handbags

KIND an eco-friendly boutique (+ exclusive discount)

by tdomf_eb66d on November 8, 2009 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

About:

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**note from grechen: this is the cutest new eco-boutique EVER!!!! please check it out :)

KIND_HOME.jpg

KIND is an eco-friendly boutique that believes in a lot of things. We believe we can change the world from our homes, that tiny changes can make huge and wonderful differences, and that the things we wear, fill our homes with, write on, use to beautify ourselves with or give as gifts are a reflection of ourselves. But, above all we believe in kindness- to ourselves, to our neighbors, to the animals, and to the environment.

Our goal is that you come to our little shop and are inspired to join us in the life changing mission of living kindly. And, we have a surprising mix of things to hopefully do that. Whether it be old, new, simple, embellished, humorous, silly, handmade, curiously tailored, or is constructed of odd bits and bobs, one thing is for sure. The items we carry are the result of a passion, obsession, great finds, and great ideas.

We have a lovely collection of vintage finds that we like to imagine have great stories as well as carefully, hand selected finds in sustainable style for you and your home by admire worthy designers like Bodkin, Feral Childe, Kelly B, Linea Carta, Mika, Neuaura, Nixxi, Olsen Haus, and Priti. And, very soon we will proudly be carrying Mociun & Doucette Duvall!

So, when fall in love with something in our little shop you can rest assured, that not only will these items make you happy to wear, decorate your home with, or share, but they will, more importantly, be good for you, your friends and our future.

Please, check back often! We are constantly on the hunt for the best in sustainable style and restock our virtual shelves often.

Exclusive Green Grechen Code: Grechen20 for 20% off.

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The Best Recycled Leather Handbags: Part Two

by grechen on October 15, 2009 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I’ve posted a lot of recycled leather handbags on Green Grechen – what can I say, I never get tired of finding lovely leather handbags – and as a follow-up to a popular post I did last year on “Reclaimed Chic: The Best Recycled Leather Handbags,” here’s a new rundown of my favorite recycled leather handbag designers:


Ashley Watson

Ashley Watson was the first designer I found a couple of years ago working with recycled leather. I may be wrong, but in my opinion, she paved the way for others to follow, and consistently produces unique, fashionable, high-quality recycled leather bags. She’s sold at nearly every online eco-boutique you can find now – Kaight, Beklina, and Nimli have some of the best selection. My favorite is this Kestrel bag at Beklina for $285:
Ashley Watson: $285


reMade USA

reMade USA is a new recycled leather handbag designer who’s coming strong on to the market. Aside from selling in her own webshop, some of her designs will soon be sold on Barney’s Co-Op. Cool! The Sonoma is one of my favorite designs – the duffel is always an interesting shape. ($395)
reMade USA: $395


[click to continue…]

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Must Have: Novella Royale Recycled Leather Bags

by grechen on September 17, 2009 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

Handbags are my weakness. I don’t think there’s such a thing as too many, and I believe that a very good (not cheap) handbag is essential to every woman’s wardrobe. I could go on…but getting to the point, I love these new recycled leather handbags by new designer Novella Royale. STUDS!!!! My heart melts for studs, grommets and zippers….

Hudson Clutch: $395

Hudson Clutch: $395
Mister Tote: $584

Mister Tote: $584
Clover Tote: $604

Clover Tote: $604

Yeah, they’re very expensive, but worth a splurge if you can do it…

Available at Novella Royale’s online shop, Pink Mascara and Shopbop.

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Must Have: Recycled Suede Pouch by Manimal

by grechen on September 11, 2009 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I LOVE Manimal’s line of moccasins, but check out the lovely pouches she’s making from the leftover suede bits:

recycled suede pouch from manimal

Thank you to Fashion loves People for the head’s up on the new pouches. *smooch*

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Must Have: Ignes Millie Max Handbag

by grechen on August 5, 2009 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I have to admit that although I am vegan (not lifelong), I have a hard time not using or buying leather bags and shoes. I will eventually, but it will be via baby steps! That’s why I support the new recycled leather handbag trend – really made stylish in my opinion, by Ashley Watson – of designers using vintage/thrifted leather jackets, pants, furniture, etc., to refashion into handbags.

Another interesting leather handbag designer is Ignes. I had heard of the brand before, but had no idea of their social responsibility until seeing one of Ignes bags on Fashion Philanthropy (save 20% with code GRECHEN):

ignes millie max ethically produced handbag coupon code

According to an interview on oligoville recently with Maria Estrada, co-owner of Ignes Handbags, “all the leathers are by-products of the meat industry and come from animals bred in free range farms.”

And from what I found on their own website, they are very much involved in the local economy and community in Uruguay, helping to advance community members by:

  • Creating job opportunities in Uruguay for its growing team or artisans, and providing them an environment where they can look forward to advancement.
  • Treating its artisans well and making them feel appreciated, with wages that are above-average for the local industry; and providing them with great input into strategic production issues, for example the location of the production facility was chosen by the artisans as it was close to their homes.
  • Utilizing leathers that are a by-product of Uruguay’s meat industry, from reputable tanneries with responsible environmental practices.
  • Using resources carefully; whether they are small leather pieces left over from making handbags, which are used for pouches or keyrings; electricity, or any other input that is needed for production. Additionally, IGNES donates small pieces of leather left over from production to a rehabilitation center for children where the leathers are used to create hand and wrist braces.

Eco-fashion isn’t all about organic cotton – it’s just as much (or more) about the designers or companies business practices and their commitments to fair trade, and their involvement in their communities. Leather may not be ideal, but the fact is that the majority of the world is not going to stop eating meat – so as a realist, I would choose to support a company like Ignes who is at least shunning big factory farms in favor of local, free-range farms. It’s a small change in the right direction in my opinion.

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