Currently Craving: The Bags of Summer

A roundup of the best (vegan) bags to carry you through Summer. Whether you're in the market for a new handbag or just in the mood for some major eye candy, this one's for you.

Reflections

GET THE LOOK: Magdalena Frackowiak and Edita Vilkeviciute for W, September '13

Currently Craving: Minimalist Chic

These days, I really admire the simplicity of minimalism. It has a quiet confidence that speaks louder than any trend or label. For me, there is no joy like buying a well-crafted, timeless piece with clean lines and quality to last a lifetime. 

Featured above: 

1. Étoile Isabel Marant Diego Oversized Jacket, similar here and here. 

2. 18K White Gold Fairmined Bar Pendant, $575, Brilliant Earth.

3. 18K White Gold Luna Ring, $850, Brilliant Earth.

4. La Garçonne Moderne Portrait Top, $295, La Garçonne.

5. Stripe Wrap Skirt, $118, J. Crew.

6. Bra, $85-180, VPL. 

7. Black Flat Waist Bag, $145, Hipsters for Sisters.

8. Stella McCartney Ankle Boots, $486, Bergdorf Goodman.

I'm also excited to share with you a company I just learned about called Brilliant Earth. They specialize in beautiful, ethically-sourced diamonds and engagement rings. Take a look at their website, if you're in the mood for some serious eye candy. 

Gift Guide for Her

A few no-fail gifts for the vegan or animal-conscious, fashion lover in your life. 

Gifts! gifts! and more gifts! Shopping for loved ones can be hard and by hard, I mean trying to avoid the inevitable, 'you go shopping with the intention of buying other people gifts, yet just end up buying more stuff for yourself' syndrome. My theory is that you're more likely to come out successful if you go in with some sort of plan of what you'd like to get those on your list. Before I go christmas shopping, I like to make a list of everyone I need to get gifts for, what I'd like to get them, and the stores I'd most likely find those gifts at...at least this way, you're more focused, less stressed, and there's a bit more hope for you coming home with something to put under the tree this year. And if this sounds like a post about what I'm planning to give other people this year, I've deceived you. It's actually, quite ironically, a list of all of my favorite and most desired items on my wish list this year. Yep, and now I've gone full circle. All the way back to buying gifts for myself.

Currently Craving: That Leopard Fanny Pack

Cabana Cool

Pink Patent Flat Belt Bag, $125, Hipsters for Sisters

Ah, summer. The perfect time for travel, adventure, and some much-needed R&R by the beach. As some of you know, apart from The Vegan Voguette, much of my time and energy is devoted to Hipsters for Sisters, a belt bag company I started with my mom and sister just over a year ago.

At Hipsters for Sisters, we seek to liberate women from the bulk and heft of the ordinary handbag. There is something really special about being hands-free. Not only is it liberating and strangely addicting, but somehow it's also freeing mentally and emotionally--as if the absence of baggage opens new windows of possibility and spontaneity, leaving you more agile and ready to take on the world.

Hipsters for Sisters belt bags are cruelty-free and eco-friendly, made locally and sustainably here in Los Angeles. The bag shown above is from the Flats Collection, an entirely vegan line of belt bags made of vegan leather, 100% organic cotton, and eco-friendly plated chain.

With a season as fun and carefree as summer, the belt bag is the perfect accessory to wear all season long. I'd wear the Pink Patent in and out of vacation time with...

 

1. Pink Patent Flat Belt Bag, $125, HipstersforSisters.com

2. Monki Marianne Singlet, $20, monki.com

3. Isabel Marant Jayson Studded Shorts, $720, net-a-porter.com

4. Vegan Studded Flat Sandal, $32, veganchic.com

5. Illesteva Frieda Round-Frame Steel Sunglasses, $260, net-a-porter.com

6. Braided Ribbon Floppy Hat, $22, piperlime.gap.com

7. Blue Nile Hammered Cuff Bracelet in Sterling Silver, $600, bluenile.com