veganfashion

So our first store is finally ready! Well, almost ready! As I type this, we’re putting the final touches on…  of course! We’re so excited to have you celebrate with us this SUNDAY March 4th, noon-8pm at the store!

::WHERE:: 234 Grand Street & Driggs, in Williamsburg Brooklyn (not Manhattan!)

::TO GET HERE: Take the L to Bedford, exit Driggs & N 7th, and walk 7 blocks south on Driggs, left on Grand. OR take the JMZ to Marcy and walk north on Havemeyer until Grand, turn Left on Grand two blocks.

::HOURS:: We’ll be open 12-8 on opening day (Sunday March 3rd!) Then every day after that we’re open 1-8pm, closed Mondays. Of course we’re always open at VauteCouture.com *wink*

THE GRAND OPENING!////

OUR FIRST STORE! has been designed with lots of love & was so oh much fun to create! It’s made of nearly all salvaged materials that were just meant to get a second life with us, like a Starry Lightbox for the fitting room, ex-Abercrombie mannequins (so tan! washboard abs!), a 100% vegan photobooth made of antique doors, a cashwrap designed from Lady Gaga’s ex-Barney’s mantle, and we finished the space with art pieces made just for the store from local artists like animal heads by Becka & Marta! Building this store has been the most fun thing I’ve done in a LONG TIME! and I couldn’t have done it without of course James Sylvester, whose amazing ear & eye for everything resulted in the perfect name for the store and design decisions on nearly everything! My puny little arms couldn’t do all the construction myself either, so that thanks goes to Daniel Lopez, Annie Raso, and Christine Persad, and more, for helping hammer, lift, paint, install, and more. And our brand new just started staff, which I can’t wait for you to meet, includes Laura, Dennell, Scarlet, and Patricia!

AT THE OPENING///

We’re a self-funded bootstrapped labor of love! So that means we need to raise money to cover this super expensive endeavor of opening our first store, and lucky for you that means a big ol’ sample sale! We’re selling several of our favorite style coats at 40-70% off (with extra % off if you buy 2 or 3 for yourself or with friends!), and have special outerwear pieces available at 10-25% off that have been soldout online forever. ONE DAY ONLY. Invest in your winter coat now so that next season you’ll be prepared for the chill!

ALSO IN STORE is the full tee collection, while our stock lasts! PLUS new jewelry, knits (hats, scarves, earmuffs!) available too! Special edition handpainted tees, one of kind handpainted dresses, and the spring preview will also be on display for preorder. Plus we designed a special ltd edition necklace for the opening only, to raise $$ for our store & thank our awesome early supporters!

EVERY GUEST gets FREE HUGS, FREE Matcha & Almondine mini CUPCAKES (by Verite Catering), and a gift card for themselves and a friend, to use on a future visit, just for celebrating the opening with us!

Come meet our first official staff, see the new store we put our HEART in, and eat a cupcake, THIS SUNDAY!

warmest,

Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, Founder, CEO, & Creative Director

Sooooo we are building our first real team and we’re so excited to open it up to include not 1, not 2, but 4 interns, to join our 3 new staff members, to create our first official team at the new VC Headquarters in Brooklyn! You’ll be a part of all aspects of the operations of a small independent fashion label, which for us includes development & operations of creating and selling our new collections, partnerships with nonprofits, community events, and more! We’re passionate about animals, fashion, and people, and we were born to be a voice for the animals in the fashion industry- developing alternatives to cruel materials that are high in design and high in style. This month we’re so excited to open our FIRST store & for you to be apart of it!

So yes, we have four internships this season! Marketing, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, and Product Development. The first three are open, so please send your resume, portfolio (if you have one- as a pdf or a website link), and an email telling me about yourself & why you’re excited to intern for Vaute Couture.

//THREE OPEN INTERNSHIPS//

Every intern will learn and work in many aspects of our fashion label’s operations, plus there are three focuses (see below). For all internships, a Vaute Couture intern has hustle, a warm and easygoing personality, attention to detail, and enjoys a challenge. They are someone who has taken charge in projects that they care about, is creative and artistic, and loves people, animals, and art. They do not need to have a background in fashion, though a love for fashion is definitely a must.

:::THE THREE VC INTERNSHIP FOCUSES:::

Marketing: Assist & gain experience in Social Media, Events, and Public Relations. Looking for someone with exceptional communication skills especially writing with a sweet and witty personality, and a great listener.

Fashion Design: Assist & gain experience in the fashion design process including the sketch to conception to production process. Looking for someone who has a great eye & preferably trained in Illustrator or CAD.

Graphic Design: Assist & gain experience in the graphic design elements of a fashion label for online, print, and in store use. Looking for someone who has a great eye & preferably trained in Photoshop and Illustrator, with web design experience or interest.

INTERNSHIP details:::

We’re a self-funded bootstrapped labor of love, which means you will learn a TON & get lots of hands on experience while observing many aspects of a fashion label’s operations and processes, but this is, yes, an unpaid internship (sorreeee!) You can get college credit, so please let us know if you’d like that. The internship is for 1-2 days a week (6-8 hours a day) in our Headquarters in Williamsburg, Brooklyn starting end of February for 3-4 months. We are located at 234 Grand Street, Brooklyn, off the Bedford and Lorimer L Stops and JMZ Marcy stop.

TO APPLY Please send your resume (as a .doc or .pdf file), portfolio (if you have one- as a pdf or a website link), and an email telling me about yourself & why you’re excited to intern for Vaute Couture, to Sales@VauteCouture.com with the subject heading “YOUR NAME: I wanna be the VC ________ intern!” and include which internship you’re applying for (Marketing, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or Open).  It’s a bit crazy opening the store so please understand we can’t reply to all applicants. If we’re interested in interviewing you, you’ll hear from us soon and we’ll set up an interview for the last two weeks of February.

