Vegan Shoe Line Beyond Skin Needs Your Help

Fashionable vegan footwear line Beyond Skin needs your help!

Beyond Skin is a 10 year old, self-funded, indie, UK vegan footwear label dedicated to designing cruelty-free, luxury shoes for stylish, discerning ladies.  Their current line is considered more of a luxury “boutique” one, meaning high style at a slightly higher price point.  Although the luxury line is fabulous, they have aspirations to create a new diffusion line.  This one will feature 10 styles, which have been designed for everyday wear at a more affordable price-point. This to me is a fantastic idea, being it’ll bring vegan and ethical footwear to the masses and a more pocket friendly price.  Plus, they’re all classic styles meaning they go with everything and will last season after season.

To help fund their new line, they created a Kickstarter campaign.  It’s only live for another 15 days, so if you want to support vegan fashion for the masses, be sure to do so today!

You learn more about the Kickstarter campaign as well as it’s perks by visiting here.

Advertisement

My Seed Experience

I’m back from San Antonio!  While I had a great time getting to meet up with all my colleagues, customers and vendors I always feel better once I get back to NYC.  I’m such a big city girl it’s not even funny.

So I got back on Friday, just in time for me to prepare to speak at the Seed on Saturday.  The event was beyond my expectations.  I had a great time not only visiting all the vendor tables and trying lots of food, but also getting to meet and listen to many of the other speakers.  I also finally got to try that Cinnamon Snail truck everyone raves about and OMG was it amazing.

If you missed it, I talked about how to transition to a cruelty-free wardrobe, which I had previously posted about here.  To my surprise, during my talk the room completely filled up and was standing room only (aside from the few chairs in the front row, which you see in the photos below).  Cruelty-free fashion is apparently a hot topic!

For those of you who attended the Seed and came to see me speak, it was so great to finally get to meet you in person!  I loved getting to meet everyone and hope to get to participate in similar events in the future.

Guest Post and VeganCuts Giveaway / Traveling Pink Lips- CLOSED

To start of, I would like to thank Corrie for having me here on Brooklyn Bliss. Here’s to a check off my bucket list 😉 She has helped me make a very rational decision last week, hair cutting involved. Corrie is the girlfriend you want to have around you! She knows fashion, stands for animals and knows how to cook a meal!

When Corrie asked me to be a guest blogger, I knew exactly what I wanted to share with you all, a review of my 3-month Vegan Cuts Snack Box subscription! For those of you who don’t know, VeganCuts started a movement a little while ago where they ship a monthly box filled with great snacks and coupons.

Let’s start, shall we?

February:

I started my subscription in February. After hearing a few reviews from the January snack box I knew it was time for me to give in. Now, this review is my personal opinion and taste. Let’s keep this in mind 🙂 Alright, back to business, we are. This box was my least favorite of them all.

My First VeganCuts’s Snack Box!

VeganCuts’s Snack Box Of February!

A few of my favorite items in this box were Simply 7 Pomegranate Chips, Dang Coconut Chips, and Surf Sweets Fruity Hearts! This box was sweet and love filled. The Dang Coconut Chips were amazing. I decided to take this box to work and have at it then. I loved them the most. I took the Pure Fit Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip bar with me to a wedding as my “survival snack” just in case this herbivore didn’t find anything to bite on. It was enjoyable and a good call! Along with these came one of The Merry Hempsters’s Organic Lip Balm, Righteously Raw Divine Mint Chocolate Square and more sweets. The coconut chips and pomegranate chips kept me in good spirit from this box.

I give this box a 5.

March:

The month of March was an exciting one! Between my 25th birthday, trip to California and endless work hours, a box in the mail was the perfect wind down! My snack box for the month of March came in right after I came back from LA and I couldn’t wait to see what was in store.

VeganCuts’s March Snack Box!!!

Barre Snack Bar, Nyl Body Lotion and Caramel Pops!

The Vegg, Earth Balance, VBar, Falafel Chips, Nyl Body lotion!

