Bags – Fabulously Green

Category archives: Bags

FASHION | Ecoist's Hot Red Clutch

12Sep08

Some things are better the second time around. Case in point: Ecoist’s collection of fashion accessories designed and made entirely from repurposed Coke Cola labels. Ecoist sources its raw materials from Coke manufacturers in Peru (rescuing the misprinted or discontinued), and local artisans weave labels into a variety of bags and clutches. Check out the process here.

According to Ecoist, the collection is certified fair trade, and they plant a tree with each purchase. It’s partnership with soft drink juggernaut like Coke may not be able to help rescue the millions of bottles consumed and cast off in other parts of the world, but keeping the manufacture of their styling accessories local keeps the footprint small.

Baguette Clutch, $48 at Ecoist or check out the entire Coke collection.

Filed under Bags, Budget Fashion, Fashion - Women, Handmade, Refashion+Refurb| Tagged coke, Eco-friendly, Ecoist, fashion accessories, Handmade, recycled bags | 1 Comment

LIFE.STYLED | Hotter than Paper or Plastic

02Mar08

I confess that despite having a mad green streak, I’ve only been able to remember to “B.Y.O.B.” when my “B” is functional and pretty. Maybe you’ve got the same problem? If so I’ve created this groovy guide to fab shopping gear: for guys and gals, in lots of styles. Face it: it’s hotter than plastic and cooler for the planet.

FOR THE ASIAN POP PRINCESS

Cute as Hell Tote at Perpetual Kid, $11.99US

FOR THE GLAMOR GIRL

Hot and Flashy Tote at Hippychix, $15US

FOR THE NEO-GREEN BADASS

Xposed Bag at Perpetual Kid, $11.99

FOR THE URBAN NOMAD

Trek Interchange Grocery Bag clips right to your bike, $69.99 at TrekBikes

FOR THE MINIMALIST

Bag the Habit Tote, $8 at Nubius (left)
ACME Bags™ – EarthTote™ Reusable Shopping Bag, at Reusable Bags (right)

FOR THE FLOWER GIRL

Reisenthel Bag packs away in a clip-on pouch, $9.99 at Reusable Bags

FOR HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Catherine and Victoria Totes by b.happy bags, $19.99

FOR THE RETRO HIPSTER

Graphic Series bags by Envirosax stow away into a glove box, $37.95 for set of five

FOR THE GIRL WITH SOMETHING TO SAY

This is Not a Plastic Bag by Anya Hindmarch, $28.99, at Luxury Divas

See more bags in our previous post on Posh Grocery Gear. Happy shopping!

Filed under Bags, Lifestyle Tips, Sales+Shopping| Tagged Anya Hindmarch, b.happy bags, Eco-friendly, Envirosax, grocery gear, Reusable, reusable bags, shopping bags | No Comments

SHOPPING | Transportation Doggie Style

24Feb08

FLASHBACK | Project Runway, Season 3 — The Dog Challenge. Heidi Klum tells the show’s designers they will be designing for one of fashion’s hottest accessories. The designers (and viewers like me) try to predict “said accessory,” but it’s not until we see the inimitable Tim Gunn walking awkwardly over a knoll in Central Park with thirteen little dogs in tow that we suddenly get it.

Call it Paris Hilton’s contribution to the world: doggie chic.

I don’t own a dog, but I love animals, dogs especially. I get that owners love and spoil their dogs and style mavens in particular would like to their puppies to show a little style. So you might as well be a smart puppy and choose something more fashion conscious like the doggie sac by the mother/daughter design team Rebe, made predominantly from vintage fabrics and wire mesh.

Okay, these pups aren’t real but you get the concept. We love the fact that Rebe gives cast-off fabrics a second shot at love.

Doggie Sacs are available directly through the Rebe website for $198.

Filed under Bags, Eco Glam, Indie, Refashion+Refurb, Vintage| Tagged doggie sac, Indie, indie fashion, pet style, Rebe | No Comments

LIFE.STYLED | Fabulous Shopping Gear

28Jun07

Do you know long does it take for a bag to decompose? According to an article by Slate, scientists wager it may take anywhere from 500 to 1,000 years. But since plastic grocery bags have only been around for 50 years, it’s anyone’s guess. They are the “mystery meat” of the landfill. All that plastic–not so fantastic.

But I bring good news: one of my favorite shop-n-carry bags has come to the states. Aussie company Envirosax has finally opened an online store for the US market.

The Monochromatic Series is a solid option for guys or gals. No blaring store logos. Plus, each bag allegedly carries up to two standard bags of groceries (will report back after I test them). They come with their own compact pouch for storage in your glove compartment–an important feature for the absent-minded folks like me. Five bags in all for $35. They can also be bought separately.

For more posh shopping bag options, check out this earlier post.

Filed under Bags, Gourmet, Lifestyle Tips| Tagged Envirosax, Reusable, shopping bags | No Comments

Unplug, Recharge | Solar Juice Bags

09Jun07

Thanks to Fab Green reader Carly for turning us on to these sporty, sun-powered bags and portable chargers by Reware. The Juice Bag (shown above) gets is “juice” from the sun, thanks to thin, flexible solar panels stitched to the bag’s exterior. Perfect for charging up mp3 players, cell phones, PDA’s and digital cameras while you’re on the go. How cool.

