ColumnIn this new weekly column, we’ll take you inside the closets of some of our favorite people, asking them to choose one piece that defines them in some way and also, to tell the story behind it. To us, style is not about being a follower of trends, coveting this or that season must-have, it’s about carefully selecting pieces that deserve to be in your closet because they represent you. Personal style is something that lasts through years and fads — just like that favorite piece in your closet.

This Louis Vuitton purse is not the bag I wear the most and not even my favorite, but it is significant to me because it’s the first vintage piece I ever bought. It was 1997 and I was still living back in my native Sweden, a teenage fashion-lover who would read Vogue, ELLE and all those glossies, dreaming about a day when I could dress like that. Louis Vuitton bags had just started coming back into fashion and as I was standing in the second hand shop I recognized the signature pattern on the purse hanging next to me on the rack from a small picture I had seen in one of my fashion magazines. It cost 45 Swedish Kronor, which at today’s exchange rate is about $6.80, so I bought it, not really knowing when I’d have a chance to use such a grown-up purse (this was back in the day when small neoprene backpacks were considered appropriate for wearing to parties).

Nobody shopped in vintage stores back then and all my friends thought I was weird for doing so, asking things like “You buy old clothes?” To me, there was just something magical about it, methodically going through racks and racks of stuff until you find that one piece that just speaks to you. This joy of the hunt is what it’s all about for me. Shopping at department stores, where everything has already been sorted for you, distracts me. I get caught up in the image they’ve created and tend to forget what’s really me. At vintage stores, I never lose track of my own style and sensibility.

I have since found many occasions to wear my LV purse and I love it even more because it’s not one of their more common styles. One time, I had to have the clasp fixed after it came off during a long night of dancing, but otherwise it’s just gotten more beautiful with age. It was the first of many vintage finds that have found their way into my closet and for that it will always have a special place in there.

Let me make this clear: I am not someone who is averse to complaining. In fact, a good part of my workday is devoted to griping about the minor annoyances of everyday life. It may not be something to be proud of, but I make an almost-decent living just by complaining.

So it is only fitting, I suppose, that I should now be complaining about how annoying I find it when other people complain – especially about things that I find perfectly acceptable and inoffensive. To wit: I was shocked and dismayed this week to learn that Frito Lay has abandoned its efforts to package a line of their salty snacks in compostable packaging because consumers felt that the bags were too loud. To which I can only ask: too loud for what? Were people bringing Sun Chips into opera houses, where the crackling of the bag distracted the audience from the second act of La boheme? Were cardiac surgeons being startled in the middle of heart transplants because someone down the hall was recklessly opening a bag of Cool Ranch Sun Chips? Were librarians around the country up in arms because Story Hour was being drowned out by raucous packets of savory corn snacks?

What does this say about us as people? Do we really feel that a bit of noise is too big a price to pay for reducing the amount of waste in landfills? Can we really not tolerate a little paper rustling if it will help to reduce ozone-destroying carbon emissions?

I also have to say that I find it hard to believe the biodegradable bags were so unbearably loud. I live in the path of an airport – there are planes booming over my house on a regular basis, causing me to pause in the middle of phone calls or – even worse – to miss several precious seconds of dialogue on Project Runway.

Were the Sun Chip bags louder than that?

And even if they were, I defy anyone to look at a photograph of polar bears clinging to the remains of melting icecaps and then say to my face that “global warming is bad, and all, but dang those bags were loud.”

I don’t care. And neither should you.

We have become a nation of cranky, coddled malcontents – like The Princess and the Pea, we are unwilling or unable to handle the slightest discomfort, even if it will lead to the greater good. People need to suck it up and stop making a big deal about such minor problems. And they should leave the complaining to trained professionals. Like me.

Image: cogdogblog

Created for the “eco-conscious shopper,” My Biotiful Bag was born from  two woman’s cumulative experiences working 25 years in a major industry house designing beautiful things.

