I am by no means a Southern Belle. In fact, over the years I think I have mastered the cold, east coast girl demeanor that out-of-towners so readily complain about. However I do have my moments. For instance: despite the impending winter chill and my often chilly disposition, I have recently been charmed by a little Magnolia love… that’s right, the gorgeous bag made in celebration of the Magnolia State (Mississippi) was so gorgeous I just had to have it!The Star 50 handbag collection is a limited line of handbag designs, one for each state in the Union. The designers at Star 50 derive inspiration from each states’ geographic, historical, and “personality” characteristics. A little bit of state-love goes into every bag. The result? A truly unique, traffic stopping bag that will certainly make you the envy of those cookie-cutter-Coach gals we have all become so familiar with.Aside from the unique appearance of each bag, I remain truly impressed by the craftsmanship that went into my Mississippi Brunch Bag. The stitching is intricate, the patent leather magnolia is breathtaking, and the dainty exterior gives way to a surprisingly spacious (and gorgeously lined) interior.All of my recommendations come from either word of mouth or personal experience. I must say in my years of recommending great handbag designers, Star 50 is a brand that truly separates itself as a star in this field! Plus, I now have a new excuse to schedule those delectable Sunday morning brunches I love so much…

So… for a while I was buying method products because Target has tons of their stuff (and I secretly love Target) and because they have pretty bottles. Little did I know that the products were getting my things clean while helping to keep the planet green! Check out their informative website and learn how you can detox your home. The real reason I’m posting is because if you spend $20 on method products (stuff you need/ use everyday anyway) they’ll send you this adorable bag. Did you know the average American throws away an average of 16 plastic bags a week? Toxic homes and tons of trash… sounds like its definitely time for a little detox. First step? Plastic bag rehab.

With darker mornings, cooler temperatures, and the passing of Memorial Day I know that fall is fast approaching (September 23, if I’m not mistaken). I realized the other day that it was time to pack up my summary canvas and green leather work purse and replace it with my somber (yet very cute) black leather number. As with every fall season, I grumble about heavier clothes, winter jackets and begin to wonder why I don’t live in California.

Anyway, getting back to the whole handbag thing… I’m actually here today to tell you about Renée Davíde handbags. The concept for these adorable bags was born when a trio of creative entrepreneurs — brother and sister Dave and Renée LaTulippe and Renée’s husband Vittorio — were inspired to create a line of superbly constructed handbags that combine timeless style and structure with a fresh sensibility.

Click through the site and you will find sleek modern shapes, exquisite craftsmanship, long-lasting utility and a touch of refinement… all fundamental principles of the Renée Davíde design philosophy.

Their bags are handcrafted in the U.S. by artisans trained in the old-world Italian tradition. Each handbag is individually constructed of the finest polished Italian leathers and European linens.

The best part? Their limited edition bags are all on clearance. Get them before they’re gone!

I would be lying if I said I was bored with fashion… at the same time, the cycle of buying it (or receiving it), writing about it and reading about it can get kind of old. There are thousands of fashion blogs out there (I remember when I started there were just a few) and there are only so many ways you can write about spending your hard earned money on clothes… As an art form I am still a fan. As cheap-mass-produced or expensive-limited-quantity items though, I’m over it. I’ve spent the weekend pouring over the fall fashion magazines. Those super thick, 1/2 full of advertisements gems that come out every August. As I finally reached page 840 of Vouge I came to the following conclusions: (1) Scarlett, Gisele, and (despite her taste in men) Kate are everywhere and we should all strive to look like them (2) Despite the fact I thought the overly-expensive bag thing was over, its not, and we should all still covet Louis, (3) Despite the obvious irony of Moschino’s slogan, I do appreciate the fact that they have Black models in their ads (with the exception of a small handful: Lens Crafters, Payless, Gap (actress) and Revlon (actress/ musician) there are very few in the magazine) (4) We (as a society) are way way too obsessed with material things. (Please read 1 and 2 with the appropriate level of sarcasm).

That’s not to say I don’t enjoy a good dose of retail therapy every now and then. But after 840 pages (ending with “$720 pair of Miu Mui pumps” exclamation point) even I was overwhlemed with a feeling of guilt. If you’ve seen Leonardo’s newest environmental flick, you know what I mean.

That’s why companies like Terra Plana are so special.

