The Bag That Keeps on Giving

SURevolution has collaborated with J.Crew to produce eight hand-made sisal bags in the Kathuma Village in Kenya.  SURevolution is a company that believe in creating sophisticated products for the luxury market that honor artisans' traditions, craftsmanship and our natural resources.  J.Crew looks at each of their collaborations very carefully but Marissa Webb, Head of Women's Design, was already familiar with SURevotion and thought it was the perfect partnership.  When I asked why only eight were produced, she told me, "it takes a long time to produce each one. Every detail is made by hand and there is care taken in each stitch." She especially liked they are giving back to the community and keeping these artistic traditions alive.  The bags are $150 each and will not be available online.  Four will be available at the Malibu Lumber Yard store (310-456-6760) and four at the Lincoln Road store in Miami (305-673-9806).  Please visit or contact the stores if you would like to purchase one.  It really is the bag that keeps on giving!

Photos courtesy of J.Crew

Birthday Baggage

My birthday is this weekend and I'm trying to figure out what to buy myself. While these spring and summer Celine handbags are bit more than I would like to spend, they are definitely calling my name! Me likey!

NYIGF Report: Chic Baggage

I'm always on the look out for chic canvas bags to carry all my work supplies and fabric samples so I was very excited to see an entire wall of them in the Utility Canvas booth at the New York International Gift Fair. Now I just have to pick a color! They also sell other great items for the home and men's and women's clothing.

The fabulous duffel bag in front of the bicycle was what drew us to the property of booth. Most of the bags are geared toward men but they do have a few more styles online that would appeal to woman. I'm wondering if I can beg them to make me a tote bag version of the duffel! I love the color combination!

Most of the bags I picked up were really lightweight too which is perfect for New Yorkers who like to carry their entire life with them at all times! They had a really cool booth too!

I already posted one photo but here's a close up view of the Whistle Bag from Jack & Lulu. I think I need one of these too! The whistle would come in handy for hailing a taxi too!

These Jonathan Adler racquet and paddle covers aren't exactly bags but they are too cute not to post. They are so cool that they actually make me want to take up sports until I remember that I'm not actually that coordinated. Maybe I can just leave them out and look at them!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Chic Advertising

I think it's funny that Sophia Coppola's line for Louis Vuitton debuted in March of last year and I'm just now noticing the advertising! I've seen a few images here and there and just found all the rest. I love how they don't hit you over the head with the product. I wish all advertisements were this subtle and seductive. Even though everyone always thinks New Yorkers only wear black, I actually don't own a black handbag so I am eyeing the black SC duffel bag. Sophia said she wanted to design a day bag that was "chic, discreet and lightweight and that isn't enormous," adding that "it is hard to find bag without a lot of hardware." And unlike Viviana Volpicella, some of can't fit all our stuff into a clutch in the daytime! Bon Weekend!

Photos from Louis Vuitton and Modern Traditionalist

10 Vintage Vegan Bags

1. Vintage Chenille Carpet Purse
- Back Thennish Vintage (Etsy) $125
Chanel, Chenille, who can tell the difference when a vintage bag looks this lavish? I never knew carpet bags could look so glamorous! This 1960s bag is truly special with its stunning red and black pattern.



2. Danieli Woven Vinyl Purse
- Individ Juli (Etsy) $24
An eye-catching, black and white vinyl bag with 'gold hardware and chain link strap'. This Danieli bag will never date due to its classic, chic style and design.



3. Vintage Compact Purse
- Sonya Renee (Etsy) $122
This is such a stunning, rare find. The metallic exterior is ultra glamorous and the interior features a cute lipstick holder. Old fashioned decadence at its best!



4. Yellow Vintage 1960s Novelty Clocks Handbag
- Catbooks 1940s (Etsy) $45
Okay, this little bag is beyond sweet! With three hand painted wooden clocks attached to a yellow hued raffia / straw bag, vintage cuteness doesn't get any better than this!



