My friends are obsessed with my new plant-based Everlane bag: Is it worth $228?
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Despite what my mother and a myriad of ex-boyfriends would say: I am a simple gal. And by this, I mean: When I see a bag, I want said bag.
And while the aforementioned boyfriends are long gone, my enthusiasm for handbags has stayed true. In fact, things are getting quite serious with the newest addition to my collection: Everlane's The Cactus Leather Hobo.
The Cactus Leather Hobo
The details
An oh-so-sleek bag you can feel good about buying, Everlane's cactus leather hobo bag is made from organically sourced prickly pear cacti.
While its resemblance to leather is uncanny, the cactus-based textile is significantly more earth-friendly than its animal product doppelgänger. According to Everlane, cactus acts as a natural carbon sink, uses zero irrigation, and naturally regenerates the soil. Plus, 50 per cent of the material's byproduct is redirected to the food industry and used to feed cattle, an earth-style win-win.
The hobo bag features an open interior pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap. It's available in three chic colours: Black, honey brown, and pepper green.
What people are saying
A standout piece in the new Cactus Leather Collection, the hobo bag has already earned an average rating of 4.7 stars from Everlane shoppers.
The bag is "extremely comfortable and elegant looking," according to one reviewer. "Compliments galore. Everyone thinks it's leather and is surprised when I tell them [it's] plant-based."
"I can't believe it's not leather!" writes another shopper. It's a "gorgeous little shoulder bag that looks and feels like leather."
A third reviewer says the hobo bag is the "perfect size" and calls it a wonderful mix between a crossbody and a tote bag. Plus, it's "very lightweight and great quality," they say.
However, despite its positive reviews, some note the hobo came "smaller than expected."
"I can fit the essentials," including sunglasses, a wallet, and a small book, "but that's it," according to one user.
My thoughts
Much like other Everlane shoppers, I was surprised by the leather-like quality of The Cactus Leather Hobo bag. Compared to my other authentic leather bags, the only discernible difference was a slight plasticky smell that faded within a few days.
In my opinion, it's a perfectly sized shoulder bag. I've fit a water bottle and pair of sneakers in it pre spin class, it's carried a Turkish towel and snacks to the beach, and it's come in handy more than once when I was short a reusable shopping bag at the grocery store.
One thing to note: While the strap is adjustable, it's shorter than I imagined it to be. I.e. the style is solely fit for shoulder wear and cannot double as a crossbody.
Finally, I have to admit: I am surprised by how much I use it. While I like the style, I wasn't blown away when I first saw it. With that being said, I use the bag more days than not, and it's quickly become a staple in my wardrobe.
The verdict
While I can understand not wanting to spend $228 CAD/$150 USD on a faux leather bag, I think Everlane's The Cactus Leather Hobo is worth an exception. The versatile style is roomy enough to hold all the essentials (plus snacks for good measure), and if you're anything like me, it will quickly become one of your go-to purchases. However, some reviewers note the bag is smaller than expected, something to keep in mind before hitting the check-out button.
More from Everlane's The Cactus Leather Collection
The Cactus Triangle Tote
The Cactus Leather Mini Sling Bag
The Cactus Leather Oversized Hobo
The Cactus Leather Sling Bag
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