” button.  Awesomeness with a plastic shell and safety pin back.

2. Quoting fashion reality tv. Okay, I’m not into reality tv of any other sort and I really I hate admitting that I watch this stuff even, but check out these gems of wisdom and tell me you aren’t inspired too? A little? Eh?

Anthony (Project Runway Season 7, episode 10, when Anthony is “kicked off”): “I think what life has taught us is, you don’t have to have the crown to be the queen.” Okay judge if you will but I seriously teared up when I heard this one, maybe it gets you too?   (I’ve just always been so awful at impressing judges and winning competitions… no boo hoo hoo here but hey, this Anthony just really gets me, right, here.)

Then last week. Kelly Cutrone of People’s Revolution (the City) tells Whitney, “Average people love to be average because no one bothers them.” Amen to that! A post along the same lines from my favorite author Seth Godin here.

And I’m pretty sure a couple months back I found the urge to quote ANTM’s special guest Lauren Hutton more often than I’d like to admit… (par memory not ver batim)… when asked by the contestants the secret to a successful modeling career, she said, “I was never the prettiest or the tallest, but the secret to success- in anything really- is to work four times harder than anyone else.”

3. Orange Fudge from Allison’s Gourmet. Fudge. Vegan Fudge. Vegan Fudge with real orange in it. Vegan fudge with real orange in it from the first vegan bakery on the face of this earth! (started 1989- believe it!) This stuff is deck-the-halls-a-dent. Perfect for sharing at parties, though they’ll probably ask you the recipe and you’ll have to admit you didn’t make it yourself. Oh well. At that point you should be on a chocolate endorphin kick so I think you can handle that.

4. Gorgeous famous vegans take over IN STYLE’s MAY ISSUE! Actresses Lea Michele (from GLEE!) and Ginnifer Goodwin (love her!) are two of three stories in IN STYLE Magazine’s article “Meals my mother taught me” (page 325) both with VEGAN MEALS! Yes! 2 out of 3 ain’t bad for a “normal” not vegan/health focused article, yeah? Ginnifer shares a vegan recipe of Gramma’s Bok Choy & Chickn (vegan) Salad and Lea sets it up for a regular & vegan version of her mom’s Vegetable Lasagna Rolls. On newsstands now, check it out!

5. Adorable animal loving postcards & art by my girl Laura at Le Canot Rouge! Not only does she illustrate the most adorable messengers of handwritten notes! but she also shows them the real love with hard core dedication to the environment, from her site: “Le Canot Rouge illustrations are printed on Mohawk Genesis ‘Forest Stewardship Certified’ premium papers, made from 100% post-consumer waste. The paper is also acid-free, lignin-free, process chlorine-free, and manufactured with ‘Green-e Certified’ windpower. And because it is also archival, your print will last and last and last and last.” Talk about walking the talk. Need a foot massage, Laura?

6. Peanut Butter Cups that are to DIE FOR! from Lagusta’s Luscious. Believe me, I’ve tried many a vegan chocolate (and non-vegan back in the day). like the song we used to sing in camp, These are the ones. These are the ones we’ve been waiting for… Classic peanut butter chocolate combo but with the most yummy luxurious ingredients and handcrafted gorgeousness. You’ve waited long enough, go try em!

7. (Anticipatory mention) The New “Green” Chicagoland Restaurant “Prasino” with amazing vegan brunch options! Okay so with there being only a couple of Veg/Vegan places in the suburbs (mainly the one- Borrowed Earth raw restaurant, which I adore! near Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove), I am sooo thrilled to have a new place to try with my rents & Nate out in La Grange called Prasino. Their vegan dinner and lunch options are nearly none, but their brunch menu makes me giddy with several including a Tofu Scram with (veg) Sausage, Garden Skillet (tofu scram instead of eggs), Vegan Eggs Benedict, Autumn Vegan Pecan Pancakes, and Vegan Orange Almond Stuffed French Toast. Phew! Now those are OPTIONS. Stay tuned for a review! And if you try it first-  let me know or I may just have to steal your leftovers!

8. Gorgeous LAUREN KROHN Photography.  Have you heard of this vegan bed and breakfast on the beach with native tiny deer? Well, it sounds like heaven to me, and I discovered it through the takes you there photography of Lauren Krohn. Check out her work here- she donates often to sanctuaries and her love for animals is visually inspiring! Facebook page here with her animals gallery!

