Melie Bianco

I was surfing through Piperlime, which lamentably doesn't yet let you sort by vegan goodies. Nonetheless, I was clicking on cute and affordable bags, in the hopes that some of them would turn out to not have animal products. Many of those I clicked happened to be by designer Melie Bianco, and I noticed time and time again they were synthetic. Curious, I mosied on over to the designer's website - lo and behold, they're purposely vegan.

I just received my new Matt & Nat purse last night (picked to house my new Kindle), and owe you reviews of it and my briefcase. So perhaps it is too soon to invest in one of Melie's creations - a delicious blend of ladylike and professional. In the meantime, I seek reviews from readers who might be fans.

I also implore those of you with a Kindle 2 to let me know what you're using as a case, and how it works. So far an outer pocket on my purse is my only solution - yet I am still having visions of dropping it while reading on the subway.

Endless.com Roundup

Here are a few more work-appropriate vegan shoes I found but cannot review. I was surprised to discover a pair of Easy Spirit slingbacks made without leather; they cost only $20, have a 2.5" chunky heel and come in four color choices. Another slingback choice is this Annie Women's Expression Pump with corset detailing - don't worry, the lacing is subtle. It has a 3" slim heel and cost $35. Yet another slingback is the more daring 3 14" slim heel on these Rampage Milan Pumps, at just under $28.

Girly yet surprisingly grown-up are these Madden Mary Jane Pumps; the double strap and 2" kitten heel give a twist to this classic style. These are just a few of the offerings, and the availability varies by size, so I suggest those interested use the sorting feature to see what is available in their own size.

Chinese Laundry Women's Paloma Pump

Also at Endless.com. The black shade might be office appropriate. Although the fabric material might not weather the outdoors, the retro style can add a little personality to your work wardrobe while still appearing professional. I do not own these, and as such cannot attest to their comfort or quality.

Rampage Women's Maria 3 Pump in Tan Patent Snake

Buy them at Endless.com or many other stores.

I have reviewed other colors of this classic pointy-toed pump, and it still remains a very good value for the money. Having finally bought the "tan patent snake" version, I can say that the color is more of a bronze-gold, but a more subdued metallic that would work in a less conservative office atmosphere. I'm always on the hunt for shoes that work with both warm and cool tones (aka black, brown, and grey slacks) and this fits the bill quite nicely.

As before, these are fairly well made and comfortable for office wear, but are not as finely balanced as expensive Te Casan shoes, and I probably would not attempt to commute home in them.

Te Casan by Natalie Portman Women's Poppy Pump

Buy them at Endless.com

I tried these on at Te Casan when the store was still open. I'm a 37.5 in this and nearly every other line of shoe, and this was way too small. If you opt to get this (in black if for work because the metallic purple is a night-out color) order half a size large. the 38.5 was definitely too large. If you're my size, you're out of luck - that size has been out of stock for ages.

April Black by Vegetarian Shoes

I bought these at Moo Shoes about a year and a half ago. They're about as basic as you can get, and are best worn with pants, unless you're going for a specific look under a skirt.

They're quite comfortable. The material is water-resistant and stain resistant.

Pia Ballet Flat - Te Casan by Natalie Portman

Although I don't own these shoes, I did try them on and spent some time in the store walking around in them. I found the strap across the toe rather uncomfortable, and was unable to get used to the feel of it. I was lead to the conclusion that this line really excels at its heels, which is where you really need to spend your money in any case. For my flats, I think I'll stick to those I find at Moo Shoes.

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