Erica Kubersky met her first cow when she was 8, during a visit to Israel. To hear her tell it, the experience was defining. ''We formed this connection when it started sucking on my hand,'' Ms. Kubersky recalled. ''I knew I could never eat meat again."

Ms. Kubersky and her sister, Sara, have parlayed their distaste for meat and, for that matter, all goods derived from animals, into a vigorous business selling vegan products that is, imitation leather shoes, bags and motorcycle jackets at MooShoes, their boutique in Lower Manhattan. MooShoes, where the best sellers include pointy-toed microfiber dress shoes ($85) and canvas bags, is one in an expanding roster of shops catering to people who, from motives of conscience or style, have banned animal products from their diets and, often, their wardrobes as well.

"I haven't given up wool or silk," said Jen Mazer, a 23-year-old New York Web site designer, "but leather is where I draw the line." Until recently ferreting out stylish vegan clothing and accessories has been a futile exercise. But Ms. Mazer says she's impressed with her new options. "It looks like more designers are realizing that people have become more conscious about the kinds of products they buy," she said.