For those of you with us for our very first season, you might remember the PREORDER Special, which made our first production run possible! If you were a part of it the first time, you know it meant the world to me. I mean for real, you didn’t know me! You hadn’t seen my coats in person! And yet, you so generously supported my little project and together we took it to the next step. I seriously thought about bottling up my tears of joy for you and including them in the boxes with your coats, and then I realized that’s kinda icky, no?

Anyway, it’s that time again! For those of you newbies unfamiliar, the Preorder Special is where-for ordering your coat early and being a little patient, we’ll give you a special EARLY SUPPORTER price! The earlier you preorder, the better the deal, because the more it helps us fund production… a win-win. And for those of you in NYC, you’ll get an even better deal if you come preorder at the Pop-up Shop because, hey, I like to see y’all’s beautiful faces, is that so wrong?

Expected to launch this WEDNESDAY 9/8 at 3pm EST at VauteCouture.com, the preorder special will start at 45% off for 1 week only, and move towards regular price every week until we’re ready to get them to ship!

::::Here’s the Preorder Schedule::::

September/8-15: 45% off

September/15-22: 35% off

September/22-29: 25% off

September/29-Oct. 6: 15% off

October/6-13: 10% off

\\\\\\\OTHER IMPORTANT PREORDER INFO////////

1. Updating your order: you can change your order (size, color, style) up to 14 days before expected ship date based on availability, after that we can do it too no worries! Just might delay delivery of yours a wee bit.

2. Payment: You can pay by VISA or MASTERCARD on our website or use the PAYPAL EXPRESS button to use other major credit cards! Your card will be charged at time of preorder (it’s for funding production of course!)

3. Shipping: $25 for first coat, $10 for each additional coat, going to the same address. If you need to ship to two separate addresses, please do two separate purchases on our e-store so they get there safely.

4. Taxes: NY Residents (since we just moved!) will have sales tax added automatically. All other states will not have any sales tax, lucky ducks!

5. Exchanges/Returns: Of course I want you to capitol L LOVE your Vaute Couture coat! After getting yours, you’ll have a week to check it out and try it on and twirl/strut in front of the mirror. If you’re not in major LIKE, feel free to return or exchange for another style/color/size (which we’ll ship for free), or for a refund. No worries!

6. What’s so special about a Vaute Couture coat? Well, I spent 8 months of fabric research (and life savings and neverending 60-80 hour work weeks) while creating the opening line and so the fabrics are brand new technology recyclable and recycled fabrics, that are 100% vegan, and built for a real winter (they’re warmer than wool coats!), with heat retaining, wind proof, snow resistant fabrics, and all constructed locally. Your purchase supports my work to move the fashion industry forward with vegan eco fabrics, but also supports the cutting edge fabric mills I work with, local workers, and the nonprofits I support. The label has been featured on Oprah.com, in Marie Claire Magazine, In Style Germany, on Fox TV’s BONES, TeenVogue.com, and on the cover of VegNews Magazine since launching last Fall. We’ve been called 1 of the “Top 7 Emerging Green Designers of 2009″ (Ecouterre) and 1 of “40 Redefining Green” (Grist.org) and celebrity supporters include Alicia Silverstone, Emily Deschanel, BooBoo Stewart, Ally Sheedy, and Ginnifer Goodwin.

7. How do I take care of my Vaute Couture coat? Our dress coats are pill resistant, and machine washable! You can put them in the wash on cold (alone) then in the dryer on low. Keep a lint brush handy, and keep your VC coat covered in the closet. If need be, you can dry clean yours but specify “heat sensitive” because the fabrics are high technology which are not as efficient if cleaned with heat. Our urban snow coats can be dry cleaned or machine washed, easy peasy!

8. What’s new this season? Well, we took the Signature Vaute Couture dress coat and created 5 new styles! Also, from the requests all year from wonderful big-hearted stylish men, we’re launching Men’s dress coats too. I also spent time developing the first eco vegan insulated line, super sophisticated totally not-puffy, crazy warm Urban Snow Coats. Check them all out in our NYC Fashion Week Video by the Discerning Brute.

