Review: Claret Split

The Split is made of dark gray vegan leather

When it comes to fashion, Claret knows what they're doing. Their designs are what you'd expect from a high-end line, yet they are made of PETA-approved vegan leather. Their Split clutch is a versatile entry in their collection, serving as both a bag for a night out and a shoulder bag.

Pros:

• PETA-approved patent vegan leather
• Small but functional size
• Can be worn as a shoulder bag
• Beautiful jade twill lining
• Quality hardware and construction
• Relatively affordable
  

Cons:

• Only available in one color currently

Summary:

Clutch strap on the back side

This clutch is made of beautiful dark gray patent vegan leather. The hardware is what you'd expect from high-end lines, with careful attention paid to subtle details. For example, the metal point on the front flap has slightly rounded edges so it is soft and easy to touch. The bag itself is cleverly designed, with a jade twill lined clutch strap on the back and hidden metal loops for an included shoulder strap. There is also an interior zipper pocket (also lined in twill) that opens quite easily with the cork-inspired zipper pull. With plenty of room inside for the essentials and a few other items, this bag is a practical yet compact size. I was really impressed with the details on this bag, and $85 seems quite a bargain for something of this quality. I would love to see it in additional colors and perhaps a non-patent finish at some point in the future. With so many reasons to love it, the Split is a versatile and stylish option suitable for any fashionable lady, vegan or not.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: Claret Marie Jeanne

We've all needed a spacious bag for a weekend away, but how many times have you reached for a utilitarian suitcase? Claret offers a stylish alternative for weekend getaways or the office: the Marie Jeanne, a khaki tote with golden vegan leather trim and high-end hardware.

Pros:

• Fashionable look suited for a variety of situations
• Study, spacious design
• Quality hardware and details
• Top zipper closure
• Multiple pockets, including one padded for a laptop
• Made with luxurious vegan leather

Hardware detail

Cons:

• May be hard to find in stores

Summary:
This is no ordinary tote. It is designed with care, from the fashionably contrasting gray lining on the interior to the cork-inspired zipper pulls. It comes with details you'd expect from high-end designer bags, such as sturdy hardware, a quality zipper on the top, and even a dust bag. While the straps are just a tad short to be worn on the shoulder, there is a removable vegan leather shoulder strap included. It can also be worn on your arm as a fashionable accessory, if you pack it lighter.

Top zipper pull

This tote is a nice size and made with versatile details such as the padded laptop pocket that make it easy to take it from the office to a weekend getaway. The top zipper is an especially nice detail, especially if heading to a rainy location. The vegan leather is extremely high quality and could easily be mistaken for genuine leather. I was really impressed with this bag, and I hope they continue to make more quality items like this in the future. I'd love to see these bags in retail stores, so more people can see them and appreciate the craftsmanship. If I were to suggest an improvement, I'd love to see eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton included in the design.

This is a fantastic tote with gorgeous details that any fashion-conscious woman would be proud to own.

Click here to see my reviews of other Claret bags.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: Claret Bordeaux

When it comes to high fashion handbags, few designers consider vegan options. Most of us have had to be content with sighing over the ads in Vogue, waiting for the day when we'll get the same high-quality construction and designs sharp enough to compete with the major labels. Well, that day has come. Claret, a brand developed by wine and fashion enthusiasts, offer three stunning vegan handbags, including my personal favorite, the Bordeaux.

Pros:

• Beautiful, eye-catching color
• Stunning cobalt blue twill contrasting lining
• Luxurious vegan leather
• High-quality hardware and design
• Dust bag and shoulder strap included
• High fashion feel

Cons:

• Color selection is limited

Summary:

Cork-inspired hanging detail on the front

I was so excited when I first saw this handbag. While I was seduced by the pictures online, they don't quite do it justice. In the past, I've purchased second hand designer handbags, and this is the only vegan handbag that offers the same attention to detail that I've seen in the high-end labels. It is a perfect handbag to show off on your arm, and can really set off a great outfit. The color is eye-catching, and the contrasting cobalt blue twill lining is a perfect pairing. There are two small pockets on the front, and three on the interior, including one with a cork-inspired zipper pull. There are metal feet on the bottom to keep the bag away from unnecessary dirt and wear. While the straps are just a tad too short to be worn on the shoulder, there is a detachable shoulder strap included.

With generous room for a small laptop or tablet, along with books, notepads, or the essentials of a purse, this handbag could serve as stylish briefcase or fashionable handbag only. When I saw it, I imagined myself strutting down the terminal of LAX, looking effortlessly stylish while carrying my laptop and other essentials for travel. It is hard to find fault in this bag, so my only suggestion would be to offer additional colors, perhaps the reverse (cobalt blue leather with tangerine lining).

The Bordeaux is a stunning bag that would look great on any fashionable woman's arm. It is probably as close as we'll get to a Birkin bag, and at less than $150, this bag is a wonderful steal.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our email list and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an occasional newsletter instead.