Thanks SO much for your interest in joining  our team! Looking forward to hearing from you, and please keep doing your thing and spreading the love for animals!

warmest,

The “We are BUILDING OUR FIRST STORE! SALE”Mostly 40-55% off! SHOP HERE.

is happening NOW, for 5 days only. We are a self-funded independent label built off 80 hour workweeks & life savings, plus YOUR orders. You make this all possible and thanks to your support through all the trials and tribulations of a bootstrapped startup, we are now taking it to the next level with our FIRST STORE and our FIRST REAL TEAM! Vegan fashion will soon dominate the world, and we’re taking all of you with us! mwahahahaha. Back to the sale- some styles will never be made again, and these colors will likely not be made again (except black), so if you have a favorite, grab yours if you’ll later regret it, because you know what they say about regrets… um, they’re bad?

OH!

And this is a grab your BFF, Sister, Man, Mom to get a better deal. If together (or by yourself, we won’t tell!) you buy 2 coats, you get an additional 15% off, just use code: “BUILDTHATSTORE” or “WEWANNAVISIT” (and we hope you do!)

——————————DRESS COATS ON SALE——————————

Our Signature Winter Dress coat took 8 months of fabric development and are the only winter dress coat on the market that are warmer than wool (warm enough for below freezing weather with lots of Canadian fans!) but 100% vegan, cruelty free, and they are also made of recycled & recyclable fibers & constructed in NYC. <3

,

the VAUTE in RED: XS,S,L,XL

the Red PEA (FW10) XS,S,M

the Soft Black PEA: XS (2 left), Medium (1 left)- available in DIBS

the ALICIA in Emerald Velvet: Runs ONE SIZE BIG. S-XL

the ALICIA in Black Velvet: RUNS ONE SIZE BIG: S-XL

the ALICIA in Bittersweet Velvet: RUNS ONE SIZE BIG: S-XL

the ORU (available in soft black-- a pretty dark gray with olive undertone): XS-L

You can see them all here at their sale prices, through TUESDAY only. thanks you guys! xoxo

The “We are BUILDING OUR FIRST STORE! SALE”

is happening NOW, for 5 days only. We are a self-funded independent label built off years of bootstrapped 80 hour workweeks & life savings, plus YOUR orders (thank youuu!!) You make this all possible and thanks to your support through all the adventures in bootstrapping, we are now taking it to the next level with our FIRST STORE and our FIRST REAL TEAM! Vegan fashion will soon dominate the world, and we’re taking all of you with us! mwahahahaha. Back to the sale- some styles will never be made again, and these colors will likely not be made again (except black), so if you have a favorite, grab yours if you’ll later regret it, because you know what they say about regrets… um, they’re bad?

OH!

And this is a grab your BFF, Sister, Man, Mom to get a better deal. If together (or by yourself, we won’t tell!) you buy 2 coats, you get an additional 15% off, just use code: “BUILDTHATSTORE” or “WEWANNAVISIT” xo

————————– URBAN SNOW COATS ON SALE ————————–

Our urban snow coats are the first and only all eco & vegan insulated winter coat line! They are developed of all recycled materials- insulated with PRIMALOFT ECO & encased in 100% recycled closed loop zero waste ripstop that is windproof and snow resistant, and all coats are made locally in the NYC Fashion District. <3

the Pink AIRS in XS & S (1M and 1XL available via DIBS)

the black KINDER: in Small and Medium (1 XS available via DIBS)

the Pink KINDER: XS,S,M (1 Large available via DIBS)

the LARSON: Small and Medium

the Lincoln: BLACK XS-L Available (Gridlock & Cobalt via DIBS)

the WILLIAMS in Waterproof Khaki Canvas XS-L (1 XL avail. via DIBS)

the CHELSEA: in Pink + Khaki Canvas (Cobalt + Black via DIBS)

what’s DIBS? If we only have a couple pieces left in a style/color/size we have a DIBS process in place so that the same coat isn’t sold twice on accident, since we have to manually update the store and we are s-l-o-w.

Thank you SO much for the support!! You make this happen THANK YOU!!!

warmest,

Building a FIRST Store is fun^ sorta expensive power!

So we’re having a sale = you can be warm, we can open our store! <3

So we have been super busy building our very first FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE slash Headquarters at 234 Grand Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We are designing everything with one of a kind salvaged gems like a handmade starry lightbox that James spotted (that I thought was a splattered box of blah & now can’t stop staring at!), and a red mantle designed from Lady Gaga’s Barney’s exhibit which will become our cash wrap… plus some forever old doors, painted over several times, each layer having seen a different life (if these doors could talk…)   Plus we will be debuting our first SPRING collection (dresses! jumpers!) so please save the date (Sunday March 4th, after the NY Vegetarian Festival) if you’re in NYC and environs!

INVITES TO COME<3

Okay, the important part… the COAT SALE! It goes on for 5 days only, Friday through Tuesday. Your coat will ship about 1-2 weeks after your order with lots of love & thanks as you are making our first shop possible.

1. FIRST DIBS Coats: these coats are the last pieces of these styles & must be purchased DIBS style!

2. DRESS COATS on sale!: These are our signature winter dress coats, warmer than wool, and 100% vegan, made of recyclable and recycled fibers, and constructed locally in the NYC fashion district.