So to all you Early Supporters from last season and this season to be, hugs from the bottom of my heart! Please feel free to spread the love to friends, it makes the production of this little labor of love possible.

warmest,

Melvin!!! and me at the California Farm Sanctuary :)

So the highlight of my very first (and very much highlight filled!) Cali tour was definitely visiting the California home of the Farm Sanctuary, and hanging with tiny and thoughtful Melvin. Melvin was bred for his long beautiful hair, and after enduring cruel factory farming conditions would’ve been slaughtered after only a few years of life, when he was of no use to the wool business. Apparently he is somewhat of an outcast (hard to believe if you met this little guy!)… and I could’ve spent hours just cuddling him and his bff Alicia (named after, who else?). The two of them keep each other company in the amazing and beautiful haven that is FARM SANCTUARY! Ah la la how I love this place! If you live in Cali or Upstate NY you owe it to yourself to plan a visit STAT. now. run! I mean it.

What this post needs is- MORE MELVINNNN!

Other fun packed into less than two weeks included… a visit with the amazing VegNews staff! Seeing staff writer Abigail Young & Miss Vegansaurus herself the amazing Laura B (who has a new VegNews column and will answer your deepest darkest questions about being Vegan!, email her at AskLaura@VegNews.com- fun!) create a musical on stage masterpiece of joy and love, not to mention glitter galore!, an awesome time with inspiring wonderful LA peeps! (thanks Nik!), Gracias Madres (empanadas!!), Cafe Gratitude (sushi bowl!), Cha-ya (udon!), Vegan Cupcakes, judging  the SF Veg Fest Model Castings (so many veg hotties in SF!), Millennium (Chocolate Midnight at the bar-hollerrrr) Native Foods (TWICE!- that (vegan) Fish Taco is TO DIE FOR!), a hike on the top of a SF National Park Mountain! (the views! the fresh!), an incredible and inspiring day at the HSUS Hollywood Offices (with a visit from the lovely Emily D!) and fun times with the bubbly adorable gals from Spork Foods.

the (vegan) Bacon Cheeseburger (Native Foods, LA!) & Avocado Fries (a dreammm....At Farwood, near the CA Farm Sanctuary)

LA Pop Up Shops at HSUS Hollywood (left with my hometown girl Catherine) & Spork Foods (right, with my new town girl Annette)!

Super glorious filled hike with the incredible Val & Nestor- the adorable face of Berkeley East Bay Humane Society!

Two of my California Gurls!! Polly Walters of Veggywood (LA), & Laura B of Vegansaurus (SF)

SF Pop Up Shop at the A.Muse Gallery with Ciara, left (AnimalFriendlyShopping.com) & the adorable Jo & Jenny! (right)

SUN. SMILES. and lots of LOVE to you Cali! I’ll be back for more, miss you already!

(Full album coming soon to Facebook.com/VauteCouture)

warmest,

———————————————————————–

Yes, it’s here! Our NYC Pop Up Shop!

Come hang out and say hi!! I’ll be there giving out free hugs & cupcakes, looking forward to some quality time with you! Grab a piece from our first collection at a Sample Sale in person 55%+ prices! Come preview and preorder one of the new coats (Men’s too!) from our upcoming FW10 collection, at a special only in person preorder price of 50% off (IN PERSON ONLY! Better than our online preorder price will start at! All your cross country friends will be jealous!) Also check out our new 100% organic cotton hand dyed minidresses & upcycled windbreakers at Sample Sale Prices too! Tees and tanks will also be on hand for take home.

When: Saturday September 11th (2-7pm), Sunday September 12th (1-5pm), Tuesday September 14th (3-8pm) and Wednesday September 15th (12-5pm). Email us to make your appt with your ideal time (i.e. 3-5pm Sunday!) and we’ll email you back with your very own 15 minute appt. slot for some one on one time. Bring up to 3 friends!

Where: MooShoes NYC, where else?! 78 Orchard Street in NYC

How: Come shop, hang out, see & try on! And enjoy a vegan cupcake of course! Mastercard & Visa taken too! And feel free to bring up to 3 friends for your appointment (those 2nd and 3rd opinions, priceless!)

