Nonpareil

I long to visit Buenos Aires *sigh*….South America is top on my wish list of travel spots…

Meanwhile, I’ll just admire these fun, funky bags made from the same vintage Naugahyde that can be found on the buses in Buenos Aires. Never has vinyl looked so good! They are from Viva Zapata…and styles sell really quickly…so if you see one you like, snag it before it’s gone!

I’ve been wanting a funky boho bag ever since I saw the Simone Camille bags on Who What Wear…but $650 isn’t exactly my handbag budget. SO, I found some super-cute bags that Dazzling Lanna has on her Etsy site. They are from Chiang Mai…and I just LOVE them! Most of them are made from vintage Hmong baby carrier fabric….fun style at a MUCH better price point.

My birthday was in June…and, as much as I totally hate to get older, I love celebrating…hanging out with friends, getting presents and eating cake!! This year, I especially scored in the presents department…my husband bought me an ipad {yipee!}. I hadn’t thought seriously about buying one, but now that I have one, I think it’s such a fun and useful gadget…I’m all geeked out about it!

Maybe even better than the ipad itself, is the coolie case I bought for it. It’s the one above, center…from Temple. It’s made from re-purposed military fabric, as are some of their other bags. I love the look of a high-tech gadget tucked into something that looks so old. I like their other bags too…so rugged and masculine.

I love the creativity that goes into repurposed goods. To be able to envision a cute little purse from an old, funky jacket is pure genius…The creative part of MY brain totally doesn’t work that way, so I’m always impressed.

I you read the Storque, or check Etsy’s home page regularly, then you might already know about found by nicky‘s fantastic bags and things. Almost all of her pieces are made from other items…right down to the zippers! I especially love the bag with the little flowers {above, right}.

I’ve posted about Baggu bags before, but just had to post again…because they have ADORABLE limited-edition heart bags for Valentine’s Day. They come with a little card, too. Perfect for you’re eco-minded Valentine! I always keep a couple of these bags in my purse…so no matter where I go, I can use cloth instead of plastic {despite the frequent eye-rolls from baggers or sales clerks}. They are super strong too. I just can’t say enough. Oh, and when you order, ask them to send you a stack of business cards, because every-other time you go to the grocery store, someone will ask where you got them.