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The days of sacrificing fashion for your beliefs are O-V-E-R, over! Cruelty-free, eco-friendly designers are showing the world, one bag at a time, that “faux” is no longer a dirty word when it comes to handbags. Instead, it’s a chic lifestyle that even leather lovers will appreciate once they’ve seen vegan satchels, totes, crossbodys, and handbags that are just as stylish — if not more! — than the real thing. Scroll through to see the designs you’ll practically be begging to see under the tree, leather be darned!
Melie Bianco Stella Bucket Bag ($73): If the celebrity It-bag of the season isn’t in your budget, this Melie Bianco bucket carrier makes for a perfect substitute. The luxury style is PETA-approved and looks every bit as high-end as the STAUD leather version.
Stella McCartney Stella Logo Bag ($790): Who says vegan can’t be designer? Lifelong vegetarian Stella McCartney’s entire couture collection is made without fur or leather, so you can feel great about repping the logo on your arm with this alter-nappa perforated tote. Bonus? It comes with a detachable pouch for valuables.
LaBante London Cabriole Tote Bag ($165): Leave it to a European brand to create a high-quality vegan bag that’s 100 percent chic. Operating under the umbrella term of “Fashion with respect,” the company is also eco-friendly and PETA-approved.
MeDusa Bag ($99): Even leather-lovin’ gals will be clamoring to get their hands on these funky, unique MeDusa bags, which are all stamped with the company’s signature sculpted designs and vibrant hues. Best of all? They’re all totally cruelty-free and eco-friendly too!
Matt and Nat Tamara Bag ($155): Short for “Matt”erial and “Nat”ure, every piece in this sustainable, eco-friendly line is made with non-animal-based material, right down to its lining (which, BTdubs, is made from recycled nylon). Yet it looks every bit as luxurious as an expensive leather, making an onlooker none the wiser. Add in the fact that it’s under $200, and we’re totally sold!
Kate Spade Faux Metallic Highland Drive Mini Sima Bag ($148): While you might assume that a designer such as Kate Spade is all leather, all the time, there’s actually a few faux styles thrown into the mix that look just as nice as their animal-based counterparts. Case in point? This gorgeous metallic mini, which comes in soft rose gold or anthracite. Swoon!
Jeane & Jax Perforated Weekender Bag ($135): This Montreal-based line aims not only to bring us cruelty-free fashion, but they also want to make it affordable too. From the looks of this covetable weekender, we’re gonna go ahead and say mission accomplished.
Angela Roi Luna Crossbody ($135): Boasting perhaps the most supple goods of all the brands we’ve researched, Angela Roi delivers quality — but not at the expense of animals. These smooth, buttery, animal-friendly leathers are amazing, and the designs are right on par with any of the biggest names you’re likely to find. In short? It’s a fashion gal’s dream.
Foley and Corinna Star Gazer Riley Drawstring Crossbody ($148): For the girl with some serious edge, we’re loving this studded polyurethane option. Rock ‘n’ roll, baby!
Urban Originals Splendour Vegan Leather Bag ($98): This little beaut looks far pricier than its less-than-$100 price tag, thanks to its non-leather materials. It *is* however right-on-trend (and water-resistant too!).
Céline Dion Symphony Faux Leather Bag ($108): Hey, if it’s good enough for the fashion queen Céline, it’s good enough for us! Available in the pictured pewter, burgundy, or black, this bag, with its flash of hexagon-shaped hardware at the sides, is the perfect pick for the holidays.
Deux Lux Hazel Weekender Bag ($145): This gorgeous weekender has a leather aesthetic with a velvety feel that’s all guilt-free thanks to its non leather fabric. It comes in three hues and is big enough to store all your goods for your holiday travels. Talk about a win-win!
H&M Shopper ($25): We could hardly believe our eyes when we spotted this stylish shopper for a fraction of the cost of a leather bag, but H&M has somehow weaved its budget-friendly magic to create a realistic-looking faux leather for a fraction of the cost of its competitors. *Bowing down*
Gunas Naomi Bag ($145): These PETA-approved bags, handmade in South Korea, definitely live up to the brand’s slogan of “high-fashion, zero cruelty.” This one comes in six colors and emulates ostrich leather with simple eco-polyurethane, recycled plastic bottle lining, and recycled metal hardware. Genius!
Violet Ray Leanna Vegan Braided Crossbody ($48): If it’s a smaller bag you’re after, this braided crossbody is for you. With an authentic exterior that manages to look almost worn, we’d mistake it for the real deal if we didn’t know better. A removable, adjustable strap and double zip compartments only add to its appeal.
Which bag was your fave? Share with us over @BritandCo.
Which bag was your fave? Share with us over @BritandCo.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Which bag was your fave? Share with us over @BritandCo.
Which bag was your fave? Share with us over @BritandCo.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Photos via Matt & Nat, Stella McCartney, Bloomingdale’s, Melie Bianco + MeDusa)
