Vegan Handbagging

Vegan handbagging includes a range of materials - synthetics like plastic and natural materials like cork, kelp, pineapple leaves and other creative and cruelty free materials. Essentially, it's the use of a fake (faux) leather that does not use animal skin. Vegan products don't harm, kill, or exploit animals and don't contain animal products.

You can easily identify vegan purse products when looking for specific labels. One of these is the PeTA-Approved VEGAN label.




Another is the Leaping bunny logo. This is the only internationally recognized symbol guranteeing consumers that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying it.



Concerning designers that offer vegan bags, Stella McCartney is the top designer for this initiative. All  her bags are vegan.Other luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and more primarily use top quality cowhide leather.

Today's blog features two vegan bags -

This beautiful, practical, unbelievably lightweight backpack is from the La Terre Fashion line that sells vegan handbags.

These bags are PeTA-Approved. The feel to the touch is soft, pebbly surfaces. It's embellished with delightful, shiny gold studs that accentuate the rounded lines and outside pockets. Measuring 11" H x 10" W x 7" D, it's deceptively roomy and carries everything you'd conceivably want to in a very organized space.Yet it's so light, at times I've literally forgotten I'm wearing it. The front zipper works well for what you need rrequent, quick and easy access to. On each side is an open pocket that is the perfect size for a water bottle, and is so convenient you can reach around and into it without taking the bag off your back.

All zippers slide so easily. Inside the backpack, the smooth lining is a light color making it so easy to view all you're carrying at a glance. On the back wall is a secure, zipper pocket and on the front wall an open pocket. Back straps are easily adjustable.

The Matt and Nat line also includes vegan, and also recycled materials in it's purses. Their commitment stands boldly in their name - Mat(t)erial + Nature.Sustainable materials such as cork and the linings are made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. They design and produce their own custom hardware.

Matt and Nat encourage their customers' recycling, When you're through with your bag, ready to buy a new Matt and Nat, you can donate your old bag for someone else to enjoy.

Just look at the shiny, deep black exterior bag that I love to carry. You can't detect any wear in this bag that I have used  so much as a reliable go-to bag. The strap length is very comfortable on the arm or held in my hand. It's a secure, snap closure at the top.It's a great size at 10" H x 14" W x 2" D. It's a nice roomy interior that includes a secure zip pocket securely attached to the back.

And as always the Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock Arkansas, one of only 3 Purse Museums in the world, telling the story of women's history with purses, has a fabulous selection of vegan bags for sale, Of course I also recommend visiting in person. I really enjoyed my visit!




For more gorgeous PeTA recommended purses, backpacks, and more you can check out this PeTA sponsored site  As they say - you don't have to kill animals to get a killer look!

A Purse-onal Story to Treasure - Anne Crowe McMurtrie

This beautiful metal mesh purse belonged to Anne Crowe McMurtrie 1907 - 1998. She lived in Seattle and Bellingham WA. This incredible, historic Whiting and Davis bag was among her all time most prized possessions. When she was out on the town this was on her wrist as she thoroughly enjoyed the clubbing and fun activities of the roaring '20's, and beyond. Thank you so much to her daughter and also her granddaughter, Karen Richstad, who also treasured this fabulous Whiting and Davis family heirloom. If you've never felt a mesh bag, it is truly a treat - soft, smooth, almost silky yet a shiny metal surface that is so flexible in the palm of your hand that it puddles. Whiting and Davis is the genius artistic company for these purses, beginning as a company in 1876 and still in gorgeous business today with purses and also jewelry. Their high quality purses in the 1920's were the coveted accessory of flappers, actresses and well-dressed women everywhere.

The chain mail inspired bags associated with the flapper fashioons of the 1920's were luxury products of jewellers and silversmiths. It was the technical advances of the Whiting and Davis Company that made these more widely available. Early collaborations of Whiting and Davis with eminent fashion names Paul Poiret and Elsa Schiaparelli and continual celebrity endorsements made these bags the forefront of fashion. Anne Crowe McMurtrie's bag is a perfect example of the 1900's coin bag or vanity compact hand bag. The top is a very detailed, round silver. The Chain attached is meant to loop around your fingers, your wrist, or attach to your belt. When opened each came with a very small mirror. As a modern woman you may be thinking, where would I carry all my stuff? There's room with the mirror for small compact, lipstick, perfume, handkerchier, money and a little room left over for whatever else that says - you.

Look at the incredible artistry and detail that still jumps out at you on the top of the hinged lid of this beautifully preserved purse.

