Fancy felt

Its always a challenge to find something both colorful and vegan when it comes to casual purses but these handmade felt clutches are right up my colorful alley. I make it a must to avoid all leather and though many companies are now using fake leather it still gives off the same look in my opinion which still seems just as bad. I don't know call me crazy. I'm totally digging Fancy Felt, a shop filled with colorful and totally vegan clutches and cases...they are perfect for adding a bit of flair while still being cruelty free. A winner in my book.

images via fancy felt

Vegan friendly

I just love to discover new handmade fashion finds and throw in a few vegan options and you have yourself one happy shopper. Seems more and more people are beginning to use synthetic fabrics in lieu of animal products and I couldn't be more excited for all the shopping choices. Atlantic Crossings has a wonderful assortment of vegan and upcycled totes, handbags and messenger bags made with fabrics that are animal friendly. *Upcycled are made of animal products.

photos via atlantic crossing

Feeling crafty

You may have seen this recycled sweater turned purse tutorial over on Pinterest, its making its rounds, but for those of you still not pinning {seriously guys, its going to change your visual life} I didn't want you to miss out. A lemon squeezy home shared this seemingly simple purse sewing project last year with us and with Christie's great photos and instructions, you too could be turning all those old sweaters into fun bags, its really a ah ha moment if you ask me. I just love to reuse materials, last year while visiting my younger cousin she brought me a pair of jeans and asked for a purse. An hour later she had an adorable denim handbag. So break out your old winter ware {or even swing by your local thrift shop} for the perfect purse and get sewing.

photo via a lemon squeezy home

Skunkfunk love

Over the weekend the husband and I did a little unintended shopping, sometimes just hopping off the bus to wonder around can be super fun. After walking around Haight St, I walked past a little shop with a 50% off sale for the entire store. Um, hello sale!! It took me less then 5 minutes to pick up that fun grey and yellow side bag, its perfect for small items, something I'm finding you really really need in a walking city. I was hesitant at first thinking it was leather, but the lovely sales women assured us Skunkfunk was a sustainable company that made every effort to reuse materials, and that adorable little guy is actually recycled plastic bottles. Though I couldn't find any of the actual information on Skunkfunk's site, I'll just have to take her word for it. And after browsing through their summer and winter collections, there are so many bags I now might just need! Its so hard to come by a non leather purse that is made with good quality materials and with love, but Skunkfunk has managed to find a way, its fantastic in person.

photos via skunkfunk's summer and winter collection

Reiter8

I have always loved the bags from Reiter8, and with sailing on the brain (the husband and I are heading to Oceanside in two weeks for a sunset sail), its only appropriate I took a look to see what was new.  And oh was I excited about all of designer Katherine Rasmussen's new goodies.  I might just have to get that N graffiti bag!  Made from old sails, each piece is hand crafted by Katherine, on her dining room floor.  And do check out her Etsy portrait, where she shares her home studio and process.

photos via reiter8