According to Veggani’s website “… founder and Designer Laura de Waal’s goal in starting Veggani was to create stylish, functional, quality handbags that do not compromise our ethics but promote them. All of our handbags reflect our commitment to being socially responsible, environmentally conscious and animal friendly. One of the key elements of VEGGANI’s mission is to not only help impoverished communities, but to bring awareness to them. We use high quality materials that are often recycled and/or repurposed. When possible, we work with and support smaller factories and artisan workshops. These efforts are never easy and require much more attention, research and heart than creating a product without a conscious.”

Ahhhhhhh.  So good…right?  You know what’s even better?  Veggani’s bags are beautifully made, chic and fashion forward.  Let me show you!

The lovely people at Veggani let me choose which bag of theirs I wanted to review, so I chose the Malala.  Let me start by saying that I love this bag so much that it is now my everyday bag.  The Malala is a versatile bag as it is both a shoulder bag and a backpack.  How cool is that?   Veggani uses high quality vegan leather that is incredibly soft yet durable and the lining of the Malala is made from recycled plastic bottles.

To top it all off, some of the metal hardware on their handbags was created by artisans in a remote village in the Xieng Khouang Province in Northern Laos. The artisans create the hardware using recycled aluminum from Vietnam war era bombs.  There is so much good going on here people and it’s so good looking!

I am always a fan of pockets and compartments and the Malala does not disappoint.  There are two separate main zipper compartments, a smaller side zip pocket (perfect for my keys) and an internal zip pocket along with two pouches for cellphones.  The straps fit comfortably whether you are wearing it as a shoulder bag or a backpack.  Below is a photo of the Malala as a backpack.

There are several other fabulous bags available at  http://www.veggani.com/ from shoulder bags to clutches, all are vegan, all are made with compassion for people, animals and the environment.  So head on over to Veggani and show some love to our new vegan fashion friends.  Your closet will thank you!

The post Veggani vegan handbags – Vegan fashion blogger tested and approved! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I can attribute my obsession with handbags to my mother. She was from a generation that believed that you had to have a bag to match every pair of shoes to make the perfectly assembled outfit.  Needless to say, she had quite the collection of handbags.

Now my style is not nearly as formulaic as my mother’s, but I did inherit her love of handbags of all shapes, styles and colors. I am constantly on the lookout for bags that are durable, functional, stylish, and of course vegan. So when LANY asked me to do a review of their vegan handbags for Chic Vegan, you know this girl jumped at the chance.

Located in Los Angeles, founders Robert and Jane’s vision behind LANY is to “…create fashion-driven, affordable yet uncompromising quality handbags.” Well let me tell you people, they’ve done it and done it well.

So let me introduce you to LANY handbags so you can see for yourself!

Appropriately named, Love at First Sight is a great bag full of sass. But don’t let that sparkly exterior fool you, this
bag is not just another pretty face.  Full of functionality, Love at First Site has lots of useful compartments and pockets, so you can keep everything nicely organized.  The chain link straps add to the chic sophistication of this compact shoulder bag.  Available in green, navy, pewter, purple and black (shown), you can have a bag to go with every outfit!

The Buckle Me Up cross body bag is all class. This ladylike bag has a timeless style that goes well with any outfit, day or night.  With a convenient long strap, this bag can be worn as a cross body or on your wrist with the top handle if you prefer.  The top flap has a magnetic buckle closure that opens up to reveal an interior lined with several convenient compartments and pockets.  Available in beige, black or brown (shown) Buckle Me Up bag is a staple that should live in everyone’s closet.

We all have tons of things that we lug around on a daily basis, so why not do it in style with the Studded Feet Barrel bag. With its bottom covered in heavy metal studs, this oversized barrel bag has a cool rock n roll vibe.  Because I mean, who couldn’t use a li
ttle rock n roll in their life, right?  This bag is available in a rainbow of colors with my personal favorite being the turquois featured below.

