best bets

Best Bet: Hip Vegan Handbags

The words vegan and fashion needn’t form an oxymoron. For proof that style exists beyond dumpy patchwork pants and Phish tees, look no further than Matt & Nat founder Inder Bedi’s newer, cheaper diffusion line, Matt by Matt & Nat. A selection of the fall 2010 purses just dropped at Alter in Greenpoint, and the buttery-soft, faux-leather handbags couldn’t be chicer. Expandable bottoms and magnetic-tab closures make them ideal for everyday wear and tear, while shiny hardware, gratuitous zippers, and delicate pleating fancies ‘em up enough for evening use. If Mother Earth owned an “It” bag, we’re pretty sure it looks something like this.

Matt by Matt & Nat handbags, $150 each at Alter.

Best Bet: Hip Vegan Handbags