Did I bring too much?

Lately, I’ve come across a lot of hype about packing lighter. Our fellow eco-friendly sites and publications have accepted the stance that less of a load is somehow better for the environment and are touting the idea in all of their tips and guides to a greener existence.

Good-natured and well-intended, this lightbulb-gone-off advice is driving me crazy. The airlines are laying it on thick in the way of hefty baggage fees, and our sister green authorities have fallen hook, line, and sinker (less luggage = less fuel = less emissions). Are the airlines at all concerned about the environment or are recently established fees just a way to compensate for the higher cost of fuel?

Sure, packing lighter may seem like a green idea in theory, but as any fashionista knows, this spartan plan will inevitably backfire. The less we bring, the more we’ll buy while away, leading to greater purchase of new goods. It’s a bit of a fashion catch-22 and the airlines certainly are capitalizing on it. If you're not a dyed-in-the-cashmere fashionista, packing light and avoiding the purchase of new goods may be a snap. (But then, I think there's a little fashionista inside you dying to get out...why are you at EcoSalon?)

So, rather than pack so lightly you're bound to buy more (admit it, you know you'll be tempted) just pack a little smarter. Here are my 5 top tips to pack smart - and avoid the temptation to splurge:

Create a master packing list—a personal blueprint, some might say—including essentials for any and all trips.

Choose a base color (the most obvious is black) so that you'll easily be able to mix and match.

If possible, opt for lighter-weight clothing. Fabrics like denim are heavy and bulky when you're tight on space. Quick-drying materials are also key.

Roll instead of fold. You'll encounter fewer wrinkles and will find that you can squeeze a lot more into one bag/suitcase.

Use accessories to diversify outfits. You may be wearing the same basics, but if you choose a belt one day and long necklace on another, you have successfully created two different looks.

Image: moon soleil

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I’m not one to knock working hard and rewarding yourself with a few indulgences from time to time. I do draw the line, however, at overindulgence. You’ll still catch me rolling my eyes at anyone who aspires to one day own the infamous Hermès Birkin bag. Not only does the price tag start at $7,500, but the wait list to get one also averages two years.

Why, oh why, I ask myself, would anyone want to wait that long and pay that much to own something that isn’t even unique anymore? Yet, just as I say this, I discover the latest hot ticket. And yes, ladies, it just happens to be green. The Kooba tote, which is making its second exclusive debut at Barney’s, is made of unbleached organic cotton canvas with recycled metallic cork trim.

I have to admit, it is tres stylish and much more reasonably priced than the Birkin (only $245), but it's yet another “it” bag. If you’re lucky, you may be able to score yourself one online, but from what I’ve heard, the wait list for this summer’s most wanted bag may just rival its overpriced couture counterpart. To each is own, but I say get your own style and bypass this bag.

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Summer seems to call for clutches, diminutive bags that rest ever so lightly on our laps at the Hollywood Bowl or on the side of our chair at a favorite outdoor cafe.

With all the hype about the dangers of resting our hefty handbags on the ground (a filthy habit when you think about what collects on that floor) the strapless little clutch is the way to go when paring down for hot weather. Raffia is becoming a popular fabric for green designers producing decorative bags. A trend is to pair the organic raffia with wood, tiger's eye, crystal or other jeweled adornments that really stand out against the understated canvas.

A great example are the raffia cuties from Mad Imports. (Sara, Kim and Larkyn are major fans.)  I'm truly mad for the site's stunning assortment of clutches like the GiGi design which comes in seven amazing shades with cotton lining and a highly tactile, oversize wooden button accent ($69). The yellow bag is to dye for!

A bit more dressy are the hand-embroidered Heather bags ($79) featuring wildflowers and a snap enclosure, available in four shades. Or go totally groovy with the Opal bag ($75) in a rainbow of pretty colors and adorned with a massive oval wooden button.

More upscale but still green is the Eco-Clutch from Simply Soles, a chic little black number forged from recyled water bottles. The darling clutch ($195) even has a detachable black and white silk floral pin to add or subtract panache.

Even more delicate, the Franchi Rue Raffia Floral Flap Clutch ($97) of woven raffia with a lacy macrame trim in either pink or blue from Zappos. This is a great choice to pair with a cotton dress for an afternoon event.

If you have a big budget for a swank event, splurge on the Raffia Clutch by Anya Hindmarch ($385) at Vivre. It's studded with faceted tiger's eye and a gold diamante snap. The same designer makes a similar raffia clutch with crystal adornments and a tassle.

If you have no budget, fool them with the Limited Edition Straw Wristlet Clutch from standby source, Target for a mere $10.49. It's black and tan and pretty darn chic with a little flower in the corner so you still come out smelling like a rose.

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I’m a big believer in Mies van der Rohe’s dictum "less is more". I’d much prefer that you use what already hangs in your closet. And as much as the lesser green in me would love to encourage you to buy a newer, cooler version of this or that, the greenest me would never do such a thing.

