My Fair Vanity: faux leather

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Birds of a Feather

my fair vanity style blog fall colors leather skirt 4

my fair vanity style blog fall colors leather skirt 2

my fair vanity style blog fall colors leather skirt

my fair vanity style blog fall colors leather skirt 7

my fair vanity style blog fall colors leather skirt 5

When Victoria and I came upon this little scene the other day, we couldn't help but snap a few pictures on our way to dinner.

This outfit is almost exclusively from Secondi, from the blouse to the pleather skirt to the shoes. I sincerely believe that Secondi is the best consignment store in DC. It's certainly my favorite. I always find something special there, and I feel like they give me a fair price for the pieces I consign.

The bag is vegan and the earrings were a gift from my friend Jeannie, who brought them back for me from her cross-country road trip. I love them so much that I styled the whole outfit around them. They're handmade in the USA-- she met the woman who made them--and I was so touched that she bought me "fair" jewelry on her trip. Thanks, Jeannie!

Photography by Victoria Corkhill

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Black Leather Motorcycle Club {Tuesday Trend}

black leather, leather trend, my fair vanity, rachel mlinarchik

Yesterday I wore a used leather jacket and heels purchased from Secondi with coated black jeans of unknown origin. It was perfect for a chilly evening of dinner and Downton catch-up with my friend and photographer, Victoria. Below, I've put together some of my favorite leather items, dividing them into vegan and real leather options. Happy Shopping!

I'm loving the leather looks that are popping up everywhere, but my fair heart is, of course, torn. The problem I've encountered when it comes to leather is that you usually have to trade domestic production and fair labor standards when you choose to go faux. Canadian company Matt and Nat are a notable exception to that rule, as are American jeans companies making coated styles like the J Brand ones I've featured today, but I haven't found many other solid options.

So don't be surprised if, in this post and many others, you see a faux leather (vegan) item, but it's imported. While faux leather is often used because it's cheaper, not necessarily because it's kinder, I don't think that's a reason not to use it as a substitute if you've got to have the latest leather trend. Alternatively, I may feature an item that is real leather or incorporates leather, but that item will always be made in the USA or vintage/used. Whatever you choose for yourself, feel good knowing you've made your choice with thoughtful intention.