It’s your lucky day, because we’ve just made finding the perfect vegan handbags, boots, and shoes for fall easier than ever (cue sighs of relief).

But before we get down to business, can anyone tell me whether or not a 30-year-old woman (who’s like 17-ish at heart) is too old to make a Christmas list? Yes? No? Well, whatever it is, I hope you enjoy my picks as much as we do!

GUNAS

This high-fashion, independent label is touted as being America’s first 100 percent vegan handbag brand, but it doesn’t stop there – this brand also promises that your purchases are also completely sweatshop-free. Started by animal lover Sugandh G. Agrawal in 2009, after quitting her job as an industrial designer at KitchenAid, this handbag line is a trendy, high-end name that all cruelty-free fashion lovers should know. “With styles ranging from totes, satchels, cross-body bags, wallets and backpacks GUNAS has a bag to suit your every mood and lifestyle.” #Yas

1. The Radiance

Because sometimes you just need a dressy clutch. This pretty little purse is perfect for going out, special events, and those times when you want to look glamorous. Crafted from recycled metal hardware, recycled plastic bottle lining, and all vegan textured eco polyurethane, this gem of a bag is a must-have for fall fêtes.

2. The Cottontail

Super feminine, and also on trend with that rose quartz hue, this is such a sweet bag for fall. The dusty color is perfect for brown, tan, and cream pairings, and would work just as well for work as is would for the weekend. The faux leather is actually made from textured eco polyurethane, and 18k gold plated details are made from recycled metal. Carry this bow adorned bag anytime you need a little extra girlyness in your life.

Matt & Nat

A leader in vegan handbags, and now also featuring a shoe collection, which I’m definitely digging, this cruelty-free company has its head and heart in the right place. Inspired by “Mat(t)erial and Nature,” that is how this business derived its name and vision. Since 1995, the company has been using vegan materials, and since 2007, has been using recycled plastic for handbag liners. Matt & Nat’s designs never disappoint, always upholding the company’s motto to “live beautifully.”

3. The Aki

Referred to as a belt bag by Matt & Nat, let’s just go ahead and call it what it really is: a fanny pack. But, it’s also the hippest waist-slung pouch I’ve seen, and the one you didn’t know you needed…until now. This is the ultimate holiday shopping must-have, not to mention a piece that you can use year round thanks to its sheer convenience factor. The Aki is also, dare I say it, kinda cool. I like this color combo because it’s not in your face with the whole fanny pack idea, lending a chic vibe with sleek lines.

4. The Kishu

Wow, not only is the architecture of this hobo bag striking, but it was super difficult to choose between the colors this beauty comes in. The handbag featured here is in Plum, but there’s also Artichoke, Pimento, Cement, and Black, which you’ll just have to see for yourself on the website. This is the perfect, slightly oversized carry-all bag for fall, and a piece that’s perfect for work or weekend.

5. The Knight

Matt & Nat’s shoes definitely deserved a place on this list, especially because they’re so beautiful, and perfect for the chic, modern woman who would also love the selection of cruelty-free handbags. This cut-out ankle bootie in Chili, boasts a beautiful, warm color, with a keen attention to detail that will definitely set these shoes apart from others this season. Perfect for wearing with jeans, long skirts, and just about anything you can put a pair of tights with. Don’t pass these by!

6. The Potter

Um, yes please! This hip sneaker-boot is for sure on my wish list this year. These would be so freaking cool with skinny jeans and flannels, oversized cableknit sweaters and leggings, and all sorts of other casual outfits, which is how I like to roll in the fall. Holiday shop all day in these vegan lace-ups.

Cri de Coeur

Cri de Coeur has, by far, the hippest selection of vegan shoes around. They just call out to me in a way that not many other shoes do, especially if you’re looking for something statement making or even a little off the cuff. Fortunately, the geniuses behind this brand, whose name happens to translate to “cry from the heart,” have a soft spot for animals that we can all get behind. Gina and Julie are proud of the high quality materials they’ve chosen, the company’s celebrity following, and the manufacturing process, which is described as being “ethically produced from harvest to high-street.”

