One of my very favorite recycled leather handbag designers (Ashley Watson) is now doing jewelry (Watson Jewelry). And just like her handbags, I love everything. But if I HAD to choose a favorite, it would be this agate bracelet:
Ashley handcrafts everything in Vancouver using vintage materials whenever possible. But I especially love her inspired-but-not-literal interpretation of antique jewelry; she keeps it totally modern for today’s woman.
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Splendid is a FABULOUS company for basics, I have quite a few Splendid pieces, most of them over 2 years old. They are definitely for a more casual lifestyle, but hold up nicely and are very high-quality. Oh, and made in the US. This particular top is a hemp/organic cotton blend in such a great style & colors.
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I always get excited to find new designers working in recycled/upcycled leather, and while it’s only one of the salvaged materials Lost Property of London works with, it’s the biggest component of my favorite bag: the Belmont Eco Messenger. The company also works with recycled coffee sacks and salvaged wax cotton in addition to recycled leather.
Shop online via Lost Property of London’s web store, or at Yoox.com
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Generally I balk at hipster style, and honestly, I still don’t get the “mustache thing,” but I ALWAYS appreciate good (and intelligent) writing along with an appeal to conscious consumerism, so when Jeremy contacted me about Handlebar Magazine and their recent feature on Wool and the Gang I had to look. In turn, I decided to bring green grechen back from the nearly-dead 
Also, I’m considering taking up knitting.
In Handlebar’s Monday “Treat her Right” segment (“An occasional briefing on the latest goods, getaways and hot spots your lady will love” <- awesome) Jeremy featured buy or DIY knitwear company Wool and the Gang. I’d seen Wool and the Gang before, Net-a-Porter sold their DIY scarf kits last Winter, but honestly didn’t pay it much attention.
Now, thanks to Handlebar’s photo shoot of some Wool and the Gang pieces in person, I’m obsessed. And I don’t just want to buy the Mary sweater, I want to make it.
Or maybe I should start with a “beginner” project like this sweater/tee:
I would definitely be interested in buying a finished product, but right now, I love the idea of using my hands to MAKE something. Besides blogs. And I am SO behind what Wool and the Gang is trying to do; supporting a community of artisans and shepherds in Peru by sourcing their yarn there and having some of their pieces knit there. I mean, read this
We wanted a yarn from sheep which are carefully looked after by their shepherds, we discovered this strong relationship between the shepherds and their animals. Time honoured traditions include giving names to their animals and grazing the flocks in large open areas. Shearing the fleece from the animal is a craft, great care being taken not to harm the animal, since the wellbeing of the sheep takes a real part in the quality of its wool…
and now tell me you don’t want to buy something immediately
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I love jewelry as much as the next girl, but honestly, most of it is boring; everything looks the same, or it’s so cheaply made, it’s obvious. Not so with SURevolution. I noticed the jewelry first, because it’s beautiful, and fashionable, second, because it’s ethical & eco-conscious.
SURevolution is a mission-driven company, focusing on five pillars of sustainability:
All of that is ALMOST enough to make you want to support the company anyway, but what’s key is that the jewelry is BEAUTIFUL. I received two of the “snake” necklaces to review (above); these are made from brass caps and are kind of “slinky” and moveable, which makes them interesting to wear, but also attention-grabbers! Every time I’ve worn a necklace I get comments/questions….
(for a full outfit picture, go to Grechen’s Closet – all of my photos were taken with Instagram for iPhone)
I also love SURevolution’s wood pieces, rings, cuffs…take a look, they’re so unique & stunning. You won’t find this jewelry on anyone else unless you have some truly fashionable friends, and you better get ready for lots of attention. (you know you love the attention 
Please take a moment to check out the site, read more about the company (Lauren Bush is on the Board) and while you’re there if you find something you can’t live without, use code grechen20 for 20% off!!! And if you do get something, let me know what in the comments (it won’t help your chances in the giveaway, but I’d love to see)
And oh, look! A giveaway SURevolution is giving away to one lucky reader this Pretzel necklace (the one I’m wearing in the photos above). To enter to win please leave your name/email in the form below. When you enter your email address please be aware that you will be signed up for Green Grechen’s and SURevolution’s email newsletters. You can always opt-out of receiving either newsletter at any time, but you must leave your email address to be eligible to enter to win. The contest is open to US readers only and a winner will be chosen via Random.org on Monday, April 25. Good luck!!
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