3. SNOW COATS on sale!: These are our urban snow coats, developed of all recycled materials with high tech Primaloft ECO insulation, encased in 100% windproof snow resistant shell and liner, and made in NYC too.

4. COMING NEXT WEEK: EARMUFFS on sale!: These are our super sweet faux fur earmuffs with velvet headband, insulated with Primaloft ECO to keep your ears toasty warm. This sale starts next week!

Email sales@vautecouture.com with any questions and thoughts and jokes of the day and we will get back to you as soon as possible! Hugs and love and thanks for your support of our self-funded little label.

you guys are the BEST! We can’t do this without you!!

xoxo

It’s a story of coat meets world. Shot in the factory we made her and on the streets we walked every day searching for the best buttons, hustling to check on her sewing, her cutting, her becoming.

Photographed by Joshua Katcher: ethical style icon, speaker, author of the Discerning Brute, founder of BRAVE GENTLE MAN, and director of PINNACLE. Model Irena Kukhta, Art director Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart

ABOVE IS THE AUDREY in Bittersweet Velvet (Photos 1&4), and Black Velvet (Photos 2,3,5) This calf length maxi coat will keep you warm and stunning at once, with a high versatile collar, asymmetrical zipper, and our brand new custom made 100% recycled fiber velvet, this coat is windproof & snow resistant, and heat retaining while staying sweet & slim. Perfect for dressing up nearly everything you own, just add boots. Named for Ms. Hepburn, the inventor of Lovely… “I believe in pink. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls…”

There are just a few coats left of this style available for purchase in our DIBS process. Read here for details!

And the Alicia. Our perfect Peacoat, inspired by Alicia Silverstone of course–  who has just the way about her to educate & raise awareness for all beings (and what a natural beauty!)  With vintage inspired collar, wide waistband, and back vent, this piece will elevate your jeans & boots & everything else. In our snow resistant 100% recycled fiber velvet, with windproof liner, you’ll warm hearts, to match your own.

We currently have the Alicia available in Small through Extra Large in all three velvets. This style runs one size large/roomy, so please order accordingly- you can find your Alicia here.

xo

This season we soldout of most styles before preorders were even through…  I was so blown away by your support but so so sad we didn’t make more! BUT HEY sunshine, check this out! We have kept a few pieces of each style under our wing just in case, and now they are being released back into the wild…if you’ve been waiting for one of these styles, now’s your chance! <3

RULES::::::::::::::

FIRST DIBS: These are first dibs. The first person who contacts us for that particular piece, then gets the go to pay, and pays within the hour of being given the go, will get that coat.

HOW TO CALL DIBS: To order, contact sales@vautecouture.com with “DIBS Style Name/Size/Color” (example: “DIBS Vaute/Bittersweet/XSmall”) and as soon as you are contacted with “It’s yours” you have 1 hour to send the payment via Paypal (free shipping) to Leanne@VauteCouture.com.

Patience, my dear! <3 VC is still a super teeny operation, if you don’t hear back please stay tuned… you may still be first. If you aren’t first, we’ll let you know as soon as we can, promise!

PRICE: the Price is the same as normal retail price (unless otherwise noted), but there is free shipping for all dibs. We’re also having a BIG SALE this week, 5 days only! Check out the coat shop for all styles.

Once this coat is soldout, it will be removed from the DIBS list below. Happy dibbing! Thanks so much for the support! It keeps us going. You guys are the best. xoxo Leanne

:::::::::::::::::PREVIOUSLY SOLDOUT COATS now available for DIBS ::::::::::::::::::::::

(COLOR NOTES: the Black Velvet has a midnight undertone. The soft black has an olive charcoal tone.)

WOMENS COATS//

• the Vaute (FW11): Bittersweet Velvet in Extra Small (1), and Small (1), Emerald Velvet in Medium(1). Fit notes: FITS a half size SMALL, especially in the bust.
• the Zippered Audrey (FW11): Black Velvet in Small (2), Large (1), XLarge (1), Bittersweet Velvet in Small (2), XLarge (1). Fit notes: Fits a full size LARGE, especially in the waist. Plus one soft black Small Audrey from Collection Two (with buttons)- runs true to size.
• the Chelsea: Cobalt in Extra Small (1), Small (1), Gridlock in Medium (1), and Black in Medium (1)- no belt
• the Lincoln (on sale $475): the Xsmall Cobalt (1), and Gridlock Small (1). In black XS-L here.
• the Belden: one Velvet Emerald Size Large (color not pictured)
• the ALICIA: in Black Luxe (sale for $335): Large and Medium(1). This style runs one size BIG (i.e. Large fits like XL) Note, the color pictures is the velvet, but DIBS is for the luxe.

MENS COATS//

• Men’s Pea in Soft Black: Small (2), Medium (1), Large (1) Fit notes: Runs true to size.
• Joaquin: in True Black Xsmall (3), Small (4), Xlarge (1). Fit notes: the Joaquin runs 1/2 size small. Also in Navy ($350 on sale): XSmall(2), Small(1), Medium(1)
• Whitman in Soft Black (on sale $400): XSmall (1), Small (5). Runs true to size.
• the Williams (on sale $450): in Gridlock Xsmall (1), Small (1), XLarge (1), in Black XSmall (1), XLarge (1) Runs True to Size. Khaki Canvas version is on sale here.

Coats will be shipped about one week from purchase. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your support!

warmest,

WHEN: Officially TOMORROW through Monday! THIS Friday (1-7), Saturday (12-3), Sunday (2-7), Monday (1-5). Hours MAY update, so please check back here for the latest schedule before you stop by!