Since 2003, Terra Plana / Worn Again has been making good-looking eco-friendly shoes, in the UK, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Morocco and Mexico. They are always looking for new innovative ways of producing them. Their shoes are designed for “people who want good-looking feet, without a guilty conscience.” Worn Again is working - step-by-step - to show that this can be done - and that people want it to be done. The company has worked to engage with the existing system of production, while looking for more diverse production models, supporting local economies - and minimising the miles travelled by our shoes before they reach our feet. Mike Corbett, their new head designer, has been creating new products for the Worn Again range, including a fantastic summer sandal for ladies and men!

I guess what I’m trying to say is, if you’re going to succumb to the consumerism, at least do so with a clean conscious… and a reduced footprint.

Reuse, recycle, and rebirth. Finally people are starting to get the point about this whole “taking care of the earth” thing (it has certainly taken long enough).
With this new emphasis, the range of recycled products is continuously growing. With the help of creative geniuses out there, what was once trash has now moved to the forefront of the fashion industry.

Take for instance, Australian compnay 2xo™:

There were two priorities that were important in the development and design of 2xO™,

• the first was to produce a product that consists of mostly non-recyclable materials, so called landfill,
• the second was to design a funky and original streetwear product of high quality.

The result is a perfect combination of function and fashion. Take for instance the firebag, made from recycled fire hose, recycled billboard vinyl, and seat-belt material… I love the rugged look of this bag… plus, all of your worldly belongings will be safe in this durable material originally made to withstand 300 psi of water!

Its sort of pains me that Britney Spears’ deranged mug is on my website. In fact, I may have to take jellyfish down this week. Her whole wig/ hat thing is freaking me out. Anyway, back to what I know: fabulously unique fashion. Thank Chick Moukite for the heads up on this cool bag from the Fair Trade Global Exchange.

It’s made from recycled feed bags and lined with durable cotton. This bag is one of a kind, since no two bags come out exactly the same. And because it’s made from feed bags, it is EXTREMELY durable. Handcrafted in Cambodia by disabled and disadvantaged women, each bag has one main zippered compartment, 2 smaller zippered compartments, a key ring and pen holders so it’s large enough to carry books and more! Use the black cotton strap to adjust to your size preference.

I looove these bags. What a great idea! Plus the Global Exchange’s Fair Trade Program has a noble mission: to successfully market fairly-traded products in order to increase benefits for producers and consumers through economic fairness, mutual respect, and understanding. In addition they seek to build support for a more sustainable system of trade. Great bags and good Karma, how can you go wrong?

Back in the day my neighbor’s father used to collect Ford Pintos. (You can’t make stuff like this up). His impressive collection used to entertain us for hours. We’d play in them, sneak around and sometimes he’d take us for rides in them (my mom will not be pleased to find this out … she always told me they were unsafe). Anyway, I was always amused by them, especially the bright orange one he had and drove around frequently. You can imagine how excited I was to find out that Kim White personally resurrected the Pinto in her fabulously creative collection.

Made from vintage automotive fabrics, Kim White uses dead stock never-used textiles intended for use in American automobiles: cars, trucks and vans. She fortuitously unearthed an entire warehouse of automotive fabric, which may be the last existing stock anywhere in the US, and she is the sole owner of these amazing textiles.

Each Kim White Handbag is tagged with the year and make of the fabric, so you know exactly what car your bag comes from (i.e. 1983 Camaro or a 1978 Ford Mustang). Kim White Handbags specializes in automotive fabrics from the 1970’s and 1980’s, when color was de rigueur in the automotive industry.

Since these textiles were originally intended for use in cars, they are incredibly durable. Perfect for handbags in style as well as function. Kim White Handbags, in keeping with the tradition of the American car industry, are sophisticated, beautiful and built to last. And just like American automobiles, they have a widespread appeal, from trendy teens to stylish grandmothers and every woman in between.

The purses are beautiful, durable, and like any truly great accessory, come with a great story. Be sure to check out her inspired collection!

As women across the globe get ready to leave their homes this morning, a debate will surface to the tune of: which high-end purse company will I advertise for today? (”Hmm… do I want to carry my double-C Coach bag or my double-G Gucci bag?”)

Please. I know you’re past the whole “it bag” thing, and deep down you just want to carry something cute, stylish and hopefully, eco-friendly. That’s why I know you’ll love Josh Jakus’s UMs.

UMs developed from two creative challenges: The first, to make use of the unique properties of pressed wool felt, and the second, to transform a flat surface into a volume using only the simplest of operations. As it happens, these challenges turned out to be mutually beneficial and resulted in objects that are as practical as they are pleasing. When unzipped, UMs lay completely flat for dry cleaning and easy storage — and when zipped, they become inspired forms with inherent functionality.

