In regards to fake fur: Unfortunately, there are loopholes that some retailers take advantage of that do not require them to identify the use of real fur. In the event that you aren’t certain about an item, the quickest way to distinguish fake from real fur is to separate the fur and check its base; fake fur will have stitching, whereas real fur will not. Also, if you are going on price alone to purchase synthetic leather goods, be aware that some non-leather items may still have real leather trim or detailing. When in doubt, always check labels!
Artificial leather is relatively easy to clean, but like any material, it does have its shortcomings. Synthetic leather is prone to drying out, hardening, cracking and flaking. When not in use, be sure to keep items out of direct sunlight and away from unnecessary heat (for example, don’t sit your boots next to your radiator). Also, when you do clean synthetic leather items, use a mild cleanser, and avoid immersing the item in water unless absolutely necessary. Water- and weather-proofing sprays specifically designed for synthetic leather is something to consider for items that get a lot of wear, such as coats, boots and shoes.
And now for the fun part: shopping! There are myriad vegan-friendly retailers out there, with items to fit every budget and style. There is even a vegan auction site! And don’t forget Etsy – home to an amazing selection of vegan handmade clothing and accessories. For straight-up vegan fashion, my go-to site is The Streets I Know, a vegan fashion blog written by someone in the fashion industry. Her sidebar has links to dozens (dozens!!) of vegan and vegan-friendly retailers.