LANY has a wide assortment of styles to choose from and no matter which bag you choose, you can be guaranteed that you will get a beautifully made, high-quality handbag that makes a statement. The only question left is, what statement do you want to make?

Images source and credit for all images: LANY Handbags

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Galian handbags have been around for 25 years. You have probably seen the self-proclaimed “affordable luxury” designs at retailers like Aldo and Steve Madden. You can also order online at www.galianonline.com

Their company rep tells me that this is a vegan friendly line and the website describes the materials as “vegan leather”. I get pretty excited when a mainstream brand actually uses the word “vegan”!   They have a wide variety of styles and colors. Most of them also come with a smaller, internal pouch that can be used as a wallet, makeup bag or even a crossbody style on its own. Cool bonus!

Most styles are under $100, making it worthy to pick something fun! With trendy details like the all important bow, so popular this season, you will get a lot of use out of these bags now and likely all year.

Here are just a few photos of the styles they sent to me, but I notice, their web options change. In any case whether you prefer a tote or a satchel, fringe or a shoulder chain, a neutral, camo, tribal print or something brightly colored, there is something for every handbag aficionado, at Galian.

The post Galian Handbags appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I was blown away, when I received my olive-metallic toned, faux-python skin tote bag from California based designer Sous Sus! It is just gorgeous, well constructed, roomy and goes with everything I own. I have received many compliments on it. Really, it’s this handbag junkie’s dream!!

Sous Sus is a high end, luxury line of handbags and belts. In addition to their “vegan” line, they also create bags from actual “exotic” animal skins like crocodile and snake. Of course, as a vegan, I feel it’s unfortunate that any company would use animal skins for handbags; especially when they offer an alternative with such amazing high quality and which is indistinguishable from animal leather.

If you are in the market for a high-end, ethically made clutch bag please do check out the options on their “vegan” menu. At this time, they are focusing on 3 vegan clutches. These clutches are stunning and will make a very strong impression. I assure you, the luxury price tags are justified.

I am also going to take the opportunity to show you a few things from the look book that includes my handbag and the other designs that they could offer. I encourage all of you reading this to use the power of “supply and demand”. We live in a world where basic economics dictates that if consumers want the alternative textiles to animal skins and create the demand, the designers will supply. By the same token, if no one wants animal skin leather, they will stop making it. It’s that simple.

This is the perfect example of using our voices and our dollars to vote. If you love the handbag they gave me, or any of the other handbags I’m showing you here, tell them you want it! There are so many beautiful, quality, durable textiles that are absolute viable alternatives to leather. We must demand them!

That said, I am encouraged by Sous Sus, as they reached out to Chic Vegan for a review. They say on their web site, “In the language of ballet, ‘sous sus’ means to rise up. “ Therefore, I offer you a challenge, to tell them to ethically and consciously, “rise up”. You can create more demand for these compassionate creations. The talent is there. The materials exist. We will get there!

You can find Sous Sus at www.soussus.com and click the “Shop Vegan” menu.
Send them your feedback and be the change you want to see in the fashion world!

The post Exotic Handbags by Sous Sus: Encouraging a Compassionate Alternative appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Based in NYC, The Underground Chic’s founders noticed that there was a lack of companies supplying sustainable yet fashionable handbags, and they decided to fill the void. They have found their niche by providing affordable style alternatives that are cruelty-free, vegan, reduce the environmental impact and recycle the earth’s natural resources creatively, intelligently and responsibly.

The Underground Chic’s ‘Birkin’ style handbags look good on anyone’s arm without the back-breaking price tag. All of their bags are made 100% RPET, which is a polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. It may appear that these bags are made out of leather and are covered in metal hardware, but on closer inspection you’ll see that the texture and most of the details are actually printed on the bags.

My Samantha bag is lightweight and roomy, with enough space for all of the items that I usually carry around, including my camera. (Because what food and fashion blogger leaves the house without her camera?) My laptop would surely fit inside too, if I needed to do any blogging on the go. Inside there are pockets for my iPhone and keys, satisfying my need to be organized at all times. There’s a detachable shoulder strap, so that I can carry it over the shoulder or by hand.