But, if you happen to be in the market for a weekend bag - meaning, you’ve never owned one or yours is on its last thread or doesn't match a thing you've bought in the last 2 years - then have I got the bag for you.

This isn’t your “travel to Europe for two weeks” bag, but rather your “sneak away for two days and hopefully no one will notice you’re gone” bag. More specifically, it is the Kantha weekender bag by Rising Tide Fair Trade (RTFT).

Each bag is hand-made from cotton kantha textiles. Any fabric with embroidery stitching that forms or outlines decorative motifs is considered a kantha textile. Traditionally kantha is used to make saris and quilts.


RTFT chooses its kantha fabrics which are then woven into colorful, geometric patterns and made into bags by artisans in a fair trade women’s’ cooperative in West Bengal. The bag trim is cruelty-free dark brown suede or canvas.

And the result is a uniquely rich and sophisticated, not to mention, sturdy bag that measures 12” x 20” x 8” with two 12” suede straps.  The RTFT weekender isn’t cheap at $220, but for a piece of luggage that is sure to last a lifetime and not go out of style? You can’t get much greener than that. They now have coin purses ($24) as well, which couldn’t be cuter.

Go ahead, I trust you to tread and shop wisely.

I enjoy the occasional controversy. Not the "throw one below the belt" emotionally-charged controversy, but the intelligent discussion chock full of thoughtful comments and ideas even-in-the-throes-of-opposing-views controversy.

And I especially enjoy them when they’re eco-related. So, here goes. Yes, I covet the new faux leather bag by Stella McCartney. (And word has it a certain editor totes her Mac around in a recycled number by said Stella.) It's colorful without being gaudy and extra roomy without looking larger than life. But does faux leather equal green?

Not that Stella is touting eco-friendly on her website. She’s an animal lover and member of PETA - hence her refusal to use any real leather in her designs. She works with organic and recycled goods - there's no denying that. But as I peruse the fashion-filled blogosphere, I can’t help but notice that "eco" and "friendly" have begun to appear before "faux" and "leather".

I’d be inclined to call her bags kind of-green - but what about the “dark khaki canvas interior with detachable blue pouch”. Is the canvas recycled? Reclaimed? Nope. Sometimes an item isn't purely green, but it still has eco merit. What do you think?

It's not every day you see a baby onesie emblazoned with a head of celery and the word "stalker". I love these cheeky tees from Diet Detective. They promote healthy eating with clever slogans and clean graphics that look great on men, women, and babies; and are right at home at the gym, on the hiking trail, at the beach, or on the streets. Some of the options are sweatshop free and organic cotton and you'll also find tote bags, yoga bags, and other items available. You can strike a tree pose, veg out, proclaim your juicy status, let everyone know you're a flower child, tell 'em to bite you, be a cry baby, and even vote on your favorite. Just $20.00.

Guilty as charged: I confess to being a hoarder. I used to save anything and everything until my living spaces got smaller and smaller and I had to downsize. I successfully converted my home into organized minimalism, but now all that extra “stuff” seems to have spilled over into my purse. My large sacks are always filled to the max, making for quite an unpleasant (and heavy) experience. So, I’m on the hunt for several small purses to tame the hoarder in me once again.

I recently spotted this flocked vegan clutch on Alternative Outfitters and couldn’t resist. Anything in gold and turquoise tops the list in my book. Made of faux leather, the purse is cruelty-free and the special flocking process gives each piece an individual edge. At only $35, it’s a great price and a hot ticket - these bags are so “in” right now. Now, I know buying in bulk is inherently “ungreen,” but I can’t help scooping up a few and giving each a lot of mileage.

Military styles will always grace the runways, in some way, shape, or form. It started with camouflage pants and has evolved more recently into military-inspired jackets. And now, design team Jack & Marjorie have brought us handbags that are actual army relics. Well, loosely, that is.

The Miscou handbag is made of military surplus cotton tent canvas, organic cotton twill lining, and a canvas military surplus strap circa 1952. The messenger-style bag has a pleated front flap, side tie details, and a roomy inner pocket. The style is casual but will also add flair to any look, be it sporty or bohemian chic. $165 on Greenloop.

Images: Hau Nauz and Beklina

My older sister was the epitome of preppy-cool. She was blessed to have been named after my Dad's favorite college professor, Dr. Britt, and was therefore left a trust fund to use towards her education. So off she went to boarding school in Connecticut while my younger sisters and I waited with bated breath for her return. On her visits home, she would grace us with her presence and invite us into her closet. She taught us about all things preppy, like L.L. Bean moccasins, barn jackets and the quintessential preppy handbag: the Bermuda bag with its removable and reversible covers. 


These handbags by Dutch designer Tineke Beunders reminded me of those great summertime bags with their bright colors and fun patterns. Inspired by her fascination with wool blankets and the large collection she was amassing, Tineke turned them into handbags made from her re-used wool blanket collection.  Each unique bag has a colorful cotton lining and a smooth birch wood handle. I believe Britt might say these bags are very eco-preppy. I couldn't agree more. (Available through Ontwepduo for €75.95.)

Image: Le Souk