WHAT: Our Annual Holiday Pop Up Shop! Come try on coats, tees, knits, jewelry all for take home on the spot (we take all major CC’s too)! We’ll have some soldout styles you can’t get online, and everything has special prices. No pressure to buy, k? Free hugs. Or just come to say hi and see the new Headquarters pre-renovation. We’re taking appointments in person and via email (Email Sales@VauteCouture.com for requested day and a few hours that would work for you with “NYC Pop Up Appt” as the subject line), but walk-ins are welcome too, though there may be a wait, so come hungry to grab a bite nearby.

WHERE:  234 Grand St (@Havemeyer) in Williamsburg Brooklyn. At our new boutique before it’s really ours! Come see the space PRE-RENOVATION. (See the Before now- then get ready to see the VC renovation for the Opening Party in January!) Only a block from Caracas (vegan arepas!), M Shanghai (best dumpling soup!), and Food Swings (hello!!), and a subway stop or two away from Champs (vegan diner), and the new Dunwell Doughnuts Shop, so make it an afternoon in Williamsburg and come support local Brooklyn and vegan businesses. WE LOVE YOU!

HOW TO GET THERE: Off the Bedford L, Lorimer L, and JMZ Marcy Subway Stops (only 1 stop into Brooklyn)

Can’t wait to see you, give you a holiday hug, and show you the space!!!

warmest,

If you haven’t heard, we are opening our very first flagship boutique! It will also house our headquarters, is one block from three of my favorite Williamsburg food hangouts- Food Swings, Caracas, and M Shanghai, and means something even bigger… drumroll please…

2. …We are HIRING! (!!) For the very first time I am officially expanding the team beyond interns & consultants to include a Store Steward and Brand Proxy’s.  Plus we are opening up our internship program to include 4 areas: Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Marketing, and Product Development. The Headquarters are slated to officially open late January in my own hood- Williamsburg Brooklyn (near the Bedford & Lorimer L & Marcy JMZ subway stops), and we are interviewing over the next few weeks. Please read on for details and let us know ASAP if you’d like to be considered!

:: THE TEAM::

1. /VC brand proxy/

Looking for an incredibly warm person, who thrives on multi-tasking & problem-solving, radiates creative energy, and is okay with some boring/dirty work too. The type who seeks out the newcomer to make them feel welcome, jumps to help when something goes astray, and can calmly handle a gazillion things at once. Has unique artistic talents and handiwork such as screenprinting, poetry writing, or paper cutting.  Duties include (for both in the flagship boutique and afar via online & phone)- welcoming & getting to know our friends & soon to be friends, style advising, processing orders, some creative projects, customer service in every facet of the experience, plus other various operational & marketing duties including shipping of e-commerce orders, constructing displays, facilitating interactive brand experiences in store and online, events, and collaborations with non-profits.

* Exceptional people skills. Sparkling personality, great listener, patient, & warm.

* Must love animals & fashion. Possesses hands-on creative & artistic talent.

* Organized, detail oriented, and diligent. Positive & easygoing.

* Talented communicator- must be skilled at projecting personality & kindness through email & phone.

* Humble self-starter who enjoys collaborating and working in teams.

* Retail experience a near must.

* Excellent problem solver with sense of urgency. Is at once a great planner & improviser.

* Fantastic at multi-tasking. Enjoys a challenge & not easily overwhelmed.

* Comfortable working alone- you will often be handling the boutique all by yourself.

This position is for 1-2 days a week which includes weekdays and may include weekends, 8-10 hour days.

2. //VC Store Steward//

Looking for one standout individual with strong host personality, exceptional retail knowledge, & organizational skills to, in addition to all Brand Proxy duties, manage inventory, accounting, & schedule. Looking for someone who is:

* Everything a Brand Proxy is +

* Incredibly comfortable handling the boutique alone, including during very busy hours.

* Very experienced in retail sales & customer service

* Enjoys organizing data and inventory

* Experienced with bookkeeping and accounting

* This position consists of a mostly weekend schedule: Friday-Sunday, 2-3 days a week, 8-10 hours a day.

3. *VC INTERNS* (just a heads up!)

Please note, we are NOT currently taking applications for interns YET, but will be very very soon. Interns would join the team in January as well. Please stay tuned for details of the application & interview process.

:: APPLYING FOR A VC TEAM POSITION::

1. Please send your resume with an email as to why you’d like to be a part of our very first official team and flagship boutique to: Sales@VauteCouture.com with “VC Brand Proxy- YOUR NAME” or “VC Store Steward- YOUR NAME” as the subject line. Please note- those applying for Store Steward position will also be considered for the Brand Proxy position UNLESS you specify “Only interested in Store Steward position.” Please include your schedule availability (various days and morning/ afternoon/ evening) for a possible interview between 12/15-12/20 & 12/27-12/30 as well as any links or PDF attachments of your art or creative talents. Please only apply if you will be available for at least a 3-4 month trial period, January through April, and are looking for a long term position with a company you believe in. I will be personally reading all applications. Those moving on to interviews will receive an email. If you don’t hear back, feel free to check in 3-4 months again if you would like to re-apply at that time. Thanks so so much for your time & can’t wait to hear from you!

warmest,

You know what they say- you can take the girl out of Chicago, but you can’t take the Chicahhgo out of the girl! So I’m heading home for a teensy visit during preorder shipping season, hope to see you!!

First- I’ll be at Chicago Vegan Mania November 5th, no appointment necessary if you’d like to stop by to say hey! Feel free to try on the new new fresh out the oven coats at a special 25% off and 40% off 2nd Collection coats, plus tees, sweatshirts, tanks, and earmuffs. I’ve missed you guys!! Please keep in mind though that it’s going to be crazy (hello- aptly named mania?) because this fest is the BEST. If you’d like more than a minute with me or the coats, please make an appointment for our Pop Up Shop SUNDAY (see below!)

