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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Eco Friendly Summer Handbags Shouldn´t Weigh You Down

By Bonny Osterhage

There is nothing that drives us nuttier than seeing an adorable summer dress, weighed down by a heavy dark handbag. Lighten up already! It’s summertime, folks! Now before you start moaning that you need a big bag for all your gear, please note that we didn’t say anything about downsizing. On the contrary, your summer bag can be as big as you please — just as long as it’s in an appropriate color and fabrication. Trade in your traditional black or dark brown for something in a bold primary or a cool neutral. Swap the heavy faux leather for organic cotton canvas or linen. Why does it matter? Because when it comes to completing a light-as-air summer ensemble, it really is all in the bag. Check out these fabulous eco friendly handbags that are sure to lighten your summer
load.

 

 

Ashley Watson + Lina Rennell Auklet

If you simply refuse to give up your ginormous bag during the summer months, at least trade it in for one that looks cool and crisp. We recommend this collaboration between two eco fabulous designers. This oversized organic cotton canvas creation features a hand printed design in neutral shades, and plenty of room for everything AND the kitchen sink! $360 at  www.beklina.com.

 

 

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Hemptress Sonja Large Clutch

A sophisticated hemp shoulder bag looks especially lady like with summer dresses and skirts. Interesting details include the chains along the strap and the fringe along the trim. Although it may look demur, this bag can handle all your essentials with plenty of interior pockets and dividers. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds go to the charity you select! $105 at www.econsciousmarket.com.

 

 

 

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JADETribe Elizabeth Bag

We know we just gave a shout out to this line last week but what can we say? Tribal is SO HOT and this bag is right on trend. Hand dyed and woven textiles are repurposed and pieced together to create this bag that is a true original and pure summer. $260 at  www.juno andjove.com.

 

 

 

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Joy Fabiano Capri Clutch

Such a clever use for vintage Kimonos that date back to the Pre WWII era. If just a swatch is this cute, can you imagine how pretty the entire Kimono was? We love the bright colors and whimsical print that brighten your outfit, and your mood! Very pretty in pink. $175 at www.joy fabiano.com.

 

 

Apricot Click the Apricot to Receive 20% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — That Makes It $140!

 

 

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Make Love Not Trash Safari Frame Bag

A really cool neutral that looks amazing with the season’s military-inspired fashions. The exterior cotton canvas features the company’s logo and abstract designs printed in non-toxic ink. Open the magnetic snap to expose the roomy, organic cotton interior, filled with all kinds of extra pockets, a key clip and even a cell phone pocket in a contrasting color — Brilliant! Vege tanned leather and antique brass hardware complete this summer satchel. $200 at www.makelovenottrash.com.

 

 

 

 

Mar Y Sol Lola

This bag is so sweet, you will want one in every color. And, you have four to choose from — Natural (shown), Apple, Jacaranda and Espresso. The hand braided raffia is dotted with light catching gold sequins that make Lola sparkle and shine. $79 at www.madimports.net.

 

 

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Nikita Lynn “Anna” Wristlet

Whoever came up with the idea of the wristlet — we thank you! You have saved us many a credit card cancellation. We also want to thank Nikita Lynn for this adorable organic cotton take on the trend. The pattern is so eye-catching, we couldn’t forget this bag, even if it weren’t attached to our wrists. $35 at www.nikitalynn.com.

 

 

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Rising Ride Chiffon Handbag

This bag makes us think summer vacations in tropical paradises. Made from scraps of chiffon fabric left over from Sari looms, the colorful strips are pieced together to create a bag that is pure fun. A zippered top and double straps make it as practical as it is pretty. $56.99 at www.recycledthreads.com.

 

 

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Santi Clutch

Who says all evening bags have to be serious? Not Santi! This brightly colored silk satin floral clutch was made for summer evenings, and adds a pop of color to your black tie affairs.  A hidden chain keeps your hands free for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  $108 at www.endless.com.

 

 

 

 

Sparrow “Holly” Handbag

Go lightly into summer with this casually organic cotton chic bag. The blue and white geometric print is fresh and modern, and works with everything from shorts to dresses. The size is big without being bulky. A summer essential! $80 at  www.gretchenandgrace.com.

 

 

Apricot Click the Apricot to Receive 25% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — That Makes It $60!

 

 

 

 

 

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A DRESS TO DYE FOR

 

 

 

When we laid eyes on this amazing silk patchwork dress from EDUN, we knew we had to share. Exquisite in varying shades of dusty brown, it is the epitome of sophisticated, simple summer dressing. We love the gently billowing sleeves and loose, easy shape. It is just what you need to stay cool on sultry summer nights. We think it’s probably as close to being naked as you can get — but then isn’t EDUN “nude” spelled backwards? $298 at www.edun.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DESIGNER ALERT

Real Jewels are the Real Deal

 

We love fun, funky, faux jewelry as much as the next gal. But, when we can get the real deal without compromising our environmental ethics? Well, that always gets our attention! That is why we were so excited to learn about Real Jewels, which (as the straightforward name suggests) is a collection, made from recycled precious metals and fair trade gems.

Based on the principle that “responsibly made should be synonymous with trendy and fashionable,” the four diverse introductory collections offer something for everyone. We were charmed by the Silver Bangles (left/$180-$210 each) from the Real Spirit collection that can be worn alone or stacked for effect. We also took a shine to the 18K gold over silver Grande Bib (right/$400) from the Real Light collection. Designed to let light pass through, each piece is brilliant and reflective. View all the styles and learn about Real Jewels' responsible practices at www.real-jewels.com.

 

**The above links won’t take you directly to the pieces mentioned. From the home page, click on Jewelry Collections. From there, click on the appropriate collection and scroll along the bar.

 

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ECOIST SILVER MEGA HITS THE SILVER SCREEN

 

If you have seen Sex and the City 2, you might have noticed that the four fashion mavens have gotten friendlier — eco friendlier that is. While shopping for a red carpet dress, Samantha is sporting the oversized Ecoist Silver Mega handbag — proof that eco friendly fashion is modern, hip and, in the words of the film’s own stylist, “glamorous.” Finally, Samantha does something we can imitate in public!

 

 

 

 

 

Ecoist uses upcycled candy wrappers, soda labels and other “waste” materials to create their unusual designs. And, in addition, they plant a tree for every handbag sold. In the case of the Silver Mega, there’s a good chance an entire forest was planted, since the bag sold out very quickly, but thankfully, is now back in stock, along with free shipping. . Now, if we could just get Manolo Blahnik on board the eco train, sigh. $178 at www.ecoist.com.

 

 

 

 

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TREND ALERT

Summer Denim

Time to “think outside the basic jeans!” Eco friendly denim has come a long way. It is being repurposed, recycled, trimmed out and dressed up. Time to try some easier, breezier versions of our favorite fabric for summer.

Go to work in this sophisticated Levi’s pencil skirt (left/ON SALE FOR $29.90). Made from recycled cotton, the hip hugging stretch denim skirt with its narrow vintage-inspired bottom gets a pop of modern with green trim. After work, slip into these roll up Josefina Boyfriend Jeans (center/ON SALE FOR $129) from Seven for all Mankind. What makes these different (besides the organic cotton) is the built-in chain mail belt that instantly dresses them up for a night out. The most unusual use of denim we have seen is found in this Josh Podoll Denim Knit Crop Cardigan (right/$143). This feather light sweater doesn’t look or feel like traditional jean material, but it is actually knit from recycled denim — a very cool way to repurpose indeed!

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