WOW! What A Haul!

Okay, this box was the complete “redeemer”, if you know what I mean! I was SO happy when I opened it. The first thing that caught my eyes and stomach was the Earth Balance Vegan White Aged Cheddar Puffs. I have been hearing about them for a while and I was super excited to finally have a bite at it. Delicious! They taste exactly like the regular puffs but of course MUCH better! Next up, CocomoCorn Caramel Pops, my mum fell in love with them and may have taken the bag from me. That’s a good review, right? I had no idea there was such thing as falafel chips so this was a total surprise for me. I wasn’t too crazy about them. Perhaps it was because I am not too crazy for falafel? Now, the best part of this box was the Sunflower/Cranberry Vbar!

Cranberry/Sunflower Vbar from Benefit Foods.

Vbar Sunflower/Cranberry From Benefits Foods!

It was the best bar I have ever had in my life. The savory Sunflower Nut Butter is what held this snack bar together. I love cranberries so this was another win. The brown rice cereal gave this Vbar a crispy touch and pleasant joy. I loved this Vbar and I can’t wait until I can find it in stores. If you find the chance to try this bar, go at it! You won’t be disappointed! The Equal Exchange Dark Mini Chocolate has been by far my favorite chocolate bar to taste. It was smooth and rich and not too dense. I was expecting a robust taste like other dark chocolate bars but not this one! Overall this box was exciting, I got to taste some awesome new products on the market and fell in love with chocolate.

I give this box a 7.

April:

And this was the month is the end of so ends my snack box subscription. I have had a lot of fun with this subscription. And I hate to see it go. I am thinking about renewing for another 3-month but I guess I will see what the May box holds.. I may have gone for another, hehe.

April’s Vegan Snack Box From Vegan Cuts!

Favourite Box This Month!

Cheeze Me, Please!

The ultimate win of the month! I was very happy, excited and ready to dig into this box. Some of the products sent I already had a taste at. One of my favorite products from this box was the Hazelnut Caffeine-Free Herbal Coffee from Teecciano. Wow! I never thought I’d see the day.

Hazelnut Flavoured Herbal Coffee From Teecciano!

Everyone knows I love coffee! I can’t help it; it is one of the things signed under my name. This herbal coffee was delicious. I was impressed. I didn’t think I would have enjoyed it. The hazelnut flavor was sweet and just right. I must admit, I was little skeptical after reading the ingredient list to find “dates” which I am not too much of a fan of but I couldn’t taste it one bit. Fantastic!

New Products, Yes Please!

I am currently using Meow Meow Tweet Cocoa Lip Balm and I like it a lot, minimal ingredients [candelilla wax, *cocoa butter, *hempseed oil, and *virgin coconut oil (*certified organic)] and the ultimate moisture. I have yet to try Milas’s Roasted Peppers & Artichoke Bruschetta but I can already tell I will enjoy it. Overall, this box was great and I loved it. It was a nice one to end this snack box relationship. Included was one of Teese’s Mozzarella Vegan Cheese was the cherry on the top. Of course I made pizza right away!

I give this box a 9.

Final Verdict:

Vegan Cuts’s Snack Box is a must try! You are guaranteed to find new products and tons of coupons. If you’re not ready to plunge into a 3-month subscription no problem, you can try it for a month for $19.95 shipping included. You can’t say no to that. Each box is filled with great sized-snacks and products to love, forever. Can’t find the products in your local store? Don’t fret, Vegan Cuts also provides a section with a product list of the month www.vegancuts.com/big!

Note: Caring is sharing! This is my personal review and honest opinion, eh! Unless otherwise stated, everything I review has been purchased by me and at my own risk! –TPL

NOW on to the fun stuff, a giveaway! Yes, a giveaway 🙂 One lucky winner will get the chance to experience their very own VeganCuts’s Monthly Snack Box! This box will be given by me, Holly of Traveling Pink Lips and will be for the month of June. And also open to both Canada & US!

