Smart & Sassy Handbags With (Re)Purpose

This isn't another account of the cute but somewhat passe candy wrapper purses that have made the rounds for a while now.  Don't get me wrong -- they have their place and they definitely celebrate what resource conservation is all about -- but they aren't exactly the type of accessory that you'd want to wear on a daily basis. 

Ladies seeking a more classically designed line of vegan, eco-friendly bags that work with myriad outfits might want to consider English Retreads. They look pretty slick, don't they?

No, they're not made of leather -- instead, they're crafted from the inner tubes of truck tires that have a minimum of 60,000 miles on them. Prices range from $45 for a clutch all the way up to $209 for their lined "Beetle" model.

I saw these puppies in person at a recent Green Festival and they are way cool. They have a pliable consistency (I guess that's the rubber in action) and yet they could easily be mistaken for leather from a slight distance...especially if you are nearsighted.

If you like your accessories a bit edgier, then this very original bag design might appeal to you. Sold on Uncommon Goods' website for the tidy sum of $160, what you're looking at is sturdy olive colored truck tarp accented with a reclaimed hot water bottle. Whaaaa?

Both materials were sourced from Germany's Federal Defense Force (circa 1960+) and demonstrate sustainable fashion in a way that has definitely not been done before.You'd definitely get a lot of second and third looks with this baby on your shoulder.

Now THESE Sydney, Australia based Empire 33 bags are not at all vegan since they're made of Italian leather, but they've incorporated a very interesting handle in both styles that literally embraces the reuse-repurpose-recycle battle cry.

The bag depicted in the top three photos is made with an American Cival War sword handle while the bag in the bottom row of pictures is created with the handle of a Japanese Katana sword.

Noblivity is featuring E&KO's line of sylish bags (and belts) made out of decommissioned British fire brigade hoses. Each one-of-a-kind piece is uniquely crafted complete with hose batch numbers and the original manufacturer’s name. What's particularly nice about this collection is that with each purchase, 50% of the profits are donated to the Fire Fighters Charity.

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Has anyone seen any other examples of really original handbags made with unconventional eco-friendly materials? Would you please enlighten us?