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.

Upcycled leather is sexy and eco-conscious, especially when it matches your jacket/boots.

Many products are recycled. Like paper, plastic, concrete and wood; even the Olympic swimsuits worn by the ab-tastic U.S. swim team have been made into dresses. Industry produces leftovers. With fabrics, for example, think about all the scraps that end up in the trash after a pattern’s been cut out. The leather trade is no different.

Looptworks sells cool computer accessories (clothes, too) made from high-quality, hard-wearing but good-looking waste material – neoprene laptop sleeves from offcuts of wetsuit material, as well as seriously buff iPad cases like the Luhu (above) and Shaxi (below). Oprah and Al Gore are both fans of the young Portland company, which aims to eliminate “pre-consumer excess.”

The Shaxi iPad case is made from soft burnished leather, a magnetic closure and folds back to double as a stand. It might match your favorite pair of boots, or cowgirl hat. And, even though it’s a hand-numbered limited-edition piece, will make less of a dent in your wallet than most footwear, at $80.

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