Object of My Affection: Rising Tide Fair Trade Weekender Bag

Happy Friday! In the spirit of Summer weekend trips to places near and far, I give you: The perfect Weekender bag. There are so many fab options, I had trouble picking just 3 to feature here. At $220, it's not the least expensive bag you'll ever own (or maybe it is - aren't you fancy!), but it might just be the most useful bag you'll ever own. Go ahead and try to pick your fave bag from the countless featured on the website - pack a snack, you'll be there for hours. Here's what Rising Tide Fair Trade has to say about their bags:
Our bags are created from repurposed vintage quilts and cruelty free leather (from naturally deceased animals) and canvas. Rather than using a system of mass production, our bags are produced in a women's cooperative, which has a lower impact on the environment. Our bags are made one at a time by individuals paid a fair wage and treated with dignity and respect.

Fab Friday Find: Ailin's Pin-Tuck Jacket

Have you ever, ever, ever seen a cute windbreaker? Maybe I've been looking for rain protection in all the wrong places, but stylish rain coats have evaded me. I don't mean fancy rain gear - there are plenty of chic trench coats on the market. But something stylish that you might want to wear to the beach on a windy day? Or for when you want to take a stroll with your dog despite the possibility of showers? I didn't think it existed.
And then I found Ailin, my new best friend, who makes all sorts of lovely, eco-friendly activewear and slightly-less-activewear. Like the hard shell pin-tuck jacket above, made of downcycled polyester and bamboo. At $525, it's sadly out of reach... but a girl can dream.
For more eco-friendly activewear, check out my slideshow at StyleHive.
(BTW, no posts next week, but SSTW will be back in action 2/18. Happy V-Day!)

Site Crush: Organica Deluxe

Hello, December! It's officially time to turn our minds to Chrismukkah and pumping up the economy, eco-style. I have recently discovered and fallen in love with Organica Deluxe, a website brimming with truly lovely organic, natural, and/or Fair Trade goodies that are packaged in post-consumer recycled tissue paper. I especially love how the site offers numerous search options -- gifts by price range, occasion, recipient, etc -- to make gift hunting that much easier.
Since I naturally go right to the sale section, I quickly stumbled upon this eco-luxe gift combo of a hand-woven, fair trade, pink-rimmed silk scarf (made from silk collected in such a way as to not harm the moth!) and Antica Farmacista peony room spray (made with essential oils). The combo, on sale for $70, includes a donation to breast cancer research.

Designer Limelight: Rebecca Peragine of print*pattern*paper

I am really loving all the fab green goodies made by Rebecca Peragine of print*pattern*paper. How cute are her 100% recycled cotton bags and 100% recycled cardstock stationary? Super cute, that's how.
I hear through the grapevine that you're positively aching for some good news. How 'bout this? Rebecca is offering 20% off to SSTW readers! Use code STYLE09 at checkout.

So the Dogs Can Travel Without Leaving Home

Vintage suitcase = cutest dog bed ever.
Buy it on Etsy.
Learn how to make it on Design*Sponge.
Either way, Happy Friday!

Object of My Affection: Laura Yeats Reclaimed Wood Bowl

I've got a major thing for wooden bowls. Rustic and sensuous (Yeah, I said it, and I'll say it again: Sensuous wood), organic and contemporary, wooden bowls are my idea of the perfect home accessory. So Laura Yeats is kinda my hero: Chainsawing and lathing her way through slabs of reclaimed wood, Yeats turns unwanted and diseased urban yard trees into works of beauty. Pricey? 'Fraid so. Gorgeous? Oh, yes. (Selling for about $125 and up, here).

Major Crush Confession: Sprig

So, seriously, have you guys checked out Sprig yet? I'll admit my crush on the super cool green style site has now officially evolved from an at-a-distance crush to a full-on love affair...my first article for Sprig appears on the site today!
It's Friday and time for happy thoughts! With so much of the media focusing (rightfully) on how bad things are getting for the environment, it's nice to take a moment to think also of all the good strides we're taking to set things right. Head on over to Sprig and check out my piece on the top good news for the environment!
(Then pat yourself on the back and keep up the good work by walking, not driving, to your Friday happy hour establishment of choice.)

This Just In: Amenity Does Tabletop!

I've been a huge fan of Amenity for ages now--and really, what's not to love? Using only organic and/or sustainable fabrics in eye-catching nature-inspired prints, Amenity is a green design junkie's dream come true. And now...drum roll, please...they're expanding with a new tabletop collection, holiday collection, and totes! It's far too early to share the holiday collection, but expect more on that later in the year. For now, I'm loving their placemats, tablerunners, napkins, and bags. Buy 'em here.

Sonnets from the Pillowuese (LooLo!)

LooLo pillows, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
1. With your sophisticated frills and organic material, you're the epitome of sustainable style.
2. You're biodegradable. So should the day ever come that my love for you fades (it won't! I promise), I can throw you away and know that within one year you'll be reabsorbed into the earth.
3. Your chic jewel tones are created with non-toxic dyes.
4. Soft and supportive, you're filled with Kapok, an eco-friendly fiber.
5. I could go on, but really, aren't the images worth a thousand words?

Key to a Perfect Dinner Party: Rosanna Tableware

Having had a very fun dinner party this weekend, I suppose I have entertaining on the brain. Pretty, unfussy glasses and dishes add so much to an evening spent tableside, and when I spotted some of the Rosanna pieces on Design*Sponge last week, I knew I had to share them here too. Rosanna's gorgeous Madre Terra and Cin Cin! pieces above and directly below are handmade of recycled glass.

And a portion of the proceeds of the fabulous Mondo collection seen below will go to Doctors Without Borders, an organization that provides emergency medical care to those affected by wars and disasters.