Independent Designers Reach Out During Breast Cancer Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, the time when many organizations come together to increase our awareness of breast cancer and encourage women to partake in early detection tests. For some time, the American Breast Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and many other organizations have joined with businesses of all kinds to offer stylish and chic products in support of breast cancer research. You have undoubtedly seen the hundreds of offerings this month for pink varieties of nail polish, lipstick, candles, pants, shirts, flower bouquets, and more. As many of the products have a high cost and the percentage of profit donated to the chosen fund often seems low, it’s easy to become both overwhelmed and unaffected by the promotions.

We’re happy to note, however, that big businesses aren’t the only ones teaming up for a cure this month. Independent designer fashion boutique MadieDeluxe, with its usual array of handmade and original bags and purses, is offering simple and sleek Pink wristlets and clutches. MadieDeluxe has partnered with the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation, and is offering silk bags embroidered with the word “Hope.” Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the foundation. Shop MadieDeluxe to find out more.

Handcrafted clutches and bags from MIYO Design

Coming from a family craftswomen and seamstresses, Malia Okamura of MIYO Design has a long history of handcrafting bags and purses. With a degree in Applied Design from San Diego State University, Malia now puts her talents to work creating original purses, clutches, and accessories under the name MIYO Design. Her boutique bags are fun and functional, and her clutches are one-of-a-kind.

We love the red Record Clutch – made from actual vinyl. The former album is making a come back as a fashion adornment, and we couldn’t be happier to rock and roll with it!The vinyl Polka Clutch has hand-painted shimmering pink dots and a handcut bloom accent as decoration. Summer may be over, but the colorful Poppy Bag is just the right splash of bright to liven up your fall wardrobe and remind you of those luscious summer days at the beach. Small details and handcut flower petals make this bag a conversation piece.
For more great accessories that will make you smile, check out MIYO Design.

Tired of Designer? Invest in a Cruelty-Free Fashion

For most people, veganism is probably associated with food and diet. But for true vegans, this is a lifestyle that extends beyond the kitchen. While making an effort to eat a plant-based diet and purchase products that weren’t tested on animals, vegans also try to steer away from clothing and accessories made from animal fur and leather. In the past, it has been difficult to stay stylish while living the vegan life. But the trends are changing. As more people pledge themselves to responsible eco-friendly lifestyles, fashionable products that you can feel good about are on the rise. We can all appreciate cruelty-free purses that weren’t tested on animals and aren’t made from our furry friends. And now with these stylish finds by Cleo Roos you can look good while feeling great!
If you’re not familiar with the Cleo Roos line, check out these fashionable alternatives of what you can wear and still care. All shoes, wallets, handbags, and clutches are made with faux fur or leather.

The Cleo Roos Blue-Green clutch ($60) is small yet functional, made from soft faux leather. It has a removable shoulder strap and magnetic snap closures. For a bigger carryall, check out the matching hobo bag ($85) with a fully lined-interior enclosure and side pockets for easy access to your cell or ipod.

To stick with the blue-green theme, coordinate with the matching wallet($40). Featuring 11 card slots and a soft leather feel, you can’t go wrong with these cruelty-free products. For more coordination options, try other purses and accessories in brown, bronze, silver, and black. You can find these products and more at Vegan Unlimited.

Handmade Summertime Seagull Pouch

Sometimes accessories work their way into our wardrobes and stay a part of our daily lives purely out of utilitarian value. Without your belt, your lesser side is exposed every time you touch your toes. With out your purse, you have no place to stash your toothbrush, hand grenade, ethernet cord, and tarot cards--let alone the ever-essential mobile. These rudimentary items draw little attention, unless they are forgotten.

Yet accessories should be just that: accessories, not utilities. With a little attention to detail, a belt, purse, clutch, or scarf can be the highlight of any wardrobe. Miss Allison understands bright bold design. Here, handmade bags, wallets, belts, and iPod holders attract with eye-popping candy colors. Perfect for summer, the little seagull pouch is a light-weight clutch ready to house your lip balm, car keys, and a tube of SPF when you hit the beach. Handmade from turquoise blue vinyl, the pouch features white seagull appliqùes, along with topstiched wave patterns and a blue zipper.