For me, the most difficult part of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle wasn't about what I ate but about what I purchased. Over the last two years, I've conducted countless internet searches for "high quality vegan shoes," "high quality vegan bags," etc. and all too frequently, I've come up short. I wouldn't classify myself as a fashionista, but I do like to look put together. Plus, I'd much rather invest in a few quality pieces versus a closet full of items that won't stand the test of time.
When I first began my search, the quality vegan bags, shoes, etc. I found were typically too practical (read: not stylish). On the flip side, the more stylish options tended to be lower quality and didn't stand the test of time. Case in point: Two summers ago, Dan and I were running back from dinner on the 4th of July in hopes of making it to our balcony in time to see a 180º view of the fireworks. Within five minutes of trotting up city sidewalks, the strap on one of my vegan flipflops ripped and my foot lurched forward, skidding across the sidewalk. In the midst of my firework excitement, I decided to solve the problem by taking both flipflops off and running barefoot. However, not more than 30 seconds later, the strap on my vegan purse snapped, hurling my bag and its contents onto the sidewalk. From that point on, I vowed to forgo the cheap and work with what I already had in my closet until I found high-quality vegan apparel that I loved.
I'm happy to say that when it comes to accessories, vegan dreams do come true. I was recently introduced to Mechaly (Certified Vegan by Vegan.org and PETA), and their cruelty-free, vegan handbags quickly earned a protected spot in my closet. Since receiving this Sydney Vegan Leather Tote about a month ago, I've been proudly carrying it by my side. It's perfect for toting case files to and from work, running errands on weekends, and hauling my laptop to coffee shops for book edits.
It's also versatile, sleek, stylish, practical, fun, and the vegan leather is unlike anything else I've seen or touched. Plus, it's a beaut. Have a look...
Mechaly kindly offered me the above bag for review, but I have grand plans of purchasing a smaller handbag and maybe even a weekender bag. This brand is rock solid when it comes to compassionate, ethical accessories.
AND Mechaly is generously offering you 35% off, so be sure to peruse their sleek handmade handbags, jewelry, hats, and more. If you decide to purchase, be sure to enter the promo code SHOP35 to receive 35% off + free shipping within the U.S.
Plus, scroll down and enter to win Mechaly's ever-popular Black Skully Handbag, which Mechaly is generously giving away to one lucky person. Pretty snazzy, huh?
Giveaway: Mechaly Skully Black Vegan Leather Skull Handbag
One winner will receive the Skully Black Vegan Leather Skull Handbag by Mechaly. For a chance to win, simply enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below and comment on this post between February 19th and March 3rd. Please note: this giveaway is only open to residents of the US.
*This is not a sponsored post; however, I did receive a handbag from Mechaly for review purposes. All thoughts, opinions, and love for this brand are completely my own.
Karlie says
I don't have the means yet to invest in a good quality vegan bag and I would love one!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah, vegan leather is so much better! I always cringe when my mom brings home something of real leather...ah!
Liz says
That bag is gorgeous. It's great that vegan leather doesn't have to look plastic-y and way too shiny anymore.
Jen says
I need a new everyday tote and vegan leather is the way to go!
Sara says
Oooh, I ADORE this bag and am thrilled to learn about this brand. Plus, black is my color! :-)
Tabitha says
i'd love to win be it hurt no animals in the making process.
Secondly, it's gorge!
Jessica says
That Skully black vegan leather handbag is to die for adorable! I would love to the proud owner! GO VEGAN!!!
Courtenay says
I'd love this bag because it would be nice to have a bag that I could feel good about owning because it is ethically produced, but also one that doesn't scream "hippie vegan"!
Marty C. says
It's cool (skull!) and cruelty-free!
Ari says
I've been needing a new bag, and this one really fits my style.
Vera K says
It's super fun!!
Lily wolfe says
I am in desperate need of a new purse and this one is super awesome!
Missy says
I love the look and that it is vegan! No need for real leather in this world. :)
Sam says
Entered! Could not be more excited about this giveaway :)
Mariana says
Hey Ashley! Hope everything is well. I love reading your blog and trying some of your recipes. Anyway, I couldn't comment on the entry but here are my thoughts:
I think it's important to support and help expose high quality products and companies that are doing good things. Winning the bag would allow me to support the brand by telling anyone and everyone who asks about it... And maybe those who don't ;). I've always loved skulls because they're a part of my culture and this bag just screamed my name when I saw it!!!!
