Looking in my closet as a long-time vegetarian, I had a sad realization. I am a cave-woman. I have leather boots and shoes, a down comforter, wool coat, angora sweater, leather purses, even some leather hats... and that's just the beginning. What is wrong with this picture, you might say? This situation made me ask myself some very tough questions like, how many animals had to die or live in cruelty in order to have my closet filled? Was it really worth the life of a cow to have that red leather jacket drape my shoulders? I won't put a dead animal on my plate, but I will on my body? Feels and smells like a contradiction to me. Makes you think, doesn't it?

Luckily, we now have choices - more choices than ever. Luckily there were people who made these considerations long before I did, and they created some phenomenal clothing lines as a result. Today, I will showcase a few gems, my favorites in the vegan fashion industry.

One thing to keep in mind, I am not clearing out my closet - as that would be wasteful. However, I am considering these phenomenal choices for future fashion choices that make me feel less prehistoric and more conscience of how my choices have an impact on my fellow planet dwellers.

Some Superstars of Vegan Fashion:

High-end:

Stella McCartney

A lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney incorporates her philosophy into her entire clothing line, which includes not leather or fur in the collection. One of the best thing you can do for animals is not eat or wear them, is stated on her website. When you have the fabulous choices offered by Ms. McCartney's line, it's easy to make these considerate choices. She covers you from head-to-toe, even including cotton knickers to cover your very fashionable bum.

OlsenHaus

Shoes designed by Elizabeth Olsen are completely cruelty-free and beautiful as a result. Ms. Olsen says she wouldn't be caught dead in fur or leather. She has been a vegetarian for 19 years, vegan for the past 2. Her line is famous for it's vegan shoes, its truth and its philosophy: The philosophy of olsenHaus is anchored in the universal truth, respect for all beings, with a dedication to the expression of  truth in the material world. We are committed to being 100% animal-free / cruelty-free, producing functional goods, with a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and  the environment. Products are made of non-animal materials, in sample rooms and factories that are personally checked for ethical practices & environmental impact.

Great Deals:

Alternative Outfitters

The above lines are a bit pricey, but fun to check out, however, many, many vegan lines are offered at Alternative Outfitters at a phenomenal price. Go to http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/ and check out everything from footwear to cosmetics to clothing. Inspiring.

Vegan Chic

A very fun site with some of the cutest shoes you could find anywhere. Check out http://www.veganchic.com/ and see the great prices and fun products. And, yup, that's a vegan cowboy boot that ya see there ($49.99!)

Also check out PETA's Shopping Guide to Compassionate Clothing: Vegan Companies - for a great list of where to buy. http://www.peta.org/living/fashion/cruelty-free-clothing-guide-vegan-companies.aspx

Bottom line is, we have choices - what we put inside of our body as well as outside. Practicing kindness to our fellow planet dwellers can be experienced in so many ways.

Ana Lewis, CEO of Co-Op Web, Inc; Founder of WomenontheVerge.net and Vegetarian