In case you have yet to notice, suede is having a major moment right now. Even more so than in autumn’s past! The supple fabric adds an element of fall luxury to any outfit. And we’ve been seeing it everywhere, from the streets of fashion week to our feeds on Instagram, in form of jackets, bags, boots, and everything in between.
The con? The price. Authentic suede is made from leather, so it can really get up there in price. If you want to get the look of suede without paying top dollar, your options are either to test your luck at the thrift or to opt for vegan suede options, instead. We’ve found 9 of the latter so you can get the look for less.
Scroll to shop our “suede” picks.
All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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Tote bags have certainly come a long way. Previously, when we pictured a tote bag, it was always some kind of cotton, rectangular-shaped bag (which is still an amazing, versatile choice, btw). But now, a tote bag can pretty much be described as any bag with a larger opening and handles on either side – no matter the fabric or silhouette! What once may have been used purely for practically is now also a style choice. From canvas to leather to straw styles, there are so many chic tote bags on the market to shop!
Carry these chic tote bags on your arm this summer
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All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you’re on the hunt for new bags and accessories, you should definitely check out some vegan options. Over the years, vegan and leather alternatives have amped up the game and have become quite luxurious. Feel good about what you’re using to accessorize your outfit and check out these labels below.
Here are the best vegan brands for bags and accessories.
Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat focuses on showing appreciation and cherishing the creativity and positivity found in all of us. Each season, the brand continues to explore and utilize innovative ways to improve its sustainable and eco-friendly ways, while still producing high-quality and timeless products. Since 2007, Matt & Nat has been committed to using linings made solely of 100% recycled plastic bottles, which they now recycled over 9 million bottles a year.
Lambert
Contemporary, fashionable, and affordable, Lambert’s bags and accessories are made for people on the go who aren’t willing to compromise ethical and sustainable standards for the trendiest of styles. Lambert’s bags and accessories are Canadian-designed, PETA-certified, and authentically stylish. Made from PU leather (polyurethane), Lambert is changing the vegan leather world with its multifunctional bags that are made to last!
ai Toronto Seoul
Founded by Hannah Kim, her mother, and her two sisters, ai Toronto Seoul is a Toronto-based, sustainable fashion brand that uses entirely vegan leather for its beautiful range of PETA-approved handbags and accessories that are made in Seoul. The stunning collection includes totes, work bags, clutches, bucket and cross-body bags, backpacks, card cases, hair accessories, and more.
JW PEI
JW PEI is a Los Angeles-based accessories brand founded by a husband and wife duo. The inspiration behind the company was the idea that fashion should be accessible, effortless, and empowering, so its minimalist design in sustainable vegan materials is at the heart of the brand. The beautiful styles and vibrant colours are a great addition to your bag and accessories collection.
Stella McCartney
You’ve definitely heard of the brand, Stella McCartney, but did you know that it has never used leather, feathers, fur or skin since day one? By taking this powerful stance, it’s proof that it’s possible to create beautiful luxury products that are totally vegan. Stella McCartney uses cruelty-free alternatives that look and feel luxurious and have an environmental impact that’s up to 24 times lower than animal leathers.
Pixie Mood
Pixie Mood prioritizes minimizing its environmental impact without compromising style. The brand chooses to remain transparent, in every step toward greater sustainability, so customers can feel good about what they’re accessorizing with. Plus, all of its packaging is 100% biodegradable.
SAMARA
With just $500 Salima started SAMARA in December 2017 because she couldn’t find a bag that was cruelty-free, simple, and elegant. She named the brand after her younger sister Samara, who joined her shortly after, and the two of them run the company in memory of their mother. Now, the brand has grown to have a cult following thanks to its sleek, efficient, and cruelty-free designs.
Bentley
Being a pioneer in the luggage and handbag space, Bentley has established itself as the largest retailer of everyday and travel essentials across Canada. The Riona Collection offers chic handbags, wallets, keychains, backpacks, and more, that are all made out of vegan materials!
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A chic handbag can effortlessly elevate any outfit, but the cost of designer bags can be unnecessarily expensive, especially as of lately! Fortunately, plenty of other brands offer cute handbags that look and feel like luxury minus the luxury price tag, so you can carry a chic bag on your arm without spending hundreds of dollars! In fact – with a budget of $150, you can easily snag a new go-to chic bag or two!
Shop these chic bags, all for under $150
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When it comes to this season’s ‘It’ bags, although each has its own unique and trendy aspects, one thing all these bags seem to have in common, is a classic element that will allow their wearers to continue to use and love them even has this season passes. Which is key when it comes to making a designer bag investment! Who wants a bag that “expires” after one season, anyway?
