This post is written by contributing author Paige Ronchetti.
I tend to hear one complaint over and over from friends who haven't really embraced a green lifestyle. We'll be out shopping and I'll point to something and say, "Look at this! It's recycled!" And my friend will be all, "Yeah, I can tell." Meaning that a lot of repurposed items tend to have a patchworked quality to them, and she's not a fan.
Honestly, it's not always my taste either, but I challenge anyone (even my picky friends!) to call these handbags and totes anything other than gorgeous. Behold:
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| $80 |
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| $50.00 |
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| $55.00 |
I came across Belrossa on Etsy last week, and I'm just tickled by her bags and purses. She uses several kinds of repurposed materials (feed sacks, quilts, wool coats), making for a nice variety in the shop. There's a good balance between the simpler style shown here, and the more commonly seen "recycled" look. Not that a pieced-together style is bad, it's just not everyone's cup of tea. Having variety will make more people inclined to go green, which is the whole point, right? I think Belrossa delivers on that perfectly.
So what do you think about recycled bags? Or repurposed items in general? Have you had people complain to you about the "style" of this movement? What do you say to them?
Lovely handbags! Stopping by from Blogging Buddies.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Angie
godsgrowinggarden.com
Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteRecycled/repurposed items are great. Most things have more than one use, even after it is no longer suitable for its original use. I am upcycling some old denim for some hair accessories that I am currently working on. They look great (I think) and I feel great about doing it.
ReplyDeleteYes, the feeling that you have found another use for an object that would otherwise go to the trash is great! I would love to see your denim hair accessories :)
DeleteThey sound so cute! I always like seeing what new uses people find for things.
DeleteI add new listings every Wed and Saturday so there will be at least one posted this week.
Deletewww.deonanddionfashions.etsy.com
www.porshadeunscorner.blogspot.com
Those look lovely! I'd use one for sure! I admit not everything recycled looks good of course and it sometimes does take some ingenuity to make them beautiful, but these are spot on :)
ReplyDeleteBlogging Buddies Team
You are right, Heather. But when you think about it, not all things look good even if they're not recycled! :) I think that preferring recycled is a matter of attitude and state of mind. And, of course, you always need to search for the item that suits your aesthetics the best!
DeleteHaha, Sonya that's so true.
DeleteThose are really cute. I like recycled, but I also like the idea of NOT buying. Sometimes people buy something new when the greener choice is to use what you already have. (Although every woman needs a new handbag occasionally!)
ReplyDeleteYes! I've been buying a lot less over the past couple of years, and it's so much easier to have less stuff. (Well, most of the time. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to wear, haha.)
DeleteNot buying has to be taught in schools, if you ask me. Alas, it is not a corporate interest so it will hardly happen. In the past few years I've been practicing it mindfully and feel very differently in a positive way. And yet, when the time comes for buying it's good to consider recycled :)
DeleteOh wow, I love these! I've been looking for a crossbody bag that is big and casual for everyday use, and these look perfect.
ReplyDeleteYay, so you happened to be at the right place in the right time! Thank God we have Paige!
DeleteSuper cute! I've been sloowly building my stock of bags--none of mine are this cute, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI have a few too many bags, I must admit. They are all par of my past life but I could switch them for a beauty like these :D
DeleteUgh, I HATE it when people make comments like that! Just because something isn't in their taste doesn't mean it's hideous to everyone. Anywho, I think your bag picks today are very, very lovely!
ReplyDeleteYes, it shows a certain immaturity but we have to forgive them. You know, people usually talk to themselves when they talk to us :)
DeleteThanks, Nancy! Yeah, it irritates me when people say stuff like that, too. And then they avoid ALL recycled goods because they just assume all of them will look the same.
DeleteSo cute! Love the idea of the colors you used!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bags! Now I want one for my beady!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bags! Thanks for sharing her link, her bags are my style.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
These bags are super cool - and they don't look "recycled" at all. I think that repuropsed items are like new items - some look great and are great quality, others don't. I recently made a bag from and old dress; it was more work than making a bag from new materials, but it was worth it. I'm sure that the fabric industry produces produces as much pollution as the general clothing industry, so I feel that I can carry my bag with a little bit of extra pride =)
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I am sure too that the fair industry has its fair share in pollution! I basically believe that the more we upcycle the better. And these bags clearly rock!
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