Woman in Real Life

I didn't do any thrifty or vintage shopping this week, but I did add a treasure to my collection nevertheless. I received a package in the mail this week from my very kind cousin Mary who lives in Texas. She blogs her groovy perspective on the world over at Babylon Sisters. She also handmakes incredible bohemian gypsy curtains, which she sells via her Etsy shop. Her curtains have appeared on the TV show Sleepy Hollow. Mary and I grew up nowhere near each other and yet we have so much in common, including being committed vegetarians.

Mary sent handcrafted tote bags for me and my sister. The totes are made from antique quilt pieces created by our grandmother (my dad's mom). I have lots of quilts, dishes and linens from Mom's mother, but little from my dad's mother. The quilts were in bad shape so Mary smartly turned them into these lovely (and useful!) keepsakes.

Are you one of those people who thinks Valentine's Day is just a devious corporate conspiracy to get us to spend more money? Do you eschew gifts in favour of a back rub or a special dinner at home? Maybe you ignore Valentine's Day completely? Well then I have just one piece of advice for you - you better make sure your partner is on the same page. I love a coupon for a "free hug" as much as the next gal, but I'm also expecting a gift. It doesn't have to be expensive - I'm good with vegan chocolate and a soy candle. Oh, and a handbag. You can never have too many of those.

In that spirit I want to show you the latest two handbags in my collection. Not only do they make a great Galentine's or Valentine's gift for a friend, family member or partner, but they are seriously great little treats to give yourself. And it doesn't have to be Valentine's Day for that.

A handbag is always a great option if you have a mom, sister, bff or really any woman at all on your Christmas list. This is not dependent on how many handbags she already owns either - because really if she has lots that means she wants even more. It's an addiction. But a safe one.

I recently received two bags from Beside-U. These lightweight, nylon bags are practical and pretty. They are durable for everyday use and ideal for travel. Beside-U bags are made to accommodate all the stuff we travel with daily - including technology. There are plenty of zippers and pockets - the larger bags even have slots for tablets! Here's something else that I think you're going to find really cool - many Beside-U bags have a full zippered pocket inside that is RFID blocking. Don't have a clue what this means? I didn't either, but it turns out it could be important to know!

I spotted an enticing booth at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival last year. It housed the tempting wares of Pixie Mood, "The Cruelty-Free Handbags & Accessories Company." This Canadian company sells designer vegan handbags (purses), clutches, wallets and toiletry cases, all made with animal-friendly materials such as cork, cotton, canvas, faux suede and vegan leather. And Pixie Mood bags are all pretty darn cute too.