Bags

7am is a PERFECT time to start drilling through the cement next to my apartment. Gracias city of Boston. Seriously, this is insane.
Anyway, now that I am fully awake…

Today’s designer is Jacob of Jacob’s Eye.
Jacob is a self-taught artist and craftsman who hails from Kingston, Jamaica. Since 1997 Jacob has been the proprietor of Jacob’s Eye in scenic Fort Greene, Brooklyn (I seriously miss Brooklyn so much). This up and coming neighborhood buzzes with many talented artists, including Erykah Badu, who is one of Jacob’s long-time customers! His unique afro-centric handbags are undeniably bold conversation pieces consciously created without the use of machines. He literally uses scissors, needle, thread and a puncher to create these gorgeous bags!

Check him out on Etsy or at the Fulton Street Designer’s Market 674 Fulton Street (between S Portland and S Elliot), Fort Greene BK (Open Mon-Sun 12-8pm).

I just wrote this whole long bit about my crazy life history with various cell phone companies — it was like 3 paragraphs long… I concluded with my undying love and devotion to T-Mobile (who, by the way, totally hooked me up with  unlimited calling for $50 a month…) anyway, my computer went haywire for a brief second (or maybe I accidentally hit the back button) regardless, I lost the rant and I’m too lazy to retype it…

Moving on today’s designer…

Mandinka Designs, is the brainchild of Mandy Curl, has become a thriving business that’s run by both Mandy and her magnificent mom, Liz Curl.  In her own words:

Our process begins with the Hunt. We love to go hunting in thrift shops for gorgeous suit coats with fabulous linings and labels. The labels are like little works of art in and of themselves. We “ooh” and aah” loudly while people look at the two strange women flipping through the men’s suit rack. Once we get the coats home we “fillet” them into the various parts- sleeves, collars, pockets, etc. Then the real fun begins as we collage them into the varying styles of handbags, totes and accessories. Of course, no part of the coat should be wasted, so we make our adorable bugs out of the leftover sleeves.

We love what we do and pride ourselves on our couture quality construction and craftsmanship — it is the number one compliment we hear from our customers. We hope you enjoy our creations as much as we do!

I love Mandy’s creative approach to handbag design! They’re truly unique and of course, no two are alike!

Right. So I know I was supposed to be better about writing this week… but you know how it is… I mean, I feel like I literally blinked and now it’s Friday! Anyway, the reason I’m featuring Lauren Bush’s Feed Bags is because I have literally passed by their display a hundred times in Whole Foods. It was only the other day that mother emailed me and I learned more about the company.

FEED Projects was started in 2006 when Lauren Bush designed a bag to benefit the United Nations World Food Program’s (WFP) School Feeding operations. Lauren, a WFP Honorary Spokesperson who has visited eight WFP food aid operations around the world, was inspired by the plight of the people she met on her travels. She took a special interest in WFP’s School Feeding program, which feeds and educates hungry children.

Inspired by the aesthetic of the bags of food distributed by WFP, she created the FEED 1 bag, a reversible burlap and cotton bag stamped with “FEED the children of the world” and the number “1″ to signify that each bag feeds one child in school for one year.

At the UN, Lauren met then-WFP Communications Officer Ellen Gustafson and they hatched a plan to use FEED bags to FEED the world. In 2007, Lauren and Ellen founded FEED Projects, LLC and started selling FEED 1 bags in April of 2007. By the end of 2007, they raised donations for WFP to feed over 37,500 hungry children in school for one year. In 2008, FEED Projects various partnerships will lead to over $4 million for WFP school feeding.

FEED bags are made with sustainable materials and are designed to be used as an alternative to disposable paper and plastic bags. This environmental and fair labor commitment is an added value in all FEED products.

The goal of FEED Projects is to market and sell as many FEED bags as possible and to FEED and educate the world’s 400 million hungry children.

For $30 bucks you can get the FEED 100 bag  which ensures 100 School Meals for Children in Rwanda… I know times are tough, but these stylish, eco-friendly bags are certainly a purchase you can feel good about!

Chic on the Cheap

Glamour magazine is celebrating it’s 70th birthday (crazy!), by giving away one-year subscriptions for  $1.50!

The only annoying thing about this amazing deal is that by signing up, you are put on automatic subscription renewal. Apparently you get a reminder when the subscription is about to run out though!

My co-worker was kind enough to tell me that Gap, BR and Old Navy are in the midst of their friends and family event. Click the picture above for a link to a reusable 30% off coupon!

Ok… so technically I am supposed to be in D.C. today, but random things like a never ending flu (seriously Smitty, I didn’t flake!) got in the way. (BTW, if you get the flu that’s going around now…. I am soooo sorry… I was practically unconscious for like 3 days in row). In the Spirit of D.C., the inauguration, and Smitty I thought I’d post about a “novel discovery” he made down there at one of those artsy market things.