What a glorious sparkling accessory. It measures 5" tall and tapers to the top from a bottom width of 4 1/2". The chain hangs almost 5" long. In this shot the hinged gop is flipped open. Dance bags such as Anne McMurtrie's were designed to hang from the wrist so fingers can touch dance partner's fingers. How delightful! Until 1912 this gorgeous mesh was handmade, after that a machine was invented to automate the mesh making process. It's made of small, precious metal rings and are unpainted for the most part, like Anne  McMurtrie's. This striking design comes from a mixture of metal colors, artfully joined rings and metal fringe. By the end of the 1920's flat armour mesh painted in bold Deco designs and Dresden mesh, with tiny rings silkscreened by hand in dreamy Impressionistic shades were created.

Were you wondering how this cute bag opens? With the lid flipped up then the crowning top can expand in a crown that measures just over 3" across

Here's a look at the linen lined interior

Timeless - A bag expresses you to others and to yourself
There are three levels that measure a person's reaction to a purse:
Physical Properties
Performance/Functionality
Reflective/Emotional tie

Can't you visualize clubbing in 1920's Seattle with your friend Anne, with a shining accessory dangling from your wrist, a sophisticated accent to your flapper ensemble.

The original Whiting and Davis tag inside this beautifully preserved treasure.

Anne Crowe McMurtrie in 1948. Now she's carrying a very vogue purse of this era. By the end of the 1940's bag design had become more structured and leathers were dyed in fashionable hues to tone with the fashions of the period. The 1940's bags were made with clasps that are more discreet, and had wide, soft handles.

Anne and Doris in 1951 in downtown Seattle

In the 1920's women dressed with so much fun - shimmering jewels and rich feathers. There was a freedom in the 1920's; a certain liberty and evolution of women. From the 1920's to the 1950's neon-lit streets pulsed with visual excitement. Thank You so much granddaughter Karen Richstad, for sharing a chapter of the treasure of this Whiting and Davis purse's personal story -  in tribute to Anne Crowe McMurtrie

Purses With Purpose - Buzz Aldrin Purses!

Purses with a Purpose - 

What a great combination -  fun purses + helping others

Delighted to find an out-of-this-world purse by Buzz Aldrin where the purchase benefits the 501c3 nonprofit Buzz Aldrin’s ShareSpace Education Foundation which will enable, inspire and educate the game-changers of the future. Of course I bought one! Thank You Buzz Aldrin!

The ShareSpace Foundation, which in its current iteration was founded in 2014 as a non-profit dedicated to inspiring children's passions for science, technology, engineering, arts and math, provides interactive tools to educators across the United States.

It's a 7" height x 9" wide very comfortable crossbody that also fits so nicely on the shoulder. Inside a roomy space for your essentials that is lined in a soft vinyl. There is also a zipper secure roomy pocket along almost the full back side.

The silver flap over is beautifully shiny material that is fashionably highlighted in room and outdoor lighting.

Altogether a well made, fun and light carry that you'll enjoy during the day, and also when the moon rises

This purse is hard to find right now, even online at sharespace.org, but watch for it particularly at aeronautics museum gift stores like the Seattle Museum of Flight and similar spots. And also check Amazon.com for this and for Buzz Aldrin men's wallets.

Giving Back Is The New Chic

Your decisions on what you buy
can change the world!

Now those gorgeous purse purchases that make you feel so good also help others to feel good

Feedprojects is a wonderful endeavor that sells glorious Bags and Accessories. The proceeds of those sales go to feeding children who would otherwise go hungry in areas of the world.  Everything you buy shows clearly the number of meals you've provided.  My tally is up to 75 so far.

Just look at these pretty purses, that are also practical while fun, but most importantly our Handbag Habit is doing good in the world thanks to founder Lauren Bush.

Now those gorgeous purse purchases that make you feel so good also help others to feel good

Feedprojects is a wonderful endeavor that sells glorious Bags and Accessories. The proceeds of those sales go to feeding children who would otherwise go hungry in areas of the world.  Everything you buy shows clearly the number of meals you've provided.  My tally is up to 75 so far.

Just look at these pretty purses, that are also practical while fun, but most importantly our Handbag Habit is doing good in the world thanks to founder Lauren Bush.

Now those gorgeous purse purchases that make you feel so good also help others to feel good. Don't forget to go out to the site so find so many more styles, including leather. All beautiful!

Purchase provides 25 me

John Met Betty

What an amazing discovery I've made! I discovered this purse designer when featured at Esse Purse Museum, Little Rock Arkansas (where purses tie to Women's History, if you haven't visited, plan a visit. You'll be so glad you went - see my blog entries about my visit.)  Anyway it took Esse Museum to introduce me to an incredible purse designer right here in my Pacific Northwest backyard.

