Kenyan Kiondo Sisal Market Bag - Free Trade

Kenyan Kiondo Sisal Market Bag - This is a traditional African woven bag found across the African continent.  It's made from cellulosic fibers such as jute, or sisal depending on what's available to the indigenous craftsmen/women of that area. 

Kiondo Sisal Market Bag

For instance in Kenya, for the Kikuyu peoples, the Kiondo is both functional and ceremonial. Functionally the Kiondo is used to carry food harvested from the field and to store valuables. Ceremonially, the Kiondo is used as a gift bag and presented at celebratory functions such as weddings or upon the arrival of a new child. 

Kiondo With Leather Handles & Brass Rivets

The Kiondo was historically packed with sweet potato, and millet, but today it can be any treats that are deemed suitable for the chosen occasion.  I packed mine with the usual suspects as well as some new must haves you can read about below.

The Kiondo Woven Sisal Base

I always feel like going to the Farmers Market when I bring out my Kiondo sisal bag, it has that bohemian feel to it. It's got a decidedly ethnic feel to it, and you cannot help appreciate the craftsmanship involved in the making of one of these treasures.  Seriously, research the history of this bag and you will fall in love with it as I have. It's a popular bag and I've even seen pictures of the first lady, Michelle Obama, carrying her Kiondo to market. 

Clinique's Happy Perfume, Audi 8 Keys, Tiffany & Co SterlingTiffany 1837™ Cuff

Because a Kiondo bag is a classic must have for any woman's handbag wardrobe, I usually partner it with other mainstay classics like my Tiffany 1837™ sterling silver cuff.  This is a heavy duty cuff that has a real presence on your wrist and because it is engraved with the Tiffany & Co logo, there's no doubt you're representing the brand.  It's one of those forever pieces that will stay in your collection your entire life and be passed down to the next generation.

My perfume for the day is Cliniques Happy in a small spray (again I have the full-size at home).  It's a subtle perfume with,  as the website states, "A hint of citrus. A wealth of flowers and a mix of emotions."  Happy is Cliniques best-selling women's fragrance with fresh, vibrant notes of grapefruit, bergamot, Hawaiian wedding flower, and spring mimosa. I like it for those sunny days that are perfectly temperate and that's what today was, a textbook Goldie Locks day i.e.; not too hot, not too cold, with a full dome of blue sky (it's been un-seasonally warm for a Northwest Fall, but no ones complaining).

Body Shop

Now Fall is initially a little dry as the cold takes out any humidity in the air.  It's what makes all those browning leaves so delightfully brittle. I start feeling its effects in my cuticles and because of this, I've taken to carrying around a manicure kit.  I picked this one up at The Body Shop a few years ago.  

You've probably heard of The Body Shop and its amazing founder, the late Dame Anita Roddick.  Miss Roddick was a tireless campaigner for Human Rights and ethical consumerism and she helped reshape the methodology of hyped marketing that historically surrounded cosmetics sales. I'd like to believe her legacy helped change a large portion of the cosmetics industry.  Her Foundation for Human Rights is still very much intact and lobbies for justice.  And even if The Body Shop is now owned by L'Oréal, the company continues to have a positive impact on its umbrella corporation owners and by respecting the tenants laid down by its original founder.  If you want to find out more simply google Dame Anita Roddick or follow my links to either her foundation or Wikipedia.

The usual suspects:  These are the staples of my handbag. 

Tanner Goods Workman Wallet
Vintage Vogue Reading Glasses
Shauns Shades Eyewear

Covet List

http://www.africanartandjewellery.com/kiondo

http://www.serrv.org/category/s?keyword=sisal+bag

http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-a8

http://www.clinique.com

http://www.tiffany.com

http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com

http://www.anitaroddick.com

IL Bisonte Envelope

IL Bisonte is an Italian brand of bags and leather goods made by Wanny Di Filippo, the founder and designer of Il Bisonte. He's the eclectic soul of the brand, curious, imaginative and open-minded and apparently a passionate collector of bison.

Il Bisonte Envelope

This supple cow hide envelope has a retractible shoulder strap made from a simple and knotted piece of tanned leather.  The addition of the strap makes the envelope even more versatile and it can be filled with all the necessities a girl could want.

Brass Bison Snaps Fasten the Envelope Flap Closed

In the words of Il Bisonte's founder, Wanny Di Filippo, “I've been conquered by the image of peace and strength conveyed by the bison, who for centuries has been a source of life and continuity for all those peoples who lived free in the American land.  For this reason they are the symbol with which I continue to mark all my products with great pleasure". 