9. Tees that tell it like it is. My super talented friends at Sparrow have been working on some adorable Love themed Vegan tees (as Vegan= Love, does it not?) with profits going to my favorite place on Earth, the Farm Sanctuary. Check them out here and others available for the respect/love of all.

10. Old friends in fun places! Took this pic last night of me + my former boss from 9 years ago when we both worked at Express for Men on Michigan Avenue- dancing our way through sweaters and tees and revamping wardrobes. He taught me so much and what’s more is we always had SO much fun!  I had heard his fashion line was poppin’ and last night at the StyleChicago 25 Best Chicago Designers Event I knew I’d run into him. What a treat! This man is and has always been pure joy and a half- heart you, Borris!

okay, I love a lot more things than 10 this month (like this lip gloss!), but this’ll have to do for now! Have a fantastic weekend.

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Ford Model Madison backstage in hair & makeup. Photo by Chad Smith

Gorgeous Lindsay gets ready. Photo by Chad Smith

the Vaute Coat in Recycled on Alexis. Designed to retain heat with a windproof liner. Photo by Chad Smith

The Vaute Coat in Recycled Black. Available at VauteCouture.com, Recycled Shell & 100% Recycled Liner with Tagua Nut Buttons. Inspired by the artwork of Brooke Hagel. Photo by Chad Smith.

the Bomono in Blue. $506, available at VauteCouture.com. Boots by Kaila Footwear (KailiaFootwear.com) Photo by Chad Smith

Tailed jacked from the Birds & Bloom Couture Collection. Couture team includes Julianna Luther & Cecca Morrone on this piece. Shoes by Kailia- KailiaFootwear.com Photo by Chad Smith

Handpainted Hemp Tailed Jacket Couture Piece made from leftover fabric from my 8 months of research. Price upon request. Photo by Chad Smith

 

Hemp Herringbone Winged Romper from the Birds & Bloom Couture Collection. Couture team on this piece includes Julianna Luther and Cecca Morrone. Photo by Chad Smith.

Handpainted Winged Racerback on Organic Cotton from the Birds & Bloom Couture Collection. Couture team includes Julianna Luther & Cecca Morrone on this piece. Photo by Chad Smith. Shoes by Mohop (mohop.com.)

Hey! It's me-in a vintage dress that was in need of a shortening. Photo by Chad Smith

Bianca & Michael of Conscious Living, the hosts of Vert Couture! Photo by Chad Smith

Thanks to every one who came out! It was so fun to see you and hang with other eco-designers of Chicago… Mohop Vegan & Eco Shoe Designer Annie Mohaupt, Mountains of the Moon’s Melissa Baswell, Frei Designs’ Annie Novotny, and also see the fabulous new FW09 vegan shoe designs from Kaila Footwear.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to grab any (boo!!) but did hear tales of the amazing vegan appetizers from the always incredible all vegan Balanced Kitchen !! So sad- well I guess I have to wait for the opening of their newest location- the Great Taste Cafe! Slated to open this week, yay, can’t wait!!! Also thanks to Colori Eco-Paint Boutique for the super cute gift bags! I know my family loved that.

And OF COURSE! Lots of love and thanks to the super wonderful Michael & Bianca Alexander of Conscious Living TV and the City of Chicago for putting on Chicago’s first ever all eco-fashion show at Chicago Fashion Week! Looking forward to many more!

xoxo warmest,

Fall is coming super soon– We’ll be out lots for events, hope to see you!! 

Monday September 14th (6-8pm)- VEGAN STYLE NIGHT at Pivot Boutique (FREE)

A night of style and fun with sample coats for try-on, bags from Matt & Nat, and shoes from Mohop, plus appetizers from Artfully Delicious with Upton’s Seitan, and bowls from Protein Bar Chicago.

Saturday October 3rd- FARM SANCTUARY CHICAGO WALK FOR ANIMALS, Flat Top Grill

At this lovely fundraiser going on all across the country, we’ll be showing off the Vaute Coat and taking orders after the walk, all net profits to the lovely Farm Sanctuary, yes, my favorite place on Earth. 

Saturday October 10th- CHICAGO VEGAN MANIA, Pulaski Fieldhouse (FREE)

We’re creating an exhibit on vegan fashion and will also have styles available for try on and ordering, at this incredible can’t miss HUGE VEGAN PARTY including food galore (but of course!), & great speakers!

Sunday October 25th, 6pm- CHICAGO FASHION WEEK “Vert Couture,” Chicago Cultural Center

We’re showing at this Eco-Fashion event put on by Conscious Living and the City of Chicago.  Other designers include Lara Miller, Frei, and Mountains of the Moon.

