Gosbags

Founded in 2018, Gosbags makes durable, functional vegan bags that are built to withstand everyday wear and tear while also looking good.  Founders, Regina and Nick, wanted to create a line of bags that encapsulated the idea of casual style while also having a positive impact.  They did this by committing to make all of their bags 100% vegan.  But the positive impact didn’t stop there.  According to Regina and Nick,

“(a)s the project evolved, we knew that supporting a worthy animal cause would be a perfect fit to align with everything we were trying to accomplish. After thorough research, Best Friends Animal Society became the perfect choice. Best Friends is a non-profit organization that operates the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals and is leading the nationwide movement to bring about a time when there are no homeless pets.”

I was fortunate enough back in 2009 to visit the Best Friend Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah and it made such an impact on me and my life choices.  Best Friends does amazing animal advocacy work and it was after this trip that I took the step from eating a plant-based diet to becoming full on vegan, so they hold a special place in my heart.  The lovely folks at Gosbags donate 5% of every sale to Best Friends Animal Society…how sweet is that?

So… lucky me, I got to try out a few of Gosbags fabulous bags.  Read on to find out what I thought!

Backpack Purse

For a while now, I have been looking for a medium-sized, fashionable backpack that I can take with me when I go out and about on the weekends.  The Backpack Purse was just what I was looking for.  Available in an assortment of fun colors (I got the orange!), this backpack is made from high-quality, durable canvas with vegan leather detailing.  One of the features that I liked right away was the lobster claw like clasp that will keep your things safe, but isn’t a hassle when you want to access your stuff.  This bag comes with an inside zip pocket as well as two additional interior slip pockets for your phone or sunglasses.  The only thing that I wish this bag did have is a snap or drawstring closure, just to make extra sure everything stays in place.  I took this backpack with me to a flea market in the city last weekend and it was lightweight and comfortable to wear and I could also use it to stash some of my smaller purchases.

Everyday Tote

Whether I am hauling my laptop and papers to and from work or groceries home from the grocery store, I like to have a good, reliable tote bag.  Having one that is stylish and vegan…even better! Gosbags makes a great Everyday Tote that is roomy (15″ h x 13″w x 6″ d) and durable.  Available in six different colors, I got the super cute grey and orange combo.  This bag has a really nice flat bottom so you don’t need to worry about things tipping over inside.  In addition it has a large outside slip pocket, interior zip and slip pocket, key holder, top snap and a water bottle holder!

The Crossbody Purse

There are certain bags that I feel every woman should own.  A good cross body is one of those bags.  The Crossbody Purse really is the perfect bag for everybody for everyday!  Just the right size to fit all of your essentials, this bag is lightweight and versatile.  It comes with an adjustable canvas strap so you wear it as a cross body or a should bag.  With an interior zippered pocket and top flap and magnetic snap closure, you can rest assured that your things will stay nice and secure inside this lovely canvas bag.  As with all of the other Gosbags, the Crossbody Purse comes in a nice assortment of colors.  I ended up selecting the black one…I know, how boring of me, but you can’t ever have too many black bags…right?!

So if you are in the market for a great, durable, everyday vegan bag, I suggest you check out Gosbags.  Great bags that give back!

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The Everyday Backpack from Anthropologie is a simple, chic backpack with a minimalistic feel.  I love the wide straps with subtle topstitched detail.  This bag comes in two colors, black and khaki (shown below).

Image Source and Credit: Anthropologie

Two big trends this season are velvet and embroidery and the Lipsy Backpack from ASOS puts them both front and center.  This on-trend backpack is further accentuated with bold gold zippers and tassels that make this bag fun and fashionable.

Image Source and Credit: ASOS

If you know anything about me, you know what a big fan I am of camouflage print, so when I saw this Camo Backpack from Forever 21, I was sold.  Made from nylon and vegan leather, this bag has a cool, utilitarian vibe.  I could totally see myself using this as my new weekend bag.

Image Source and Credit: Forever 21

Backpacks aren’t just for the weekend.  There are lots of sophisticated styles that will go perfectly with any work or date night outfit.  I am crushing on this Backpack with Front Ring from ZARA.  With an elegant brass front ring closure, this bag is made from pebbled vegan leather and comes in grey (below) or black.

So if you still think that backpacks are just for lugging books around or for a hiking trip, think again.  There are tons of stylish vegan styles out there and they are calling your name!

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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!