Geek Chic: According to the website, the fabric behind the ES Series Juice Bags is made from recycled 2-liter soda bottles then stitched to meet military standards for virtual indestructibility. Juice Bags are available in either a backpack or a day pack, either can hold your laptop, but not charge it up. Yet. It’s in the works. Prices run from $229USD and up.

The Pocket Charger is a folding charger for your gadgets that can fit in your glove box, or bag. Lie back, enjoy the sun, and listen to the music.

See the full line of Reware products on their website. For other sun-squeezing alternatives check out the Solar Backpack by Voltaic Systems.

Thanks again Carly for the fab find!

Filed under Bags, Fashion - Men, Gadgets, Lifestyle Tips, Recycled| Tagged Eco-friendly, Energy Savers, Juice Bag, Recycled, solar powered accessories, Solar powered bag | No Comments

Sample Sale | Fashion Made Fair [UK]

16May07

Calling London’s fashionable and socially conscious set: People Tree is holding annual Fashion Made Fair Sample Sale, a four-day fest of coveted fair trade fashion for guys and gals that starts today at 6pm.

What: High style, fair trade fashion samples and past season stock
Where: Studio 95, Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, East London
When: May 17-20

Some of our favorite labels will be available including Ciel, Enamore, People Tree, Terra Plana, and Tonic Tees. What’s more you can also surrender your unwanted clothes and accessories to Fashion Amnesty which will then be sorted for sale in the UK, with the projects going to sustainable overseas development projects.

The second Saturday in May, is designated as a day devoted to celebrating fair trade and this year the International Fair Trade Association’s main focus is on organisations who are working to help raise awarerness and help prick our consumer consciences into buying more fair trade goods.

“There are World Trade Fair events across the globe on Saturday, May 13 including gatherings in Bangladesh, Japan, Czechoslovakia and here in Blighty there’s a Fair Trade Footie match in Hull’s Pearson Park, an evening of entertainment in Oxford’s Radcliffe Square and Fairtrade at the Forge at Wetheringsett Manor, Suffolk.

For more info, visit People Tree. If you go, let us know!

Filed under Bags, Budget Fashion, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women| Tagged Eco-friendly, Organic | No Comments

Boho Chic | Bags by Piece Lily

05May07

These gorgeous boho chic purses and clutches by Piece Lilly are crafted from recycled and vintage fabrics. Designer Jennifer Farrington and business partner April Kline launched the label in 2004. They source fine fabrics from estate sales, flea markets and thrift shops and piece together ingenious pattern-on-pattern styles. Available at Piece Lilly’s Etsy Shop.

Filed under Bags, Fashion - Women, Handmade, Indie, Refashion+Refurb, Vintage| Tagged Eco-friendly, Handmade, Indie | No Comments

Sunday's "It" Store: Revival Boutique

29Apr07

revival_boutique
Ok, I’m not a gal who fawns over a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes but if you are, here’s a way to take a greener turn the next time you indulge in a little retail therapy: Revival Boutique. This charming New York atelier brims with gently worn, of-the-moment, high-end designer shoes, bags, gowns, suits and accessories. New consignment items arrive daily and Revival ships worldwide. Opting for preloved pieces not only lightens the landfill load, but saves a little “green” for you too.

Who: Revival Boutique
What: Source for of-the-moment, lightly worn designer duds
Where: 1374 Old Northern Boulevard
Old Village of Roslyn, NY
516 299 4556

Picks from the Online Catalog:

Christian Dior Halter Dress, Size 38/4, $895
Circa 2005 this sunny stunner fits right into this Spring’s “hello, Yellow” trend.

Richard Tyler Gown, $895
Classic silhouette, Grecian-inspired draping at the waist. Simply timeless.

Did You Know: Buying preloved pieces actually helps reduce energy use. Huh? It’s true. Buying new involves energy to manufacture a product (called “embodied energy”). Since a second hand piece has already been manufactured so you are actually making fashion at least 50% energy efficient by giving it second life.

Filed under Bags, Couture Style, Eco Glam, Fashion - Women, Sales+Shopping, Shoes, Vintage| Tagged Eco-friendly, ethical shopping, green shop, Revival Boutique, vintage fashion | No Comments

Trendspotting: Black + White

11Apr07

041107_enamore1

Jezebelle Cami, enamore, £23.00
This gorgeous camisole is made from soft lemon soya jersey trimmed with black ribbon and lace. Each piece is made to order in the UK, please allow up to 21 days for delivery. Matching pieces available include hot pants and eye mask.

Vintage Hemp Floral Hand Bag, enamore, £65.00
Shoulder bag made from vintage print fabric and black hemp/tencel with hemp/silk bow detail. This bag include a single inside pocket and closes with an antique metal clasp. This dress is one of a kind and available to ship immediately.

Filed under Bags, Fashion - Women| Tagged Eco-friendly | No Comments