We’ve been seeing readditions of past classics alongside some fresh new designs. The playing of colours and textures has been a huge recurring theme for this season’s trending bags as well as an aspect of versatility!
Here are the designer ‘It’ bags you should be keeping an eye out for this season!
Balenciaga Small Le Cagole Shoulder Bag
Reminiscent of Balenciaga’s iconic City Bag thanks to its moto-inspired details, is the Le Cagole Shoulder Bag! It gives a touch of Y2K nostalgia with its detachable heart-shaped mirror charm. We can’t seem to scroll Instagram without this bag popping up, and we can’t get enough! If you want to get a bit of a deal, Toronto’s VSP Consignment currently has one available.
YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag
The absolute anti-micro bag is the YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag. There’s no way you wouldn’t be able to fit everything you need within a day, in this bag. It’s literally huge. As if its size didn’t make enough of a statement, the logo is to scale, making it pretty much impossible to ignore.
Prada Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag
What’s better than one bag? Two bags! You get two-in-one with Prada’s Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag. You can wear the duo together or separately – technically making for a total of three bags! Its versatility along with its unique triangle shape and pattern, mimicking the Prada logo, makes for a perfect mix of trendy and classic.
Gucci Jackie 1961 Bag
Gucci has brought its iconic Jackie 1961 Bag back in a contemporary way with seemingly endless style choices! You can bet pretty much any bag in the Jackie collection has reached ‘It’ bag status. The best part about this bag is the fact that it’s been around since 1961. This not only means you can trust that it won’t ever go out of style – making it a great investment piece. But also, since it has been around for so long, you can find versions of the Gucci Jackie all over the vintage and secondhand markets.
Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag
Coach has been coming out with a ton of amazing, stylish pieces lately! Its Pillow Tabby is amongst its most popular bags of the moment, as it’s been trending for a while now. The original is definitely classic enough to take you through all seasons, however, if you’re looking for a bag stylized for the colder seasons, Coach has come out with a super chic shearling version!
Bottega Veneta Jodie
There’s just something about the Jodie bag by Bottega Veneta. This designer bag is made with Bottega’s signature intrecciato weave and has a half-moon silhouette, which seems to be the bag shape of the season! Although this is considered to be a trending ‘It’ bag, it is absolutely a classic! It comes in various colour and size options, all equally fab.
Miu Miu Wander Matelassé Shoulder Bag
Again, the half-moon silhouette making an appearance! Yet in a more structured, feminine twist this time with Miu Miu’s Wander collection. This bag is a perfect example of mixing a classic silhouette with a unique and fun texture – in turn creating another iconic ‘It’ bag. This bag has been making more and more of an appearance and we can’t wait to see all the ways it gets styled this season!
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Having a cute bag on your arm can easily elevate any outfit! Although sometimes it may be tempting to splurge on the latest bag trends, it’s not entirely necessary. There are plenty of super cute bags under $100 that could pass for high-end. Whether you’re looking for an everyday purse, a go-to bag for a night out, or a trusty work tote, there’s no need to spend over $100 if you don’t want to.
Check out these cute bags to shop, all under the $100 price point!
CHARLES & KEITH – Charlot Bag—$83
If you’re looking for bags that could pass as luxury, but without the high-end price point, you have to check out Charles & Keith! Although the shop is widely known for its shoes, its bags are definitely not something you want to look over. Its Charlot Bag is giving dark academia vibes, perfect to carry into fall in any of its four colour options!
Pixie Mood – Nyla Crossbody—$75
The Nyla Crossbody from Pixie Mood is perfectly understated while still accessorizing just the right amount. This bag is great for those times when you don’t need anything other than your phone, wallet, and keys on hand. The best part? It’s designed to fit all iPhones!
Aldo – Mottyx Shoulder Bag—$60
You may know and love Aldo for its shoes, but have you checked out its bag selection? The Mottyx bag is giving subtle-dupe vibes from an oh-so-popular luxury city bag on the market that everyone seems to love. Get it in black for a wearable everyday purse, or opt for purple for something a little more trendy and fun!
Matt & Nat – DREW MED Crossbody—$70
For when you’re on the go it’s a crossbody. Need to take it from day to night? Simply clip off the strap and you instantly have a simple, no-fuss clutch! This crossbody bag from Matt and Nat comes in eight different colours and can easily become your go-to from running errands to going out for dinner thanks to its minimal design.
