I haven’t heard all that much of her work, but I do know that she’s a solo female artist doing her own thing, which is incredibly difficult in the male-dominated music industry where female solo artists are expected to look, act and sound a certain way in order to be viable artists. And not only does Santigold march to the beat of her own drummer stylistically, so does Matt & Nat.

As many of you probably already know, Matt & Nat’s handbags are made entirely of environmentally friendly materials that contain absolutely no animal products. This particular bag is made of distressed PVC with an interior of recycled pink faux suede. The subtle zipper details are on-trend and hip, and it also comes with an extended gold chain handle that I’d use instead of the one pictured. Buy through ShopBop for $185.

I actually had the chance to see this bag in person when I stopped into a Bloomie’s the other day and it looks so much better in person than in these pictures. So, if you are ready to dismiss it, I’d say, don’t do that… not quite yet.

While some of you might think the zipper details are a little too harsh, trust me when I say, they are actually a warm welcomed option when it comes to an edgy vibe. I know many of you are sick of fringe and studding, so think about this as an option. At first glance I was worried that the zippers would cut or hurt to the touch, but it’s actually a non issue.

This cross body bag is clearly different than other cross body bags on the market and I obviously love that. It can also be used as a clutch if you aren’t feeling it as a cross-body bag. And since this bag is a Matt & Nat creation, it is made of eco-friendly synthetic leather and the lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. Points for innovation and style everywhere! Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $165.

So, yes, this got me thinking, it is time to change up my thought process and see what it would be like to carry a clutch during the day. Of course it couldn’t be some glitzy clutch, but there are plenty of options out there. Take the Matt & Nat Kala Pool Oversized Clutch for example. This would be a perfect option for my transition. Blue crinkled synthetic material with brasstone hardware comes together rather nicely. Actually, I really like the studded strap across the center. It is just the right amount of detail that turns this bag from something average to something clutch worthy. I’m also a fan of the several pocket options this clutch boasts. And one more thing, the price is up just about anyone’s alley! Buy through Bluefly for $129.

Despite the fact that I live in the somewhat-rural South, the town that I actually live in actually has a ton of hippie-stink on it. Almost all local restaurants have the vegetarian and vegan options marked on their menus, and we’re home to one of the most famous vegetarian restaurants in the country, The Grit. Because of the large number of eco-conscious and and anti-meat people here, I found out about Matt & Nat handbags years ago, more or less as soon as I moved here, and it’s been nice to see them gain more and more attention from high-end retailers.

Which is exactly the reason that I can bring you the Matt & Nat Camden Hobo today. Although the bag is not made of leather or any kind of animal product, you wouldn’t immediately guess that of many of the brand’s bags in person. They’re carefully finished and well-executed, and although some say they don’t last as long as high-end leather bags, they also don’t cost as much. I love the pink color on this hobo and I think it’d be a great bag for days when it rains or you’re scared that whatever activity you’re doing would mess up something more expensive. This particular brand is fighting the good fight, and supporting them is a purchase you just might feel all warm and fuzzy about. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $275.

I have read a few of mentions of Matt & Nat handbags through the Purse Forum. I actually began to look into this designer a couple months back and I have to say my jaw instantly dropped – in a good way. Matt & Nat are vegan handbags. Can you believe it? The Matt & Nat Japanese Paper Sade Clutch might just be the first vegan purse I call my own. The magenta clutch also has magenta nylon lining, tone on tone stitching and antique silver and black nickel hardware. Open the fold-over zipper closure and you will find plenty of pockets to store anything you carry in your clutch. And you know, the more I think about it, the more I would be absolutely thrilled to tell anyone who asks about my clutch that it is in fact made of vegan leather. I’m not going to go and give up on my fabulous leather handbags anytime soon, but how can you not at least stop and think twice about vegan handbags? Buy this clutch for $150 or peruse other handbags through Stefanibags.