You may remember in June I did a Wishlist Wednesday which included some birthday prezzie ideas for myself. Well, I was flipping through the July 2012 issue of Vogue with Emma Stone on the cover and I totally freaked out over a bag that was featured (pg 58)!
Photographed by Cedric Buchet, Vogue, July 2012
Isn’t the bag gorgeous? I love the simplicity of it – I had a bag like it in middle school which I loved, it was a nylon olive green messenger bag, but it had obnoxious velcro and nylon shoulder straps. This bag is one I would feel comfortable travelling with, wearing on casual Friday to the office, or when out shopping at the mall.
Photograph courtesy of Alternative Apparel and Olivia Wilde
Unlike the normal messenger bags that maybe can be used one way, this bag is wonderful as it can be used as a convertible bag. It can be used as a shoulder bag or a backpack so it is also functional for people who enjoy using a backpack. It will carry the classic African safari trend through the rest of this summer and into the cooler months. I could see myself using this bag for years and then swapping it with my leather satchel in late fall and winter.
As described by Alternative Apparel on their website:
This limited-edition cross-body to backpack convertible is a collaboration with actress Olivia Wilde and partner-in-good Barbara Burchfield. The bag features vintage army canvas, pebbled leather trim and antique brass hardware. Your purchase will help spread a message against poverty and benefit the Academy for Peace and Justice in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This is not just a bag, it’s an opportunity for an education.
So this is not just about a classic, on-trend bag. This bag is also for charity. This bag will benefit the Academy for Peace and Justice, which was funded by Paul Haggis’s charity, Artists for Peace and Justice. Paul Haggis is the filmmaker who produced Million Dollar Baby and Crash. He is a filmmaker who is in touch with society, much more than your average Hollywood star.
Wilde used to vacation in Haiti when she was younger, and the place left an impact on her. After the earthquake, she founded Campaign Happiness to support development throughout damaged Haiti. Her charity, along with Haggis’s, have worked together to develop learning centers and other facilities for Haitian children. This bag was designed by Wilde, Accessories Director of Alternative Apparel, Mollie Culligan, and Wilde’s business partner Barbara Burchfield. And the price? A mere $138.00. Available at Alternative Apparel’s website, at their Abbot Kinney flagship store in Venice, California, as well as on Shopbop.com.
Weight: 21oz / 0.6 kg
Measurements:
Height: 12in / 30.5cm
Length: 13in / 33cm
Depth: 4in / 10cm
Strap drop: 20-28in / 51-71cm
Photographed by Cedric Buchet, Vogue, July 2012
You can read the article yourself, at Vogue online, here.
It sounds like a great buy! I love how simple it is too.
I love how versatile it is! It's like having multiple bags in one (an an excellent price as well). I just stumbled on your blog and I love it, so cute!
– Devon
http://retrouvaillesblog.blogspot.com/
It is definitely a great buy, I think. Cannot wait to get it.
I love how versatile it is too – I think it would be great when on an airplane as well! Thanks for the love, Devon, I will check out your blog!
I need one of these too! I don't necessarily like it as the backpack but it would be great for travel and I could probably convince the husband to carry it too.
That bag looks like a piece you can use forever. It is also so good to fall in love with pieces that not only speak to our aesthetic but are at an attainable price point and have a story and a mission to better the world. – Carla
Jessica you should get it if you think you will use it! Think of the good cause and the functionality of the piece. Go for it lady!
Carla – That is 100% how I feel about it, too. Glad I am not alone!
We think you have to treat yourself for your birthday! It's a must and you have picked out a beautiful bag. Happy Friday!
Jayme & Mendi @ HLNC
I think you ladies are right. I will definitely be ordering it for myself now! It is just too good to pass up!
It's such a great bag!!! It can be carried from season to season! You're making me want one!!!
And thanks so much for the comment on my DIY sunglasses! There wasn't any glue residue to be honest, and it wasn't time consuming at all. I did the floral ones in about 5 minutes and the pearl ones in about 15! You should definitely try it! 🙂
🙂
Allison
P.S. I'm having an INTERNATIONAL $75 Shopbop giveaway on my blog, so don't forget to enter! 🙂
A's Fashion Files
$75 Shopbop Giveaway!
I like the bag and the charity initiative!
A bag that pulls double duty as a backpack and helps people in need? This is the real triple threat. Love it!
The bag was appealing enough on looks alone, but especially so after reading the story behind it!
I loved the simplicity of the bag and then I read the story behind it and loved it even more!
Allison – it is definitely such a great bag. You should get one!
I really appreciate your update on the sunglasses DIY. That might be a fun rainy day activity for me!
xo
Francesca,
Isn't the charity initiative wonderful? I hope a lot of money is raised!
Great way to describe it – a triple threat! I am so with you!
Jennifer –
You should get one! I love the story behind the bag as well, and I love the functionality of it.
April – I completely agree!
Oh My! That bag is gorgeous
Isn't it? Love it.
This bag would be perfect for traveling about and I bet it would last forever!
Your bag is amazing and the pictures are great, I love it.
Love every detail in this bag!