THE DETAILS- HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE CHICAGO POP UP SHOP!

WHERE: Love & Pieces 1616 N. Damen Ave Chicago,IL. 60647

WHEN: Sunday November 6th 1pm-5pm, by appointment only

HOW: MAKING A POP UP SHOP APPOINTMENT

1. Email us at Sales@VauteCouture.com with “CHICAGO Pop Up Appt” in the subject heading, and tell us WHAT HOURS you’d be up for coming in, we’ll let you know what slot is yours! I’m currently crazy shipping so I’m pretty s-l-o-w via email so please don’t think I hate you if it takes me a few days to coordinate your slot and email you back.

2. Bring up to four friends during your 20 minute slot, or make it a one- on- one.

3. No pressure to buy! Just come and find out what style or size or color works best for you, plus per usual, FREE HUGS and CUPCAKES!

4. We just finished making most of the coats! So I will have a bunch freshly finished for you to purchase at a special 25% off (online they’re only 10% off) in person to take home, or you can nab a piece from the 2nd collection at 40% off in person as well. Check out the new look book here before you come!

5. I’ll also have some of our brand new run of sweatshirts, tanks, tees, and EARMUFFS with me! as well as handmade necklaces.

6. We take all major credit cards on the spot. Hugs too!

Can’t wait to see you, Sweet Home Chicago!!

xoxo

Hope to DC you soon! YAY we’ll be at DC Veg Fest this SATURDAY! Details here. PLEASE STOP BY!

I’m a teensy bit overwhelmed with my tour schedule right now, so we will be rescheduling the official DC Pop Up for another visit- perhaps for holiday or post-holiday.

If you want to come say hi, purchase one of the last coats from last season or preorder a new coat for this season (or grab a free hug!), please visit our booth at DC Veg Fest on SATURDAY! We’ll have pieces from last season plus samples for preorder at 45% off. Can’t wait to see you (and get my Sticky Fingers fix in this weekend!!)

ALSO- if you’re in DC, please be sure to check out the brand new CARBON DC ethical fashion boutique, and tell Katherine I said hi!

warmest,

So I’m currently chillin in San Francisco (yes, literally- it’s like sweater weather and I feel like apple cider and hay rides and cocoa and everyone else is saying words like “summer” and this Chicago turned NYC girl is just so so so confused!)

Portland is next and then I’ll be back in NYC next week, which means- MY NYC POP UP SHOP IS COMING!!!

Many of you have already requested appointments, can’t wait to see you!

But here’s the official announcement- I’m open for appointments! There I said it. So please, take a look at the schedule, follow the directions below, and can’t wait to see you.

xo

———————————————-

Come hang out with me (or just stop by to say hi!) Come see the brand new Autumn Winter 2011 Coat and Knits Collection to preorder on special discount (the best!), or purchase and take home one of the last pieces from FW10 Collection on special discount, or just come by to say hi, try things on for fun or future reference, and learn all about the collection and the process. I spent a lot of time designing these coats to have fun details that I’d love to show you in person! Oh and get some FREE HUGS (and maybe cupcakes tooooo!) Btw, MooShoes has amazing vegan shoes and bags that I’m sure you’ll love too!

THE DETAILS- HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE NYC POP UP SHOP!

WHERE: MooShoes 78 Orchard Street NYC 10002

WHEN: Sunday September 11th: 2-7pm, Monday September 12th: noon-5pm, Tuesday September 13th 11am-5pm, (Please note- Tuesday is cancelled because I need to take care of some production stuff that day!) Wednesday September 14th 2-7pm

HOW: MAKING A POP UP SHOP APPOINTMENT

1. Email us at Sales@VauteCouture.com with “NYC Pop Up Appt” in the subject heading, and tell us which date AND WHAT HOURS you’d like to make an appointment for, we’ll let you know what slot is yours! I’m currently on tour so I’m pretty s-l-o-w via email so please don’t think I hate you if it takes me a few days to coordinate your slot and email you back (I only hate you a teensy bit, but I’ll get over it! *wink!*)

2. Bring up to four friends during your 20 minute slot, or make it a one- on- one.

3. No pressure to buy! Just come and find out what style or size or color works best for you, plus per usual, FREE HUGS and CUPCAKES!

4. THE NEW COLLECTION has HOODS! A brand new velvet! (made of 100% recycled fibers!) Adorably oversized super warm soy knit hats! and we’ll also be bringing our organic cotton minidresses, printed with velvet rabbits, and hand dyed in Cali with flowers. Check out the look book here before you come!

5. Yes we’ll have men’s, women’s dress coats, and the urban snow coats too- in a range of sizes of the previous collections, and in sample sizes for the new collection preorder preview!

6. YES you get the 50% off special on tour before Sept 15th Preorder Price for all preordered coats, ordered THAT DAY.  Must be ordered that day IN PERSON, k? K.

ALSO! FASHION’S NIGHT OUT IS SEPTEMBER 8th! I’ll be at MooShoes with a little bit of the collection to check out for Fashion’s Night Out with my very best friends Joshua Katcher (with the Brave Gentleman Collection) and Gina & Julie (From Cri de Coeur)! All details here- September 8th 6-10pm at MooShoes also.

Can’t wait to see you!!!

xoxo

You guys are SMART. Thinking of way more questions than I’d ever think of!

