by Raquel on August 29, 2010
Here’s one for Dad, hint: father’s day. And yes, this is my entire round up of dad’s day recommendations; I like to keep it simple and one great idea’s enough, no?
So, ever wondered what happened to all those pool tables, the ones everybody seemed to have in their homes, along with corner bars, back when? Well, the clever folk at Auckland based indie label, Luxford St, have repurposed some of them into these incredibly rad messenger bags. And if the idea of slinging a pool table around one’s neck seems a tad hefty, fear not. The bags are made just from the wool felt table tops and there’s not a hole in sight. Ergo, no chance of potting something you didn’t mean to.
The funky design comes in green or black with adjustable strap and inside pocket, and at a reasonable $85, I’m chalking this one up to a seriously awesome pressie for pops.
♥ From $85NZ
♥ Endemic World
Tagged as:
Bags,
Handmade,
Recycled
by Raquel on July 30, 2010
As smart and sassy as the girls they represent, I’ve fallen head over heels for these Charlie Angels inspired baby bags. It helps that one happens to carry my daughter’s name but really, I would have loved it anyway!
Jaclyn (above), Farrah and Kate (below) each come with an ‘essential’ baby kit featuring a quilted baby change pad and coordinating wet pouch, plus - you’ll love this! - the bags include nifty pram straps on the sides that can attach to any pram or stroller you happen to be ‘driving’. Clever!
Made by Australian eco label Ramalama - who’ve already won us over with their gorgeous range of organic maternity wear, bamboo baby clothes and organic denim baby carriers - the baby bags are all handmade from handwoven fair trade fabric, have internal and zippered pockets for all those fiddly bits and even a dummy/key ring clip. Suffice to say, toting guns is passé, today’s angels have something far more earth savvy to carry.
♥ $335.95 NZD
♥ Unique Boutique
Tagged as:
Bags,
Fair Trade,
Handmade
by Raquel on July 11, 2010
This clutch combines two of my favourite colours so I’m really trying to come up with a darn good reason why I may need another bag; the fact I’m unable is probably a good thing, ‘cause then I’d be seriously struggling to choose between the gorgeously chic Baobab tree design or the prettily smart Jujube tote (below)!
Yes, the designs amongst Mar y Sol’s fetchingly sunny collection are enough to get any half-serious handbag aficionado salivating.
The delightful range is stunning testament to the creative talents of New York artists and Malagasy and Kenyan artisans; the later hand weave and dye each bag from sustainable natural materials: sisal, penjy weed, banana tree bark, raffia all feature, punctuated with smooth chunks of carved wood - butterflies and hearts amongst them! - plus the occasional smattering of sequins for a bit of eco luxe!
The proceeds from the fair trade handbags are put back into the artisans communities in the form of sustainable development projects.
♥ From $69 USD
♥ Mad Imports
Tagged as:
Bags,
Fair Trade,
Handmade,
Natural,
Reusable
by Raquel on June 24, 2010
In case your French is a little rusty I can reveal this little whale is declaring ‘empty your tank someplace else’. Touché.
The sassy kids’ rucksack is part of French company ♥ Coq en Pâte’s delightful collection of kids’ clothing and accessories that are as ethical as they are engaging. Each collection is made in India from certified organic cotton and bears the designs of different artists who share Coq en Pate’s asethetic vision.
Scarfs, tees, backpacks, travel sacks, pencil cases, fabric books, bibs; you name it and Coq en Pate have made it, all from certified organic cotton - or in some cases recycled materials - under fair trade conditions in India.
With playful messages sprinkled across the colourful designs such as, ‘bio is beautiful’, their products are sometimes playful and at other times poetic, but they are never too serious or preachy and beautifully balance kid cool appeal with smart, practical function.
♥ Coq en Pâte’s
Tagged as:
Bags,
Fair Trade,
Kids,
Organic,
Preschoolers
