Eco-Chic: Kara B. Bags

Dilemma: You want to be fashionable, but you’re against leather and other animal skins. It can be hard to find attractive, durable purses, briefcases, and other bags that don’t involve hurting some animal along the way.

Solution: Kara B Bags. Founded by Kara Buttimer in 2003, she was tired of boring old nylon bags with no style and no sense of fun. So she set out to create a line that was both fashionable and useful. Plus, all of the materials are synthetic, so even the most vegan-conscious fashionista can shop without guilt.

I especially love the bike messenger bags because it’s hard to find good carry-alls for laptops over 15.4″. The fact that it comes in a fabulous mock croc style doesn’t hurt. The backpacks are wonderful, too; they include shoulder strap pads – something I rarely see – since even the smaller laptops can get heavy. Any of the larger bags can do double duty as a stylish diaper bag. And, of course, Kara B makes diaper bag kits you can buy separately. No diapers to carry? They make a great weekend get-a-away carry-on.

On the smaller side, Kara B. offers the Cosmo purse and the Traveler tote. The latter comes in a series of fun spring colors. The Cosmo is perfect for day or night, coming in faux leather or lizard skin that feels and looks real.
Kara B bags are socially-conscious chic. Find them at Zappos.com to get free shipping and returns.