Il Bisonte Bison

Below are a few of the items I poured into my little envelope today before class.  My Chanel No 5 refillable perfume (love it, love it, love it!!!), my vintage Estée Lauder™"The Attitude Compact" with Lucidity powder insert. This little compact is like a large mood ring that you hold it in your hand and it changes color depending on your mood. I also chose my Estee Lauder in Tender Blush in Nude Rose #211 because it is perfect for day use and my Aveda Uruku Cheek-Lip Creme in Solara #91. 

Chimes Candy, Crystals and Chanel No 5

Below is my Antique Cameo.  I adore her.  She is made from hand carved shell with a harp at her breast.  It's a large piece clad in a sterling silver bezel.  When I'm feeling classic, I like to put her on my collar, with my hair up in a chignon and channel Jane Austin.   

Antique Hand Carved Shell Cameo Brooch

And because it's a class day I take in my energy drink of choice, Kombucha!!  Wonder Drink Kombucha is my favourite brand because the Asian Pear & Ginger is to die for.  It's so good and serves as an instant pick-me-up.

Kombucha Wonder Drink - Asian Pear & Ginger

The usual suspects:  These are the staples of my handbag. 

Tanner Goods Workman Wallet
Vintage Vogue Reading Glasses
Shauns Shades Eyewear

Covet List

http://shop.ilbisonte.com/us/?gclid=CJ_Q-IWiqboCFeRxQgodT0IAnA

http://wannytalksbyhands.ilbisonte.com/about-wanny/

http://www.aveda.com/products/search/esearch.tmpl?search=Uruka

http://www.esteelauder.com/index.tmpl

http://www.chimesgourmet.com

http://www.wonderdrink.com

Dooney & Bourke All-Weather-Leather Cross Body Bucket Bag

The Vintage Dooney and Bourke All Weather Leather Cross Body Bag in Creme and British Tan.  This is a beautiful bag to touch with pebbled cream leather and tanned detailing over brass accents.  

It's not a complicated bag either, but it has a nice outside pouch, an adjustable shoulder strap and a simple flap that has a striking brass fastener.  Large enough to fit my Tanner Workman wallet, make-up and cd purchases, it's a transitional bag that feels at home in the evening as much as it does during the day.

Vintage Dooney & Bourke Pebbled All-Weather-Leather Bucket Bag

I attended the Oregon Symphony this weekend specifically for the Portland Indies show.  One of my favourite local sons, Holcombe Waller was headlining along with Black Prairie and Mirah.  It was a folk and symphonic fusion in a setting so elegant and grand.  No where in the country would you be able to see a concert like this and in a setting as magnificent as the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. 

   

Because it wasn't a serious opera evening and I wasn't dressing up for Aida, but rather folk music backed by the symphony, I elected for a more casual ensemble rather than a sequined evening gown and beaded clutch.  I instead wore white denims with light grey suede boots that had a shearling cuff at the ankle. It was Portlandian elegance, urban meets evening.

Because I packed light and I wanted a more sophisticated evening look for my eyes, I included the Stila Trio.  As the site will tell you, its a trio of award-winning eye shadows that can be applied wet or dry.

Stila Trio Compact

Inspired by Stila’s favorite places around the globe, these eye shadow shades can be worn separately or combined to create countless looks for both day and night. I like to do double duty and use it as both a blush and an eye shadow.  So I make sure to grab a kabuki brush for cheek touch-ups and it lasts the entire evening.

L'oreal Glam Shine in Prima Donna #110

L'oreal Glam Shine in Prima Donna #110 is a sparkling gloss that goes on light while catching the light. and because we had front row seats I did feel like a Prima Donna being so close to the stage.

Hamarikyu Gardens by Mary Pierre

My perfume, Hamarikyu Gardens by Mary Pierre, is an Anthropologie solid pencil.  I have the eau du cologne at home in full size, but the convenience of the pencil is great.  The scent is exotic and complex and ever so light.  It's a great evening perfume that floats gently, hinting at its notes rather than assailing the person in the seat next to you.

Holcombe Waller Album

I have the album, Into The Dark Unknown, by Holcombe Waller on my iTouch, but when you have the chance to not only meet the artist, gush about his talented performance and garner an autograph, well you have to, even if you come across as a foolish sycophant doing so.  He will be performing again on the 22nd of November and I have already made arrangements.  I feel like a stalker, like a 16 year old girl that squeals and cries (squeals), but he is a fantastic artist and I'm going to enjoy watching him rise to stardom.

