Keen mountain biker Shannon Hames found a use for all the punctured inner tire tubes that littered her home when she launched Flat Bags. This accessories company creates casual handbags from an eco-friendly combination of recycled fabric and vinyl and bike inner tubes.

Hames says its “really important” for her to use recycled fabrics. “We need to use all these things that are already here,” she explained. While the bags are made from items destined for landfill, it was also important to Hames that her finished products didn’t “look junky.” I’m sure no one would think that of the Flat Bags! Hames uses around 250 inner tubes a year, which equates to around 15, 000 feet of rubber. She recycles many of her own tubes, but also sources them from local bike shops.

But it’s not enough that the materials are simply green. Hames’ fabrics are also durable and easy to clean, and as they’re recycled there aren’t too many Flat Bags that look the same. The rubber tube reinforcements are as practical as they are sustainable. The flexible material helps make each bag expandable, which is a real bonus for pack rats.

Since its inception Flat Bags range has expanded from its original Large Favourite bag to wallets, laptop sleeves, shoppers, and yoga bags. They’re available at selected stores in Canada and United States and the Flat Bags website.

[Source: Flat Bags]

Polyester twill and silky netting aren’t the fabrics that fashion dreams are made of, but Diane von Furstenberg gets the most from these materials with her Silk Road tote.

I really love the way that the soft silky netting and patent leather trim helps to define this Silk Road’s structured shape. The red color gives the polyester twill real personality which works well with the tote’s retro curves.

I love the way this tote channels the Mad Men era on the outside, but is thoroughly modern inside. It’s generously sized, with a zippered interior pocket to complement the one we see up front. The addition of open pockets would have made it easier to locate our cell phones and portable technology, but it would have made the space feel a little more cluttered.

The dual handles are long enough for easy carrying, but their patent leather is also a bit stiff. These straps will soften in time, as all leathers do, but at the moment carrying them isn’t so comfortable.

By using relatively inexpensive materials, Diane von Furstenberg’s been able to price this Silk Road tote at an affordable $49.95. That should please label lovers and bargain shoppers alike!

More Features of This Diane Von Furstenberg Twill Tote

• Zip top closure
• Fully lined interior
• Flat protective feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 13.25 x 14 x 6.75 inches

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Silk Road Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos Couture
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Diane von Furstenberg Silk Road tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Philenmart eBay store to see if this Diane von Furstenberg bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The MICHAEL Michael Kors Knox satchel bag, a great alternative to this retro red bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg bags on eBay

The handiwork of traditional artists in Africa and India is showcased through the eco-friendly, fair trade label Nkuku.

The company came about when its creators spent a year traveling and working around Africa and India. During their travels they met artisans with incredible skills living in poor conditions. They worked to develop the skills of the people they met and promote the products they created. The company even became a member of the World Fair Trade Organization, which is your guarantee that their artisans really do enjoy fair wages and working conditions.

Nkuku’s unique name comes from the one of the Zambian villages it supports. Artisans in this village, and others like it, combine their traditional craft techniques with a modern design approach to create handbags, apparel, accessories, and homewares loved by contemporary women.

The products are all made using natural materials and sustainable techniques to give them that eco-friendly edge. Nkuku’s craftspeople work with a variety of green materials including recycled cotton paper, recycled wool, recycled saris, sustainable mango wood, recycled glass, and natural dyes.

I particularly love the Myla bag pictured, with its blend of naturally dyed cotton and leather panels. Each one is made by a collection of 400 women working in Southern India. These craftspeople previously relied on seasonal labor to support their community, but thanks to Nkuku they can enjoy an income all year round.

Nkuku’s fair trade fashion and home items are available through the company’s website.

[Source: Nkuku]

Fair Trade Bags on eBay

[phpbay]fair trade, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Studs have never been more sophisticated than the delicate ones covering the Parquet Stud Hobo from Dan W.

Ordinarily metal brings a healthy dose of attitude to the design, but here the accents are much more reserved. The tiny pinheads dot the criss-cross embossed leather, creating a unique kind of plaid. I’ve never seen anything like it; it’s got the sort of sophistication I’d expect to see from Burberry, rather than an affordable fashion house like Dan W. I’m certainly not complaining though!