Originally based out of Paris and Miami the duo have created a fun collection of durable bags made out of GOTS-certified organic cotton and AZO free dyes in Fair Trade facilities for women who want to make a statement. The result is a “whimsical collection of hip styles and shapes,” that fashion forward shoppers in Milan, Copenhagen, Paris, Nice and now in the U.S. are considering a requirement to have on their arm when shopping. The bags are currently sold in Europe at Le Bon Marche, By Colette, Printemps and are now in launching online in the U.S. at Olivine.

This fall, My Biotiful Bag will launch a new collection of chic saturated color combos – from cherry red, rich navy and teals to olive neutrals. Included in the bags are the hidden zip pockets and contrasting pop color linings.

In addition to the featured Weekender Bag, choose from Messenger, Tote, Computer, as well as large and small Pouches in a variety of colors.

This week you get to try your hand at winning one of these European go-to totes without having to shop in Paris, although you may feel Parisienne with one on your arm, not to mention letting people know how much you love the planet.

Just leave a comment below.

(Legalese: FTC and giveaway rules.)

Reading EcoSalon fashion writer Greta Eagan’s post on the LBD the other day made me realize how much I like the color (or lack of) white.

Crisp and clean, white symbolizes summer, sheets on the line to dry, the color of my skin (I’m a stay-in-the-shade kind of girl), and a universal palette to work off of since every color can be paired with it.

When I saw this bag on the VivaTerra site, I specifically asked for the item for a giveaway – not only because I want it, but I knew you’d want it too (and it’s on sale!)

Says the site: “Vacationing in Mexico, a textile designer stumbled upon beautifully rendered pre-historic animal designs that were being hand-embroidered by the women of San Pueblito-and a cottage industry was born. Today over 150 women in the community hand-embroider these 100 percent organic cotton bags, providing a crucial source of income.”

Again, who are these companies that are just getting so good at what they do? Organic, artistic, supporting woman’s cottage industries? It just goes to prove it can be done if we support the businesses doing it. Cheers to VivaTerra for taking the lead.

This embroidered Rabbit Bag has a leather-handle, wide bottom, inside zip pocket, pouch for phone or glasses, and decorative fringed sash so you can tether it to you so it doesn’t ever get lost.

If you win this, you will want to be careful putting this bag down unattended. Like the rabbit, fellow fashionistas are cunning and quick and who knows what could happen?

And if you’d like to take a chance at getting this giveaway, leave a comment below.

(Legalese: contest rules and FTC compliance.)

One of the more fun things about JulieApple’s website is the fact you can drag fabric swatches on base bag styles and see what it would look like – making you feel like an actual designer.

Julie says inspiration for her bags and prints have always come from a collective inspiration. “This meant going into the streets and looking at everyone in their daily bustle, then sketching into the night, on planes and on trains, and sometimes in the corner of my room while my babies, my husband, my dog and my cat slept. It meant scouring cities for recycled and organic fabrics, sustainable woods and nautical fastenings.”

Maybe she’s the designer here and not us. Anyone can drop fabric swatches on bag styles but creating the designs? Not here.

Another cool thing about her bags are that they’re made from Repreve® recycled canvas on the outside and Repreve sailcloth lining on the inside, and her prints are created using AirDye® technology, a revolutionary alternative to traditional dyeing that manages the application of color to textiles without the use of water. Apple says with the help of AirDye® technology, she can create your print to order, eliminating production excess and waste.

Over her sordid career as a designer, Julianne has “made custom fit apparel, created CAD software for designers, taught courses at Parsons, designed bullet proof vests for female police officers and soldiers, costumed plays, worked with inventors, and directed design for LeSportsac.” Repeat. That was bullet proof vests. I bet her bags are that tough too but way more attractive.

The bag above is yours if we pick you in a week. Think you can wait that long? If you can’t, go straight here and just buy one. For the rest of you, be sure to leave a comment below.

(For complete giveaway guidelines click here. All offers are FTC compliant.)

Good Luck!