UMs come in one quintessential color: gray. That’s because they’re sewn from two layers of industrial wool felt made from factory excess. As a natural material that might otherwise go to waste, most would consider it eco-friendly. All UMs are cut and sewn in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Bay does it again! Don’ get me wrong, I love Boston, but between the music and the inspired fashion designs that come out of there, sometimes I think I belong in San Francisco. Anyway, check out UMS at UMA’s OnLine Store and Hazel Chicago.

I love Boston, don’t get me wrong… but there are certain things I miss about New York. The fashion, the night life, and yes… the subway. It was so… orderly. The numbered and lettered cars, the grid-like system, the fact that I could ride the subway from Harlem to Coney Island on a whim… it was great. NYC SubwayLine is the officially licensed brand of NY’s MTA… as such one would expect ill fitting sweat shirts, boring tee’s and quite possibly fanny packs. Not so! Their stuff is so hot. I love that whole beautiful/ industrial thing.
I’m a big fan of the wallet and wristlet and love the map tees.

Speaking of maps, if you’re a writer or are looking for a gift for a writer this holiday season, Maps of the Imagination: The Writer As A Cartogrpaher is a wonderfully inspiring book. One of my all time favorites!

Lastly, since I’m on the whole maps/ subway thing, be sure to stop by “Overheard in New York” for a few good laughs. The things people say and do in public never ceases to amaze me.

A lot of people have dual personalities. Your “work self” and your “real self.” I found this to be true when I was working at a law firm. My “work self” wore cashmere twin-sets and talked about the Red Sox (boring), the housing market in Boston (”Well, Tucker and I are not in the Market right now… but are looking to get back into the market when the time is right…) (by the way, there is/was no “Tucker” but had I been dating one, my firm credibility points would have doubled), and of course everyone was planning weddings.
“What did you do this weekend?” was best answered with: “My boyfriend and I took in a show,” rather than explaining that I went to a Dead Prez concert. Anyway, those days have long since passed and luckily I have found a job where the line between my work self and my real self is much less rigid.
Despite that, I still have my “work bags” and my “weekend bags” . . . I love my black Coach work bag, but on the weekends I just want something comfortable, something I can throw my life into and go. For that I’ve recently discovered Cecilia Jane Bags. I love her Nappy Solider Bag and the Spirit bag with the cool handle. Designer Simonair, hailing from St. Thomas, has been sewing since she was thirteen years old. She not only has great offerings on her site, but will gladly create a custom bag for you as well!

Also, The Grouch and Zion I released a new album this week which is amazing!! Zion I is by far my favorite group… I love Zion’s flow. Definitely check this album out… (they have a few free downloads on myspace.com!)

….. and I’m back. Belize was a blast… but I won’t bore you with the details because I hate it when people go on and on about their fabulous vacations (”and then, we went to this gorgeous little shop on the outskirts of town….”) If you do want to know, or ever want advice about planning a trip there, you know how to reach me!
Since I’ve been gone (actually since the end of July, because I got lazy) I’ve gotten over 60 e-mails with great sites and designers. So…without further adieu… I bring you Ecoist. First of all, I love environmentally conscious designers… but lets be honest, more than that, I love great style. Ecoist achieves both:

Founded in 2004, their objective is to merge design with social and environmental consciousness to provide stylish, functional, and durable products that people will love to own. All their products are made from recycled, organic, or earth-friendly materials, and are manufactured through their network of fair trade partnerships around the world.

Ecoist collaborates with its network of accomplished designers to develop new sustainable products and collections. From Mexico to Chile to Miami, Ecoist is building a team of highly creative and talented eco-fashion designers

My favorite? The Recycled Movie Billboard Handbag! How cute are these?!

Mmmm… see that big comfy pillow from Swigg? I won’t be seeing that for a while…
Alas, my giant bar/bri book has become my pillow and my dreams are about consideration and assignment… but you, my non-studying friend should stop by Swigg and check out Stephanie’s cute collection of pillows. The Swigg Critters II would be great for you and would also make great kids gifts! If you’re looking to buy Swigg, you should stop by Rare Device - a cool little shop run by Rena Tom. Not only do they have a fresh supply of Swigg pillows (I just love that word, Swigg) the shop also carries Margaret Nicole’s ultra preppy yet decidedly unique totes.
Margret Nicole, home of the infamous totes, is located in New York’s Greenwich Village and is certainly making a name for itself… my advice? Get it and enjoy it now before everyone else has it.
** sorry if there are any typos (I know, what else is new, right!?)… I’m kind of skipping the editing phase of the process these days!