7. The Lorelei

Yes, yes, and more yes. These super sweet, pointy toe ankle tie flats in vegan suede are the cutest and most unique shoes for fall I’ve seen in a good while. Perfect for pairing with sweater dresses, tights, and even trousers for work, these autumn beauties are just too adorbs to pass up. You can also rest assured that these align with your values, as they contain no animal-derived materials and are made in an ethical, sweatshop-free factory.

8. The Leilana

I was sold at “oxfords,” but with the spotted exterior, these hip shoes that could fall into the menswear category are just so cool and wearable. These all vegan kicks are made from faux calf hair to create that leopard look, but they come in other colors that are a tad more tame. The wood heel is a beautiful contrast, making these surprisingly practical to wear with skater skirts and knee-high socks, slim leg trousers and sweaters for work, and even a pair of cuffed shorts outfitted with opaque tights.

9. The Arden

Vegan boots can be hard to come by, especially when you’re looking for a cruelty pair that reaches or exceeds knee height. Luckily, Cri de Coeur has an awesome selection of really trendy boots and several tall styles to choose from, including this really cool pair of knee-high boots that contain zero animal anything. These are the perfect wear everywhere pair of boots you need for fall.

Wipe that drool off your chin, and go to the EcoSalon Facebook page to tell us which vegan handbags, boots, and shoes are your favorites!

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Image of Red Handbag via Shutterstock

The post 9 Must-Have Vegan Handbags, Boots, and Shoes for a Cruelty-Free Fall Season appeared first on EcoSalon.

Beautiful, stylish, and unique, the new modern and minimalist vegan handbags from ONO Creations are more than just wardrobe worthy – they look like they belong in an art museum. Posh without being pretentious, this handbag and accessory line for men and women is a brand that we could easily deem the new face of sustainable fashion. Get behind.

Inspired by the Cause No Harm philosophy, ONO begin just three short years ago and has been blossoming ever since. The leading force behind ONO is Bernadette Bodenmueller who has been following her passion to build an outstanding eco-friendly brand. Drawn to an attractive aesthetic, Bodenmueller desired to position ONO as a lighthouse for beauty and sustainability. So far, we’d say she’s right on target.

According to ONO, the principal manufacturing material is made from cork and tencel (wood pulp and eucalyptus trees). The cork serves as the top or outer layer and the tencel is hand placed as the cork’s backing. Developed and honed especially for ONO, this highly unique material is resultant in the company’s ability to produce and utilize the only sustainable cork leather fabric currently available.

Other materials in the finished products include a luxurious organic bamboo lining, which is said to be dyed using plant based pigments and are fully natural, as well as straps that are made from organic cotton. The cotton is derived from non-genetically modified plants that are grown without any chemicals.

And, as if it couldn’t get any better, ONO also employs ethical working conditions and works with individual tailors and small businesses. Although certification does not exist, by following the standards of the ILO (International Labor Organization) and The Fairwear Foundation, ONO and its partnered workshops are able to give consumers peace of mind due to the agreement made between them that is designed to honor and uphold such stringent principles. Additionally, all products are handcrafted in Portugal and Indonesia, and are manufactured under “human, animal, and eco-friendly conditions.”

Furthermore, ONO Creations was kind enough to share some exclusive information with EcoSalon about one of its newest collections, Stelo, that has yet to even reach production.

Excited about this addition, Stelo is aimed to let women shine with a design that is said to be “a combination of three uniquely patterned, high quality materials that create the contour of a star when joining them together.” The new collection features “handcrafted and exclusively designed hardware from a gold brass composite” to add to the luxurious character, making it a “classy companion for each woman who follows her own star.”

ONO is currently evaluating whether or not to move the production of Stelo to Europe, so keep your eyes peeled for new vegan handbags and accessories to possibly pop up in the near future.

In the meantime, though, be sure to shop ONO’s present collections that are readily available on the company’s website. Featuring an excellent price point, and with products like laptop sleeves, phone cases, yoga mat carriers, cross-body bags, and more, there are so many great pieces to choose from. In fact, we’ve chosen a few of our favorites to share with you below.

Cor Unity

The Cor Unity is a unisex bag that can be carried over the shoulder, as well as cross-body style, or by using the handle. It’s crafted from the signature cork leather and the interior lining is tinted a beautiful shade of emerald green. This bag retails for $185.

