Who: VivaTerra – Pueblo CO

What: Recycled Leather Tote

Where: Vivaterra – $279 $195, plus now through Feb. 1 take an additional 10% off with coupon code 10EX121

Why We Love It: This carry-all has that well-traveled look, like it’s been around the world and wants to take you along for the ride. The butter-soft reclaimed leather and sophisticated chevron stitched patchwork on the main body make this a standout in a sea of leather bags. It’s rugged and durable and roomy without overwhelming so you can fit all of your travel or daily needs without feeling like a well, like a sherpa… And if you like to mix up your hold on a bag, you can choose between an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap or a pair of generously sized handles, so no worries about your tote ever slowing you down.

Available in camel or charcoal.

Who: Boris Bally – Providence, RI

What: Traffic Sign Key Ring

Where: Eco-Artware.com – $12

Why We Love It: With temperatures dropping to the single digits, it’s nice to have a reminder of sunnier days like these surfboard-shaped key fobs by designer and metalsmith, Boris Bally.

Each keychain is arftully handcrafted, or “humanufactured”–as Bally likes to call it–from salvaged metal traffic signs. The colors and patterns of each one is determined by the sign from which they are cut and means that no two are alike, and you’ll enjoy the suspense of not knowing what you are going to get until you open your package–surprises are good!

Who: Foe & Dear – Toronto, Ontario, CAN

What: Rock Crystal Pendant

Where: Etsy – $50

Why We Love It: Most of the pieces from Foe and Dear are one-offs, so if not officially one of a kind, they are certainly one of a few. Designer Katherine Huie crafts her jewelry from salvaged deadstock or vintage chains breathing new life into jewelry that had been left for well, dead. This crystal necklace is made from a cluster of vintage deadstock brass and gold plated chains capped off with a lovely rock crystal for just the right mix of elegance and earth mother.

Who: KeepCup – Fitzroy, Australia

What: KeepCups Reusable Mugs

Where: Amazon – $10+

Why We Love It: New Year’s Resolution No. 4: Embrace reusables. Santa was good to us this year and dropped this fabulous little to-go cup in our stocking making this resolution a breeze. The easy-slide spout and sealable top keeps spill to a minimum and the color combinations are just fab! If given all the options and if can’t find combination that delights, design your own custom cup at Keepcups.com.

Your neighborhood barista will appreciate that the cups come in standard coffee shop sizing and fit with their machines, so whether an espresso, latter, or americano is your drink de jour, there is a cup to fit. For those who are creatures of habit, simply mark your preferences on the embossed silicone band and hand it to your barista.

Made from lightweight, BPA-free plastic and silicone they are dishwasher safe, microwaveable, and splash proof.

Who: Sprout Watches – Long Island City, NY

What: Sprout Women’s Diamond Accented Watch

Where: Amazon – $60

Why We Love It: New Year’s Resolution No. 1 – be on time. And to do that you’ll need a good watch. Dress up your wrist with this eco-friendly time piece featuring a natural bamboo dial and bird overlay (yes, they put a bird on it!) and a diamond–certified and conflict free–that mark’s 12 o’clock. We love the chunky fit and the winter white band.

The band is made from a biodegradable corn resin. But not to worry, Sprout assures us that their watches will not break down during regular wear and use–they’ll last a lifetime–but will biodegrade in a compost environment for a greener way of tacking the time.

Who: F.Rock – Boston, MA

What: iPad Bag

Where: F.Rock Bags – $195 (scoop up a sample today for $135!)

Why We Love It: In a world where mass production reigns, we appreciate the finer things; thoughtfully crafted, locally sourced, quality products that are built to last. And that’s exactly what you get when you invest in an F.Rock bag. Oh, and good looking too. Designer Nicolé Keane has a great eye for materials and for melding traditional design with a modern edge. We are suckers for those big buckles, sophisticated plaids, and high-grade materials. Click to continue »

Who: Vaute Couture – New York, NY

What: Lincoln Jacket

Where: Vaute Couture – $560.00 (special introductory price: $504.00)

Why We Love It: So it got cold, real cold, and we couldn’t stop thinking about wrapping ourselves up in a sleeping bag to brave the chill. Vaute Couture’s Lincoln Jacket achieves the feeling of being cloaked in a snuggly sleeping bag without looking like one. Click to continue »

Who: Gemagenta – Amsterdam, Netherlands

What: Mini GEM Studs 199 Carat Series

Where: etsy.com – $40

Why We Love It: Signature, everyday studs that are not pearls, diamond, or silver balls has been on our “what we want now” list. And looks like we found them in these funky mini-studs.
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Who: New Balance – Boston, MA

What: New BalanceNewsky

Where: Planetshoes – $89 ( Women’s in green, blue or pink; Men’s in red or yellow.

Why We Love It: The New Balance NewSKY takes minimalism to a whole new level with this cutting-edge sneaker. This cool, comfortable lightweight sneaker speaks to sustainability, innovative design, and performance.

By exploring different techniques and materials, New Balance was able to streamline the components of the traditional sneaker. By keeping only the essentials, they were able to minimize the amount of materials used without sacrificing comfort or functionality. The upper is crafted from PET, a fabric made from post-consumer plastic bottles, that is soft, pliable, and comfortable. Small amounts of foam and water based glues, and an EVA sole complete the materials list.

Who: La Mano – Vancouver, CAN

What: Scarf Raspberry

Where: Ethical Ocean – $64.55 (50% off today through October 31st with coupon code LAMANO-EO)

Why We Love It: It’s difficult to choose a favorite among the scarves and wraps in La Mano’s catalog. The color combinations are rich, unique, and unexpected. The result is modern textile infused with rich history of it’s creation.

Each one is handwoven by members of an indigenous women’s weaving cooperative in Chiapas, Mexico using 100% cotton yarns. Part of the beauty of these textiles are that they directly support the female artisans who craft them empowering this women with economic autonomy, fair wages, sustainable employment, and confidence.

Choose from these color variations: Limon, Sage Stripes, Chocolate Brown, and Burnt Orange Passionfruit.