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I received the Chapter 5  wristlet which is titled “I Found a Diary”.  This lovely wristlet is made from high quality textured vegan leather with a zip top and convenient wrist strap.  This bag has two different scenes on each side that are beautifully detailed with bright, bold colors.  This wristlet is roomy enough for your wallet, makeup and other essentials and comes with three inside slots for ID and credit cards.

Nstilla also offers fabulous tote bags.  I love the Chapter 2 tote,  “The Right Choice”.  This bag is a real show stopper, with bight colorful scenes on each side and a tri-color braided shoulder strap.  You can easily carry all of your stuff in style and with a convenient interior zip pocket and magnetic closure, you can feel good that your valuables will be kept secure.

If you really love both the tote and the wristlet, but can’t decide which to buy, no worries because Nstilla sells tote/wristlet combos!  Check out this adorable Scootering Around Town combo.  You can secure the wristlet to the tote if you want to use it as a wallet for daytime and then pull it out and convert it to a wristlet for a night out on the town.

All of these bags are designed in the United States and Italy and are available in limited editions, so hurry up and head on over to Nstilla to pick up one of these eye catching vegan bags.  Also, you can continue to follow the story of Morgana on the Nstilla website as they start to publish it as an on-going series.  I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

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Introducing Tokyo Bags, a Japanese based brand that creates beautifully crafted bags that are both stylish and functional.  As one of the first 100% vegan and sustainable – minded men’s bags store, Tokyo Bags is focused on the “Cradle to Cradle design”  creating quality, timeless designs with all vegan materials using a transparent and responsible production.   Take a look at some of my favorites below!

The Hanamatsu Oxford Backpack is as functional as it is stylish.   This backpack is lightly padded to protect your iPad or laptop (it easily accommodates a 13″ laptop) and also has a small zip interior pocket where you can safely stash your phone and other valuables.

Guys, if you have to carry a briefcase for work, there is no reason that you can’t do it in style.  Tokyo Bags has several variations on the traditional briefcase with the Yokohama Briefcase being a particular standout.  Full of compartments and pockets, this sharp looking bag will organize all your tech and business essentials, while ensuring easy access on the go.

Looking for a hipper version of the traditional briefcase?  Check out the Anjo Rustic Messenger Bag.  Made from luxury vegan leather with classic design that will never go out of style, this bag is roomy without being bulky.  It can accommodate a 15″ laptop, has interior wall pockets for your cell phone and a convenient zipper pocket to safely secure valuables.

There are several different styles and colors for you to choose from.  Bags can be purchased directly from the Tokyo Bags website and also from Moo Shoes.

Images source and credit for all images: Tokyo Bags

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“The concept behind the brand is to produce a sustainable range of handbags and accessories that will change people’s perceptions of recycled products and test the limits of re-use.”

I am a big believer in recycling, especially when the end result is so cool.  Check out some of the SS16 line from Reclaim Bags and see for yourself.

Amp up your everyday bucket bag with Reclaim Bags’ Large Oden II.  This bag puts a funky twist on a classic with it’s recycled rubber exterior and rockin’ fringe detail.

Keeping on the fringe theme (I loooove me some fringe), take a look at the Square Aida Clutch Tassel bag.  This is a nice sized clutch bag with a magnetic clasp and rubber fold over to close….and fringe.  Did I mentioned I liked fringe?

Ok, so I realize that everyone may not like fringe as much as I do, so for those of you who fall into this category, here is the simply chic Mini Aida Clutch.  This clutch is a bit smaller than the Square Aida Clutch Tassel bag, but still roomy enough for all of your essentials.

So maybe you’re not in the market for a new handbag but really want to help the environment and look stylish at the same time, well Reclaim Bags has the perfect thing for you.  The  Small Aida Purse is a compact bag with a magnetic clasp and rubber fold over closure that is the perfect wallet size.

Reclaim Bags has a variety of other designs available so if you are interested in helping to save the environment  these bags are a fashionable way to do it!

Images source and credit for all images: Reclaim Bags

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Now I don’t know about you, but when I think of bags made out of cork, I don’t usually think of fashion-forward design, that is until I discovered EVE.  Handcrafted in Portugal from natural premium cork fabric, EVE’s designs are super stylish and the colors are amazing.  When you see these bags, you won’t believe that they are made from cork because they are like nothing you’ve ever seen before!  Take a look!

