Urban Originals is an Aussie success story. Originating in Sydney, its bags are now sold around the world, and the brand has offices in Australia and the United States. This brand started with a clear objective: to create luxury fashion accessories that were produced in cruelty free, ethical, and sustainable conditions. The founders wanted to help make the world a better place while also making high quality products. The end result was Urban Originals: vegan, endorsed by PETA, made in fair trade conditions and passing industry ethical standards. So, if you're looking for great fashion accessories that look good while not damaging the planet, Urban Originals is a perfect match for you.
Tote Bags
Tote bags are much beloved, and rightly so - you can fit all of your belongings into them and even use them as impromptu overnight bags if necessary. Urban Originals has a wide range of these highly useful bags. Some popular choices are the Chameleon, with its stylish looks and double set of straps for hand or shoulder carrying; the Latitude, looking old school and doubling as an overnighter bag, it's so roomy; and the Mad For You, bright and cheerful, with a heap of room and gold detailing for a burst of personality.
Crossbody Bags
Carrying a handbag with the strap hooked over one shoulder and crossing your body is one of the best ways to keep your valuables safe from bag snatchers. It's also comfortable and good for your back and shoulders, so we're not surprised that these bags are popular. A crossbody bag can be in pretty much any shape or form, as long as it doesn't impede being carried this way. Some popular styles are messenger bags, named after the couriers who used to carry documents in similar bags; saddlebags, named for their similarity in shape to the saddle bags used by horse riders; canteen bags, rounded bags that are shaped similarly to old-fashioned canvas water canteens; satchels, similar to messenger bags but more rectangular, and reminiscent of the satchels school children used to carry books in; and camera bags, small rounded rectangular bags just large enough to fit an old-school film camera and a couple of rolls of film.
Popular styles of Urban Original crossbody bags include the Gypsy Sport messenger bag and the gorgeously round Cherry Love and Magnolia canteen bags. Buy two or three of this handy variety if you want to be able to pick a crossbody bag that suits your outfit and mood for each day.
Backpacks
If you need to distribute a weighty bag evenly across your shoulders, a backpack is a great choice. With sturdy shoulder straps these bags provide comfort and practicality. Urban Originals make some gorgeous backpacks, both small and large. Keep an eye out for the Lovesome backpack, made from vegan leather and with an internal protective pocket ideal for a tablet or small laptop. Other stand out options in this category are the unusually configured Cinderella, slouchy like a hobo bag but with all the convenience of a backpack; the North, small but spacious and with lots of pockets to make organisation a breeze; and The Dark, Urban Originals' take on the classic canvas backpack, with vegan leather highlights and a magnetic front pocket.
Shoulder Bags
When someone thinks about handbags, shoulder bags are what they usually envisage. The traditional shoulder bag - like Grandma used to have - was THE bag to have for decades. Even though we've branched out a bit more lately, the shoulder bag is still a handy and classic design. You can carry it in one hand or sling the long handles over your shoulder if you need a spare hand. These days, you can buy all sorts of styles of shoulder bags, from big roomy totes to small dressy fringe bags, and everything in between. Most of Urban Originals' shoulder bags are convertible to crossbody bags, giving you extra versatility.
Clutches
Clutch bags are typically quite a bit smaller than other handbag styles. They're meant to be carried in one hand rather than slung over a shoulder, although you'll find that some do come with a shoulder chain too. Designed primarily for use in evening outfits, clutches are usually big enough to fit a phone, a few cards, some money, and a lipstick and/or lip gloss. Urban Originals clutch bags are practical, look great, and will fit all your necessities and a bit more. Have a look for the recent addition, the Edit clutch, which doubles as a wallet with internal card slots to keep everything organised and easily accessible.
Convertible Bags
If you're not sure what type of handbag to buy, a convertible one can be a great choice. Versatile and adaptable, these bags can be transformed from one type to another by adding, removing, or rearranging straps. Clutch to crossbody convertibles are common; you'll also find shoulder bags that transform to backpacks and belt bags that can also be used as clutches. Urban Originals have made a number of these over the years, and you'll find many of them right here on eBay.
What to buy with your Urban Originals bag
Every great handbag needs a great purse or wallet to go with it. There are a lot of women's purses and wallets in Urban Originals collections that complement their bags perfectly. Look for purses in the same or complementary colours and patterns, or pick something that contrasts strongly for a bolder look. For a slightly less obtrusive contrast, pick different patterns in matching colour schemes.
If you wear belts, now is a great time to make sure that you have a belt to go with your new bag. Matching accessories is an easy and fun way to bring unity to an outfit, and it can turn a look from haphazard into seeming perfectly planned from top to toe.
Speaking of accessories, the last accessory to match with your bag is your shoes. This can be a little tricky, because unlike belts, you don't just want to match the colour - you also want to match the style. Less structured bags, like hobos, tend to look best with chunkier shoes. In winter, a pair of faux fur lined boots works well with a hobo bag, while in summer you could go for a pair of fringed sandals or thongs. More structured bags, like a classic shoulder bag, look best with similarly structured shoes like slingbacks and leather lace-ups.