Cruelty Free Friday: Cri de Coeur Fall 2011

 Cruelty-free 'Moon Vanilla' boots by Cri de Coeur for Fall 2011

So I will be traveling for a week as of tomorrow – secret location to be revealed upon my return. I really wish that I had these 'Moon Vanilla' vegan boots by Cri de Coeur to take with me on the road. These boots were made for walking and bringing about much-needed change and compassion in the fashion industry.

Learn more about Cri de Coeur's latest offerings via their Facebook page. A selection of their designs are also offered at Cow Jones Industrials.

Over and out until October 1. Miss you already.

Cruelty Free Friday: Ghosts in Our Machine

THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE [trailer 02] from THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE on Vimeo.

If you not heard about writer, director, producer Liz Marshall's latest documentary film project, The Ghosts In Our Machine (TGIOM), you are missing out on a valuable layer of information about animals and their treatment and presence in the modern world.


"THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE is a cinematic film and an unfolding narrative online experience that attracts an audience leading up to the production of the film, and sustains and fosters community engagement throughout the lifecycle of the project. Together they seek to uncover the dark recesses of our anthropocentric society to illuminate the lives of individual animals used for human profit and consumption. TGIOM features award winning documentary photographer Jo-Anne McArthur as she photographs global stories of animals used within the machine of our modern world."


You can follow TGIOM's news and updates on Facebook as well as support the project here. Thank you, Cow Jones Industrials, for featuring this project on your own Facebook page.

Cruelty Free Friday: Cow Jones Industrials Boutique

Lavuk Squid top made of 100% percent organic cotton

I am excited to announce that every Friday Ecco*Eco will feature cruelty-free fashion and news stories as a way to explore the progress made in ethical fashion and our ongoing compassion for the animal kingdom. I am not a devout vegan, but quite a few of my dearest friends are, and as part of my research on 'fashioning self and the environment', I feel that it is critical to highlight this vital component of the ethical fashion dialogue.

First up in this regular feature is Cow Jones Industrials Boutique in Chatham, New York. Thoughtfully curated by owner and devoted animal rights activist, Donna Oakes, this smart vegan outpost is a must visit for anyone traveling through the beautiful Hudson Valley. I was lucky enough to visit Donna this past Monday, and I have highlighted some of my favorite finds and designers, available at the shop as well as online.

Mohop low thong sandal in ebony

Popomomo Gertude pant / ethically made in California

Popomomo Lebedev dress / ethically made in California

A Perfume Organic fragrances sitting pretty at Cow Jones

Feral Childe Abalone Dress in Lapis and Sage

PET:cell cellulose bangle

GG2G Gyoza clutch in black made from salvaged restaurant seating 

Vaute Couture 'Widen The Circle' tee modeled by Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart

My favorite purchase during my visit was Vaute Couture's 'Widen the Circle' tee, already a huge hit at this week's yoga class. You can follow stories and promotions posted by Cow Jones Industrials on their Facebook page. Do not miss their current fundraising collaboration with Liz Marshall for her upcoming documentary, The Ghosts In Our Machine.

Intergalatic Vegan Style by olsen Haus

olsen Haus 'Galaxy' vegan heel

I will soon be making the transition from my winter lair here in Eastern Europe to the bustle of NYC and friends who I miss dearly as well as some great upcoming art/fashion events for Spring 2011. The prospect of picking up a pair of these olsen Haus 'Galaxy' vegan heels on hold at Cow Jones Industrials boutique in Chatham, NY, is really keeping me going during this last stretch of slushy winter.

Check out the entire olsen Haus Spring 2011 lookbook here. The 'Galaxy' heel will soon be available at Cow Jones Industrials. The offerings for ethical fashion are increasingly seductive and out of this world.

I am pumped about progress like this.

Weekend Visit with Cow Jones Industrials

Vegan and fair trade offerings at Cow Jones Industrials in Chatham

OlsenHaus shoes, Sarah Donegan hessian tote, and Offhand Designs

I had a lovely visit yesterday with Donna Oakes at her vegan boutique, Cow Jones Industrials in Chatham, NY. It was a magical day to visit this beautifully-curated space as the autumn leaves were kicking up on the country backroads and the fall foliage was beginning to reach its colorful and vibrant peak.

Donna Oakes at Cow Jones Industrials

You might recall my interview with Donna Oakes in August's Mindful Retailing Beyond Urban Zones: Part 1 for Goodlifer. As we all know, the Internet is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals, but honestly, there is no substitute for spending time with someone as knowledgeable and community-oriented as Donna. 

I also was lucky enough to be able to try on some stunning new designs by NaturevsFuture, Popomomo, Cri de Coeur, OlsenHaus, Vaute Couture, GG2G, Matt & Nate, The Andean Collection, Wired jewelry, to name a few.

Vaute Couture critter-friendly tank tees

The Andean Collection's tagua bracelets with Wired jewelry

Popomomo Quartz cape made from hemp and recycled poly-denim

My coveted find from yesterday's visit? This super chic and versatile 'Quartz Cape' from Popomomo - perfect for upcoming travel to Europe. Donna was sporting it in the shop as well, and it is the perfect year round layering piece for both rural and urban jaunts.

Cow Jones Industrials will be participating as a fashion sponsor in this weekend's Vegan Fashion Show at the Vegetarian Expo in Albany, NY. Word is that October 2 has become official Vegan Fashion Day on both US coasts, with events being held in both NY State and San Francisco.

Do not miss visiting Cow Jones the next time you follow the Hudson River north. It is well worth the visit and a great way to add to your fashion-with-a-conscience wardrobe in the most relaxing of settings.

(above photos, with the exception of Popomomo, by Abigail Doan)