I’m just a wee bit crazy for all my electronic devices, but all the expensive power they use? Not so much. Solar-powered gadgets are the perfect answer, sucking energy from the sun instead of money from my pocketbook. Here are five of my favorites:

YAYA Power Solar Portable Charger

Perfect for charging cell phones, iPods, video games, and other electronic devices, this baby is definitely something you want to keep in your handbag for emergency charges. It has its own solar panel to draw juice from the sun, but on cloudy days you can can still recharge devices with it via your car’s cigarette lighter or a USB port on your computer.

Ripe Radish Solar Energy Lawn Lamp

How cool is this? Forget those boring black, plastic solar pathway lights. Nab a batch of these solar lamps that collect power during the day and glow red an night The center is a hollow flowerpot perfect for holding young radish plants. If there’s a cuter way to light your lawn, I haven’t seen it.

Solar LED Address Numbers

These nifty address numbers attach to the front of your home and glow for eight to ten hours each night after collecting energy from the sun. Two LED backlight the number cutouts so they’re easy to read, and the entire affair is made from weather-resistant anodized aluminum so it will last a long time. This gizmo beat numbers glued to a mailbox, hands down.

Voltaic Generator Solar Laptop Charger Bag

I’m in love with this bag. Made from recycled soda bottles, this laptop charger doubles as a computer tote. Solar panels on the outside generate enough power to charge the custom-designed battery pack in only five hours. It includes adapters for laptops, phones and other handheld devices, and can even be configured to adapt to the unique MagSafe port on a MacBook. The charger bag may not be much to look at, but functionality, it is to die for.

Solar Bluetooth Car Speaker

Forget fiddling with those goofy-looking Bluetooth cell phone ear pieces, slap this puppy on your windshield and chat on speakerphone. This car kit features call waiting, voice dialing, redial, and more. It stores 200 phone numbers and has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 14 hours of talk time – perfect for those extra long car trips.

Image: david.nikonvscanon

Considering that the average American now consumes over 28 gallons of bottled water each year, all packaged in single-use plastic, it’s a good thing that many companies are now incorporating recycled PET (the stuff those bottles are made out of) into their lines.

Yes, recycled PET has made its way onto the mainstream runway along with a bevvy of other smart eco-friendly materials. But it’s not just about innovative technology or drool-worthy duds from the likes of Linda Loudermilk. Stylish picks in eco-friendly materials are well-suited to daily life – everything from yoga to yardwork. Check out some of our favorites:

Outerwear

A longtime household brand in the sailing and yachting community, Henri Lloyd has also made its way onto fashion lists. Now the company known for its all-weather sporty yet fashionable jackets is another big name to join the list of brands that use recycled PET.

Henri Lloyd has teamed up with Japanese textile factory Tejin Fibers Ltd. (a factory that also works with brands like Patagonia and Nau) to launch the first program worldwide for the collection and recycling of used marine apparel, as well as incorporation of Eco Storm recyclable, waterproof fabric made from recycled polyester fibers. Henri Lloyd’s 2010 Blue Eco Range of sailing wear will feature the new material, and we’re hoping it spreads to more of the brand!

Workout

Yoga-based apparel company prAna has an extensive line of workout gear, perfect for your morning asanas, that uses recycled polyester fibers. Favorites include the Lolita Pant and the Bella Sport top.

Beyond recycled PET, prAna is a sound and environmentally conscious company. In 2005 prAna launched the Natural Power Initiative to raise awareness about renewable energy amongst customers, retailers and the outdoor industry. This year, the Natural Power Initiative is expected to prevent the emissions of 17,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

Footwear

Ok, so I’ll go ahead and admit that these shoes aren’t made with recycled PET, but they’re too distinctive and eco-friendly to go unmentioned. Although it might not save any plastic bottles, El Naturalista’s Recyclus line does use recycled rubber and footbeds. In fact, the line is built on the idea that the entire shoe should be recyclable at its end of life.

“The name will be Recyclus; you will only need to pull a thread, and the sole, the in-sole, the leather, and the laces will separate into independent pieces to be deposited in special recycling bins that we will offer to stores.”

