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"\n\tAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\t\n\n\n\nWhen my Street Chic post went on the site last week, in which I wore a silk dress, chunky cardigan, and vintage fur collar, a couple of commenters added their two cents about my look. \"Fur???\" said one. \"Are you ignorant, or just cruel?\"\"Both!\" chimed in another.I saw this exchange and was immediately hurt. Not because I was angry at those women for commenting or sharing their opinions \u2014 we love it when our readers do this. I was hurt because I am not ignorant, nor cruel, but these are criticisms I struggle with every day \u2014 from myself.I have been vegan for more than three years. My diet is something I feel passionate about for environmental, ethical, and personal reasons. I have always felt \"off\" about consuming animal products, and transitioned from vegetarian to vegan when I was in college. Soon after making the switch, I took a course about the ethics of eating animals, and the horrifying realities of factory farming and what our food system does to our bodies and to our environment. This cemented my decision and I've never looked back. Plus, when I remember to take all of my supplements (which I've finally gotten in the habit of doing), I feel wonderful. In short, being vegan works for me: my body, my health, and my principles.Last spring, I overhauled my beauty routine and quickly discovered that I had no reason to use any products that weren't cruelty free. (And nowadays, many of my \"products\" are so basic that I can find them in my pantry.) I applauded when the EU passed legislation in March banning all animal testing in beauty products and toiletries, and continue to feel utter frustration that similar laws, while beginning to touch the United States, are slow going this side of the Atlantic. For me, veganism started with my food choices, and I am embracing the transition into a cruelty-free lifestyle.Which is why I feel like a hypocrite whenever I get dressed in the morning.Full disclosure: I love leather. I like fur, too. I have no good reasons or justifications other than the fact that I think they look good. It sucks that I think this; I get it. Trust me. I am lucky to have evaded face-to-face criticism (aside from teasing jibes from my brothers), simply because I really have no way to defend myself other than an embarrassed shrug. To the people who called me out virtually last week: You have a right to, even if your choice of words stings, and is not an accurate reflection of my character. (At least the \"ignorance\" because while my decision to wear the things I do certainly isn't cruelty-free, I am perfectly aware that it is wrong.)I will offer something, not to be taken as a justification, but as a mark of progress on my part. The few real fur items I own (which, for the record, are two collars and two coats) are vintage. I may appreciate some of the beautiful coats I see on the runways, or our fashion editor's fabulous fur scarf, but I won't, on principle, buy new fur. It gives me some peace of mind knowing that, while still not complying with my no-animals diet and beauty routine, I tick the box of sustainability. (PSA: Thrifting is one of the easiest \u2014 and most fun \u2014 ways to do your part for the planet.)And yes, I know that there are a million and one options of cruelty-free, earth-friendly, faux fur and leather garments that I can buy and wear. As I write this, I am wearing an awesome pair of vegan leather pants from Free People, which could pass for real leather in a heartbeat. I also have a couple of faux fur coats in my repertoire that couldn't quite pass for real, but are fun nonetheless. It used to be that sustainable, animal-friendly fashion was either looped into the hippie, tie-dye peasant skirt camp, or just looked cheap. I am beyond thrilled that this is no longer the case: Designers like Stella McCartney, Matt &amp;amp; Nat, and Freedom of Animals have proven that it is possible to be green and ridiculously chic, and their list of peers grows larger every day.\n\tAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\t\n\nSo what's my excuse? I have none. In a perfect world, I would sell or donate the offending garments, and buy myself a brand spanking new, cruelty-free closet. But my budget won't allow this, and to be perfectly frank, neither will my mind. I don't claim to be perfect, and I'm proud that the vast majority of my choices promote a sustainable and ethical way of life, so for me, it's okay if my wardrobe doesn't necessarily comply. And I know I draw criticism, but just like I refuse to pass judgment on the way other people eat, I don't need people to pass judgment on what I wear. Because at the end of the day, I will be the first to tell you that I am wrong, a hypocrite \u2014 and yes, even cruel. But I'll do it while wearing my favorite pair of leather boots. Photo credit: Imaxtree.com/Matteo VoltaVia ELLE"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/news/a20422/vegan-wears-fur-leather/>