I’m going on about as little sleep/brainpower/as Leanne-ly possible right now, so please excuse my zombie like writing style and sleepy sleepy eyes (oh wait, you can’t see them? technology IS good for something.)

FAQs:

1. What is the difference between Luxe & Velvet?

Luxe is our classic alternative to wool that is windproof, snow resistant, and heat retaining when combined with our 100% recycled closed loop zero waste satin ripstop. It is 100% Recyclable, made in the USA, super soft, pill resistant, and takes 3 months to make. We make custom runs each year and so we make new colors each year that you’ll only find for one season, unless we have a little left over from last season for a teensy run. It is made by Polartec so it has the weatherproofness of a Patagonia or North Face coat, but A. it is NOT fleece, it has a very luxe (hence the name) textured face that a lot of people liken to a cashmere or something fancy like that (I don’t know, I don’t wear cashmere! All I can hear when I hear the word cashmere is George Costanza!) It’s so soft people tell me they KNOW when someone is wearing a VC coat because when they touch it-it’s unmistakable. B. When lined with our satin ripstop (which is windproof), it makes this coat pretty invincible… we also structure our coats in a special process so that they have the structure of a pretty wool dress coat (with the warmth of high tech fabrics, and the ethics of vegan & eco materials & production.)

Velvet: I am SO excited about our new velvet! It’s all the things Luxe is PLUS it is A. 100% Recycled Fibers, and B. VELVET! You can see how it looks here on the Look Book cover. That’s it, that’s the only difference. All the other things from the Luxe- warmth/protection/etc.- are all there.

2. I’m having trouble ordering online. What can I do?

Sorry about that, I told you I hate technology. (well, hate is SUCH a strong word!) If you’re international, it’s likely because of my store’s extra security measures so just email me with “International Order Request” in the subject heading, the style/size/color you’d like to order with shipping address & phone in the body (a sweet note doesn’t help either!) And I’ll tell you the total you can send to me via Paypal.com directly. Same goes for anyone with issues checking out via the Paypal button on the site, just make the subject “I hate technology too- Order Request” and I’ll give you the discount going on at the time of that email.

3. What if I live around NYC and want to pick up my preordered coat?

Great idea. Here’s a code for checkout: “NYCCoatPickup” It’ll have you bypass shipping online and then I’ll send out a note with the days you can pick it up in mid-late October (dress coats), late Oct-early Nov (urban snow coats.)

4. What are the other charges besides the price of the coat itself?

I live in NYC now, that means all NY residents have to pay tax, I’m sorry, there’s no way around that SADLY! Shipping is expensive because A. the coats are heavy B. large C. insured. So to get it to you safely it costs about $20-25 including packaging (recycled eco conscious packaging that is!) & handling, since I no longer can ship all the coats myself. Again if you live around NYC you can skip the shipping (see above). If you live in another country, please note you might have to pay duties and import taxes and that’s not anything I have control over- so please check out your country’s policies first to make sure you’re comfortable with that.

5. When will I be charged for my preordered coat?

We give a discount for preordering your coat (while it’s still warm out! a couple months in advance!) because you help us fund production OF your coat. This means that you will be charged now for your preorder, so we can pay for the fabric of your coat and the workers who cut and sew your coat in NYC’s fashion district. If we didn’t need to charge your card now, there wouldn’t be a preorder special at all. We are self-funded and community funded, so you make it possible for us to be here. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

6. When is the NYC Pop Up Shop? Chicago? DC? And the Toronto & Montreal Shops?

The NYC Pop Up Shop will be at MooShoes September 11th-14th,  we’ll be in town for Chicago Vegan Mania November 5th with a Pop Up Shop on the 6th, DC is to be decided but likely DC Veg Fest with a shop (late Sept), and Toronto and Montreal October 23-26th. We MAY be at Paris Vegan Day, we are still deciding!

7. Why aren’t your coats cheaper? I wrote this a while ago, but here it is just in case you missed it!

8. What is the difference between the Audrey & the Hepburn?

The Audrey for this season is exactly the same as last season except with a Zipper instead of buttons, because the coat was too darn heavy and long to hold all of those buttons properly! It made me nervous and I hate hate hate disappointing people with loose buttons. The Hepburn is a happy accident, as the first sample of the new Audrey was made shorter and it turned out super pretty. So that’s the Hepburn, identical to the Audrey except in knee length.

9. Do you do custom orders?

I nearly kill myself every season with the production run so sadly at this time I just don’t have the time to do custom orders (though I would indeed LOVE to if I could!), and they would end up being a gazillion dollars to make since we’d have to do the whole pattern/fitting/sample just for you.  You can however order the coat closest to what you want then take it to a tailor to get the sleeves/skirt shortened, or something else changed to be what you want. Custom sizing alterations can be made at your tailor as well, but of course there are limits to this. As we grow, we will hopefully be able to offer a petite/tall/plus range, which we just don’t have the means to handle just yet. I am trying my best-please stay with us until we do!

10. What is sizing like?

Here’s the size chart, same as last year. We tried to size the collection as closely to what you’d expect (if you’re normally a small, you’d be a small, etc) and some times it goes one way or the other. If you plan to wear lots of layers or are at the top of the measurement chart, definitely size up.

11. What is the return exchange policy on Preordered coats?

The same as on a coat you’d order while it’s in stock. Since we have limited runs and styles and sizes sell out quickly, it’s helpful if you can let us know within a week of receiving it that you’d like to exchange or return for a refund. That being said, I’ve never turned away the return/exchange of an unworn coat so just let me know, especially if it was a gift for someone- because there are always exceptions!