ALSO COMING UP! Details TBD

Chicago Preorder Pick-Up Event- at Connect

and a Coat Trunk Show at Earth Girls 

hope you can make it out, I’d love to meet in person! Also! let me know if you have any Qs

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*ALSO* Pioneer vegan bag label- Matt & Nat will have their holiday preview on hand. And, local vegan & eco-conscious shoe label Mohop Shoes trunk show too!

And what vegan party would be complete without something yummy for your tummy? Appetizers from Artfully Delicious veg caterer using local label Upton’s Naturals seitan, with smoothies from newbie the Protein Bar will be on hand to delight your t-buds.

Not vegan and want to learn more? We’ll be chatting about the lifestyle, all are welcome!

Vegan Style Night: Monday September 14^th 6-8pm (FREE to attend!)

At: Pivot Boutique 1101 W Fulton Market, Chicago (Directions here).

RSVP: Click to RSVP on Facebook (optional)

Hope to see you!!

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The lovely underwear factory turned LEED Platinum Certified eco-epicenter GREEN EXCHANGE is our future home sweet! I’m super psyched to wake up everyday to stroll through a 9,000 square foot organic garden, eat at the Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free Balanced Kitchen, and party it up in the sustainable event space with neighbors doing their thing, their awesome lovely thing. You’ll definitely have to visit! 

Check out the introduction that one such, Conscious Living TV, put together of us at our latest shindig!

An Introduction to the Green Exchange (web version) from Conscious Living TV on Vimeo.

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::Photo by Rachel Renee:: Vaute Couture Statement Tee Collection (released throughout the Summer)

::Photo by Rachel Renee:: Racerback bird dress of remnant fabrics in collaboration with Julianna Luther, handpainted by Cecca Morrone, with Mohop Shoes, worn by Lauren Lasher

::Photo by Rachel Renee:: 100% Organic Cotton Sustainably Printed in the USA Vaute Couture Statement Tee. Styling by Leanne Hilgart & DezMon Fair. Worn by Lauren McKiddy

::Photo by Rachel Renee:: Winged Romper of Remnant Fabrics, in collaboration with Julianna Luther, handpainted by Cecca Morrone, worn with Mohop Shoes, by Bianca Wyatt (Ford)

::Photo by Rachel Renee:: Bloom dress constructed of remnant fabrics, in collaboration with Jess Audey, handpainted by Cecca Morrone, worn by Kara King (Ford)

::Photo by Rachel Renee:: Winged Romper and Tailed Jacket in collaboration with Julianna Luther, Cream dress in collaboration with Jess Audey. All of remnant fabrics, handpainted by Cecca Morrone. Worn by Bianca Wyatt (Ford) and Katie V (Elite)

::Vaute Couture at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago on June 12th::

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This Vaute Couture-Couture Collection was inspired by Birds & Bloom and constructed of handpainted leftover fabrics from our 8 month fabric R&D and included hemp cotton herringbone, organic cotton sateen, organic cotton sheeting, and others.  Couture Team: Julianna Luther, Jess Audey, Cecca Morrone

Awards. Weddings. Galas. Protests. Made to order handpainted vegan + eco couture pieces are available now for fall events. Email us at Custom@VauteCouture.com. with event at least 6+ weeks before.  Dresses and jackets start at $600, depends on fabric and labor. By availability.

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::PHOTOGRAPHY by Rachel Renee Bowman::Rachel is an overseas editorial addict and fashion and beauty photography in Chicago. Check out more of her work in her online portfolio HERE or click on a picture above. Why? Because she rocks.

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Love those pretty silver laced sandals on Bianca? So do we. Mohop Shoes are a vegan, eco-conscious Chicago collection of versatile sandals you can wear a million ways, designed by Annie, a former architect. Rice husk soles. So many options.  Love x a hundred.

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Join us for this eco luxe event covering beauty/ home/ food/ and yes-fashion!

petal dress, stage 1

Our team  has been creating a couture collection inspired by birds and bloom using the remnant eco-conscious and vegan fabrics from our fabric R&D, with handpaintings by Japanese artist Cecca Morrone, inspired by nature on a microscopic level. Design is a collaboration with dress designer Jess Audey and art-based designer and illustrator Julianna Luther.

Director: Leanne Hilgart Design Team: Julianna Luther, Jess Audey, Cecca Morrone

The Vyne Launch, organized by the SEC of DePaul and Net Impact chapter of Loyola,  includes apps by Wolfgang Puck, drinks by Veev, beauty by Aveda, and new Olafur Eliasson instillations at the MCA. 