Hope all is well!
Mariana
Karie says
I've been in need of a new bag but haven't found the right thing that was vegan! So stoked to find a company doing things well and for the right reasons.
Joyce says
This brand has such cute handbags! I've been looking for a good vegan bag for ages!
Stephanie says
Such a beautiful bag - one can never have enough - be beautiful
Christy says
This bag rocks! Love it!
Thia says
I've been hunting for "the RIGHT" vegan leather bag--one that's big enough to haul paperwork or a laptop, but still sleek, with real design-sense. This one hits the nail on the head...love the skull!
Thanks, Ashley, for the opportunity to win this bag from a very cool company.
Jermisha says
I am new to eating a plant based diet, 2 weeks in to be exact. I would love a vegan hand bag to carry around while on my new lifestyle journey!
Ashley says
How exciting that you've transitioned to a plant-based diet! I hope it's going well for you! xo
Jermisha says
Hi Ashley!
Things are going great so far since transitioning to a plant-based diet. Before changing my diet I had major problem's with having regular bowel movement's. I was lucky if I would go once a week. I constantly had hemorriods. Now I have regular bowel movement's daily. I have lost a few pounds as well! Sorry if my post is "tmi". I feel so much better eating "REAL" foods! :)
Donna F. says
I would love to win this bag because it's cute, cruelty-free and I need a new handbag!
Adele says
This bag has a great look and looks like high-quality vegan leather.
Rachel says
Love finding out about different vegan companies! And I agree, the roughest part of going veggie is finding good and stylish accessories!
Ashley says
The struggle truly is real with compassionate accessories! I'm still looking for a stylish pair of vegan flats that doesn't fall apart or immediately give me blisters. If you know of any, let me know!
Clare says
Building staple pieces in the wardrobe is a MUST!
Marsha A says
I've never seen anything like it! Cool!
Frank says
This bag is awesome, I have the perfect someone that would love it.
Stephanie says
I'd love to win this bag to give to my best friend.
Ashley says
That's so sweet of you, Stephanie! :)
Terri Cole says
I'd love to win this bag because it is awesome!
Michelle Curran says
This bag is beautiful, & cruelty free! Would love this bag- I need a new purse.
Jennifer says
I have a lot of used leather bags and I beat myself all the time because they are leather. I would love to have a bag that didnt have a life associated with it, other than who made it!!!
Ashley says
I have been using the same bags for years because it is hard to find beautiful, affordable, vegan bags! This would be so exciting to win!
Ashley says
I hear you! It really is a challenge. Thanks for reading and participating in the giveaway! :)
Kim Henrichs says
I love that it's vegan and it's really different from anything I own - I love it!
Jaclyn Reynolds says
I've always wanted a vegan bag, very classy style!
DJ says
I love that it vegan and such a cute bag!
Shauna says
Love the bag, just checked out their website and they have so many great ones to choose from!
Allison K says
What a beautiful bag! It would be perfect for carrying around my laptop and other work things.
Jenny says
I am desperately in need of a new bag (that can contain my entire life) and I love the idea of one that looks exactly how I feel in the morning before caffeine!
Corrine says
So I can give it to my daughter, she would love it!
Lydia Claire says
Because it is really nice and super cool!
jodi says
I love it! It is stylish and a little different!
Lee mckeon says
I love this sharp looking bag and need a great bag!
Dawn S says
This bag would be perfect for me, I'm having my fourth baby this summer and I despise using actual diaper bags. I always buy a real tote or purse instead and hope it holds up!
Thanks for the giveaway and congrats to the winner!
Marita says
As a vegetarian, I'm always on the lookout for cute vegan bags. I would love to have this bag to look stylish at work while still being ethical.
Taylor says
I love this bag! It would be perfect for work. Adds a little character and spunk to my everyday commute!
Meghan Carter says
That bag is fabulous! Thanks for sharing. Transitioning my bags and shoes to vegan products has been tough, and this bag would suit me perfectly! I'm excited to see what else this company has to offer! Thanks!
Jordan D. says
It's so hard to find a good vegan bag, especially one that's so adorable! Thanks for the chance to win :)
Dara McDonald says
This would be an awesome way to show my daughter that vegan isn't lame! Thanks for the opportunity!