Catlin Phillips is the D.C. artist behind Rebound Designs. As you can see, she recycles damaged or discarded books into absolutely gorgeous bags! In her words:

Each Book Purse is made from an actual book cover, but bibliophiles should not fret-no first editions were harmed! All of the books are rescued from library discards, yard sales, thrift shops, grandmothers’ attics, and the occasional dumpster. Great care is taken to find books that are unwanted, obsolete, or damaged.

The entire cover becomes the frame for the purse, with the spine as the bottom, so the longer the book, the wider the purse. Every purse is fully lined with a complementary 100% cotton fabric, and the handles are hand beaded to match as well. Each purse also has a small pocket, perfect for a slim cell phone or wallet.

The Book Purses are entirely functional handbags, and every book cover has been reinforced for strength and durability. Due to the nature of old books, some have “love marks” from previous owners, but this only adds to the character and uniqueness of each purse. While the Book Purses are meant to be used, they should be treated with care, like you would treat any special old book you treasured.

Catlin is also happy to create a custom purse for you out of your library, or you can select from the thousands of titles waiting for a new home.  A novel idea indeed! I included “The Presidency” purse for obvious reasons! Happy inauguration day!!

Happy New Year!!!
Last night, with the appropriate accompaniments and company, I took time to reflect on 2008. It’s truly a year I will never forget. It’s crazy how life can seem so simple… you know, like everything is all mapped out. It’s almost like following a maze when you already know the way to the end… it’s still fun and still kind of adventurous, but you’ve seen the map and know the way to go…  so…. although there are side paths and cool diversions, at the end of the day you know exactly where you are going. 2008 was kind of like that, except when I got to the part of the maze that I thought was the end, I realized it wasn’t …and, in fact it was just the beginning. It was like the finishing point of the maze was actually a giant fork in the road with all these different directions and no guidance as to which path was the right path to take. This little journey I had started all safe, secure, and predetermined all of a sudden became kind of confusing, wildly adventurous and completely amazing. With only that little inner voice as my guide, I embarked on this crazy journey that led me to some amazing places and people. I can honestly say I have met some of my closet friends ever this year, and it’s all because I was forced off the predetermined path and into this incredible journey fueled solely by intuition.

Phew, now that I’m done being mushy… on to the fashion. Today I picked two different designers that are basically polar opposites. However, I like the fact that in my world and in my mind they go together just fine. Nothing like some sexy lingerie under a suit and rugged messenger bag to tie the whole thing together. I’m a big fan of contradictions and often consider myself a walking contradiction… so here you go.

First, the messenger bag, which made me smile for obvious reasons aside from the fact I love how it looks. Trav, yours is in the mail :). Anyway, I love this bag made by Ducti!

Next, the adorable line of lingerie by Carol Malony.

In the late 1970s, when Carol Malony began importing European lingerie for her chain of retail boutiques in the Los Angeles area, she was inspired to create her own line to rival the European brands she carried.  Happily, she found her own fresh designs sold alongside the European imported labels. Carol maintains her passion for super sexy and elegant lingerie launching two new collections sure to thrill: Carol Malony Signature, and Haute by Carol Malony—Carol’s elite collection! Carol Malony Signature was designed with a singular goal: to bring sexy, stylish, exciting lingerie with European flair to the market at a good value.
It’s sexy, it’s quality, and it’s collectible—Vive la Revolution!!!!
Haute by Carol Malony is for our customer who has a taste for luxurious, high fashion lingerie. Each style is meticulously nurtured, from the selection of fine French laces to the detailed craftsmanship. Often inspired by classic French lingerie, Haute by Carol Malony is delicate and refined but with a sassy attitude which gives it a fashionable edge.
Carol believes in embracing life without fear…in being bold and unique. Her vision of the world is one of strong, independent women who own their femininity and sensuality, and who demand quality and inspiration everyday. In her words:

“We LOVE our collections. We get the ‘LOVE’ butterflies from every item we produce. If we don’t get butterflies it’s back to the drawing board…Because “LOVE” is what it’s all about.”

Now that’s a brand philosophy and a life philosophy to live by… I’m always looking for those butterflies :)!

I almost forgot the song of the day from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. I looooved this movie.

Jai Ho (Featuring Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah & Mahala)
- A.R. Rahman

Nowadays everyone is walking around with little canvas bags. It’s the “thing” to do, you know, looking out for the planet, doing your part, etc. A friend and I were chatting the other day about all the free advertising this new “ecotrend” has produced. Now the women with LV’s, double C’s and Big D’s are also walking billboards for Whole Foods (ok, I admit it, I have about 4 Whole Foods bags… my fav is the Sheryl Crow design), TJ Maxx (The New IT Bag), Stop and Shop, you name it. It’s like we’re all branded. Our shoes, our clothes, our bags, our sunglasses…. it’s like enough already!