Cor Life

Another beautiful unisex bag, the “Cor Life is for living,” or at the very least, perfect for toting around your laptop is style. This computer sleeve basks in all of it minimalist glory and definitely adds a sense of warmth to otherwise typical encasement designs. This laptop cover retails for $109.

Cor Love

You’ll fall in love with the Cor Love as soon as you lay eyes on the unique shoulder bag’s design. Not your typical looking handbag, this purse is sure to garner a lot of positive attention everywhere you take it. Fashioned in the signature cork leather, and with a brown interior lining, this striking bag retails for $229.

With the wish to not just make and sell bags, but to also show the world that beauty can be obtained through following a sustainable and ethical approach, ONO is bound to become a new fixture in the world of eco-friendly fashion.

Now that you’ve feasted your eyes on this beautiful brand, we want to hear from you. What do you think about the collections from ONO Creations? Did you love the designs as much as we do? Let us know what you think about this emerging eco-friendly fashion business on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Woman with Handbag via ONO Creation

The post ONO Creations: Stunning Vegan Handbags and Accessories Made from Cork Leather appeared first on EcoSalon.

The invitations are pouring in, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner, which means it’s time to don your happiest holiday party outfits as you set out to celebrate the season with family and friends.

This year, though, you don’t have to sacrifice style for compassion because we’ve rounded up three of the hottest cruelty-free holiday party outfits that, unless you share the details (which we totally hope you do), no one will ever know the difference between what we’ve chosen and a designer outfit you’d by from a department store.

Whether you’re attending a Christmas cocktail party, the annual office shindig, or ringing in the New Year with your besties, we’ve got an outfit for every occasion. Many of the designers featured are kind to animals and the planet, which is a great way to end the year if you ask us – by consciously including the welfare of our furry friends and natural resources in your thoughts as you embark on a new beginning full of positive vibes.

The remaining holiday events are just around the corner, so let’s get started!

1. Golden Girl

The outfit pictured here is perfect for the modern woman who wishes to celebrate in style, and could easily go from the office to a variety of holiday occasions. The simplicity of the black and white palette really allows the golden accessories to shine. Its neutrality also lends a lot of versatility and offers the ability to play with the addition of color, whether in the shell top, shoes, or the jewelry and clutch it’s paired with. Wear this to cocktail hour, dinner, the company Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve party, and so much more.

The booties keep this outfit from looking too stuffy, while the bold black and white stripes lend a contemporary and whimsical vibe to an otherwise plain pencil skirt.

Clockwise from the top: Relux Sustainable Jacket $82.68; Nama Brass Fringe Necklace $180; Vegan Dance Card Gold Clutch $28; Vegan Dannie by Beyond Skin Bootie $199.99; Fair + True Sustainable Skirt $82.68; Skunkfunk Organic Cotton Vest Top $20.06.

2. Posh Print-cess 

Whoever said that holiday party outfits are relegated to the typical red, green, black, gold, and silver was so wrong. And we’re here to prove it. This gorgeous blue floral and botanical print jacket adds such a sophisticated yet unpretentious vibe to this ensemble. Layered simply with a flowing black tank, grey pants, and wedge boots, this is an outfit that might already be somewhere in your closet, you just haven’t realized it yet. Wear this to a tree decorating party, holiday gift exchange, night out with friends, or a homey dinner party.

The key to any great party outfit is to accessorize smartly, which we’ve done here with the mock mother of pearl clutch and the fluffy, face framing and eye-catching feather earrings.

Clockwise from the top: Fair + True Floral Print Blazer $66.14; Flock Together White Feather Earrings $15; Vegan Of the Pearl-essence Silver Lucite Clutch $46; Vegan Tamara Covered Wedge Bootie $139.99; Komodo Fair Trade Herringbone Trousers $77.17; Go Green M by M Sustainable Eco Vest $30.87.

3. Silvery Siren 

Again, there’s no reason to shy away from color when it comes to dressing for holiday parties. This stunning pink lace dress is a show stopper. With the black velvety pumps and festive accessories, you’ve got a winning combination. To really bring this look into the winter weather season, and keep your legs warm, be sure to layer a pair of black tights underneath this dress and pair it with your favorite coat. Wear this to a New Year’s Eve soiree, formal brunch, company holiday party, dinner, drinks, and so much more.

The jewelry and clutch are what really elevate this dress to party status level by adding some much needed sparkle, shine, and texture.