Meet Jillian Darnell, creative and outstanding artisan who designs and creates these beautiful and eco-friendly purses. I was so thrilled to meet her in "pursen" and be ensconsed amongst her creations. Her purses are the softest leather combined with vintage fabrics. Not everyone can get to one of her shows in the PNW, so be sure to visit her online at johnmetbetty.com
Jillian Darnell has been designing one of a kind vegan leather bags, totes and clutches for over 10 years. Originally from Toronto Canada, she studied fine arts at The University of Waterloo and Fashion Design at George Brown College in Toronto. Her interest in design and leatherwork began while working in the leather industry in Acton Ontario. Jillian now resides on Bainbridge Island in Washington State with her husband, two boxers and two cats. All handbags are created with eco-friendly faux leathers and new and vintage fabrics from start to finish by Jillian in her home studio.

Just hanging out, admiring the shoulder bags. Not only good looking, some organization inside, and such pretty linings.

Do you love the unique name of the company as much as I do?  Here's the fun story behind the name - direct from the designer herself
John Met Betty is named after my grandparents John & Betty Thompson, who shared a flair for style, a storybook romance and a love for the PNW. Jillian's grandparents John & Betty met and married in Vancouver BC, they had their first date riding bikes in Stanley Park. Growing up in Ontario, Canada, I often heard stories about their lives out west, picture books of the west coast lined my grandparents coffee table. It was serendipitous that my husband and I ended up out here 10 years ago, it feels like fate in many ways. With my family history in the PNW and  a love equal to what my grandparents had for this magical place, I felt it was fitting to name my company after them.

Are you a crossbody fan? Check out these lovelies. And here's an awesome twist on it, for those of us in rainy and snowy climates the vintage material is protected with a waterproof exterior. How clever and as you can see it doesn't detract at all from the style.

Well, for all big bag girls, here you go. Not only are these Totes fashionable and have a secure snap closure, they are even expandable for those days you're carrying extra. That front is a nice, big exterior pocket too for ipad, phone, glasses, anything else you need quick access to because it's nice and roomy and is secured with an impressively strong magnetic.

Gorgeous clutches, wristlets. I admit that although I usually favor big bags, it was actually these temptresses that first drew me to learn more about John Met Betty
Again, beautiful leather, and just look at those intriguing splashes of vintage material. That leather trim is confidently held down with a magnetic as well.  Don't you just love a kiss clasp?

Here's my clutch purchase for now, although it was so hard for me to choose.  I'm enjoying carrying it as a wristlet, and after buying it just last night I'm already getting lots of compliments from people.  I'll be back shopping online for the holidays

What a great idea for glasses cases. I already regret that I didn't buy that French Bulldog design while I was there.

Celebrating National Handbag Day with Whiting & Davis

All the best to you on National Handbag Day!
October 10, 2017

Celebrating the national holiday this year after an outing at Antique stores in the beautiful town of Snohomish and found old time glamorous purses by Whiting and Davis. This is the oldest handbag company in the US. It's remained so artistic throughout the decades and is still creating beautiful purses and jewelry, scarves, clothing, wallets, belts, and much more in Massachusetts.

In 1892 Mr. Whiting designed the first mesh bag. Mr. Whiting began in the company as an errand boy in 1876. He worked his way into manhagement and eventually became a partner in 1886. By 1907 he was sole owner. The company started as a true cottage industry, hiring women to hand make the bags in their homes by linking together the tiny metal rings that made up the mesh. By 1912 demand was so high they were pushed to develop an automated mesh making machine.

The mesh bags are all made of metal and they have such a luxurious feel. They're so light to carry. Here you see a bag circa 1920, when a wormn didn't need to carry much in her handbag. These Flapper style purses sparkled and delighted on an evening out.

Here's a close up of the Art Deco clasp and frame. You can also see here the detail of the sewn mesh links. So sorry to see that the colors have faded with time, but you still see the suggestion of its original beauty. Inside the lining is a yellow, satin lining that is so sleek to the touch. Included is a petite interior pocket as well.

Speaking of sparkles, this is a real treasure. In the early days of production, most Whiting & Davis bags were made of sterling silver. This is a real silver tin mesh purse. As more bags were made by machine, they were able to experiment with other, cheaper metals.

This large, round, chain mail style, beautifully shaped pouch bag has an unbelievably smooth and soft feel to it and is incredibly light to carry. You hardly know you're holding anything in your hand or on your wrist with the double chain.