5. Vintage 70s Whiting & Davis White Chainmail Bag
- Nina and Lola, £69
This metallic mesh bag sure looks designer-worthy. With faux tortoise handles and gold metal links, it will make a cute and unique day bag.



6. Vintage Velvet Bead Clutch
- Mama Lizzie (Etsy) $25
This ornate clutch would be fabulous for evenings out, paired with your favourite little black dress. Whenever you want to wear a simple outfit, you can always rely on a statement clutch such as this to really elevate your look from 'chic' to 'unique'.



7. Vintage Diagonal Striped Faux Leather Handbag
- Skinny and Bernie (Etsy) $30
I can't seem to say no to a striped accessory! This bag looks especially striking with bold red, tan and brown diagonal stripes. Very Mod Squad!





8. Vintage Tribal Ethnic Bag
- Vintage Angel 25 (Etsy) $17.50
If you require a stylish suitcase or are just searching for an unusual bag, then this graphic gem is for you. It's on sale too!



9. Vintage Velvet and Gold Glamour Handbag
- adVintagous (Etsy) $24
Here's further proof you don't need leather to have a stylish evening bag. This black velvet bag with an intricate and beguiling gold pattern, looks utterly divine.



10. Upcycled Vintage Suitcase with Deer
- The Vintage Dresser (Etsy) $45
This bag was too adorable not to include today. I'm sure you could find some use for it, such as a cute suitcase or briefcase perhaps? It could also be used for decorative purposes, strategically placed in a bedroom or something! I think every age group will adore this.


Where to Purchase
1. Chenille Carpet Purse - Back Thennish Vintage (Etsy) $125
2. Danieli Woven Vinyl Purse - Individ Juli (Etsy) $24
3. Compact Purse - Sonya Renee (Etsy) $122
4. Novelty Clocks Handbag - Catbooks 1940s (Etsy) $45
5. Whiting & Davis White Chainmail - Nina and Lola, £69
6. Velvet Bead Clutch - Mama Lizzie (Etsy) $25
7. Diagonal Striped Handbag - Skinny and Bernie (Etsy) $30
8. Tribal Ethnic Bag - Vintage Angel 25 (Etsy) $17.50
9. Velvet and Gold Handbag - adVintagous (Etsy) $24
10. Suitcase with Deer - The Vintage Dresser (Etsy) $45

3 Summer Eco Outfits for the Weekend!

READY FOR NEW YORK

1. Uhuru Dress - (Edun Online 197 euros). Made in Peru from organic cotton
2. Fireball Fedora Hat - Livity Outernational (Fashion Conscience £22). 'Made under a Fair Trade project' from sustainable seagrass with hemp and organic cotton lining.
3. Coupe Bag - English Retreads (Feel Good Handbags £65). Made in Boulder, Colorado from tyre inner tubes
4. Kate T-strap Flat Vegan Sandals - Cri de Coeur (Nimli $102). Made in Europe from vegan materials
5. Ashley Large Bangle - (Made £34.25). Made in East Africa from brass (fair trade).

AFRICAN GETAWAY

1. Vintage 1970s Izod Lacoste Peach Orange Shorts - Greasy Waitress (Etsy $58)
2. Organic Coffee Shoulder Bag - The Wren (Etsy $58). Handmade in Cape Town from recycled jute coffee sack with an organic hemp canvas lining.
3. Vintage 80s Sunglasses - Back to the Vintage (Etsy $10)
4. Julia Warm Burgundy Stripe Vegan Shoes - (Charmone $99). Made in Italy
5. Peaches Unicorn Pendant (Made £49). Made in East Africa from 'recycled brass door handles, bath taps and padlocks'. Designed by Peaches Geldof (I just noticed this is currently out of stock at Made, sorry but perhaps keep checking Made's site or check out their other great necklaces).