12. Who are you? Are you a designer who loves animals?

This is me. I’m an animal activist who loves design, the creative process, and all that we can do together. I’m cheesy, but I’m cheesy for you. I’m not perfect- I’m always learning- and I try my best. Please know that I really really do try my best and most of all that I really do appreciate you. You allow me to live my dreams- speaking out for animals in my own voice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

PS- what happened to my comment on your blog?

I get so much spam the comments are not filtering properly- I’m so sorry! I need to get that fixed, until then please feel free to comment on the same post on our Facebook page.

SENDING YOU INFINITY OF HUGS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

warmest,

The new Autumn Winter Collection is available for Preorder starting… NOW.

A few Rules of Engagement:::

1. SPECIAL DAY ONE DISCOUNT/AND PREORDER DISCOUNT SCHEDULE: For 24 hours from this post, you can pre-order yours for 50% off. After that they will be 45% off (so tell your friends!) for a week, then gradually move towards regular price as we get closer to shipping them.

2. PAYPAL SPECIAL: If you use PAYPAL to checkout you will get a SPECIAL Organic Cotton NO FUR Patch. We’ll make a men’s one too, but the women’s looks like this. Paypal is way better for preorders- hard to explain why, but it helps me out a lot, so we prefer you use it!

3. POP UP SHOP TOUR: If you are coming to the Pop Up Shops (NYC/DC/WEST COAST) before the line is ready you  will get the same discount no matter what the price is online at the time! If it’s after we’re done with production, (Toronto/Montreal/Chicago) then just the previous collection pieces will be on major sale, so preorder yours now.

4.  CHANGING YOUR ORDER: Yes you can change your order after you preorder (forward your Receipt with the requested new color/style/size, and we’ll give you the same discount as when you ordered), as long as we still have some left in that run in that size and color and style! Please be sure to do this before October 1st. We did sell out of the Belden before we were done making them and some of the Audrey’s too so please make sure to order your favorite if you’re worried it will sell out!

5. ACCESSORIES & CASUALS: Will be up in a while, some for preorder, some for immediate purchase. This is for coats only!

6. SHIPPING: We are planning to ship your Dress coats Mid-late October, and Urban Snow Coats late October- Early November. As this is a small operation with limited runs, sometimes things do slow us down so these are ballpark timelines that we will try our very best to reach. You get a huge discount for Preordering because of your willingness to order ahead of time (When it’s still hot out no less!) and be patient for them to finish (you’ve always been sooo patient, thank you!!). Your sweetness and understanding is always appreciated- I seriously think you are the best customers in the entire world! So full of kindness, I’m beyond lucky. THANK YOU for always being so wonderful!

COATS FAQ:

1. The LUXE vs. VELVET: The Luxe is our normal wool alternative. The Velvet is a new fabric- as seen in the Green Vaute coat which is available for some styles.

2. MORE PICTURES: are coming soon to the product pages! To show you all the colors/angles/etc! Feel free to order now and change your preorder later if you choose. If I don’t get a chance to answer your size Q via email as well (I’m a little delirious at this point getting the launch ready), don’t worry you can change your size later too!

3. SIZING: Please check out our size chart from last year- it’s the same sizing this year.

4. WARRANTY: There’s a 6 month warranty for each of your coats from time of getting yours! I put everything into this- I certainly want to make sure you love your coat, if it has a defect just let me know.

5. THANK YOU! We seriously wouldn’t be here if not for your early support each season. Thank you from the bottom of my heart… Hope to see you on tour!

warmest,

Click to download the 25MB pdf that nearly KILLED us in the making of… hope you like!

This was a massive collab with the insanely talented designer Julie Geuraseva (view the work she did for Pinnacle at www.ReinventTheIcon.com, and her portfolio on her site MadeByJulie.com, she is as sweet-hilarious-and brilliant under the craziest work conditions possible as she is talented), The incredible photographer Jeremy Bustos of Studio This Is, fabulous Trisha Star Vargo & Carla Cosimo (L.i.T.a.) on Hair & Makeup, Models from Factor & Chosen in Chicago, Rescued animals from Chicago Animal Care, and design assistance from my amazing intern Jessie Lopez-Garay, with moral slash everything support from one of my favorite people: James Sylvester. Also includes photography by Anthony Two Moons from last season, bio photos by Thomas H Smith III, and shoes from our girls at Cri de Coeur. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Preorders launch tonight!

xoxo

:LOS ANGELES:

1: THIS SATURDAY (August 27th): An Intimate Vegan Style & Activism Talk

Talks with Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart (that’s me!), Melanie Joy (author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows), and Julieanna Hever (Executive Director of Earthsave Int’l), and more! I’ll discuss how to create a compassionate wardrobe, and doing a Q&A about starting a business, vegan fashion, and more. PLUS hello! Melanie Joy and Julieanna Hever are GENIUS. Can’t wait for us all to hang out. I will have a few pieces there, but to really check out the new collection, preorder, and purchase, make an appointment for SUNDAY.

WHERE: Private Residence at 7018 Morse Avenue, North Hollywood

RSVP here on Facebook! It’s an intimate event, so please let us know if you’re coming.

2: THIS SUNDAY (August 28th): LOS ANGELES POP UP SHOP!

WHEN: 1-5pm Appointments available.

WHERE: Schwartz Studios 1809 Overland Avenue, LA 90025

RSVP: Email us (see details below) for an appointment!

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SAN FRANCISCO SEPTEMBER 2nd & 3rd AT THE VEGNEWS MAGAZINE HEADQUARTERS!