It was celebrity endorsements beginning in the 1920's that kept Whiting and Davis such coveted bags.

Here you can see how flexible the gold chain link is, actually puddling on the table, and turned inside out you can see the matching gold, silk lining.

Thank you Whiting and Davis!



And whatever you're carrying, Enjoy your National Handbag Day

National Handbag Day Is 10/10/16

What are you carrying on National Handbag Day?  This year it's October 10th.

Some people say the purse you carry says something about your Pursonality

Designer bag - Stick to well known designer labels and prepared to spend all disposable income on bags. If possible, you'd collect all models of bage by your favorite designer. Don't care much about color, style, materials, or size. You're a champagne drinker, whenever corks are popping.

Clutch - Minimalist and a little fancy. You like things simple and clean but don't have so much on your plate that you need to be hands free. Holding a clutch makes you feel empowered and like you could be going on a hot date any minute. You're glamorously girly and love to wear flirty dresses, skirts and high heels. You like to finger the stem of your wine glass as you chat with your friends, or your date.

Novelty bag - Love collecting unusual and strange shapes and probably have a train, bird, house, fruit, etc. Don't want to be boring or "normal". Also look for bags covered in patterns, comic book characters, or other fanciful design. You like pretty drinks like Tequila Sunrise, Malibu Sunset, or Cake by the Ocean.

Impulse bag - Buy because you fell in love with the bag at first sight and have to have it. Don't care what it will go with or if its practical size, or what it will be used for. Can't live without it because so in love. Live life with your emotions on your sleeve, the sleeve on the arm with the bag. You also love passionate drinks like Sangria.

Hobo - Chill girl likes to go with the flow and needs an equally carefree bag to match your free spirit lifestyle. Friends would describe as boho chic. Inclined to live in a year round warm climate and only use umbrellas as decorations in your icy drinks.

Logo - Usually you have just one bag, or few bags, but you like to look fashionable so you want a prominent designer logo on show.  You probably bought it quite a while ago, probably in a sale, but you don't care if it's a design from an old collection or even if it's getting worn as long as the logo is still in good shape. You don't want to spend an exorbitant amount so you'll carry the old one until the next sale of logos. You like drinking Baileys and other name brand alcohol

Tote - You're prepared for anything, which is why you need a bag large enough to carry all your stuff.  You're the one who always has aspirin, bandaids, hair ties, and so on, and enough for everyone. You tend to be a planner and don't like to get stuck without something you might need. You like to drink tequila shots.

Oversized Tote - Busy career woman who's always on the go, so the need for the huge tote to lug around all your essentials from laptop to makeup bag, and sometimes change of clothes. Ready to take on the world and always comes prepared, but you often forget to stop and smell the roses. Remember to relax, it's good for your health. You drink wine, especially Pinot Grigio

Backpack - Super active and love to travel. You're always on the move so you need a big enough bag to hold a lot of stuff and has double-strapped shoulder support. Like the tote gal, you're usually prepared for most situations but you like more comfort. You're a beer and hard cider drinker

Arm Carry Bag - You're independent and fashionable. The arm carry bag fits in the crook of your arm, which pulls out a slightly sassy attitude, but it's because you're confident. You're up to date on the latest trends and like to be sophisticated. You drink daiquiris, martinis, sidecars, and moscow mules.

Shoulder Bag - Loved by downtown gals with cash, and by models. Usually worn with scarves. Drink Makers Mark bourbon and soda.

Satchel - More serious, you take your job seriously too. Definitely not a high maintenance gal, you do appreciate the finer things in life and you have a classic sense of style that you convey through your impeccable power-woman wardrobe. You like to drink Mojitos, gin and tonic, white russian, Jack on the rocks.

Crossbody - Less is more type of gal. Appreciate the simple things in life and skip the 24/7 glam makeup thing. Just need wallet and phone and ready for anything. You like adventurous, and well-crafted drinks like Bacon Cherry Creek, peach margaritas, jello shots

60% of women own more than 10 bags and 3% of women have at least 25 bags.

A Collector's Compacts

Lovely 1940s compact from Judith Works' private collection, author of Coins in the Fountain A Memoir of Rome   (Recommended Read!), and friend.  I especially love all the detail on the ladies' dress and the poodle's bow. The interior on this compact for carrying all the essentials is intact.

From Judith Works collection, a compact again from the 1940s.  The delicate scrollwork is fascinating, and notice the finger loop

From Judith Works collection, the bloom hasn't faded from this compact dated in the 1920s.  Its original interior organization was removed at some time so it could be used later by the owner as a cigarette case.  Thank you so much Judith for a glimpse into your beautiful collection!