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Covet List

http://www.dooney.com

http://holcombewaller.com/index1.cfm
http://blackprairie.com/about/
http://www.mirahmusic.com

http://www.sephora.com/eye-shadow-trio-P379515?skuId=1538248

http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/convertible-color-trio-cool.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

http://www.lorealparisusa.com

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=993239

http://www.portland5.com/arlene-schnitzer-concert-hall

https://www.orsymphony.org/about/

Vanport Outfitters - Amanda Reed iPad Case

 Vanport Outfitters - Amanda Reed iPad Case in Grey

I wanted to channel my Hipster today so out came something from Vanport Outfitters.  Vanport Outfitters is a Portland based company and everything they make is done by hand.  The craftsmanship is exacting and the aesthetic is inspired by Northwest living and is decidedly Hipster-esque. I love this little waxed canvas pouch, and even though it's made for an an iPad, which I don't own, it's a must have for this Portland Girl.  Why?  Because it's the most Northwest-centric clutch a girl can own.  Think Danner boots and an evening gown and you have what I like think of as the Portlandian Purse. 

Vanport Outfitters - Amanda Reed iPad Case

Vanport Outfitters

My Volcom scarf below adds a nice pop of color and being an infinity design I know I won't be losing it crossing Burnside Street trying to dodge the crazies on their cells phones driving in their Smart Cars.

Aveda's essentials envirometal compact™

And just to change subjects from crazies in cars and put you in a more relaxing mood, I have to tell you this, Aveda has the best tea!!!  If you haven't visited any brick and mortar locations, then I really recommend that you make it a point to do so.  Not only will they greet you with a cup of their famous tea, they will offer you a complimentary hand massage.  Additionally it always smells divine and the products are thoughtfully made. The Pure-Fume^TM Aromas below was a birthday gift from the store (a perk of the rewards program) and it was wonderful sitting down with the Aveda representative and asked to smell all the options before they custom made my fragrance below.  It ended up being this wonderful mix of floral and woodsy amazingness. The essentials envirometal compact™ above is made from recycled materials to help you get your full environmentalism on. The Compact has a magnetic system that holds the shadow and blush panels in place and has a place for their lipsticks, each designed to fit snuggly in the tube that also acts as the lids hinge.  Because you can buy each blush or shadow carte blanche, you have the ability to mix and match your entire palette to suit your mood. I chose the Clover shade in the Nourish-Mint line of pigments as my lip color today.  The nourish-mint lip colors not only taste like mint but they make your pucker tingle.

Aveda pure-fume spirit

Broner Hats is a North American company out of Michigan.  The Lite-Felt Fedora is one of those hats that you can shove in your bag and when you pull it out again, it'll spring back to life, rim still holding its shape.  The felt is thin enough that it has movement and thick enough that you still get the look and characteristics of a classic fedora. It's my urban headwear and I adore it.

Broner Lite Felt Fedora and No-Name Yet Cool Sunnies

Smashbox makes good stuff, no doubt about it and I own two of these Photo Op Eye Shadow and Liner Trio's, one in Aubergine called "Vignette" and the one below called "Girls Night Out".  Smashbox brushes are also very good and make the application of the eyeliner so easy.  

Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio

It ended up being the perfect day to wear my Broner fedora and Volcom scarf as I visited a new location on Burnside Street.  It was just south of the Pearl (A district of Portland) and opposite the famous Powell's City Bookstore called Union Way.  What an amazing collection of stores Union Way offers its pedestrians.  The arcade joins Southwest Burnside and Southwest Stark Street.  Walking through this boutique filled tunnel, each store, bakery, coffee and ramen house gives you an aromatic overload. There is Wills Leather, Danner Boots, and Little Bakery to name just a few of the delights the thorough fare has on offer.  You smell not only the lanolin of the wool, the tannins of the leather, but also the sweetness of freshly baked goods. It's how heaven would smell.

If you plan on visiting Portland or you are lucky like me and live here, then stop by on your way to Stumptown Coffee at the Ace Hotel, you won't be sorry you did, it's a promise.

Covet List

http://vanportoutfitters.com/amandareedipadcase.html

http://www.aveda.com/product/5337/16959/Makeup/brushescompacts/Essentials-Envirometal-Compact/index.tmpl
http://www.aveda.com/product/5336/16750/Makeup/Lips/Nourish-Mint-Sheer-Mineral-Lip-Color/index.tmpl

http://www.aveda.com/products/5349/Pure-FumeTM/Pure-FumeTM-Aromas/index.tmpl

http://www.broner.com/retail.html

http://www.volcom.com/womens.html

http://www.smashbox.com/product/6025/19065/Eyes/PHOTO-OP-EYE-SHADOW-TRIO/index.tmpl

http://www.travelportland.com/directory/union-way/

https://www.facebook.com/UnionWayPDX

COACH Willis Bag STYLE NO. 9927

COACH Willis Bag No. 9927 in Black Leather.

This is a great cross body bag with beautiful brass findings. I was so happy when COACH bought this bag back in 2012.

Today was all about saving the planet while taking in lots of sugar, so I opted for my Black Willis bag by COACH.  Besides being the perfect size it's got an adjustable shoulder strap and a secondary top handle, plus it has a nice back pocket where I can put my pens and note pad. 