The zippered pocket running across the front suggests that the Parquet Stud isn’t all about keeping up appearances. It’s a really functional accessory, with an array of zip and patch pockets hidden inside. The zippered one will likely get the biggest workout, so I’m glad it’s trimmed with protective leather. The dimensions are sizable but slender, so you’ll need to pack carefully if you want to carry bulky items. I like the dimensions though, as they make this hobo look more stylish than the average.

Not all Parquet Stud bags are created equally though. The black one has a timeless sophistication which the taupe one doesn’t quite pull off. You’ll pay an affordable $184 for both color options.

More Features of This Dan W Studded Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Satiny lining
• A single strap with a 15 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 14 x 4.25 inches
• Made in China

Get this Dan W Parquet Stud Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Check the No1BrandNameLiquidatorStore eBay store to see if this Dan W bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dan W bags on BagBunch
• The small Dan W Parquet Stud hobo bag, a great alternative to this large bag.
• Searching for more Dan W bags on eBay
• Other studded hobo bags on eBay:

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Clearly Kirsten James ascribes to the theory that if you want a job done right, you need to do it yourself. This former NASA engineer forged a new career in accessories when she couldn’t find the right diaper bag for her new baby. It was a dramatic profession change, but her move into the fashion world appears to be paying dividends.

James’ handbags are functional, casually fashionable, and eco-conscious. Each one is hand-made in the United States from quilted cotton, which is often organic and eco-friendly. The handbags are lined with organic muslin and packed with functional features, including interior and exterior pockets, key fobs, and more.

Kirsten James’ bags don’t just give back to the planet; they also think about its people. A portion of the profits from each sale benefits The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. It’s not clear exactly how much James gives, but considering the size of her label any contribution should be applauded.

Kirsten James’ handbags are available for purchase through selected American outlets and her Etsy store. The site sells the diaper bags, nursing covers, and change pads Kirsten James is famous for, as well as totes and messengers. Selected items are also available through the e-tailers EarthLover and MagpieLovely.

[Source: Kirsten James website]

Organic Cotton Bags on eBay

[phpbay]organic cotton, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Cynthia Vincent gives a basic black tote some military finesse with the Strauss.

Leather strapping on either side of this simply shaped tote create a modern military feel. Tarnished golden studs set these elegant accents off nicely. These straps have a subtle polish which creates a gentle contrast to the Strauss’ more muted black body.

I appreciate the sophisticated black-on-black look of the Strauss’ exterior, but I’m also glad to see Cynthia Vincent having a bit of fun inside. The main compartment is lined with a vibrant blue tie-dyed material, which makes it easy to find your precious cargo. Anyone who’s spent time searching for small items inside a black lined purse will really appreciate the convenience of this pop of color!

The rolled handles suit the Strauss’ style, but they’re too short to be truly practical once the tote’s loaded up. Thankfully Cynthia Vincent also provides a longer strap which is adjustable for the most comfortable fit.

The military look probably isn’t going to stick around for very long, but at $395 this tote is an affordable way to celebrate the trend while it lasts!

More Features of This Cynthia Vincent Military Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Twill lined interior
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• An adjustable strap with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 14 x 5.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this Cynthia Vincent Strauss Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Cynthia Vincent Strauss, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Pink Pistol Boutique eBay store to see if this Cynthia Vincent bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Cynthia Vincent bags on BagBunch
• The Giuseppe Zanotti Buckle Clutch bag, a great alternative to this military bag.
• Searching for more Cynthia Vincent bags on eBay

H&M has brought us some amazing collaborations in recent years, including diffusion lines with Lanvin and Jimmy Choo. However its next designer project will be a much smaller affair. The affordable retailer is currently working with model and Misshapes DJ Leigh Lezark.

If you’re asking yourself who, don’t worry. While Lezark isn’t a household name, her creativity and bold fashion sense should serve her well with this endeavor. It’s also worth noting that she’s made the runway music for several high profile labels, walked the catwalk for Henry Holland, and appeared in advertising campaigns for the Gap and Roberto Cavalli for H&M.

H&M and Lezark will open the retailer’s first store within a store in London’s Selfridges boutique on August 25. Leigh Lezark will also oversee an exclusive collection of her favorite apparel and accessories for H&M.

“My philosophy on both beauty and fashion is to be yourself and find your own style, so for me, the new edited-down H&M at Selfridges is an ideal shopping destination,” she explained.

