A Minimalist Handbag That Comes With a Story

I love what I do. Blogging makes me very happy; I am incredibly thankful and blessed to have this creative outlet. One of the best aspects of this job: I get to continually cross paths with designers and small makers who inspire me.

Tiffany and Lauren – the women behind conscious essentials brand Velé – are on a mission, and I want to share it. They didn’t pay me for this post, nor will I make commissions off sales, but sometimes I feel like budgets shouldn’t get in the way of sharing something good.

Almost two months ago they sent me their Cross-Body Clutch to use and review with the idea that I might be able to share their message with you guys. Before I get into the details about the bag, I want to share more about Velé. Their mission is that all women would know they are valued, worthy and wanted. They have a heart to empower women – the makers of these bags – through working to redefine industry practices. Yes, it’s a big goal, but a good one.

Here’s their approach (as shared on their website):

• Ethical manufacturing ­– we partner with artisans who treat their craft as art and are paid a living wage that reflects their artistry. Learn more here.
• People over profit – we are committed to combatting fast fashion by offering the luxury of artisan quality essentials at accessible prices.
• 10% of each purchase donated – we partner with Not For Sale to invest in the future of those most vulnerable to human trafficking through the growth of social enterprises.

Amazing, right? For Tiffany and Lauren – who have a friendship dating back to middle school – making beautiful things wasn’t good enough, they set out to create something that would empower and take care of the very people making it.

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The Cross-Body Clutch by Velé

This little number has been a great sidekick for when I’ve needed a ‘minimalist’ bag. It’s very sleek and trim, measuring in at 9.75 inches wide by 7 inches tall, and about an inch deep. I can fit my (large) wallet, iPhone Plus, keys and a few lipsticks. Slim, lightweight and sophisticated, it is perfect for a fancy dinner out.

A few weeks ago Mr. Seasons and I went to see Macklemore when he kicked off his Gemini tour in Portland – it was incredible. The show was at a small venue, the kind with few seats and a bunch of people crowded around a stage. The floor of people got even tighter when Ben walked out onto the crowd, surfing style. In that moment (and the whole night really) I was so glad to have my Cross-Body Clutch slung across my front. It’s small enough that I almost forgot it was there, and secure enough I never worried about it. I liked having my items in front of me, rather than stuffed into back pockets where they were harder to guard. Not to mention it was nice to have super quick access to my phone to be able to snap a few photos at the show. It’s the perfect concert bag, date night bag, and I suspect it will come in handy in many more scenarios.

Clutch Duty:

One of the aspects that first drew me to this bag, is that it converts to a clutch!  The leather straps are easily removable and there is no metal hardware left dangling from the bag. For me, this makes it a fabulous ‘occasion’ bag.

I won’t lie, I don’t get out as much as I’d like. Running a household with three kids, and of course the blog, sometimes makes life feel so busy and (wonderfully) full, that there seems little time left for that. But the next time I head out for a night with friends, I’m excited to use this bag as a clutch. I think it will also come in handy for fancy events like weddings, or holiday parties.

I’d love to know what you think of the Cross-Body Clutch by Velé. I love the gorgeous, soft leather and the sturdy brass zipper. The 2-in-1 bag function is totally up my alley. And I love the mission that Tiffany and Lauren set out to pursue.

If you have any questions about the bag, let me know! If you’re in the market for a slim, multi-use bag, you can use the code seasons+salt20 to save 20% when placing an order with Velé. The bags are made in Ubrique, Spain. If you’d like to know more about the ladies behind the brand, be sure to read Ellie’s interview with Tiffany over at Selflessly Styled.

Outfit Details: Sweater, Everlane | Vintage Jeans, Etsy | Mules, c/o Nisolo

All photography by Kiara Rose.