Zara – Sparkly Mini City Bag—$99.90
For a bit of a fun and trendy bag option, this Sparkly Mini City bag from Zara is stunning! Sparkles have been a huge trend lately, as has hot pink. The knotted top handle on this bag is such a fun detail, but it can even be worn as a crossbody with the silver chain strap included. This would make for the ultimate going-out purse!
JW PEI – Becca Knitted Shoulder Bag—$78
Another great place to shop for cute, quality handbags at a fair price point is JW PEI. It has tons of options in basically any style you could dream of. We’re huge fans of its Becca Knitted Shoulder Bag in a brown checkered print for fall!
Amazon – Messenger Bag—$65.99
If you’re on the hunt for a cute bag to take you from class to class or your commute to work, this Messenger Bag from Amazon is a great (and cute) option! It includes multiple compartments, making it easy to store all of your essentials, including a built-in laptop sleeve!
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The end of August can feel like the busiest time of year. While some of us are preparing the kids for a new school year, others are getting ready to swap late nights for early classes and commutes. Whether you’re in the market for school supplies for your kids or home office supplies for yourself, these local stores are where to go to get organized this September.
Here are our favourite back-to-school stores in Toronto.
Midoco Art & Office Supplies
‘Your creative outlet,’ Midoco offers a variety of art and office supplies with character. Peruse a selection of desk lamps and bookends, agendas and notebooks, paints and canvas and craft kits, and be inspired to get back into a routine your way.
Multiple locations in Toronto
Cozy Grotto
This gift and stationery store at College and Spadina is a treat for the eyes. Bring the kids and shop cleverly designed backpacks, pencil cases, art folders, interesting sticky notes, as well as fun trinkets you didn’t know you needed like stuffed animal keychains and desk figurines. The first day of school just got friendlier.
Location: 437 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON
Store hours: Monday to Thursday 12-7:30 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 12-8:00 p.m.; Sunday 12-7:30 p.m.
Te Koop
For all manner of bags – backpacks, book and messenger bags, totes, and duffels, Te Koop, along with their sister store, Getoutside, is a one-stop shop. Also shop laptop sleeves, iPhone cases, and other accessories to keep your devices and intellectual property safe.
Location: 421 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Phone: (416) 348-9485
Store hours: Every day 11-8 p.m.
EQ3
This furniture dealer in Liberty Village is devoted to keeping small spaces tidy and functional. With unique furniture and multi-functional home décor pieces like desk organizers, filing cabinets, and shelving, shoppers can maximize small spaces like dorm rooms or condo home offices, or kids’ bedrooms in one trip.
Location: 222 King St East, Toronto, ON
Phone: (416) 815-2002
Store hours: Monday to Saturday 9-5 p.m.; Sunday CLOSED
The Paper Place
The Paper Place is well known and loved for its vast selection of stationery and paper-related products. With 2000 papers from around the world, as well as writing tools and other curiosities, this Queen West shop is where to go to enliven your inner writer and crafter.
Location: 887 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Phone: (416) 703-0089
Store hours: Saturday to Wednesday 10-6 p.m.; Thursday & Friday 10-8 p.m.
Wonder Pens
Wonder Pens is not your average stationery store. Here, pen aficionados get to choose from a range of brands and styles from the fountain to ballpoint to calligraphy to dip pens and more, and stock up on elevated stationery to accompany.
Location: 52 Clinton St, Toronto ON
Phone: (416) 799 5935
Store hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12-5 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday CLOSED
Outer Layer
This collection of artsy school and office supplies like stickers and stamps, desk accessories, and gifts is anything but boring. Outer Layer caters to the needs of students looking to jazz up a dorm room, and teachers hunting for school supplies and materials.
Location: 577 Queen St West, Toronto ON
Phone: (416) 869-9889
Store hours: Monday to Saturday 11-7 p.m.; Sunday 12-6 p.m.
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The fanny pack is back and quite frankly, is the best style for a smaller sized bag in the market right now. Often the reputation of the fanny pack was “uncool” or known as a tourist travel bag but overtime with brands releasing more fanny packs, street style began adapting the bag into outfits because of practicality and trend, the best of both worlds.
Let’s dive deep into the fanny pack.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhAJGSNn623/?hl=en&taken-by=rocky_barnes
History
Fanny packs were originally called a “chatelaine” in the 1500s and were used by women in Victorian and Edwardian times. But, the fanny pack only just made their modern day debut in the 1980s in America. Just before then, the bag was popular among skiers.
Today, we see luxury designers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, athletic brands like Adidas and Nike, and fast fashion companies like Forever 21 and H&M adapting the style of the bag into their own collections.
Though stylist Diane Von Furstenberg prefers to call it a “belted satchel”, the fanny pack got its name because of its original purpose – worn around the waist above the rear.