WHEN: September 2nd (Friday) Noon-6pm Appointments Available

September 3rd (Saturday) Noon-8pm Appointments Available

WHERE: VegNews HQ: 3505 20th Street @Mission, San Francisco CA

RSVP: See below to make YOUR appointment!

Where might be the most fun amazing place ever to have the San Francisco pop up shop? Oh just at the BRAND NEW GORGEOUS AMAZING VEGNEWS MAGAZINE HEADQUARTERS!!!! Hello! How lucky am I to hang there all weekend, with Colleen, Joseph, Elizabeth, and YOU? Take a peek at their spanking new digs, drink some champagne on the deck before or after your appointment with me and let us snap that beautiful mugshot for our VegNews/Vaute Couture collage of San Francisco friends. Your appointment is 20 minutes with you and me-  to get a private showing of the whole new collection to try on/preorder with special 45% off preorder discount (!) or take home one of the final pieces from the previous collections… or just hang and grab a hug! and ask me whatever your heart desires!)

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LABOR DAY POP UP SHOP IN PORTLAND AT HERBIVORE!

My first time in the vegan mecca of PORTLAND ever, and I get to spend it with YOU! at one of my favorite company’s shops- Herbivore! My friend James said, “Why are you so excited- it’s Portland, not Paris!” and I said, “It might just be BETTER than Paris!” Because YOU will be there with your sweetness, and I just can’t wait. Come try on coats, meet me, figure out what style fits you best, grab the special preorder tour discount (45% off!) and see new knits, windbreakers, dresses, tees, and more. FREE HUGS TOO OF COURSE.

WHEN: Labor Day, September 5th: 1-7pm Appointments Available

WHERE: HERBIVORE (YAYYYY!) 1211 SE Stark ST, PORTLAND OR 97214

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Come hang out with me (or just stop by to say hi!) while I’m on the West Coast visiting your city! Come see the brand new Autumn Winter 2011 Coat and Knits Collection to preorder on special discount (the best!), or purchase and take home one of the last pieces from FW10 Collection on special discount, or just come by to say hi, try things on for fun or future reference, and learn all about the collection and the process. Oh and get some FREE HUGS (and maybe cupcakes tooooo!)

THE DETAILS- HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE POP UP SHOP WEST COAST TOUR!

1. Email us at Sales@VauteCouture.com with “WEST COAST Pop Up Appt” in the subject heading, and tell us which date and city you’d like to make an appointment for, we’ll let you know what slot is yours!

2. Bring up to four friends during your slot, or make it a one- on- one.

3. No pressure to buy! Just come and find out what style or size or color works best for you, plus per usual, FREE HUGS and CUPCAKES!

4. THE NEW COLLECTION has HOODS! A brand new velvet! (made of 100% recycled fibers!) Adorably oversized super warm soy knit hats! and we’ll also be bringing our organic cotton minidresses, printed with velvet rabbits, and hand dyed in Cali with flowers.

5. Yes we’ll have men’s, women’s dress coats, and the urban snow coats too- in a range of sizes of the previous collections, and in sample sizes for the new collection preorder preview!

6. We’ll also have some pieces for lighter weather- organic cotton handprinted minidresses and our upcycled windbreakers! tanks, tees, oversized Favorite sweatshirts- scoods- and new casuals!

Can’t wait to see you!!! (Seriously please come! I’m only on the West Coast like never!)

FOR THE REST OF YOU- I will be having Pop ups in NYC (Sept. 11th-14th) Chicago (November 6th, also will be at Chicago Vegan Mania!), Toronto & Montreal CANADA (October 23-26), DC (Sept 24th weekend), and more!

warmest,

This year especially I’ve been doing this weird thing where when something goes wrong, I just wait to see what magic will come of it. I missed a train, can’t make it to an event, lost my phone, restaurant was closed, line was too long to get in, a cancelled flight becomes an 8 hour plane delay… all of these things have led to some of the best most fun amazing things and when I find out what it is I always go, “AHHHHH THAT’S WHY!” …Pretty sure life has a better plan than I do… I picture her sneaking around, giggling, setting up surprises for me (for each of us) disguised as bummers, hoping we’ll see them. You know how the best surprises your friends set up start out with what seems like a huge disappointment? “Ohhh it’s your birthday today? I totally forgot…. (heheheheheh just WAIT till you see what I’ve got planned for you!)” Then when you get to your party it’s like, “OH YOUUUUU!” Sometimes a million things go wrong together, sometimes it seems like ages before the magic. And sure, I don’t always see what happens from each of these snags, but I’m always on the ready. What went wrong today??? Oh lots. (yessssss!)

xo

I prefer cuddling (vs counting) sheep to get to dreamland stat.

Cap off one of the longest days of the year with a swank soirée at sunset to benefit the work of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Please join me and some amazing friends this Thursday, June 23rd, at 7pm for this Brooklyn rooftop party!

Enjoy inventive veggie cuisine from Verité Catering, luscious libations (2 included), crazy fire dancers, a live DJ, meet our groovy host committee peeps and WFAS board members. And be the first to hear some exciting WFAS news… Advance tickets are $65. RAIN OR MOONSHINE (Indoor facilities are available).  The proceeds will help fund essential repairs and improvements to our Pig Barn and Duck Pond.

MENU (YUMMMMMMMM!)

• savory scallion muffins with roasted garlic cream cheese
• cucumber cups filled with smoked paprika ricotta and roast carrot ribbons
• crushed peppercorn purple yam and adzuki croquettes topped with ginger aioli
• roasted eggplant bruschetta with sauteed water spinach and caramelized onions
• sake infused chocolate cupcakes with espresso frosting