Fall is here, and we’re all about the leather trend that’s hitting the streets after making its debut on the runways this Spring. We’re here to give you some eco-chic trending advice, and show you how to ride this trend in sustainable style by accessorizing your wardrobe with upcycled leather.

Whether you like to get crafty with your own hands, or admire the work of those that can turn one woman’s trash into every woman’s treasure, find out how to work the leather look this season. We’ll give you tips on DIY tutorials for cute earrings, bags and direct you to some of the nifty crafters that are turning old leather leather jackets and such into gorgeous, on-trend accessories. 

Bags
Leather bags go with almost anything, and what’s could be better than giving your tattered leather jacket a new life as your favorite new handbag? The woman that first brought this concept to the eco fashion market is the astounding Shannon South, who makes gorgeous bespoke bags from clients’ leather jackets under her ReMADe USA project. South also has a collection of finished bags made from remnant leather from the furniture industry—she’s one resourceful gal.

We’ve also got some favorite leather upcyclers on Etsy; TheCOBShop makes simple, useful and vintage inspired backpacks from old bomber jackets, while Apaluz makes super chic foldover clutches (below) out of upcycled leather pieces.

If you are a yogini or an aspiring one, check out this boho chic, DIY yoga mat bag from Sincerely, Kinsey. All you need is a rag rug, a circular piece of upcycled leather and a leather belt to make this colorful bag (below)!

Shoes
These customized and upcycled leather Esmerelda boots (above) from SnapDragonBoots on Etsy are cute, rocker chic and right on trend. Designer Holly Hattaway sources vintage cowgirl boots and turns them into stylish kicks to pair with skinny jeans, leather shorts or a figure-hugging dress. Contact her for a custom order in your size.

For something a little simpler and more feminine, and ideal for the indoors or winter getaways, go for Erinbonnie’s handmade and upcycled leather ballerina flats, available in a range of neutral and pastel colors.

Jewelry
Although leather is a tough material, it makes some of the most delicate and easy-to-wear jewelry. We love leather feathers, and especially these Flying leather earrings from underanewlight. They’re bright but delicate, and available in several gorgeous colors – wear them with your hair up to show them off!

To make your own upcycled leather earrings, check out this tutorial on Chelsie Daily Style—a super simple, quick and stylish way to upcycle and leather old belt or bag strap.

Upcycled leather necklaces are at the top of our list when it comes to accessories, especially the ones is HakNik’s Etsy shop. We went nuts over all the handmade creations in the collection, but the Petal Collection Necklaces have really caught our eye. Pair this statement piece with a simple dress or top.

We’re also loving this upcycled leather headband from Finnish shop Vietto, whose collection includes other upcycled leather pieces. Wear it with your hair up or down and pair it with a boho chic outfit.

Images:Shannon South, TheCOBShop, Apaluz, Sincerely, Kinsey, SnapDragonBoots, Erinbonnie, underanewlight, Chelsie Daily Style, HakNik, Vietto

Related on EcoSalon:

On Trend: Upcycled Biker Jackets

Handbags Born of Old Leather Jackets

The post How to Accessorize with Upcycled Leather: Bags, Shoes, & Jewelry (plus DIY!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Collina Strada made this bag exclusively for eco-boutique Kaight in New York City.

There are so many luxe bag lines out there, but they’re usually made of leather, leaving vegans to fend for themselves. Collina Strada is one of those lustable lines trying to accommodate, and has, with a capsule collection for Kaight in New York City.

The Sierra bag (above) is made from recycled canvas printed with eco inks and vegan leather. The collection includes The Moto (bike bag), The Cartella and the classic Sierra (pictured).

If you’re vegan, you’re sighing a breath of relief and ordering one before they sell out.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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Fall/Winter fashions are finally here. But before you splurge, orientate yourself to the essence of the season with Royal Blush’s Weber bracelet.

Made from recycled leather that softens and deepens in tone with time, this knotted cuff perfectly captures Fall’s minimalist zeitgeist with its snug fit and the satisfying clunk of its magnetic closure that softly says “luxury.”

Celine‘s Fall 2010 collection was the touchstone for this season’s biggest fashion story – the return to sleek and wearable clothes. Phoebe Philo‘s classic design elements – clean, simple lines in a muted palette of camel, beige and white and subtle equestrian details including leather trim and patch pockets – are charmingly distilled into Royal Blush’s bracelet.

With fashion editors heralding the new season’s classic utilitarianism as a godsend to women tired of fast fashion and ecologists arguing the need for slow fashion, what could be more au courant than an accessory formed in the shape of a love knot – symbolic of the bond and bind of a fashion love meant to last.

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There’s no denying that leather is controversial in eco-circles. Some people only wear vintage leather, while others avoid it altogether. However, flooring company TORLYS has found a way to recycle leather from jackets, upholstery, belts, shoes, handbags and other items that would have landed in landfills, and turn it into leather flooring. And we have to admit: the results are pretty sleek.

TORLYS leather flooring comes in a variety of hues and textures, so it’s an intriguing alternative to hardwood or carpeting and can add some eye-catching textures to your floor. It’s available in planks to create a feeling of roominess and unity or tiles to play off the textures of the leather. We can picture a rich chocolate brown leather in a formal dining room or maybe a sophisticated black flooring in a modern living room.

TORLYS uses cork backing to minimize noise and add extra insulation. It also offers a 25-year residential wear warranty (during which your floors can be re-installed and re-used up to three times). According to the company’s press release, there’s no VOC emissions or added formaldehyde in the product either. Not to mention, they’re also keeping leather out of landfills.

What do you think? Are leather floors a do or a don’t?

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