TPL & Brooklyn Bliss Giveaway!!!

1. Like Brooklyn Bliss on Facebook/ Facebook.com/BKBliss
2. Follow @Veganadian on Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway!
3. Leave a comment below and share with us which one of these boxes would have made it on your favorite list and why.

This giveaway is open until May 24th, 11:59pm EST. Open to both Canada & US!

I’d like to thank, Corrie for having me on Brooklyn Bliss and I look forward to read all of your entries 🙂

You can find more of me on www.travelingpinklips.com where I share restaurant reviews, product reviews and personal rant. It is lovely do stop by!

–TravelingPinkLips

Vegan Versions / Iridescent

STELLA MCCARTNEY // Iridescent Sequined Top$877.48

Though we’re still pretty early into spring, one big trend you can expect to see a lot of this season is iridescent. Iridescent doesn’t necessarily mean sequins and shimmer, but more of a holographic type look which if you ask me is WAY cool!

Vegan’s don’t have to miss out on all the fun. Here’s some of my favorite pieces out in stores that are vegan friendly and rock this trend HARD. Even vegan designer hero Stella McCartney has several items in her spring line which make being vegan and on-trend totally lust worthy.  I kinda want every piece in her shoe collection right now.

Here’s some great high and low budget items to work the trend.

FOREVER 21 // Iridescent Crescent Necklace $6.80

CHARLOTTE RUSSE // Clear Heel Iridescent Lace-Up Bootie $54.50

 

 

 

 

TOUCH UPS // Tammy Loafer  $37.99

BCBGENERATION // Rockie Dress Sandals $89.00

STELLA MCCARTNEY // Mirror Prism Pump $760

STELLA MCCARTNEY // Faux-Snake Flat Ankle-Wrap Sandal $445

STELLA MCCARTNEY //  Silver Irridescent Snake Print Ballet $395

 

 

What do you think of the iridescent trend?

 

 

 

 

The Big Chop

At this point in time it’s no secret, I chopped off all my hair!  It happened last Wednesday at Adelaide Salon here in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  It’s not that often I make a drastic hair length change like this, so to commemorate the event, photographer Joel Stigliano tagged along to document it.

My long time stylist Casey (who also did my dip-dye) did the honors.  I wanted to donate the hair to Locks of Love, and I had so much hair it resulted in two ponytails we chopped off.  All in all I think it was about 10 inches we took off.

The style I wanted was an inverted bob, which is longer in the front than it is in the back.  Casey took her time really perfecting the shape and when it was done, it was perfect!  Very flattering to my jaw line.

Also, for anyone wondering, the best way to cut curly hair is when it’s dry so you can see the natural curl pattern.  That’s why Casey’s cutting my hair prior to us washing it.

During my entire appointment, we had this adorable guy watching us.  Can you believe he’s just a puppy?!  Probably the most well-behaved puppy I’ve ever encountered.

Once my bob was pretty well-shaped, it was then time for color.  I decided I wanted to dye my hair back to my natural brunette.  While I loved the red, it was too high maintenance for me.  Adelaide Salon carries Organic Color Systems which is a vegan line, so I was all set!

After the dye set it was then time to wash, set and dry the curls.

I often get a lot of questions from readers on how I style my hair, so stay tuned next week as Casey walks us through a curly hair styling tutorial!

PHOTOGRAPHY  BY // Joel Stigliano

Jill Milan Luxury Vegan Handbags

Jill Milan Art Deco Clutch $2,500

How sexy is this clutch?  Did I mention it’s vegan?  I wish I was famous and could attend red carpet events just so I could carry it for a few hours.  If my wish came true, I wouldn’t be the only starlet to grace the red carpet with this clutch.  Anne Hathaway (my vegan fashion girl crush BTW) and Kerry Washington have both had this bag on their arm working the carpet, and oh is it fabulous!