She added that her curated pieces are the kind of modern classics every girl should own, although that doesn’t mean they’re all in basic black and versatile neutrals. She promises she’s experimented with color too!

Unfortunately these curated Leigh Lezark items will only be available at British H&M stores, but perhaps that just gives fans an excuse for a getaway!

[Source: Fabsugar]
[Image Source: Icanteachyouhowtodoit/Wikipedia Commons]

H&M Bags on eBay

[phpbay]HM, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Comme des Garcons serves up a fun take on classic polka dots with this embossed purse.

Designers have been embossing leather for ages, adding texture and mimicking exotic skins. So perhaps it was only a matter of time before someone decided to stamp spots into the cowhide! And if anyone was going to do it, it makes sense that it was Comme des Garcons’ playful creative director Rei Kawakubo.

I love the combination of embossed polka dots and quirky purple leather, but I’m smart enough to realize that there’s little behind it. This really is the simplest of pouches, without pockets or straps or any of those modern conveniences we almost take for granted. I’d assume it was meant to be a coin pouch if it were a little smaller. However those extra few inches would help it work as a cute clutch.

I really wish this pouch wasn’t so sweet. If it were a little less endearing, I’d never consider spending $190 on it. It’s just too simple to justify that sort of outlay. But I’m finding the combination of purple and polka dots difficult to resist!

More Features of This Comme des Garcons Embossed Pouch

• Gold designer signature
• Fully lined interior
• Gold zip fastening
• Measures 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Comes in a designer presentation box

Get this Comme des Garcons Polka-Dot Handbag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Comme des Garcons bags on BagBunch
• The Comme ds Garcons Color-Block Fluorescent bag, a great alternative to this pouch.
• Searching for more Comme des Garcons bags on eBay
• Other Comme des Garcons pouches on eBay:

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New York City based designer Jen Mascali is commemorating the upcoming tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with the release of this Remember bag.

Thankfully the Remember bag looks quite tasteful, with its patent red leather finish and contrasting straps. A leather flame accent is stamped with the words “Each life is a miracle that changes the world and leaves it a better place than it was before.” That flame pays tribute to Mascali’s father, a firefighter who lost his life in the attacks.

Despite her personal loss, I’d understand if skeptics felt Mascali was cashing in on the tragedy. However, it’s worth noting that she’ll donate the entire wholesale portion of the bag’s proceeds to the 9/11 Memorial Fund.

Personally I’m not sure how I feel about this tote. On one hand it’s a well designed red tote, with clean lines and a fashionable fall color. I can also appreciate the altruistic side of the bag. But there’s something about the concept of September 11 fashion that doesn’t sit quite right with me. Can you imagine folks wanting to invest in a handbag to mark this anniversary? Many naysayers are suggesting it’s too soon, but now that we’re a decade on I wonder whether people will ever feel it’s the right time. And then again, if we can create handbags to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month and other such serious occasions, why not this?

The Remember bag will be available soon for $300 from the Jen Mascali website.

[Source: The Gloss]

Why spend hundreds, or even thousands, on a purse for your big day? After all, this Boca Crepe bag from Coloriffics costs just $49!

Happily it doesn’t just have price on its side. This clutch really is lovely, with its criss-cross ribbon accenting its clean, front flap style. The diamond shaped rhinestone at the center of the ribbons is an ideal cherry on top. While it’s got a hint of bling this clutch isn’t too frou frou, so we can get some extra mileage from it once the honeymoon is over.

The Boca Crepe is a fairly simple bag though, with only a patch pocket inside the mid-sized interior. I say mid-sized, but that’s only by clutch standards. It should hold the essentials, and if not you can simply rely on your bridesmaids! There’s also a long chain strap, which should come in handy once the bubbly starts flowing.

For this price though, I imagine the Boca Crepe finding a following amongst plenty of women, whether they’re walking down the aisle or not. Its clean design feels modern yet timeless, which makes that bargain bottom line seem like even more of a steal!

More Features of This Coloriffics Ribbon Decorated Clutch

• Snap closure
• An optional chain strap with a 20.5 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 4 x 2 inches

Get this Coloriffics Boca Crepe Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Dezignershopsales eBay store to see if this Coloriffics bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coloriffics bags on BagBunch
• The Coloriffics Satin Ruffle and Rhinestone bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Coloriffics bags on eBay
• Other Coloriffics bridal bags on eBay:

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