Clockwise from the top: Fair + True Fair Trade Square Shoulder Lace Dress $82.68; Astute Courtier Silver Rhinestone Earrings $11; Vegan Destined for the Arena Beaded Clutch $52; Vegan Margaret Velvet Pumps $99.99; Rotating Prism Silver Rhinestone Necklace $28.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our holiday party outfits post filled with beautiful eco-friendly and cruelty-free finds. What did you think about our choices? Any big holiday plans this year – what will you be wearing? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Blue Shoes via Shutterstock

The post 3 Holiday Party Outfits That Will Help You Rock the Night Away appeared first on EcoSalon.

Autumn is the perfect season to invest in a new purse. Trust us, whatever bag you were using last year is probably worn out from falling in snow and serving as the container for your old Kleenex… To help you find the perfect, cruelty-free bag, we’ve listed 5 vegan handbags that would look amazing on anyone’s wrist.

1. Landfill Dzine’s Blue and Green Bamboo Bag with Fabric Handle

All of Landfill Dzine’s bags are gorgeous eco-friendly, upcycled creations. This particular bag is crafted from straw, upcycled layflat irrigation hoses, and cotton. This handbag would look great paired with a simple weekend outfit. A casual pair of flared jeans, a roomy thermal, and a pair of comfy sneakers will do. Priced at $85.

2. Holloway Vegan Tote

Free People carries some of the best vegan handbags around. So, of course we had to feature a few of the brand’s purses. This roomy bag is made of vegan leather and is priced at $88. While it comes in two colors (evergreen and taupe), we love the evergreen because it looks appropriately seasonal. Use on the weekdays to make sure you can easily carry everything you need to the office.

3. Leni Vegan Crossbody

We love this smaller vegan handbag because it can easily be slung over your back while you’re on the way to the club. This bag features a removable strap and plenty of zip pockets. Priced at $68 from Free People.

4. Slouchy Vegan Tote

We love this bag’s rich, warm hue and its roomy interior. This particular bag would look smart with a fitted, blue plaid shirt, grey leggings, and chunky boots. Priced at $68 from Free People. It comes in other colors, too.

5. Throw-back to 1970s Bamboo Handbag

We’ve said it before because it’s totally true – the ’70s are back in a big way this year. So, we had to include this vegan throwback. This bag has a simple and clean look and could easily fit all your yoga essentials that you regularly tote to class. Priced at $85 from Landfill Dzine.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 5 Beautiful Vegan Handbags to Wear on Your Arm: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Finding eco-friendly handbags can be a real challenge. We present some fashionable solutions.

As a vegetarian who is also committed to environmental sustainability, I find that being fashion presents some difficulties for me. I enjoy fashion, but I also want to be a conscientious shopper.

One of my biggest fashion woes are accessories like bags. Let’s face it, the choices out at the mall (a four-letter word in my book) and those hawked in fashion magazines and catwalks just don’t fit the bill for concerned consumers like me looking for eco-friendly handbags.

It can be a challenge, but not impossible to find vegan and eco-friendly handbags to suit both our functional and fashionable needs.

There are actually a lot of alternative bag materials out there for us fashion and eco-conscious shoppers. Here’s a sampling of some of those materials as well as examples of bags that utilize them.

1. Organic Cotton Clutch – This clutch is a great choice for those looking for vegan and eco-friendly handbags. It’s made using organic cotton that’s certified by the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), animal-free “leather”; it’s also free of harmful dyes and has chemical-free embroidery.

2.Pleather Shoulder Bag – Pleather, or vegan “leather” as it’s now called, has made real strides in quality lately. It’s now possible to find bags that appear to be actual leather. Just be careful, not all leather alternatives are eco-friendly. Read about the different types of vegan leathers here.

3. Cork Fabric Clutch – Cork fabric is made from cork, a natural, renewable and sustainable raw material and it’s also suitable for vegans.

4. Repurposed Coffee Bag Handbag – Repurposed bags made from burlap bags are awesomely eco-friendly handbags!

5. Organic Hemp Handbag – Hemp bags don’t have to be hippie and crunchy-granola. This sustainable organic hemp handbag is a stylish, chic and eco-friendly fashion statement.