LAID BACK IN LONDON

1. White Long Henley Tank - (Stewart + Brown $34). Made in Portugal from organic pima cotton.
2. Calla Low Rise Organic Jeans - Del Forte (Adili £60, reduced from £120). Made in the USA from organic cotton.
3. Ethletic Olive Green Low Top Vegan Sneakers - Autonomie Project (Nimli $58). Made in Fair Trade certified workshop in Pakistan with FT / organic cotton and sustainable rubber.
4. Organic Chai Mandarin Lip Balm - All The Better To Kiss You With (Content £4.50)

New vs Vintage - 2 Eco Outfit Ideas

Have a little fun dressing up and try combining two clashtastic colours next time you get your party on. Here are two outfit ideas for those in the mood for something new and those hard-core eco girls only interested in vintage purchases.

THE NEW ECO LOOK

This New Eco look oozes sophistication and modernity thanks to the colour combination of regal plum and summer yellow. The unique Nature vs Future Cut Out dress is made in the USA from hemp and tencel (1. Nimli - $203 or Nature vs Future) while the handwoven raffia clutch bag is made in Madagascar/Kenya from one of my favourite labels, Mad Imports (2. Mad Imports - $75). Complete this elegant look with Charmone's opulent black vegan Cinnamon shoes (3. Charmone - $179) which are made in Italy and then keep jewellery delicate and simple with this brass bracelet designed by Sarah Rhodes and made in East Africa (4. Made - £25).

SPECIAL NATURE VS FUTURE DISCOUNT
Green Lashes and Fashion readers will receive a 30% discount on the above purple cut out dress or any other Nature vs Future item on their website when using the code: GLF30 (valid until Friday 12th June).

THE VINTAGE LOOK

This vintage look is fresh, light and ideal for those simmering summer months. The purple zipper dress from Lola Vintage is definitely a sultry little number but it would look so stunning day or night (1. Etsy - $30). Flaunt the bright mustard yellow vegan clutch from Nikita Jade (2. Etsy - $21) and tip toe around in the clear rhinestone purple fabulousness of these vegan shoes from Decades (3. Etsy - $45). Finally, finish your look with a strong piece of jewellery such as this gorgeous cuff bracelet from Beatomic Beauty which perfectly compliments the bold and playful dress, clutch and shoes (4. Etsy - $30).

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Charmone, Vegan Shoes, Mad Imports, Vegan Clutches

10 Stylish Eco-friendly Shopping Totes

I know people reading this blog probably share the same 'green is good' philosophy as me and you are probably well and truly sorted when it comes to owning your own stash of reusable shopping bags. But just in case you need an extra one, I couldn't resist showcasing this tempting selection of the most stylish eco-friendly shopping totes available online.

For those that haven't ditched plastic bags for stylish, 'save the planet' reusable bags (no pressure), hopefully the great selection of 10 reusable bags will be your ideal starting point!

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOURS!
It's a perennial problem and the most common phrase uttered at supermarket cash registers up and down the country, 'botherations, I left my reusable bags at home...again!' I'm sure even sheepish plastic bag users even feign ownership of reusable bags that have been mysteriously 'left' elsewhere, just to avoid embarrassment amongst the smug people packing their groceries efficiently into their own bags beside them.

To join the WORBAAATUT (We Own Reusable Bags And Aren't Afraid To Use Them) club where we live by the following motto:

'You only need 3 things in life:
your health
your loved ones...
...and your reusable shopping bags!'

All you need to do is implement the following systems to ensure you are never without your reusable shopping totes again. Remember to always:

Keep 2 reusable bags rolled up in your handbag (they will fit)
Keep 5 in your car (we'll discuss the car another time ; )
Keep 1 or 2 at work

Reserve your prettiest reusable bag for clothes shopping (you don't want to put a new vintage find or organic jeans into a bag that has stored crumbly bread and fragrant fruits and vegetables). I know part of the perk of shopping involves receiving a plastic bag emblazoned with a fancy store's name and logo, but once you pick out the perfect fashion worthy tote you won't look back!