This particular bag is a Jill Milan Art Deco clutch, and one of many evening, day and business bags the vegan luxury designer makes. They are truly a luxury brand, with all their pieces crafted in Italy. All their pieces feature the highest quality PVC-free and cruelty-free faux leathers and patents, velvets and ultrasuedes.

One reason I’m crushing on Jill Milan’s pieces is not only are they gorgeous and luxurious, but their pieces aren’t accidentally vegan. They are a luxury brand 100% focused on working with vegan materials. In fact, the company supports several organizations furthering the protection of animal welfare. They’ve also been a sponsor of The Genesis Awards, which is an event hosted by The Humane Society of the United States which honors members of the media and entertainment industries for works promoting animal welfare. If that isn’t the most beautiful definition of glamour and philanthropy I don’t know what is.

If money was no object, I’d have all of these in my closet or on my arm. How amazing are these?

Jill Milan Soho Oversized Carryall $1400

Jill Milan Hollywood Hills Crossbody $650

Jill Milan Newbury Street Portfolio $800

So if anyone would like buy me a Jill Milan Art Deco clutch and fly me out to LA for the next Genesis Awards so I have a fancy schmancy event to wear it to, I’d totally be game.  Just sayin’.

Loving This Deux Lux Bag

So a few weeks ago I ordered this Deux Lux bag via a Gilt sale and OMG I am so glad I did.  I love it so much I just wanted to share.

That is all!

Compassion Couture Earth Month Sale

I’ve been having some tech issues getting photos of my camera, which means a delay in blog posts on my end.  Luckily I heard from Jill at Compassion Couture with news of their awesome sale I can share with you instead!

In honor of Earth Month, Compassion Couture is having a HUGE sale – 7 Days Only! From April 1st – April 7th.  Receive 20% off full priced items with code EarthMonth20 and 10% off already reduced items with code EarthMonth10. It’s perfect timing to spruce up your cruelty-free wardrobe!

They’ve also recently added a bunch of new vegan/eco brands such as CoraLlei, Krze Studio & Ella Vickers.

So do yourself a favor and stock up on some cute sandals for spring.  And get a pedicure.  Spring is here!

Vegan Versions / Alexander Wang Naomi Sandals

ALEXANDER WANG Noemi Sandal $570

I’m kind of obsessed with all of Alexander Wang’s pieces. They are so simple, minimal, chic and tough. It’s just a shame he uses so much real leather and that his line is so freaking expensive.  A girl can remain inspired though.

I fell in love with these Noemi sandals a while back. I love the mesh sides and that they’re kind of a cross between a cage heel and a boot. So sexy yet tough at the same time.

So I was beyond excited to find a pair that looks almost EXACTLY the same on JustFab, and they’re VEGAN!!!

JUSTFAB Dresden $69

See!  They’re almost exactly the same!  Mine just arrived and I can’t wait for it to get warm enough here in NYC for me to finally wear them.

forAnima

forAnima is live!

I’ve been hearing rumors about forAnima, the all vegan online marketplace for a while now.  forAnima is essentially an all vegan online shopping experience.  All the businesses are vegan focused, as well as the products.  A compassionate Etsy if you will.

I’m not going to lie.  When I first heard of the concept I was a bit skeptical.  In general I don’t find very many vegan focused fashion products aside from a few brands very appealing being they lean more towards a boho aesthetic.  So I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect from forAnima.  I’m actually pleasantly surprised!  There’s a ton of stuff on here I’d totally wear from brand’s I’ve never even heard of.

Here’s a few examples.

Royal Turq Diag Dress $95

All the tees, tanks and dresses by Royal Bitch Couture $30 and up

Love Capri Leggings, perfect for yoga or Crossfit $65

Orange, Green White and Woven Cuff by Amanda Bess $12

They also have categories for shoes and handbags, men’s, children, beauty and health, food items, pets and home decor.  It’s really an all-inclusive, vegan shopping experience.

What do you think of forAnima?

DISCLOSURE: This is NOT a sponsored post.