I’ve always tried to post about “vegan” leather with a caveat that it’s still not ideal for the environment…it IS petroleum-based after all, but now, there’s an even bigger reason to forgo faux leather: lead. Thanks to a head’s up from Ethical Style & Planet Green, they’re reporting that lead has been found in certain faux-leather handbags by major brands (click here to download the full report).
None of the brands that I’ve regularly featured here are listed (like Matt & Nat, Deux Lux, etc.) are violators, but I’m still hesitant to continue to discuss “vegan leather” in the context of being “better” for the environment. It’s really not. There are plenty of other materials that make great handbags that ARE better for the environment to continue to promote faux leather. Like canvas:
Moop organic cotton canvas handbag – on sale for $90
Baggu X Shabd recycled cotton canvas – $58
Sophie canvas bag by ChristyStudio – $42
Pretty cute, no?
Can you tell it’s almost earth day? The deals are getting better & better…
I’m not one to encourage over-consumption, but if you need to replace your old sandals, why not consider some vegan sandals by Cri de Couer, or snag some super-useful BAGGU bags for yourself, or for friends & family gift-giving? For a limited time, Endless.com is offering $25 off your order of $125 or more qualifying earth-friendly shoes and accessories from brands like Simple, Groundhog, Camper, soleRebels, Ocean Minded, U Roads, El Naturalista, Jambu, Cri de Coeur, Olsen Haus, Ipath, Terrasoles, BAGGU, Envirosax, Matt & Nat, and ECO Sunglasses.
I’ve raved often enough about my BAGGU bag (can’t live without it) and seriously, how cute are those sandals? they give any mainstream brand a run for their money, AND they’re vegan, AND they’re carbon neutral. ’nuff said.
Although I encourage you to shop locally, and/or with independent designers, sometimes the best places to find vegan handbags are stores like Urban Outfitters & Topshop. They work hard to produce on trend items at affordable prices – which means that shoes & bags are produced in PU as opposed to leather. I won’t get in to whether PU is eco-friendly or not (it’s definitely up for debate), but if you’re a vegan, your options are quite limited…most “vegan leather” pieces are PU.
Topshop US is really one of my new favorite places for shoe/bag shopping because I love their utilitarian, current pieces. Especially this bag – can you imagine carrying it all weekend, or for work or school? At $70 it’s not cheap, but it’s a good price for a vegan handbag that you’ll want to carry constantly:
From the makers of Deux Lux, comes their little sister bag line, Tulu! From the moment I saw these at Moxsie, I was smitten. I love the interesting styling, and practical designs, AND the price point (they top out at $84).
When the lovely people over at Moxsie offered to send me one to review, I said “Yes, Please!” and chose the Havana Knot shoulder bag in Grey:
I received the bag yesterday, and took it out for an afternoon of Ikea shopping & dinner at my favorite vegan pizza place, Pizza Fusion. My favorite thing about this bag is how light it is – I can hardly tell I’m wearing it, which is wonderful once I get all my crap in there…it’s still pretty light, and easy to carry. You would never know it’s not leather unless you knew it wasn’t leather, it’s really soft and well-made. I was not sure it would be easy to get into as I’m not used to hobo-style bags anymore (I mostly carry satchels now), but it is, and the inside pockets hold all my essentials (phone, lipgloss, keys) within easy reach. I also THINK you can adjust the strap to a longer length, like messenger style, by removing it (one of the the circle fasteners has an opening) and undoing the knot. I didn’t try it yet, but I think that could work…here’s a picture of my outfit with it today (sorry I look so agitated, I was very hungry!):
For my first vegan handbag, this one is a winner 
If you’d like one too, or know someone who would love one as a gift, use code GRECHENLOVE through 1/1 for 15% off at Moxsie + free shipping in time for 12/24 if you order by 12/21!!
Tory Burch’s designs have really grown on me recently – I have a pair of patent leather reva flats and a cardigan I live in during the cooler months – and I’m pleased to see she’s come out with a vegan “leather” wallet:
It’s not cheap by any means, you can definitely find a vegan wallet for cheaper, but it’s a classic, and it’s HUGE, which means you can also use it as a clutch if you need to….