If you’re like me during the summer, you’re always on the lookout for that perfect beach day. Unfortunately, if you’re really like me, the beach day usually falls on a Tuesday (following a rainy weekend) and the best you can hope for is an early morning or late evening jog for a glimpse of sun — the beach a 10-mile-away-dream out your office window. Well dream no more. Or at least take the step of brining your dream along with you to work. I’m obsessed with VivaTerra’s Recycled Sailcloth Bags. These cute summery designs are actually made from recycled sails with likewise, sail-inspired graphics.*

The hand tote’s nautical rope handles provide a sure grip, and the oversized beach shoulder tote features a roomy inside zipper pocket and green grass design. The larger bags display the sail of origin on an inside panel. Constructed to stand up to the heaviest weather, these bags prove indestructible for the same reason sail fabric doesn’t rip apart in squalls. Prepare to catch an admiring eye on land or sea.

VivaTerra also has some beautiful seaglass jewelry so you can literally keep the ocean close to your heart as you work. Speaking of work… Instead of joining the “tennis shoes + sock” ladies on the subway, why not slip on a pair of comfortable flip flops? I”m still a fan of Mella Usa’s Terry flip flop and must say my Teva “Olowahu’s” are honestly the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever worn!

*GenArt recently did a post about similar “Sea Bags” that you may also want to check out!
*P.S. in case you were wondering scutllebutt (I know, you probably weren’t… but just in case).

I’m always losing things.
Example 1: Expensive daily planner which contains every address I’ve ever collected plus every appointment I’ve ever made…
Lost: Post Office Square while absorbed in a sketch I was making of a scene by a fountain. (In case you’re wondering it totally wasn’t worth it- the sketch sucked, anyway. . .)

Example 2: Cell phone which contains every number I’ve ever collected . . .
Lost: in a bathroom at a club in Philly, because I thought it would be a good idea to put down while I washed my hands and leave it there for 2 hours.

Example 3: Wallet. . .
Lost: Which time?

You get the picture. I’m clearly a bit absent minded. Some might go as far as to say I’m flighty, (defined as “guided by whim and fancy.”) Even if that’s the case, being flighty isn’t a crime, right? (looking thought my notes. . . just kidding)

Well, crime or not, our girl Linz Shelton is about to slap some cuffz on me! (Oh come on, this is a great transition and you know it!!). Cuffz by Lintz is a collection of ingenious handbags that are stylish, eye catching and practical.

The concept for the original CUFFZ “Barfly” bag came about when Linz was exploring the chic, wild-yet-well-mannered club scene in London several years ago - where one is expected to gracefully keep command of a full cocktail and a fashionable clutch purse while seemingly effortlessly flitting about a crowded dance floor and up tiny VIP staircases. Thus the idea of incorporating handcuffs into one’s evening routine was born! The bag stays put, but the heads turn! Since then, the handcuff - still fully functional - has come to designate one’s glamorous clutch, sexy shoulder bag, or chic tote as a true “CUFFZ” original!

I love ideas that spring up that. Creativity born from experience and necessity. Anyway, her collection is expansive, and if you’re not offended by the idea of handcuffs as a fashion statement (apologizing in advance to my revolutionary brother and public defender friends), her bags are a perfect way to set yourself apart from the LV/ CC/ FF crowd.

Rescued rubber inner tube purses? Keyboard key magnets? A diskette notebook? What’s going on here?!
If you answered: “The fantastic fusion of social consciousness and design,” then we’re on the same page. Leave it creative companies like English Retreads, Carol Young, and websites like Greenloop and Acorn Studios to turn the modern day necessity of recycling into a modern day (and much needed) trend.
Greenloop sums it perfectly:

What you wear is a reflection of who you are and what you stand for. Make a conscious choice to make a difference. If you are going to be a walking billboard, be a billboard for a cause. Do not allow the weight of the need to change force you into complacency. A small change in many will do more good than a big change in few. Be good to yourself. Be good to your body. Be good to your planet.

I think I missed Earth Day. In fact I know I did . . . but as my father would say, “Earth Day is every day!” and these beautiful clothes and cute accessories allow you to celebrate in style!

Yay! Acorn is Fixed!