What’s the new FW10 collection look like? Oh, you’ll see! Introducing men’s, urban snow coats, & knits!

RSVP to Sales@VauteCouture.com, can’t wait to see you!

warmest,

——————————————————————-

PS! LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS! As an out of towner, would love your help! If you’re free for either day, email me (Leanne@VauteCouture.com) and specify if you can lend those cute hands for Sat (setup 11-12, OR tear down 5-6) or Sun tear down (6-7). Free tee for all volunteers, least I can do!

Can’t wait to see you SF!

RSVP to either the Cupcakes & Coats Party (Monday!) or to make your Tuesday appointment by emailing Sales@VauteCouture.com! Full details on making an appointment here. xoxo can’t wait to see you!

warmest,

MINI PARTIES & POP-UPS! There are a couple of open events (parties!), but if you want some face & try on time to check out the new FW10 collection (to preorder and get a discount for doing so!), special remaining pieces from FW09, and current summer/early fall pieces to try on and purchase on the spot- we’re taking appointments for the first time, at the Pop Up Shops (by appointment only)! Check out the open times and email me ASAP to book yours. Feel free to book for you + BFF for that second opinion

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT for a CALI Pop-Up Shop!

1. Email Sales@VauteCouture.com with “CALI Appointment” in the title.

2. THE APPT: Send me your location, date, and ideal time for appt, with a 2nd choice if 1st isn’t available.

3. HOW MANY? Let me know if you’re bringing a pal or 2 (+1, +2)

4. YOUR INFO: Full name, email address, and CELL Number, please!

5. CANCELLATIONS: I’m only in your city for a few days, so PLEASE if you need to cancel, let me know asap and at the very least 24 hours beforehand so I can open up the spot for someone else

5. SPECIAL NOTES: If you are looking at anything in particular, feel free to let me know! (i.e. a certain coat from last season in a certain size/color… this way I know what you like!)

————————————————————————————

CALI POP-UPs! THE DEETS!

1. What will be there? Oh, just a sneak peek at the new FW10 coat collection for you to preorder your very own! (yes, this means mens’ too!) Current collections (new organic hand dyed mini-dresses, upcycled windbreakers, tanks/tees!) and the remaining pieces of our first coat collection at special event only prices!

2. When should I arrive? Since each appt is only 15 minutes, it’s best to arrive 10-15 min before your scheduled slot. The next appt. will start right after yours!

3. How can I pay? Credit card (visa/mastercard) or cash is accepted with glee!

4. What about returns/exchanges? Please check your purchase before leaving, but returns/exchange policy is same as always. Let me know that week if you need something different or to return it, no worries!

5. Must I shop? Heavens no, darling! If you’d just like to see me or the collections in person, that’s plenty reason to make an appointment and hang out for a little bit. And free hugs, of course!

————————————————————————————

:::::::::::::::::::THE CALI TOUR:::::::::::::::::::

1. the OC- the THREAD SHOW Sunday 8/22 (indie fashion designers galore!) at the OC Fairgrounds

88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, 11am-6pm. $5. Open admission- no appointment necessary! Booths A3/A4

2. LA Pop-up Shop Monday 8/23 Cupcakes & Coats! Open Party (6-8pm) at SPORK FOODS!

7494 Santa Monica Blvd, W. Hollywood. Street parking galore.

RSVP Sales@VauteCouture.com to join us for cupcakes at 6 & shop a little too.

3. LA Pop-up Shop Tuesday 8/24 from (4-9pm) (NEW TIME!) at the HSUS Hollywood Offices

820 MORAGA DR, LA. Near the 405 Freeway/across from the Getty Museum. Street parking.

Email us for an appt to make face time with the collections (Sales@VauteCouture.com)

4/4:15/4:30/4:45    5/5:15/5:30/5:45  6/6:15/6:30/6:45     7/7:15/7:30/7:45     8/8:15/8:30/8:45

(crossed out times are already booked) Email Sales@VauteCouture.com to book yours!

