But I have to tell you about this bag. Yes, I got it on discount. In fact, I ordered it on a Monday after watching an episode of The View. They have a weekly segment called “View Your Deal” where vendors offer their products on sale. This bag was great. And it was half off. Sold!

I hadn’t heard of K. Carroll Accessories before, but they’ve been featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things before, so I obviously wasn’t paying attention when I flipped through that issue of the O Magazine subscription I’ve had for the past eight years. The company’s tag line is “luxurious vegan handbags of style and purpose.” Women-owned and celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, the company sells a variety of “vegan cowhide” bags and well as an athletic line made of nylon.

K. Carroll’s Everything Tote is fabulous. It’s oversized – there are three sections in the bag for your stuff, and an outside zipper pocket for storing things you need quick access to like your phone or your keys. It also comes with a small zipper clutch with RFID protection for your credit cards. Oh, and did I mention? It’s available in four colors.

I tend to go back and forth between big bags and small ones. Do I want to carry my life with me, or do I just want cash and my ID? This is definitely a “life” bag. You can fit so much into it, and they’ve got the video to prove it!

I don’t switch out my bags as often as I’d like because, well, I’m lazy. So one Sunday evening while I was preparing for the workweek, I unpacked the slightly smaller bag I’d been using and put everything in the Everything Tote. Makeup bag, glasses, sunglasses, hairbrush, Beats headphones, wallet, breath mints, paperback book, all in, and I’ve got plenty of room to spare for my Kindle and tablet if I choose. In fact, I could probably squeeze my laptop in there (it’s a 13″ screen; I wouldn’t try it with anything larger). The bag I purchased is basic black – a color I often lean towards in my accessories because it goes with everything, but I was tempted by the pink one, and normally, pink is not my color!

After using the bag for a week, I’m pleased. Even full of all of my stuff, it hasn’t felt weighty on my shoulder. So far, it’s kept me very organized.

If you’re looking for a new vegan bag, give this one a try!

The post The Everything Tote by K. Carroll Accessories appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The new trend is to downsize your life and live with the bare minimum of things that “bring you joy”. 

As an Image Consultant, I understand and agree with that.  However, some of us are on the go and need to have various things with us at all times.  I, for example, live in New York City and don’t have (or need) a car. I travel around the city for business and social events most days of the week. I usually need to have my laptop with me, as well my smart phone, back up batteries and all the power cords. Not to mention my wallet, keys and makeup.  Sometimes I need to bring lunch and snacks, supplies for a presentation or a change of shoes. That’s just my reality.

I don’t like traditional briefcases, and backpacks are not my style.  But carrying both a large purse and a laptop bag is not efficient and doesn’t look great. I’ve been dreaming of a handbag that could hold everything I need and I wouldn’t have to awkwardly fish around for a pen or my phone or other smaller items that get lost at the bottom of a large bag. But, of course, I need to have something that suits my personal style and is ethically made.  No matter where I go, I want to feel fabulous and not weighed down. I also want to know that no animals were harmed to make any product I own.

Graceship has come up with an excellent solution!  Their Laptop Purse is light, roomy, compartmentalized and around the same size as my other tote bags. It is designed for the fashion forward with class, using animal free and sustainable materials.

I love my “London” style bag, in black.  It also comes in a very stylish camel color.  The “New York” bag also comes in black (of course).  The new “Hong Kong” design comes in a creamy, light color called “stone”, with an extra front pocket and elongated shoulder strap.  They all have a soft, chocolate colored lining, so nothing gets scratched.  The external material is scratch resistant and the gold hardware is a perfect finishing touch.  There is something for every discerning and sophisticated taste!

Graceship is designed by Emily Gimmel, who has worked as an entertainment reporter.  She really understands what a professional woman on the go needs.

Graceship bags are Vegan Certified by PETA and Fair Trade Certified by the Fair Trade Federation. They are also certified by the Women’s Business & Enterprise National Council where at least  51% of the company is owned, operated and controlled by women. The $175 price point is completely reasonable for this durable, fabulous, ethical product.  This Fashionista Compassionista, looks forward to using it proudly, for a long time.

If you think I carry a lot of stuff, check out this video to see how much it can really hold! Watch here

Find Graceship products at: www.thegraceship.com, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram

The post The Problem Solving Laptop Purse by Graceship appeared first on Chic Vegan.

If you’re looking for that perfect vegan gift this holiday season, look no further than the Canopy Verde Carroll Clutch. The Carroll Clutch is great for a weekend brunch date, cocktail party, or just as an everyday bag to hold all your essentials or your iPad. The Carroll Clutch retails for $69 and measures 11″x10″. It’s two toned with organic cotton on one side and vegan leather on the other.

The Carroll Clutch is part of Canopy Verde’s new collection. I spoke with Canopy Verde owner and designer Linda Wong about her new designs and she said, “The latest collection from Canopy Verde is inspired by my two favorite design destinations – Brooklyn and Copenhagen. The focus was to create styles that were simple yet chic, minimalist but not plain. The two colors I chose are neutrals with a twist – you can substitute indigo for your black bag and choose stone when you want to lighten up your outfit.”

