Luggage, aprons and manicure kits

Manicure kits in a ribbon design

Mommy & Me apron set

6-piece luggage set

Isabella’s Journey Brocade is a new six-piece luggage set from Manual Woodworkers and Weavers. (Last season's introduction was a zebra pattern.) The set consists of a traveler, a hanging jewelry/toiletry bag, cosmetics bags (in three sizes), a "Hipster" and a tote.
Other new items shown at the winter markets include manicure kits and mother-daughter apron sets.

Fair trade handbags and totes

Mar Y Sol calls itself "a socially responsible resort accessories company that collaborates with artists in New York and artisans in Madagascar." The company designs and creates authentic accessories made by hand using natural materials sourced sustainably from Madagascar’s forests. The sale of the products enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation. This is achieved through fair trade partnerships with artisans who make a living wage through Mar Y Sol's “trade not aid” business model.
The totes, clutches and zippered pouches are made of brightly colored raffia, jute and wild seagrass. Handles are made of wood.

The Avalon

The Guadaloupe

The Maybelle

The Panama

In Atlanta, see the bags at the Aesthetic Movement showroom (building one, 10th floor).

Lightweight stylish tote bags

Saky Sacks, a Seattle-based company launched in March 2010, is showing five new prints and two new contemporary styles—the Saky Weekend and Sakcessories—this week at the Seattle gift show. The company's original bag is the City Saky. Saky Sacks are made from DuPont Tyvek. The bags are lightweight, strong, tear, stain and water resistant. They are machine washable and recyclable.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Apparel, shawls, handbags in chiffon, crepe

Harshita Designs offers uniquely designed wearable art for women and men, including scarves, shawls, handbags, jewelry, tunics and jackets. Colors and designs are printed or embroidered. Designer Harshita Lohia says the inspiration for the designs and colors comes from elements of nature, manmade structures, symbols of Indian culture and simple geometrical figures. Materials include chiffon, crepe, georgette and charmeuse silk. See the company at the New York International Gift Fair.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Eco-friendly canvas tote bags

Cotton canvas Girlie Bags are made in Los Angeles by Planet Saver Sacks. Side pockets hold cell phones, keys, cosmetics and bus passes. The bags have cotton webbing handles. Two sizes are available: 11 inches by 12 inches and 14 inches by 15 inches. Search "Planet Saver Sacks" on this blog to find other styles.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Stylish, eco-friendly tote bags

Goody Green Bags are an eco-friendly and chic alternative to paper or plastic. The bags come in two sizes and 11 patterns. Made from non-woven polypropylene, they fold to the size of an envelope. See the company at the Chicago gift show.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Custom canvas tote bags

Planet Saver Sacks (also featured yesterday) can customize its eco-friendly canvas totes, like this one for Maria Shriver's Women's Conference. The manufacturer exhibited at the 2009 summer gift show in Chicago.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Eco-friendly tote bags

The City Bags line from Planet Saver Sacks are made in Los Angeles of heavy-weight untreated cotton canvas with water-based inks. Cities include New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.
The Cartoon bags have an eco-fact on the reverse side. The company can make custom bags for special occasions and events. (Click images for larger view.)

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.