The Underground Chic’s bags come in a variety of sizes, from large handbags to small cosmetic bags, and they’re available in bright, cheery, fashion forward colors such as Citrus, Grassy Green, Nautical Blue, and Turquoise.

The Underground Chic takes being an eco-conscious company seriously and they feel it is their responsibility to contribute towards protecting and respecting our environment. They have partnered with Trees for the Future, and for every handbag or cosmetic bag purchased a tree is planted. How’s that for eco-friendly?

The Underground Chic bags are available at www.theundergroundchic.com and retail for $32-$125, however, Chic Vegan readers will receive a 20% discount when they enter the coupon code chicvegan at check out. Discount expires December 31, 2013. The Underground Chic handbags make holiday gifts, so start your shopping now!

The post The Underground Chic Handbags appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Peace Love Vegan

Peace Love Vegan is an ultra modern tee collection for both men & women that in it’s own minimalistic way makes a bold vegan statement. Oh and the best part a portion of all sales from LVP’s collection are donated to the Ocean Conservancy, Humane Society, Nature Conservancy, Save The Children and more!

“These shirts were created to raise the awareness for those that cannot speak, health, our co-inhabitants, compassion, and earth. Thank you for being veg, going green, 2 save the planet. ” – One Love Vegan

Black Vegan Tee (Unisex) • Dark Peach Vegan Tank  • Black Vegan Tank Dress/Top • White Oversized Vegan Tee

Image Source & Credit: Peace Love Vegan

Silver Lace Jewelry

These handmade silver casted lace jewelry pieces from Sheena Jewellery are utterly stunning. They’re the perfect mix of femininity and edginess.

“Feminine but not for the faint of heart!” – Sheena

Bold Antique Lace Necklace •  Lace Crown Ring

Image Source & Credit: Sheena Jewelery

Colour Blocking

While colour blocking is not a new trend (think the Mod look of the sixties) it is definitely back with a bold & bright bang. All colour blocking is, is putting areas or blocks of solid colors ranging from mute to bright to monatone to contrasting to complimentary next to each other to create an outfit.  These Four cruelty free pieces below available over at  ModCloth are perfect examples of colour blocking.

Ocean Aura Skirt • Colourblock Party Dress • Vest Possible Combination • Pep Rally Dress

Image Source & Credit: ModCloth

Vaute Couture Tanks

Stay cool and make a statement with these awesome tanks from one of my favourite vegan and eco-conscious brands Vaute Couture. I absolutely love their Animals Are Our Friends collection (Rabbit, Elephant & Chick tanks) the graphics are so simple but at the same time so powerful.  The Friends collection also comes in a sweatshirt style too. All VC tops & tanks are made from earth friendly materials and are sustainably printed in the USA.

Friends Not Food Tank • Friends Not Test Subjects Tank • Friends Not Entertainment Tank

Image Source & Credit: Vaute Couture

Nu-G Large Two Toned Satchel

I’m totally digging this Nu-G Satchel by De L’avion it’s large & spacious and perfect for everyday use. It’s made from lush vegan leather, comes in two fabulous neutral two tone colours and is available over @ chic online vegan boutique Alternative Outfitters.

Nu-G Large Taupe Two Toned Satchel • Nu-G Large Black Two Toned Satchel

Image Source & Credit: Alternative Outfitters

Chiaralascura

Chiaralascura is a cute little vegan shop from Italy. It’s full of fun tees, hoodies & bags for both men & women that are printed with hand illustrated graphics by the shop’s founder & designer Chiara (with the help of her boyfriend Lorenzo). Some of Chiara’s illustrations have a vegan message while, others are just adorable little random characters she’s dreamed up. All of her pieces are made with respect to people, animals and the planet. Chiara is currently trying to raise funds to help grow her little vegan business and you can checkout this video here to learn all about her fund raising.

