Why did you start Alternative Outfitters?
We originally started Alternative Outfitters, the store, because we realized there was a true need for a store that sold vegan shoes, bags, and other animal-friendly and eco-friendly accessories. There were not a lot of options out there back in early 2004. Of course, it only makes sense that when you have a store that caters to a particular niche, that we create a blog that focused on vegetarian and vegan shoes, fashion, life and food and that is how MyVeganBlog.com was born.

What do you love most about blogging?
The best part of blogging is being able to share information about something we are passionate about with such a large amount of people. Especially people who may not know much about vegan fashion, whether they’re new to the vegan lifestyle or not vegan at all. After reading our blog they can see that there are stylish & affordable options for shoes, bags etc. that don’t involve killing animals. We’re able to educate people on cruelty-free fashion in a fun way.

What’s your favorite piece of vegan clothing? Why is it your favorite?
Shoes, hands down. They are also the hardest vegan items to find and what we end up selling the most of. It’s so exciting when you find that pair of shoes that you absolutely love and they are actually vegan!

What’s your next project going to be?
We would love to start including more recipes on our vegan blog. Vegans are really into food and it’s great to post recipes and get feedback from everyone on how they like it or what they would change. It will give people a chance to interact on the blog. We think it’s important to offer information on all aspects of the vegan lifestyle. It can seem overwhelming at first to make changes with so much of what you do. Being able to read a blog that helps you find animal friendly fashion options, delicious vegan food and vegan events will make the transition easier.

What’s the best advice ever given to you (with regard to vegan style, blogging, or anything else)?
The best advice ever given to me is, “Do what you love.” I know this may not work for everyone, but so far I’ve been lucky. I also take things slow and don’t dive in without knowing what I am getting myself into. We have always taken baby steps with our business and haven’t taken huge risks and that could be why we are still around today.

Any recommendations for people who want to start their own blog or get into vegan fashion?
With anything vegan, people tend to be most interested in things that they love, but have trouble finding. So with vegan fashion or even vegan food, it’s always fun to share with our readers things that they don’t find very often. Clearly, we are not going to blog about rubber flip flops or spaghetti marinara, because you can find that anywhere. Our readers want to hear about the vegan versions of the latest styles or the veganized recipe for their favorite dish that they haven’t had in years since they became vegan.

What are/were your favorite and least favorite fashion trends?
My least favorite would be Ugg style boots. The funny thing is, the vegan faux shearling boots that we sell are still one of our best sellers, but that’s one trend that I just don’t get.

How often do you work?
We don’t blog full time, but we try to post a minimum of three days per week.

To check out the awesome styles and fashion for yourself, visit Alternative Outfitters. And visit their blog, My Vegan Blog.