Bags for a cause: rHope

Social enterprises are amazing.  If you haven't come across one before, a social enterprise is essentially a for-profit business created to do a social good.  TOMS is a great example; the company is profitable, but the whole point was to give shoes to people in need.

So when I found rHope, I was hooked.  It used to be that making a sustainable or ethical purchase meant giving something up.  I remember the early days of sustainable toilet paper; you really had to love the planet to use that stuff.  But now, companies like rHope are making it possible to have beautiful well-made products that do more than make you feel fashionable.

rHope is a U.S. vendor for Chhoti Si Asha, an initiative supporting women in the "urban slums" of India.  Through the Stitch-a-Living program, women in India learn to make on-trend bags, wallets and more, for which they are paid a higher than average wage.  rHope takes these bags and makes them available in the U.S.

My favorite is the Babloo Messenger Bag in burgundy (to the left, also shown in green above).  This beautiful crossbody is perfect for a weekend day.  Of course, the fabric is to die for.  Look at that red!  This particular bag has one inner pocket, a good way to keep track of your cell phone and keys.  Each bag is a little different, and I've seen zip pockets and other small changes.  The burgandy Babloo has a wide strap, which I love on this bag, but the patterned print versions have an adjustable thinner strap if you're looking for something slightly different.

rHope's bags sell fast.  I can't believe they're only $35 each; when you think about what your purchase does, it's hard to believe the price tag.  And since shipping is free, I might just have to pick up a Saroj Sling Bag while I'm at it.

Thanks to rHope for the photos.

Bags for a cause: The Kiondo Bag

On this weekend day, I'm thinking about all the people in the world who are not able to take a day of rest.  I am acutely aware that having this unquenchable love of handbags falls squarely in the "first world problems" category.  So today, let's start a new tradition.  Every weekend I'll feature a bag with a cause.  We'll start with a personal favorite.

The Kiondo Bag: Made in the Streets

Are you ready to stand out from the crowd?  I have the bag for you.

The Kiondo is an eye catching bucket bag in stunning colors.  Handmade by former street kids and local artisans in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kiondo is made sustainably from dried sisal plants.  With all the work that goes this handmade bag, I can't believe its low $50 price tag.  I love this for the farmers market, the airport, school, really it could go anywhere.  Here in LA the Kiondo is perfect for nights at the Hollywood Bowl or Cinespia cemetary screenings; throw in some finger foods and a bottle of wine and you're set.  Pair with a maxi dress and some global jewelry for a beautiful overall look.  I'm thinking the Red Rafiki bracelet would do just the trick.

The Kiondo holds a special place in my heart.  In 2012 I had the privilege of spending two weeks in Nairobi, Kenya with a wonderful organization called Made in the Streets.  MITS helps children who've been living on the streets in the slums of Nairobi.  They provide education, vocational training, room and board, and so much more.  I was lucky to spend some time with Olive, a teacher (and former street kid herself) who made this beauty for me.

Want to do more for Made in the Streets?  There are so many ways to get involved, from writing a letter to sponsoring a student.  The best option, of course, would be to visit in person.  Trust me, it will change your life.  Learn how to get involved, or contact me directly and I'd be happy to make a personal introduction.