Tofu & Onion Veg Love Tee • Señor Broccolo Revisited Tee • Eat different Ⓥ Tee • Asparagus Armada

Image Source & Credit: Chiaralascura

Manimal’s SS11 Collection

I’m loving the fabulous new colours; pink clay and sand that Manimal’s is using in their new SS11 collection. Manimal’s has two vegan styles in their new collection; the Fringe Ankle Bootie & the Rib Cage Flat. Love them!

Fringe Ankle Bootie • Rib Cage Flat

Image Source & Credit: Manimal

Milk And Honey

love, Love, LOVE these lush eco-friendly faux suede handbags & pouches from etsy shop Milk & Honey (not a very vegan name I know, lol). The faux suede is made from recycled pop bottles!

*Milk & Honey is not labeled as a 100% vegan shop but most of the items in the shop seem to be made from eco faux suede or organic twill but you know the drill always make sure to read an items materials before purchasing.*

Eco Friendly Secret Pocket Messenger – Blue • Eco Friendly Mini Feather Pouch – Blue • Eco Friendly Mini Feather Pouch – Honey • Eco Friendly Secret Pocket Messenger – Camel

Image Source & Credit: Milk & Honey

Birds Of Oregon

These fabulous lockets from the Birds Of Oregon are not your mothers lockets. They’re a little more modern and a lot more fun. I would love to tuck a picture of a loved one away inside any of these hand illustrated lockets. The Fox one is my all time favourite!

Insta-matic Vintage Memory Locket • Lillebelle the Sleeping Fox Locket • Cassette Tape Locket

Image Source & Credit: Birds Of Oregon

Pansy Maiden SS11

When Laura from Pansy Maiden told me her new collection Darling Utility was inspired by Coco Avant Chanel, she had me at Coco. Being a huge fan of Coco myself I knew that it would be love at first sight with her new designs and as always she did not disappoint. Laura’s use of chic shapes, luxurious colours and smooth textures utterly radiate Coco’s simple but sophisticated fashion sense. The collection consists of 6 new styles that are made from some of the best cruelty free, eco-friendly and socially responsible materials available. These materials include buttery soft PVC free vegan leather (that doesn’t crack), ultrasuede made from recycled plastic bottles and last but not least organic twill. I personally have my eye on her Petite Hobo Bag, I love that it can be worn as both a shoulder bag and cross body bag.

Vintage + modern minimalism + feminine + functional = Darling Utility.

Whole Darling Utility Collection

Image Source & Credit: Pansy Maiden

I Heart Kale Necklace

Show the world your love for kale with this adorable light weight recycled aluminum I Heart Kale Necklace from vegan & eco friendly jewelry line Christy Robinson Designs. It really does seem to be all about kale lately and hey why not it’s a super tasty treat, especially in the form of kale chips. Yum!

I Love Kale Necklace by Christy Robinson Designs

Image Source & Credit: Christy Robinson Designs

Roni Kantor Vintage

They soooo had me at vintage inspired (vegan) shoes. – “These vintage inspired shoes are lovingly designed and hand crafted in a small cozy family factory and made out of 100% high quality vegan leather, out of love and respect to all living beings.” – Roni Kantor Vintage

Whole Collection

Image Source & Credit: Roni Kantor Vintage

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Melanie Pyves is a 9 yr vegan and graphic / textile designer living in Toronto with her two adorable kitties Mosi & Beanie. About 2 yrs ago after discovering that there were very few websites or blogs online that solely featured vegan fashion items she decided to put her 9 yrs experience in fashion to work and start a vegan fashion blog. The Streets I Know: A Vegan Fashion Blog is where she daily shares her cruelty free fashion finds with her readers. Melanie and The Streets I Know were both recently featured in the fabulous vegan lifestyle book The Vegan Girls Guide To Life. She also currently writes about vegan fashion for vegan weddings blog Rose Pedals Vegan Weddings and ethical, ecological & vegan lifestyle blog One Green Planet. You can also follow her fashion musings & tips on Twitter, Pinterest & Facebook.