Styling
Think of the fanny pack as a belt bag but more. Traditionally, it clips around your waist, just above your hips, with the pouch sitting on your lower stomach or above your rear.
Some fanny packs may actually belt through the belt loops of your pants and worn on the hip. However, today we also see the fanny pack re-invented as a cross body bag, worn across the chest above garments or across the back. The bag may also be draped over the should like a shoulder bag.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BenqCvphDwg/?hl=en&taken-by=negin_mirsalehi
Different Uses
Athletic
Smaller compact fanny packs are used in athletics from runners to cyclists. The lightweight bag carries the necessities – keys and cards – and sometimes even a smartphone.
Street Style
In street style, the fanny pack is seen most commonly worn across the chest. Brands from Herschel to Supreme have adapted the bag into selling various styles and sizes in different colours and prints.
Luxury and Runway
In luxury, the most popular fanny pack style bag right now is the Gucci belt bag. However, other designers have created similar versions as well with their own branding, styles, in higher quality materials.
Travel
Tourists and travel mavens love the fanny pack because of the convenience – a bag strapped to your body with easy but secure access to carry necessities like passports, cash, hotel room keys, and more.
Here is our selection of fanny packs on the market:
- Opening Ceremony Legacy Fanny Pack
- Herschel Supply Co – Fifteen Hip Pack
- See by Chloe Eyelet waist pack
- Louis Vuitton Brown Damier Fanny Pack Waist Bag
- Iridescent fanny pack
- Active Fanny Pack
- Adidas Floral Waist Bag
- Gucci Belt Bag
Will you wear a fanny pack this summer? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @rocky_barnes
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Spring is soon approaching and we ALL love to have a new bag to show off in the new season. As everyone knows, we love our deals and steals so we’ve rounded up some VERY similar bags from stores Zara and compared to online store Shopbop. Though we absolutely LOVE Shopbop, sometimes the prices are a bit over budget, to say the least. We don’t argue the bags won’t last as long but these are all trendy right now and why not less a better bang for your buck?
Here’s our list of MUST-HAVE bags this Spring 2018 (with options to purchase either):
1. The Straw Bucket Bag
Shopbop: Steven Alan Blake Basket Tote ($382.79)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Two-Toned Tote Bag ($49.90)
Buy Here
2. The Round Handle Bag
Shopbop: Hat Attack Small Round Handle Bag ($136.25)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Straw Bag With Rounded Handles ($49.90)
Buy Here
3. Classic Black Backpack
Shopbop: Michael Kors Evie Medium Backpack ($516.44)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Monochrome Backpack ($35.90)
Buy Here
4. Studded Cross-Body Bags
Shopbop: Kate Spade New York Emerson Place Agnes Cross Body Bag ($259.08)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Studded Crossbody Bag ($49.90)
Buy Here
5. The Mother of Pearl Clutch
Shopbop: Cult Gaia – Gaia’s Ark Small Clutch ($386.68)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Mini Mother-of-Pearl-Effect Tote Bag ($59.90)
Buy Here
6. Red Shoulder Bag
Shopbop: Zac Posen Eartha Iconic Accordion Shoulder Bag ($454.16)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Mock Croc Messenger Bag ($39.90)
Buy Here
7. The Leather Tote
Shopbop: Splendid Key West Tote
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Reversible Tote Bag ($39.90)
Buy Here
9. The Embroidered Clutch
Shopbop: alice + olivia Darla Embroidered Box Clutch ($256.92)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Embroidered Minaudière ($59.90)
Buy Here
10. The Red Bucket Bag
Shopbop: Zac Posen Belay Mini Drawstring Bag ($324.40)
Buy Here
VS
Zara: Monochrome Bucket Bag ($39.90)
Buy Here
Let us know what you think in the comment section.
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Seattle-based heritage fashion brand Filson will officially launch its Canadian store expansion in March of this year, beginning with a location in Vancouver’s Gastown. Filson has partnered with brokerageThink Retail for its Canadian expansion, which is expected to include multiple Filson store locations.
Filson (originally named ‘C.C. Filson’s Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers’) was founded in Seattle in 1897, and is known particularly for its clothing and luggage, as well as its guarantee. The company designs, manufactures and distributes its products, which feature rugged designs with prices in the mid to upper-end range. Quality is paramount to the brand, and it guarantees the lifetime of each item against failure or damage of its intended usage, according to Filson’s website. The company is owned by Fossil Group founder Tom Kartsotis, who also owns Detroit-based fashion brand Shinola (which opened its first Canadian store in Toronto over the summer, and was also represented by Think Retail).