6. Recycled Bottle Handbag – Matt & Nat bags are made with linings that are 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. They also are 100 percent animal free and they use the most sustainable options available.

7. Bent Wood Clutch  – Supplii offers gorgeous bent wood handbags using sustainable woods and utilizes a minimalist design that eliminates the need for extraneous materials.

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Top Image:  CanopyVerde

The post It’s in the Bag: 7 Vegan and Eco-Friendly Handbags appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnWelcome to a new type of luxury. On trend vegan handbags and shoes are a(n animal) friendly reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice style to live a compassionate and conscious lifestyle. Here are 5 great brands trailblazing vegan fashion to carry your belongings and walk you forward.

Cruelty-free, vegan style isn’t a trend you instantly recognize–there are no flash signs or logos that distinguish these pieces from leather. But if you are a conscious consumer you can’t miss out on these brands.

From Anne Hathaway’s custom Tom Ford vegan gladiator sandals to Natalie Portman’s own vegan footwear collection, this isn’t a trend that is going away anytime soon. In fact, the rise of vegan fashion options is growing slowly, but certainly steadily.

Leah Wallet by Cri de Coeur

Certainly you’ll be pretty in pink with this cruelty-free Cri de Coeur clutch. Although the brand is best known for their line of stylish vegan shoes, we love their handbags too. One of the first and most well-known vegan footwear and handbag brand, Cri de Coeur is made from top quality vegan materials like ultra-suede, made from recycled plastic, eco-PU, that is breathable, biodegradable and has a low-VOC content, organic cotton, and reclaimed wood.

Cri de Coeur, $75

Darcy Bootie by Bhava

Bhava is made using the highest quality hand-woven, organic, recycled and cruelty free components–all in one shoe. Founders Francisca Pineda and Rushali A. Sanghani work closely within a Fair Trade atelier in Mumbai, ensuring the makers are utilizing the best of both traditional and modern techniques. The brand’s aesthetic aims for “timeless elegance with a dose of ingénue charm.”

Bhava, $155

Julia Maroon by Neuaura

Neuaura is another great vegan brand–and their products are never made with any animal products at all. They believe in protecting the environment and the animals who inhabit it. For example, a portion of their manufacturing is done in hydroelectric powered facility in southern Brazil–so no carbon is emitted from the facility. Each year Neuaura partners with a different charity or organization that focuses on preserving and protecting animals and the planet.

Neuaura, on sale for $79.99

Secret Cheetah by Olsenhaus

No Cheetahs were harmed in the Fair Trade production of this pump. In fact, Olsenhaus is 100% vegan, and stands on firm ground that it always will be. Not only style, but education is equally important. They hope to shed light “regarding atrocities taking place against animals, the environment and all of mankind” and provide a better option through their brand.

Olsenhaus, $155

Nala Doubler by Freedom of Animals

This bag is as soft as leather without the addition of any harsh chemicals. If we had an award for favorite vegan handbag brand of the year–Freedom of Animals would be it. Their material is ‘eco-leather, an EPA certified blend of post consumer materials, and woven with organic cotton. Most of all, it’s an equally durable, equally stylish alternative against the flooded market of leather bags.

Freedom of Animals, $460

See Also:

Rocking the Red Carpet: 3 Celebrity Eco Fashion Trends
Eco-Chic Celebrity: How To Get Emma Watson’s Sustainable Style
5 Celebrity Favorite Natural Beauty Products
5 Famous Nerd Girls With Green Hearts

Want more On Trend? See The Latest:

Grunge Texture with an Ethical Twist: On Trend
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Images from the eco fashion brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

The post Vegan Shoes and Handbags: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Fashion comes in many forms, and one of the best places to spot up and coming independent designers is at Nolcha Fashion Week. This year, Nolcha dedicated a day to having an Ethical Presentation where a dozen ethical designers showcased their brilliant collections and shared some of their passionate back stories on how their product came to be.

Check out EcoSalon’s exclusive video to meet some of these designers and learn about their Earth changing lines.

(Adha Zelma ethical jewelry pictured above. Photo credit: Greta Eagan)

(Evolve 45 ethical handbags are vegetable dyed. Image via: Evolve 45)

The post EcoSalon Exclusives: NYFW Spring 2011 Highlights, Nolcha appeared first on EcoSalon.