The Native Bag Swag

 

Vegan Handbags

 

By Holladay Allen
Native Foods Tribe Member

 

I was frantically fumbling through my handbag the other day searching for my inhaler.  Just the idea of accidentally leaving this cylindrical tube of vaporized chemicals at home was enough to mentally induce an asthma attack.  My battle with asthma for the past 19 years is another whole blog in itself as I am extremely leery of pharmaceuticals and the “big business” they seem to have created with those individuals, doctors, who are supposed to be looking out for our best interests.  Any who… so as I am digging through my bag pulling out the smaller patterned cosmetic bags which compartmentalize and organize my handbag, my male co-worker walks in and says, “I just don’t get it.  Why do girls carry around a giant bag full of smaller bags?  What is in all those bags?  Do you really need all that stuff with you at all times?”  Why yes I think I do.?  I mean, first of all, there is my make-up bag.

 

  Then my sort of first-aid bag with my inhaler, some vitamins, skin salve, band-aid, a travel toothbrush and sewing kit.  Next is my bag of lip balms (there are just too many textures and flavors to go with the same one all the time!), a change purse, my wallet, a snack bag (you never want to be caught somewhere starving!  It can ruin your day), Vinnie’s tampon case (Wink-wink to everyone who carries one of these gems around), and finally an old-fashioned metal pencil case filled with sharpies and “Don’t leave your dog in a HOT car” fliers from PETA.  These are just the little bags!  Then I have my Ipod, phone, black book (don’t worry, I am going digital on this one), etc.  Roll your eyes and shake your head all you want, but if you got trapped on an elevator for 12 hours or stranded on a freeway in the middle of the desert, you would probably want to be there with me.  I’d have just about everything we would need.

That being said, the bigger the handbag the better.  But every girl needs a good clutch for those black tie affairs as well.  So low and behold… our latest bag swag for you guys, or in other words, our top 6 favorite cruelty-free handbags at the moment (cause, you know, we are going with the flow, constantly evolving, falling in love with new bags and fashion all the time):

 

Not only does Cri de Couer make a few very lovely handbags, but they also offer some beautifully designed shoes.  I IMPLORE you to check out their website.  The Charlie Messenger Bag is HANDS DOWN my favorite bag at the moment (and for the past month!).  I love the Chocolate color.   Oh, and I heard from the sweetest little bird that if you use the discount code GIRLIEGIRLARMY at checkout, you receive 20% off!  Holy Cannoli!  (Girly Girl Army is a fantastic vegan blog straight outta NYC).

http://cridecoeur.myshopify.com/products/charlie-foldover-messenger-bag

 

Next up is the classic Ms. Betty handbag from Susan Nichole. 

 The purple color is super rad.  And it’s got the kiss lock closure that which completes that vintage look.

http://susannichole.com/store/ms-betty-in-purple-p-505.html

 

 

Crystalyn Kae has long been one of my favorite vegan handbag designers.  Back in the day, I owned one of her exquisite teal green hobos… but alas, it washed away in Hurricane Wilma, with the rest of my parents’ house.  Thank goodness I can reorder it in several different colors.

http://www.crystalynkae.com/hobo-bags-large-hobo-bags-topstitched-c-197_212/

 

Oh Stella!  You know how to get a girl all hot and bothered.  The Falabella Tote does just that.  I love the linen version.  The hard edge of the chain metal accents intertwined with the soft vintage look of the faded canvas creates the perfect meeting place for both worlds.

http://www.stellamccartney.com/us/en/shopStella/Bags/P-Canvas-Falabella-Tote.aspx

 

This little beaded clutch by Ecote for Urban Outfitters is the perfect bohemian glam for you favorite little black dress.  Subtle colored sequins give the glitz without the gaudy.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=&itemCount=80&startValue=81&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=18379859x&parentid=W_ACC_BAGS&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&navCount=98&navAction=jump&color=&pushId=W_ACC_BAGS&popId=WOMENS&prepushId=&selectedProductSize=

The Multi-Color Cielo Duffle will give you a reason to finally plan that weekend getaway to Mexico.  The colors and soft texture of this natural born traveler will inspire some sort of a fun-in-the-sun excursion, if only to your next door neighbor’s pool:

http://www.vionnetboutique.com/product_info.php?products_id=2089

Hey! By the way, Vionnet Boutique is a cruelty-free shop located on the swanky Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles.  Stop in and check them out of you are in the area.

 

Oh, and for the little bags inside the big bag, my favorite ones are made by Yak Pak.  They make the best little cotton zippered bags with a constantly changing lineup of designs.  Yay for little bags!

http://www.yakpak.com/common/pagedetail.aspx?PageCode=1453

 

 

Comments

[Katie]

Great blog! I love Susan Nichole bags! I am excited at all of the other options you provided.. thank you!

[handbags]

That being said, the bigger the handbag the better. But every girl needs a good clutch for those black tie affairs as well handbags

[rolex replica]

The colors and soft texture of this natural born traveler will inspire some sort of a fun-in-the-sun excursion, if only to your next door neighbor’s pool

[Jordan Jumpman]

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