The post Vegan Fashion Round Up: Summer 2011 appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Emily Green

Emily Green’s fabulous geometric brooches are handmade in a variety of bold colours, shapes & textures. I love the use of wood & flowers in a few of them.

Wood Grain Diamond Brooch – Pink • Polygon Sky Brooch • Mustard Floral Diamond Brooch • Wood Grain Diamond Brooch Green Purple Blue • Pastel Spot Diamond Brooch Red Tones Large • Water Colour Polygon Brooch

Image Source & Credit: Emily Green

Felix and Jayne

Felix and Jayne’s unique handbags are hand screen printed with bold geometric prints on a faux leather and then hand sewn together.

Felix & Jaynes Etsy Shop: All Handbags

Image Source & Credit: Felix & Jayne

Mirta

As a novice metalsmith I’m in awe of these beautiful handmade geometric jewelry pieces by Mirta. They really do make an elegant statement.

V Necklace • Pyramid Necklace • Thorns Rings

Image Source & Credit: Mirta

Voz Clothing and Art

I would love to add one of these hand painted geo print wood jewelry pieces from Voz Clothing & Art to my jewelry collection. I have my eye on one of the bangles.

Mustard Wood Necklace • Native Rank Brooch- ROYGBIV Series • Seafoad Wood Stained Bangle – Small

Image Source & Credit: Voz Clothing & Art

Cristina Pires

Cristina Pires’s hand makes fabulous geometric inspired jewelry & clothing that is both simple and bold. Her use of bright colour is simply fantastic.

Shapes Necklace • 3 Colours Dress (Custom Size) •  True Colours Dress – Yellow, White & Grey • Mix Media Dress (Custom Colour)

Image Source & Credit: Cristina Pires

Maranon

I so love these colourful 100% cotton hand embroidered necklaces from Marañón. Each necklace is a one of a kind treasure.

Peacock Fan No. 2 • Batman • Horizontal Totem • Pyramid Cubes • Dome Portion • Eastern Arch

Image Source & Credit: Marañón

Jessalin Beutler

I’ve blogged about Jessalin Beutler’s awesome tees, tanks dresses, cardigans, hoodies and sleeveless cardigans before but I feel that I should mention them again. To me her prints are the epitome of fabulous geometric design. I’ve been coveting quite a few of her pieces for months.

Multi Triangle Heather Grey Tee Dress • Pink Collar Cardigan • Rain Hand Painted Tank • Yellow Checker Tee Dress • Right Angles Organic Tee • Lighting Organic Tee

Image Source & Credit: Jessalin Beutler

Mika and Nora

My favourite thing about Mika & Nora’s geo jewelry pieces is that they’re textured and 3D. The Octhedron earrings are truly fabulous.

Pyramid Necklace – Antiqued Gold • Little Faceted Studs – Oxidized Silver • Octhedron Earrings – Antique Gold • Octhedron Earrings – Oxidized Silver • Checkered Studs – Antique Gold • Little Faceted Necklace – Oxidized Gunmetal

Image Source & Credit: Mika & Nora’s

brokenfab

These hand beaded pyramid earrings from brokenfab are both ultra hip and über fun. I love the use of bright bold colours & geo shapes.

Pyramid Earrings E5 • Pyramid Earrings E1 • Pyramid Earrings E9 • Pyramid Earrings E14 • Pyramid Earrings E6 • Pyramid Earrings E2

Image Source & Credit: brokenfab

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About Moi: Hi I’m Melanie I live in Toronto with my two adorable kitties Mosi & Beanie. I’ve been vegan 9 years and have also worked in fashion as a graphic/textile designer for 9 years. Almost two years ago I started a vegan fashion blog called The Streets I Know. I started this blog out of my love for vegan fashion and my need to share it. My blog and I were recently featured in the fabulous book The Vegan Girls Guide To Life. I’m super excited to now be sharing some of my vegan fashion musings with you here on Chic Vegan. You can also follow my fashion musings & tips on Twitter, Pinterest & Facebook.

The post I Heart Geometric Fashion appeared first on Chic Vegan.