"Eco-chic" just might be the buzzword of the year. Mainstream fashion companies are rolling out organic-fabric clothes, and beauty companies are either curbing the materials used for packaging or doing something to compensate for it. Could vegan-friendly accessories be the next wave?

The May issue of Lucky points out an increasing number of faux-leather products — and they're noticeably cooler and more stylish. The magazine's accessories director, Christine Frey, says we largely have Stella McCartney to thank for that.

"She's upping the style quotient," Frey said.

McCartney and others making vegan accessories usually are committed to avoiding leather and fur, and animal-based glues or dyes. Frey says it's easier to carry out that mission with handbags, which can be sewn together and colored with vegetable dyes. Shoes, which usually require glue, are trickier.

"Using only plant-derived materials is an expensive process. And I think what we'll see is companies using hemp and bamboo are going to ramp up the design, but it's going to push the price a little bit," Frey said.

Consumers already have shown a willingness to pay a little extra for "green" food, cleaning and beauty products.

Lucky directs readers to the vegan-friendly Web sites: www.mattandnat.com, www.nyartificial.com, www.bboheme.com and www.beyondskin.co.uk.