When I think about organic products & natural ingredients, the first thing I think about is my makeup. I guess that's no surprise considering what I do right? Well, now I'm thinking about something new! Purses! I haven't done a collection video or post on all of my purses but trust me what I say...I have far too many. This got me thinking about purses like I do my makeup collection. Next time I have a hankering to buy a new purse, how can I make a better choice?
So here's what I've discovered. I went in search of something new, not just the seat belt bags of my youth that were once so popular. I wanted unique, upcycled, & gorgeous. Let's be clear & honest from the beginning: I don't carry ugly purses, even if it plants trees or recycles my bottles for me. Its simply not happening. So here are the purses I decided to show you. Pay special attention not just to the purse itself, but the companies as well. How a purse is packaged is just as important to me. As long as it gets to me in great shape, it can be packaged in whatever works. Here are my top 5 picks, in no specific order.
This was a purse sent to me for review. I was planning on using it in an outfit of the day or something similar but after doing my research it was the inspiration of this post. Its a gorgeous clutch, classy but not overly glitz. It arrived a bit flattened, but that was to be expected since it was shipped. A customer review on the site states its too big, but I like that I can fit more in it. The color is off online as well, its more of a blue with a slight reflective quality. The interior picture on the website is more accurate than the exterior.
What Gaiam says: "Take romance from day into evening with our fabulously feminine Rose
Silk Clutch with wrist strap. Fold-over flap is beautifully embellished
with silk rosettes with a magnetic snap closure. Holds all of the
essentials. Zipper pocket. Each purchase provides a fair trade group
with much needed income to help improve its community’s quality of life.
100% eco-conscious silk. Lining: 60% silk, 40% rayon. Vietnam."
Things to Take Note of: Gaiam has a pretty cool way of shipping. I'm really digging how they lay it all out on their site
HERE as well.
-“Ugly” reused boxes – 100% reclaimed, 100% recyclable
-Renature® packing “peanuts” – 100% natural, 100% biodegradable
- Recycled-content catalogs – 30% recycled, 100% recyclable
- Mailers – 95% or 35% recycled, 100% recyclable
-
Zero
out the carbon impact of shipping your Gaiam order, and do something
simple yet significant to help slow global warming. Your contribution of
just $2 helps our partner The Conservation Fund® to plant new forests
that absorb thousands of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
through its Go ZeroSM program. Over its lifetime, each new tree planted
by the Fund will absorb more than one ton of carbon dioxide. That's
enough to offset the emissions resulting from shipping a 200-pound
package from Los Angeles to New York. 100% of your donation goes
directly to The Conservation Fund, the nation's top-rated charity for
low administrative costs, to plant trees through the Go Zero program.
I would have never thought of this! I'm a crafter but am constantly suprised and excited by the ideas out there. How beautiful is this? Someone out there took a simple household item and made it something I would carry year round & feel good about.
What Celery Street says: Rice Bag Purse in Pink. Light weight,
fashionable, and Fair Trade…what more could you ask?! Using creatively
recycled material from Cambodian rice feed bags, landmine and polio disabled artisans crafted
this bright, fun, pink and environmentally responsible rice bag
purse to benefit Cambodia’s most under-served and impoverished citizens.
Things to Take Note of: Not only is it a re-purposed item, but it is also provides work for artisans in Cambodia. If this isn't your thing, check out other items available from Celery Street, they have a wide selection.
I grew up dating skateboarders so this was an awesome find. A clutch made from a discarded skateboard! Skateboards are sturdy but malleable when submerged in water for hours, so I'm not surprised they were able to form it into a gorgeous clutch.
What Eco-Handbags says: A clutch bag made from recycled skateboards. Usually covered with scratches and stickers. Lined with silk satin. Nickel closure.
Things to Take Note of: A one of a kind bag made right here in the USA. All unique, no two are the same.
What a cool take on the chain mail trend of the 90s right? Shiny & modern, plus its origins are not completely unrecognizable. What a great conversation starter!
What Ecoist says: Stand out in the crowd. Perfect for days
when you don't have much to carry or nights out on the town. Hand
crocheted with 700 recycled aluminum pop-tops. Comes with silver satin
lining and YKK zipper closure.
Things to Take Note of: Made from recycled pull-tabs. Nylon fabric liner and zipper closure. Handmade in Brazil by Women's Cooperatives. Keep in mink the YKK zipper is one of the best on the market, made to last & used by many top brands.
This is one of the coolest upcycles ever, & I've been saving it till I found a worthy post to add it to. Many of the issues with replaces leather handbags with something more animal friendly is there just wasn't anything. I mean, leather is durable & resists the elements making it perfect for everyday use. Ah, but tires! Why didn't I think of that?
What Uncommon Goods says: Yes, these cutting-edge bags are actually made of recycled tires - real
retreads, rescued form the tires of trucks and tractors from a landfill.
So if you're a conscientious consumer, then these purses are an
absolute must - the ne plus ultra of recycled goods. The "Mini"
(right) is accented with Army Green twill tape handles, decorative
cutouts, and metal grommets, while the larger "Model T" (left) comes
with actual seat belts for handles and three outer snaps for added
security. The "Model T" also features an inside security pocket.
Things to Take Note of: Brilliant for animal lovers looking for a leather alternative that is better than fabric itself. Eco friendly while still being chic. Lots of options for something edgier as well, the tires look great with fringe or grommets as detailing.
Those are my picks! What do think? Will you look into a stylish but natural or upcycled option this year?
*Item(s) sent to me for review are featured in this post. This in no way guarantees coverage. All of my reviews and reactions are honest, I would never recommend something that didn’t deserve it. For more information, please see my disclosure policy in the top bar.*