Bag

Hopefully your new year is going to be filled with lots of plans for intriguing adventures, which means you’ll need a sleek bag that can still carry a lot. Welcome the Motil Ped by Nau. The shell, lining and shoulder webbing are made of 100% recycled polyester. With a laptop pocket and ample zipper pockets inside, this can be your go-to back for any occasion, be it casual or fashionable.

For the home

Complete your sustainable wardrobe by adding a few key items around the house. As always, consuming less means more, but if you’re home is in need of a little freshening up, the Teppas stackable containers (made, natch, with recycled PET) from IKEA are a fun way to kick off a more organized lifestyle in the new year.

Main image: Adria Richards

You know the feeling. You’re standing at the cash register in the grocery store and you reach for your reusable grocery bag, only to realize it’s lurking at the bottom of your car right next to your old Vanity Fair magazines and that tube of organic deodorant that doesn’t work.

Further contributing to your RBGS (Reusable Bag Guilt Syndrome), every other customer is calmly loading his or her soy milk into a reusable bag.

But not to worry! We’ve got a line of reusable bags that are not only easy to clean, they are so cute you will never forget them in the car. June Fifteen offers eco-chic reusable bags that “make going green practical and stylish.”

Founder Sandrine Cassidy Schmitt wanted to bring an alternative to the world of paper or plastic. As Sandrine tells it, “I wanted to create a line of reusable bags that would give stores and shoppers incentives to reduce and ultimately replace paper and plastic shopping bags. We aspire to not only make the bags you remember to bring to the check-out counter, but ones that you can use as purses, book bags, beach bags and fashion accessories.”

And remember them you will. June Fifteen bags are adorable. Seriously, you will purposefully forget things at the store just so you can return to show off your bag. They offer tote bags, grocery bags, wine bags and children’s backpacks and are made from renewable jute, rattan cane and cotton. Bags are well-designed with bottle separators, inside-outside pockets, shoulder-length handles, drawstring backpacks and even matching bottle coaster with wine bags. The bags are lined with LDPE (low density polyethylene), a recyclable plastic allowing the bags to be waterproofed, which is great for shopping. And this makes them easier to clean, therefore cutting down on pesky, unwanted microbial guests.

June Fifteen will even make you a custom bag. The bags run around $15 and can be purchased online or at certain California store locations.

We’ve all been there at one point or another, whether our travels have taken us far away for weeks or across town for a night. I’m referring to the moment when we open our luggage to find something gooey has spilled out from the contents of our toiletry or cosmetics bag.

It doesn’t matter how tight I twist or close or tie, the random leak is inevitable. The only sure solution, other than not packing anything at all, is a water-resistant bag. And even better if it’s a recycled bag.

The Feed Bag Cosmetic Kit available at VivaTerra is all that and more. It’s hand-made by workers in Cambodia with recycled feed bags that were once used to store rice through the rainy seasons.

A kit you can trust for travels long or short, the Feed Bag Cosmetic Kit even comes with an organic foot cream, hand cream and bath salts and is on sale for just $19 (from $49)!

You know the feel of your boyfriend’s really worn, totally weathered and super sexy leather jacket? Kinda like butter, right? That’s what I think of when I see the recycled leather handbags by Hoakon/Helga. I think of butter.

Well, not exactly. But Hoakon/Helga bags are really soft and sumptuous to the touch, not to mention ultra-hip and eco-friendly. Handcrafted using vintage and recycled materials, no two bags are the same. Click on any of the designs shown on the website and you’ll get a gander at all the past bags created in that design.

Gone are the days of looking like every other lady with a logomania luxury bag. What a relief!

Another noteworthy fact about these leather bags is their price, which is not only reasonable but remarkable. A mere $85 for the Willow, my current favorite, as well as the Monarda.

So, if you’re intrigued by the repurposed possibilities and are in the market for a handbag, check out the entire Hoakon/Helga collection, and then shop for your favorite at the Etsy store.