Manhattan Commuter Tote - RetroActif
Made in Florida
Recycled PVC Banner Material
Ever since I featured RectroActif on GLAF a few months ago, I have become a huge fan of their stylish totes made from recycled ad banners, billboards and flags. I love how unique and loud this Manhattan bag is. This would make the perfect reusable bag for clothes shopping. It has a black trim with internal and external pockets.
Purchase at Eco Handbags for CAN US$73
Visit RetroActif



Recycled Blue Bus Tote - The Craft Pantry
Handmade in USA
Recycled Cotton
The Craft Pantry is a very popular place to stop by on Etsy for shopping totes made from recycled or organic cotton with a plethora of prints to pick from! I wanted to showcase this best selling Blue Bus bag for my Mum because it was one of the first vehicles she owned. I also had my eye on the bags with prints of a vintage baking mixer, scooter, daisy tree, words that read 'choose kindness', coffee cup...(there were so many to choose from!)
Purchase at Etsy (The Craft Pantry) for $18



Organic Floral Cotton Bag (Teal) - Peris and Corr
Handmade in Wales
Organic cotton canvas
A great size and a real lady's bag! If you must do your family's weekly obligatory shop, at least you can do it in style (and enjoy having a bag large enough to stash some extra goodies for yourself).
Purchase online at Etsy (Peris and Corr) for US$56



Organic Red Tree Shopping Bag - Bella Bags by Marcia
Handmade in Massachusetts
Organic cotton canvas
I think the simple tree design of this shopping bag is quite classic. This design could not be more fitting for the eco conscious woman! Choose from a red or green tree.
Purchase at Etsy (Bella Bags by Marcia) for $10



Recycled Cement Bag - Hen and Hammock
Made in Bangladesh (Tarango Cooperative)
Recycled cement bag, unbleached cotton lining
I can't believe I'm recommending an old cement bag for your shopping but when it looks as cool and unusual as this one, I say 'shop away!' I would proudly flaunt this when out and about shopping! It's also great to know that your purchase has a purpose (the Tarango Cooperative 'supports some of the most marginalized women' in Bangladesh by providing work opportunities and fair trade working conditions for them).
Purchase at Hen and Hammock for £12



Recycled Coffee Bag - Seabags
Made in Portland, Maine
Recycled coffee sacks
This sturdy waterproof bag is 'lined with fabric from recycled boat and yacht sails' (medium size). Seabags have many more innovative shopping bags available in small, medium and large sizes that are all made from and inspired by sails from boats. Visit Seabags to learn more.
Purchase at Fashion Conscience for £75

Catalina - Mad Imports
Hand made in Madagascar / Kenya (fair trade)
Crochet Raffia
I love these bags so much that I've spent the past 20 minutes umming and ahhing about which coloured bag to feature. They are all so beautiful but I eventually opted for the 'jacaranda apple' colour here and decided to open with the 'sunflower jacaranda' coloured bag (first image). Visit Nimli or Mad Imports to find your favourite colour combinations. If only you could hop over to Catalina once you buy the bag (sounds very appealing when you live in London).
Purchase online at Nimli for $60 (on sale from $86)









Playland Ticket Tote / Old School Rockaway Train - Bungaloe
Handmade in NYC
Organic cotton
Bungaloe have such striking organic totes that I had to pop two of their incredible designs into today's post. The first bag features a screenprint of a Rockaway's Playland ticket (printed with waterbased inks) and features handles made from seatbelts (also available in olive green). The second bag features a screenprint of the old 'Rockaway Round Robin' train from the 60's and 70's. Love them!
Purchase Ticket bag at Etsy (Bungaloe) for $65. Purchase Old School Rockaway Train bag for $65 on Etsy also.

ONE MORE USE FOR SHOPPING TOTES...
Shopping totes are not only great for shopping but they also make great gift wrapping alternatives. Giving someone their gift inside a reusable shopping bag (complete with a colour, design or text pertinent to them) is the ultimate thoughtful, planet friendly gift!

Technorati Tags: Organic Shopping Totes, Reusable Shopping Bags, Recycled Shopping Bags