4. San Francisco! POP UP SHOPS: Tea & Cupcakes!

Book your personal shopping session. (bring up to 3 guests!)

at A. Muse Gallery 614 Alabama St, SF. Plenty of street parking!

Saturday Noon-5pm AND Sunday 1:30pm-6pm

Email us with your available time range and we’ll pick a slot for you!

———————————————————————————-

warmest,

I seem to be getting delayed a lot lately… could have something to do with traveling nearly every weekend in and out of NYC since I moved here. On Thursday I headed home to Chicago for a family trip to Michigan, when first my 3pm flight was cancelled, then I was overjoyed to have it rescheduled at another airline in another terminal to reach by bus, to find out I didn’t have enough time to get a new boarding pass, but then that it was delayed so they let me through (hallelujah!) only to find out that the 20 minute delay would turn into an hour, then two, then five, then finally eight. That’s 9 hours in the airport. And to be perfectly honest? It was kinda fun. A chance to not work, to meet strangers (one of my most favorite things) and to chill like it’s 1995, I’m at the mall with my friends, and my parents can’t pick me up till later. It went by like not much. We watched the sunset. Part of Shutter Island.  People. And when we all closed out the only food establishment in the terminal- a brightly lit airport bar- it was high fives all around, and the guy working the food kiosk asked sweetly if we all wanted pillows.

The weekend before, I missed my bus to DC then met a super sweet girl off to the Peace Corps waiting for the second one in the standby line. Made the second bus which then broke down, but while other passengers said in their loudest sternest voices to no one & everyone in particular, “I will NEVER take this piece of crap bus again!” I was secretly happy because I had been rushing so much to make my first bus, that I never got a chance to grab something to eat before the trip. The unintentional pit stop landed us at a food oasis, where I grabbed an Odwalla Green Machine & pack of pistachios to tide me over. Yum. When you can’t change something, isn’t it more fun pretending you chose it this way, and do what you’d be doing if this had been your idea all along? I think undoubtedly yes. I have public transportation to thank for many awesome perfect stranger conversings… Travel isn’t just to get from here and there (heck, my parents- happy 33rd anniversary! met on an airplane, a flight my dad wasn’t originally booked on). And really- what is a delay anyway? Delayed from- what? From a plan? From a schedule? Not from life, anyway… because that’s what’s happening all along… at a food oasis, in a 90-94 traffic jam, in an airport terminal, on the bus to DC with no air conditioning… and sometimes life has better schedules for us than we can plan for ourselves (I just like to pretend I’m in on it, too.)

So next time you’re “stuck” somewhere, look around for all the little things planned just. for. you. (Thanks universe, got you next time!)

PS- When Einstein was asked what the most important question facing humanity was, he answered, ” ‘Is the universe a friendly place?’ This is the first and most basic question all people must answer for themselves.” Oh Einie! How you make my heart go thump.

warmest,

MOST IMPORTANTLY, before I leave for NYC, I would love to see your beautiful faces!

Details below, tickets HERE, and facebook invite here for sharing, say you’ll come!

warmest,

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.

warmest,

Our upcycled indigo windbreaker- limited run. 100% windproof, water resistant, & fully lined. made in Chicago! Pretty + Protected. Perfect for bike rides, picnics, hiking, and drizzly days.

And psst. this is the last week to get the preorder $50 discount with code "Making Dracket" Click for details and to order yours!

And check out our new sexy eco racerback tanks! Inspired by the words of Gandhi: "To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious." Spread the compassion!

It's an eco-blend sexy racerback including organic cotton, recycled polyester, & naturally occurring rayon, sustainably screenprinted in the USA. $32 Click to order yours!

Perfect for sprinkler runs! This one inspired by my favorite Einstein Quote- "Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures..."

Yummmmm sprinkler drops! Find out what spring tastes like. This racerback also $32 and just arrived! Raw edges & super cute fit. Want to grab your very own? Just click here.

Hope you like! You can shop anytime by visiting our shop, tees, coats, and jewelry/art here.

And of course! Lovely photography by the very talented John Cizmas, modeled by our gorgeous Midwestern beauty Brittney Geissel, and hair/makeup by the wonderful Sopha Kommavang.

warmest,