Wednesday 10 December 2014

a tale of two handbags


Ahhh, the life of a sustainable fashion researcher . . .

I promise it's not filled with endless purchases (endless online 'window' shopping, maybe), but I did recently make two exciting purchases I want to share with you.

First, I ordered this stunning Moa Tote by Angela & Roi from Modavanti.

I had been looking for a structured tote for awhile, something to take with me to interviews and meetings, and researched a lot time before making this decision. And now that it's arrived, I couldn't be happier with my choice.

I was so excited when it arrived I took a picture of it in the box!

It is a black vegan leather tote, and the colour of the bag corresponds to the charity Angela & Roi donate to with each handbag purchased - my black tote meant that Angela & Roi donated $5 to the Melanoma Research Foundation. They currently work with 11 charitable foundations - have a look at their gorgeous (reasonably priced) handbags, and see where you'd like your money to go.


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My second purchase was this delightful black beaded vintage clutch.


I've been in the market for an evening bag for awhile, and my patience paid off! This charmer jumped out at me on my trip to Wollongong last week (for my first ever academic presentation - success!) when I stopped in the Fairy Meadow Antique Shop.  The detailing and quality is remarkable.

So, two bags, two very different styles, two ways of enjoying fashion sustainably.

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness...
I wonder if Charles Dickens imagined that his famous opening line from A Tale of Two Cities would be as relevant in 2014 as it was in 1859?

Today we have the best knowledge and resources available to us at the touch of a button, our health and wealth is higher than ever, yet the world remains plighted with concerns of security, inequality and, of course, climate change. It can be so depressing to even turn on the news these days.

I know my handbag purchases won't halt climate change or sweatshops today - and some people will say I'm adding to the problem by making new purchases. But I also know that with each conscious choice I make, I'm shifting the way of the world ever so slightly. And when we all join in, and let these conscious choices flow into all aspects of our lives (including how we vote), we have the power to truly change the world.

xxLisa