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Leather handbags & shoes
Started
by Vanessa Miller
on October 19, 2009
I have a dilemma. Since I've become vegetarian and now vegan I no longer purchases any clothes or accessories with animal byproducts or skins. However, I still have handbags that I spent a lot of money on and shoes from before that are leather. Should I still wear them?
I used to like to go to the high-end luxury stores and fantasize of owning an expensive designer purse. I would try them on and fantasize what I would feel like wearing a 1500 purse on my shoulder.
Since I have stopped eating meat, I no longer have these fantasies.
i still wear old leather things that arent saying hey im leather...like soles of shoes...not jackets...purses make me feel funny...but if you feel ok with it go for it...just dont buy new ones...and if you dont feel comfy sell at consignment shop....but wearng them and enjoying them til they are dead again seems fine if it feels good to you. and be very proud of your self for your new non leather purchases
Thank you for your responses! I wasn't sure what the rule of thumb was in the vegan community about leather items that were bought before you went vegan. I have noticed that my new non-leather items are definitely a lot less expensive than their leather counterparts and are just as cute. It's funny too because I have also stopped lusting after certain designer items like a Chanel handbag when you realize it's made from calf-skin. It's just not as desirable anymore.
I have been struggling with the same thing. I definitely won't be buying anything leather anymore, but it just seems wasteful to stop using my leather handbags that I paid a lot for or that were gifts from my husband. I had a conversation with someone recently about veganism (he didn't really know what it meant), I felt like I had to make a disclaimer about my big purse- explaining that I had gotten it before I changed my beliefs. He seemed cool with my explanation... but as I journey further into veganism I might decide that I don't want to have to make a 'disclaimer'. I'd probably rather just say, "No, its not leather, but isn't it awesome??" :)
Yeah, I know what you mean because it feels hypocritical to say your're a vegan and then wear a leather handbag. Although, I have been noticing some designer handbags that you can get that are leather free. Marc Jacobs has a line that are around $150 and they are totally free of any animal skin. Also, Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers line is really cute and also leather-free as well as Betsey Johnson's Betseyville. I would love to own something, anything by Stella McCartney, but I can't afford her yet.
You guys should check out http://www.queenbee-creations.com/ for bags. They're constructed with high quality, waterproof, PVC-free faux leather and nearly indestructible and a great investment for a bag you'll be able to use for years. :)
i can definitely relate! deciding whether or not to chuck that pre-vegan leather is a toughy! i think i'm going to keep my most used leather items until they wear out or i can replace them with vegan options.
but i must admit that at times i can be a bit of a handbag whore, fantasizing about pricy pocketbooks. so, i've been keeping an eye out for hot veggy bags and i stumbled upon the high fashion vegan handbag collection vegan queen.
reminder: we are in a recession and most of us are broke, but a girl can still dream! so we should all get one point for cruelty-free handbag lusting! 
I can understand your problem. Although my issue like this came post-vegan. I had been a vegan for a few months and over Thanksgiving time and all, so everyone knew. Here comes Christmas and my dad buys me leather driving gloves and a leather jacket. I was a little set back, but it was a gift so I'm not going to give them away. I keep them and sometimes wear them. I just don't make a huge habit out of it. I also don't feel bad. I didn't really have a say in it and it was thoughtful.
Anyways. I came across a website called fashion junkee and according to all their details, all their purses are made of faux leather and faux products. Their purses are said to be "inspired" (so imposter) versions of high end products like Chanel and Fendi. So I'd say go there for purses (they have dresses and jewelry, too) and know that you're not killing an animal for that high end label. You're getting a cheaper friendly version for less. They also have shoes and jewelry inspired by the Sex and the City movie. So if you liked the gladiator heels she wore in the movie, they have fake versions of those. http://www.fashionjunkee.com
I would go with what you are comfortable with. I have a faux leather handbag and it makes me double think wearing it because it makes me feel like I am a vegan walking around with a leatehr bag. It's pretty though!! Right now I have one calle baggalini. It is made out of 18 recycled plastic watter bottles. http://baggallini.com/ The only thing I will wear until they melt is my dansko mary janes. I wear them all the time, they are the best. I have had them for 6 years, long before I became a vegetarian.
My biggest issue with this subject, is that I own leather couches. I hate it, but new couches are too expensive for my budget right now. eventually I will feel great giving them to someone who needs couches so I can get a different set.
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