In the spirit of poking fun and making a statement I created this bag/ logo for myself and my friends to make fun of all the corporate-branded people out there… it got enough compliments and/or strange looks that I decided to offer it here. I wanted to keep stock for myself, but I hardly have time to grocery shop ….I know I wouldn’t be able to keep an inventory, etc., so I enlisted the help of CafePress. That way it’s all secure and easy to buy. You can also get t-shirts there. Everything is $25. I’m working on some more ideas, so be sure to check in with the Shop page from time to time!

My web guru is in the process of helping me open a “real” on-line store. I envision: T-shirts, Bags, and the occasional piece of local couture.
If you want to be a part of the Urban Socialite online shop, email me (best to use designer@urbansocialite.com ) and we can chat.

I promise I will be better at answering my emails. Seriously!

I know all about expensive bags… at one point in my life I had a weakness for buttery soft Coach leather… anyway, I’ve come to a point in my life where I think that if a bag is going to cost over $100, it should do more than just hold my stuff… I mean, ideally it would make my life easier…  For example, how many times have I fished through my bag, looking for my iPod or phone only to find it uncharged? Bummer, right?
With today’s designer, Noon Solar, you never (and I mean ever) have to go uncharged again. Not only are these bags gorgeous, sustainably produced, and big enough to carry all of life’s necessities, they have built in solar panels to charge everything from your iPod to your celly. About the brand:

Noon Solar bags incorporate flexible solar panels to keep cell phones and iPods charged. Each bag is designed to be able to sit in a window at work or in the car to collect charges. The solar power is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack, weighing about 4oz, found inside the bag. Because the solar power is stored inside a battery pack, cell phones and iPods can be charged day or night.

Noon Solar bags are made from biodegradable materials so that the bags can skip the landfill and go directly into your backyard without hurting the earth. The bags are safe and non-toxic, and most of the materials will actually nourish the earth if buried. The other materials such as the solar panel and hardware can be removed and recycled or reused.

The founders personally hand dye, with natural substances such as pomegranate and weld, the organic hemp and cotton fabrics that comprise their bags. Noon Solar is one of a very small number of design companies using natural dyes on a production scale in the US.

To create textures and patterns on their bags, Noon uses the ancient Japanese dying method, Shibori, making each bag unique.

Noon bags use German leather that is tanned in similar ways to people tanning leather from hundreds of years ago. The leather is heavy metal free, and tanned and dyed with sustainably harvested materials such as rhubarb and walnuts.

How cool is that? Definitely worth the splurge!

I SERIOUSLY need a vacation.
Anyway, I’m running around like a crazy person today. On days like this, I’m always grateful for an amazing bag. You know, the kind that can be stuffed with: case-files, a change of clothes, make-up, that amazing book you’re reading, iPod, phone, wallet….
For that reason, I thought I’d write about fab-bag designer Heather Heron.

Heather Heron’s designs have always reflected what matters most to her. Be it familial or personal connections, fair and equitable opportunities for work or sustainability and low environmental impact of her pieces - she has channeled her beliefs into the creative process. The outcome of this reflects the clarity and grace of her motivations. Every step of the way Heather Heron oversees the production of her bags - from the selection of the most exquisite and sustainably produced materials, to the choice of the masterful hands of skilled artisans in the local Los Angeles area. Before claiming eco-friendly status became another way to increase sales, Heather Heron had been championing the ethical way to do business. Her use of Organic European Hemp as a background for all her pieces is a bold move in the world of high fashion – and it works. She adds another layer of beauty with her contrast fabrics - unique exceptional leathers, and hemp-silk charmeuse. The combination of high-intensive detailing with the stark, remote simplicity of hemp gives her pieces an austere yet totally accessible elegance. Expertly crafted to stay lovely for ages, Heather Heron’s pieces place her individual mark on the planet. That mark is a lovely symbol of what it means to be human.

Enjoy… and TGIF.

This week went by way too fast. I feel like I was just griping about Monday and all of a sudden its TGIF.
Tonight I’m attempting to be social. You know how everyone has “First Friday” events on the first Friday of every month? My goal is to hit up at least 2, maybe 3 if I get really ambitious. I usually go for jeans but I’m sick of the whole “it’s Friday in Boston, lets throw on jeans and t-shirt and do this thing!” attitude. I’m considering a cute Maggie London dress… or maybe DVF. I miss NY so much sometimes!!

Anyway, enjoy your weekend! I have plans to play around with my site-theme a little bit this weekend. Just as I’m constantly getting bored and changing my outfits, I get bored with the same old theme day in and day out.

Speaking of bored (I know you love my transitions)… check out MugWump’s cool board game inspired hand bags! Original board games are used to create these whimsical handbags. Each one has been coated so they are protected in any weather. Sturdy webbing handles and vinyl sides compliment colors in the game. You’ll have the Monopoly on style when you carry one of these uniquely fabulous and sturdy bags! Designer Suzanne Keolker also makes adorable handbags out of recycled children’s stories!

Fun times!

Other things you may want to check out:

Concrete Loop has their fall fashion preview…

Sign up for Evil Kitty’s mailing list and get 10% off

Dlisted continues to be my favorite celeb- gossip site