Linda added, “This collection offers a range of silhouettes and price points, from phone wallets at $39 to weekenders at $189. Check out the Greene crossbody which can be worn four different ways, and the chic Heights shoulder bag. This is my favorite collection yet!”

The Canopy Verde philosophy is “classic design, thoughtfully made” and this applies to the impact we have on both the environment and living creatures. All of their bags are made with certified organic cotton and eco friendly dyes, approved by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The vegan “leather” they selected for this season is not only soft and supple, but also PVC free.

Canopy Verde is also generously giving away one Carroll Clutch to a lucky Chic Vegan winner. Follow the instructions below to enter. Contest ends at midnight EST on December 7th. US and Canadian residents only, please.  The winner can choose one of three colors – stone/espresso, indigo/gunmetal, indigo/orange. Chic Vegan and Canopy Verde may contact you in the future.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Canopy Verde Carroll Clutch – The Perfect Vegan Gift appeared first on Chic Vegan.

A bag made out of cork?

How could that work?

Would it be durable?

Would it crack? 

My Lil’ Easy bag arrived in the mail a few days later and I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was it gorgeous, it was… dare I say “supple”? I am quite happy with the size of it, as I like to be able to carry my camera and a notebook with me, and they both fit nicely inside. I was also happy that the bag has several pouches and pockets inside. An organization freak like me needs separate pockets for her belongings. Even though I was immediately pleased, I decided to give it a try for a few days to see if it could hold up to wear and tear. Where ever the bag has gone, it’s received compliments. I’ve even caught friends touching it see how feels. I’m happy to report that it’s held up to being hauled around town with my camera, and items I needed for a food demo. It’s also been through both snow and rain and come out unscathed. My Queork Lil’ Easy bag gets two thumbs up!

Queork (pronounced “cork”) is a New Orleans based company owned by Amanda Daily and Julie Araujo. It started as an internet sales company that sold products imported from Portugal. In April 2012, Amanda and Julie visited Julie’s family home in Estoril, Portugal where Amanda sought a collar for her dog Walter, with no luck. She found a cork manufacturer who agreed to make one but it would have cost $500. Amanda visited several pet stores to see if they’d be interested in carrying cork dog collars. Cork is mildew resistant, water resistant, hypoallergenic, waterproof, and it even repels mosquitos, so it’s the perfect material for a collar for man’s best friend. Retailers took interest, so the $500 dog collar was produced. From that first run, Amanda and Julie had more products manufactured, and Amanda’s obsession with cork grew. She was given the nickname “The Queen of Cork”, and the name was shortened to “Queork”.

Queork now sells bags, shoes, and accessories such wallets, belts, and iPhone cases, along with their original dog collar. All products are made using genuine cork fabric.

The cork used in Queork bags is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is found mainly in coastal areas of Portugal and Spain. It is the only tree in the world that does not die when the bark is removed and the tree is not harmed by removing the bark. The bark is boiled to make it soft and thin layers of it are then glued to a cotton backing. The fabric is sealed using a clear silicone sealant. This sealant creates a protective layer over the outside of the cork fabric so that it’s protected from stains and scratches. It also makes the fabric very easy to clean with just a sponge and water. Cork is naturally water and stain resistant and the fabric is durable and soft – almost like suede or soft leather. And of course, cork is vegan.

For more information on Queork and to see their full product line, visit their website at Queork.com.

The post Product Review: Queork Handbags appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Canopy Verde handbags are the creation of Linda Wong, who lives and works in Brooklyn with her husband and two toddlers. She draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, from nearby Prospect Park to the clean lines of modern Danish furniture. Growing up in a traditional Chinese household, she learned not to waste from an early age, often wearing her brother’s hand-me-downs and being mistaken for a boy. She has brought the same philosophy to Canopy Verde – each handbag is built to last, season after season.

Canopy Verde is also offering Chic Vegan readers a special discount for the holidays – get 25% off any style with code “chicvegan25”!

Canopy Verde is also generously giving away one Pomelo Clutch to a lucky Chic Vegan winner.  Follow the instructions below to enter. Contest Ends at midnight EST on December 1st. US Residents only, please. Chic Vegan and Canopy Verde may contact you in the future.

The post Canopy Verde Pomelo Clutch – The Perfect Vegan Gift appeared first on Chic Vegan.

So, what’s in your vegan handbag?

I don’t know about you, but it seems that since I’ve gone vegan and come to live this lifestyle, undercover vegan police are popping out of nowhere! I’ll pull at lip-gloss out of my purse and hear, “Is that vegan?” or someone will compliment my bag and ask if it’s leather. Turns out, my lip-gloss IS vegan but no, my purse is NOT made of leather.
Fortunately, I’ve found that most people are happy to learn about whatever item I’m using when they see that it doesn’t turn my lips purple or that my handbag can be purchased at a major department store. Suddenly, I’m a walking billboard for vegan companies and products, sharing my feedback and review on everything from hair care to protein powders to water bottles.

