Jutta Neumann Closes Retail Location

So I had the sale card sitting right there on top of my microwave, and didn't realize that the reason for the "buy 1, get second 80% off" sale was due to the fact that Jutta Neumann is CLOSING the retail store on 158 Allen St. And now the sale is over. I am sad but not surprised as the last time I was in there we had a discussion about how oppressive retail rents are...

Anyway, it looks as though you can still buy the iconic handmade goods online. So do that instead.

Matt & Nat's New Vegan Line: samsāra

Canadian outfit Matt & Nat has just created a new line of bags - the samsāra collection.
Even though not available in the U.S. until mid-July (and in NYC?...TBA), I thought I'd let y'all know because the collection is not only produced with the environment and animal welfare in mind, but also one dollar from each bag is donated to charity - helping to affect change globally. So far more than $15,000 has been raised and will be donated to four charities working on issues such as international aid, domestic violence, animal welfare, and environmental issues.

But back to the wares. The collection includes a range of bags, wallets, clutches and belts. Prices range from $40-$140. The bags are 100% vegan so there's no tanning process, and they don't use any leather.

Other interesting note: the photos you see here were shot by famed fashion photographers Leda & St Jacques.

Matt & Nat Eco-Friendly Handbags and Such

Matt & Nat design their bags so you shouldn't have to make a choice between being chic and eco-friendly/responsible. These designer bags cost around $300 and smaller items like wallets are approximately $80. Their vegan bags and accessories sell online (mattandnat.com), in boutiques like Fred Segal and Holt Renfrew, and in department stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks and Bloomingdale's.

Depending on the size, 15-55 recycled plastic bottles go into the material used to make their bags. The bags are 100% vegan, and don't use any leather.

And they've got a bunch of stuff on sale too!: http://www.mattandnat.com/product/search/all_rebate/0/sale/

Betsey Johnson Wallet at Loehmann's

I suppose in keeping with my "fear" of purses, I have been known to only use tiny wallets that enable me to fit everything I own, so that I can avoid the icky purse. However, I have decided to make some life adjustments and truly act - and maybe even live - as an adult. So I have finally bitten the bullet and accepted an adult-sized wallet that really has compartments for bills, change, credit cards, receipts, etc. Luckily, Betsey Johnson has provided an option helps bring me into the adult wallet world, while still being a bit rock 'n' roll and flirty at the same time (see the leather rose!). A perfect "bridge," you could say.

If you suffer from a similar affliction, just visit your local Loehmann's and pick one up for yourself for about $35. Then put all the money you saved in your new wallet!