The Eiffel Messenger is a versatile handbag that can be worn as a cross body with the detachable shoulder strap, or as a wristlet.  The studded detailing gives this bag a cool, rocker vibe while still being stylish and functional.

I am currently coveting the Itza Satchel.  This adorable structured handbag has two top handles and a front flap closure.   Available in two color blocked choices, black/white and red/navy, this satchel will make you feel like the perfect lady, like you should be heading off to tea with girlfriends where you will eat tiny cucumber sandwiches with no crusts.

For a great everyday bag that will help you carry around all of your essentials in style, EVE has the beautiful Suez Satchel that will do just the trick.  This bag has a great front flap magnetic closure over a full zip closure to keep all of your things nice and secure in addition to having several multifunction interior zippered pockets to keep you organized.  This bag is available in three colors.  Check out the stunning dark blue version below.

In addition to handbags, EVE also makes some lovely wallets.  The Luna is my personal favorite.  With a sleek, minimalist design, this wallet is good looking and has functionality for days.   It is full of all sorts of compartments for your cash, ID, receipts and credit cards while still managing to stay slim and compact.

So as you can see, it is possible to be fashionable while also supporting a sustainable, vegan lifestyle.  EVE Products makes it easy.

Images source and credit for all images: EVE Products

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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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My new Paint the Rainforest tote bag from Create and Case will not be exiled to that closet, as I plan on using it again and again. In fact, I find myself looking for excuses to take it with me whenever I go out! This spacious tote has room for everything I could want to take with me, along with two small inner pockets making it easy to store my cell phone without loosing it amongst my stuff at the bottom of the bag. The outside of the bag features super cute artwork crated by artist Radiomode, which is printed on high quality vegan leather. It’s perfect for carrying everything you need for a weekend at the beach or a day in the city.

Create and Case are the makers of vegan bags and device cases (such as iPhones and laptops). All of their products are hand made using 100% cruelty-free and animal-friendly vegan leather. Animals are at the heart of their designs, and protecting them is important. They are also conscience about being eco-friendly, so they aim to use the most durable and eco friendly leather alternatives on the market.

All of the Create and Case products feature artwork from some of the world’s most progressive illustrators and designers. They value and respect all of the wonderfully talented artists they work with, so they ensure a percentage of every sale goes directly to the creator of the design. I love all of the artwork featured on Create and Case’s products, and I find it impossible to pick a favorite.

Create and Case’s product line ranges from totes and clutch bags to smart phone and tablet cases. Be warned when carrying a Create and Case product – someone is sure to stop you and ask where you bought it! Create and Case is located in England, however they happily ship to the US, where most of their customers are located.

We have a Create and Case tote bag for one lucky Chic Vegan reader! Follow the instructions below to enter. The winner will get to choose one of Create and Case’s four tote bag designs. Contest ends at midnight on August 19^th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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From November 26^th – December 2^nd, over 70 items will be reduced; some even below wholesale prices! High quality, stylish and guilt-free vegan shoes, handbags and accessories marked down up to 70%!

And, a large selection of items on sale are under $50! Don’t miss out and shop all sample sale items now!

FEATURED “WINTER-FAB” GIFTS:

Olsen Haus Camp Faux Suede Booties: The Olsen Haus Camp trendy ankle booties are made of a luxurious vegan “suede” and feature a chunky heel with hidden platform for added comfort as well as a lace up front that folds up for ankle coverage. Original Price $225 reduced to $180!

Cri de Coeur Cullen Faux Leather Fringe Handbag: On trend chic fringe bag that can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body and is equipped with pockets galore! Original price $185 – Sample sale price $139!

Neuaura Walstan Riding Boots in Black: Our favorite black boot for the winter season; comfortable, flexible and perfect to pair with either a casual or dressy ensemble. Reduced from $225 to $185!

FEATURED GIFTS UNDER $50:

Matt & Nat Maya Large Wristlet in Brown: Practical, super-cute & cruelty free! This wristlet is equipped with 8 inner credit card pockets, an outer zippered pocket and a detachable strap. Original price $50 and for this week only reduced to $40!

Christy Robinson “Exclusive Compassion Couture Rose” Necklace: Necklace with a mission! Hand fabricated out of recycled aluminum & sterling, this pendant necklace is features Compassion Couture’s signature classy rose pendant hand-stamped with the word “Compassion”.  Reduced to $50 from $42!

Haven’t found what you’re looking for on this page?! Head on over to Compassion Couture’s online sample sale to check out their full selection of mark-downs!

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