I’m no expert but I do have some favorites; things that I carry in my purse with me at all times. There’s on ongoing joke that my handbags are mini suitcases because I carry a LOT. For someone who is out of the house and always on the go, it’s important to be prepared so I need a big bag to hold it all. Let’s start with that…

I’m in love with this Big Buddha handbag for the fall. It’s a beautiful camel with gold accents. The beautiful details hide the multitude of compartments and pockets inside; it’s the perfect hobo bag to fit a lot! Another reason I love Big Buddha bags is because they’re sold at Macy’s. Ideally, we’d all be shopping at independent retailers and supporting local businesses but sometimes that’s just not accessible for everyone, all the time. The other good thing about Macy’s is that when people ask where it’s from, they’re excited to know that they can go get it too. They’re not as likely to go out of their way and make this purchase but if it’s a store they already go to, then they’re more likely to pick this vegan bag over another.

Well, it’s beautiful but why the heck is it so heavy!? Let’s look inside…

Deva Vitamins

My preferred multivitamin, I take one a day! They’re affordable, have no weird after taste and have everything I need!

Yes to Cucumber Wipes

I usually go to the gym right after work, which means I have on makeup. By the time I put my hair up, wash my face, dry it off, make sure I don’t look like Ke$ha (my mascara isn’t waterproof), I’ve wasted 5+ minutes when I only wanted to be at the gym for 45mins – including changing and working out! These wipes are easy, fast and refreshing. They’re also really soft and thick so it easily takes off foundation, mascara, eyeshadow, etc. 1-2-3 and I’m out of the locker room and ready to tackle those weights!

Will Travel For Vegan Food Bamboo Cutlery

Although this set is no longer available, the original makers, To-Go Ware still sell it on their side, along with other awesome reusable items. This one always gets me some looks but considering I so infrequently eat at home, I’m often grabbing plastic utensils. One day, I realized I was going through about 4 spoons and 3 forks a DAY. That’s a lot of plastic that is generally not thrown in the recycling bin. This set is small, easy to wash and cute to boot!

Soapwalla deodorant cream

Oh, Soapwalla, how did I ever live so long without you? I’m a sweater. A bad, bad, bad sweater. Top that with some heavy lifting, running and hot yoga and well…you get the idea! Deodorants are full of all kinds of crazy ingredients. Soapwalla is an all vegan, mostly organic skincare line out of Brooklyn. Now, because it comes in a jar, you have to apply it with your finger which may seem karaaaayzaaaay at first but, I promise, it’s really not that serious! I was pleasantly surprised by how long this little jar lasts! You don’t need much for it to be effective. If you can, try to find where they’re sold because shipping can be pricey – or, what I do, is just order 3-4 at a time.

Journal

I still believe in hand writing notes and letters. As a poet, I still handwrite all of my poetry, too, so having paper on me is a necessity. I used to swear by Moleskine, but now I find any old journal that’s not leather and slap some awesome Vegan Food Share and Herbivore Clothing stickers!

Bad Ass Cookie

These green little cookies are DELISH! Packed with organic, nutrient rich ingredients including spirulina (which gives them that green color!) – these cookies are great for a pre or post workout snack. Just be aware, one cookie is actually TWO servings!

Garden of Life

Because I’m always on the go, I usually carry an extra serving of protein or meal replacement with me. It’s easy to find juices and smoothies but the add-ins and finding vegan ones can be tough so I like to carry my own. Vega also carries individual packets of their delicious protein powders. It’s great for post workout or if you’re feeling extra hungry – add a little ice, water and you have a low cal, low carb, high protein snack!

Lippy Girl lip gloss

At any given time, I’ll have about four different chapsticks and lip glosses one me. I figure, if you can only use two things – mascara and lipgloss would be the perfect simple look. I’m completely obsessed with this gloss! It’s GF, vegan, bee-free, and delicious and shiny and not sticky aaaand I mean, what else could you need? When I whip this out to apply it, gets a lot of attention and people smell it and see the high gloss finish and ask a lot of questions! This will draw all the right attention and keep your lips moisturized.

Namaste Coin Purse

I have a bigger purse full of cards and receipts, coupons, etc but this little soft supple vegan leather coin purse from Namaste is perfect for when I need something to just carry an ID, some cash, metro card and it’ll fit a chapstick with a key, too. They come in beautiful, rich colors and are super affordable.

Blender Bottle

This is how I mix up my protein! They’re practical, easy to clean, come in a million colors, and do a great job of shaking up all that powder! They’re also BPA and Phthalate free which is a huge plus.

Of course, this doesn’t include the 1,002 hair ties or pens at the bottom of my purse or my makeup bag (that’s a whole other blog!) but these are some vegan basics that I couldn’t do without on a daily basis!
So, what’s in

YOUR

vegan handbag?

The post So, what’s in your vegan handbag? appeared first on Chic Vegan.