::Where:: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago IL

::When:: Friday, June 12th. Doors open 6:30 (After party at LV Penthouse.)

::RSVP:: Buy tickets online now (click here) or at the door for $20. 

If you’re free for drinks, apps, eco-luxe fun,  and a little runway show, we’d love to see you! <3

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Knock three times, on the door if you love… animals? fashion? new artists? okay-maybe we won’t have a secret knock (or is that a secret question?), hmm– we’ll see. (and you’ll be the first to know. promise.)  No for real, we’ll just be happy you stopped by. Stopped by where? you ask. Silly me, I’ve gotten ahead of myself. So we’ve been holding this one in for months now, but here goes-

We. Vaute Couture. Have. Joined. Green Exchange. World’s first sustainable (LEED Certified) center of green businesses, opening later this year in home sweet home Chicago- Logan Square Neighborhood.  

When I graduated from undergrad with a degree in Education and Philosophy and realized I wasn’t meant to be a teacher, I had to ask myself- what was it that I absolutely loved to do, like jump for joy would (did) do it for free live breathe love to do? I went back to Junior Year of college- when I started an animal issues group at DePaul called DePaul Voice for the Animals… teams volunteering at Chicago Animal Care, Meatouts on campus, adoptions, protests, speakers, puppies at Senior Homes, humane education for 5th graders.. but it wasn’t just the work that I loved. It was a larger association of groups ours was a part of that had a dozen other organizations on campus all working towards justice and service for Chicago in their own passionate way. This was my heaven. So, when gx asked me if Vaute Couture would want to join in with sustainable creative businesses from all over the city, come into work everyday with inspired people all doing their own thing to help out, create crazy cool national events together, and not to mention the GORGEOUS Leed Certified renovated underwear factory turned State of the Art Center- I had no way to tell my heart no while it shouted YES!

You can read my Green Exchange interview called “VEGAN IN VOGUE” HERE.<–

Chicago may not be heralded as the fashion capital of the world yet, but for the animal kingdom it is. Designer Leanne Hilgart is out to make a groundbreaking fashion statement: you can look breathtaking without the help of animal hides.

Leanne founded Vaute Couture in September to produce runway-quality fashion without using leather, fur, down or even wool. Her first focus is the fashion woe of fabulous animal lovers everywhere and inspired by the Windy City’s longest season- a fabulous winter coat. All of her materials are sourced without a single finger laid upon a single animal. We sat down with Leanne to learn more about her products, her mission and her vegan values…“ YOU CAN READ THE INTERVIEW HERE if ya like.

Visit GREEN EXCHANGE here. Hope you’ll visit!!

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like coldstone for vegans. milkshakes, smoothies, & pudding too. yum.

There’s a new cool in town, yes, it’s vegan options at “regular” (okay, super hip omni) eateries. I’ve always been the girl on the late (AWESOME) Chicago summer nights when everyone heads to Coldstone, and all I’ve got to try is their sorbet. Again. (check out this amaze-a-thon of fast food options for vegans list HERE, btw)

But no longer! iCream, Wicker Park’s new techno-ice cream wonder creates ice cream on the spot using their Jetsons-style liquid nitrogen machines, with natural extracts in a list of flavors. Then come the mix-ins- fresh fruit, sauces, candies, etc. They also make hot pudding, smoothies, and milk shakes. BUT HERE’S THE BEST PART. They have a VEGAN OPTION for everything. No, seriously. There isn’t anything you can’t make a combo of for yourself, because they have a soymilk option for all of them, and tons of vegan mix-ins as well. Oh, and did I mention it’s super convenient? Right off the Blue Line Damen Stop. I’ve been there twice this week. See you there!

SECOND. Pizza Fusion (NAPERVILLE).  So this town has won all sorts of awards for “best place to raise your kids” and ” suburb that feels like a city except with more popped collars and exposed brick” (okay I made that last one up) and now they’ve got me- for best vegan pizza options at a pizzeria.  Oh wait, I haven’t been there yet- hold the acceptance speech! My girl Nicole and I are planning a metra trip out to this place, which just opened LAST WEEK. They make their vegan pizzas with Skinny Bitch favorite  Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese . Do you think they’ll have Chicago Style? *mouth watering* Mm, either way, there’s something about ordering a pizza like a normal person at a normal place that makes me giddy. Will let you know how it goes! 

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