COACH Willis Bag

COACH Willis Bag Front Flap

COACH Willis Bag Brass Findings

I'm enrolled in a college class focusing on sustainable practices and I carbo-load before, during and after the class, hence the Rendez Vous French Bonbons and the Mrs May's White Sesame Strips. Anyone who has done a sustainability class will understand that this is emotional eating for pure survival. Learning about Global Warming makes a girl turn to the comfort of candy. "Thriving Beyond Sustainability" by Andres R. Edwards is the required reading and it offers fantastic insight into solutions for the issues we face globally.

Rendez Vous French Bonbons

Given that by the end of the day I'm convinced we are all going to die and the planet is turning into a toxic dust bowl and will end up looking like the lunar surface, I have to add a bit of shimmer and glam (if we're all going to die, why not expire in style?). This pair of hammered silver drop earrings are the perfect fit. If you can't do it with shoes, or sugar, then perk your mood with a pair of great earrings like these by MC Jewelry.

Hammered Silver Drop Earrings

You know by now that I am a fragrance girl, and todays choice is BULGARI's Eau Parfumée Au Thé Rouge.  It's a unisex fragrance and I really like it's subtle florals mixed with the masculine. 

BULGARI Eau Parfumée Au Thé Rouge

And in keeping with the candy theme I packed Estée Lauder's Pure Color Lipstick in Candy Shimmer #16 + my  Estée Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme Mascara to make my lashes that much longer. 

Pure Color Lipstick in #16 Candy Shimmer

The usual suspects:  These are the staples of my handbag. 

Tanner Goods Workman Wallet
Vintage Vogue Reading Glasses
Shauns Shades Eyewear
SkullCandie Earbuds 
I-Touch

Covet Locations:

http://www.coach.com
http://www.candywarehouse.com/
http://www.mrsmays.com/products_SesameStrips_mrsmays.html
http://stores.mcjewelryshop.com/StoreFront.bok
http://us.bulgari.com
http://www.esteelauder.com/products/649/Product-Catalog/Makeup/Lips/Lipsticks/index.tmpl
http://www.esteelauder.com/product/637/9518/Product-Catalog/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara/Sumptuous-Extreme/Lash-Multiplying-Volume-Mascara/index.tmpl

B. Makowsky Zebra Faux Fur Tote

B. Makowsky Zebra Faux Fur Double Handle Medium Tote w/Gold Leather Trim

I felt like a bit of sass today, something fierce and luxe, yet soft, so I grabbed my B. Makowsky faux fur tote with antique gold leather accents. This beautiful tote is the equivalent of a utilitarian plush toy.  It has a generous interior with great side pockets for your cell phone and smaller articles.  I filled it with the usual suspects as well as some additions and still had room for my laptop.

B. Makowsky Zebra Faux Fur Tote

I am usually never without some form of reading and today is no exception, except it's in the form of a deck of cards. Women Who Dare Vol 1. is a Library of Congress Information Card Deck and I enjoy flipping through these, learning about accomplished women in history. It's a feminists convenience, and I love how easy you can pick out a random card and read a synopsis on some incredible lady in history.

Outside of compulsively reading, I am never without some statement piece of jewelry and today I donned one of my favourite pieces, (usually a key summer piece), my coil Cream and Gold Mesh Bracelet.  It was a great discovery on TheFind.com.

I was also lucky enough to get an invitation from Sephora in the mail last month (if you haven't already, you have to sign-up for their club).  It was an offer to try Bare Minerals Mineral Foundation for free.  When I visited the store to pick up the sample I found it came with a mini Kabuki brush...adorable and so convenient for any purse addition.

Ever since I visited Paris back in the 90's and discovered Sephora (a phenomenon not yet found in the states at the time) I have been a fan of L'Oreal Paris lipstick. Today's selection is L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick in Sheer Linen 181.  It's a subtle lip tint that moisturizes with every use.

My fragrance, again in a little sample from Nordstroms is TRÉSOR Eau de Parfum.  TRÉSOR is a beautiful elegant fragrance perfectly suited for the colder months and I have a full size at home.

I've been going through a nail polish phase recently and in particular I've been experimenting with metallics this fall.  The thing about metallic polish, and I'm guessing it's a little known fact, it chips with greater frequency than the high gloss polishes. But I've found the perfect solution with Rimmel London's 60 seconds Nail Polish in Clear.  This stuff dries so quickly that you don't have to worry about lagging dry time and the clear coat combats the chip and break scenario.

Gold and Cream Mesh Coil Bracelet 

B. Makowsky Bag Details

The usual suspects:  These are the staples of my handbag. 

Tanner Goods Workman Wallet
Vintage Vogue Reading Glasses
Shauns Shades Eyewear
SkullCandie Earbuds 
I-Touch

Covet List:

http://www.bmakowsky.com/about
http://pomegranate.stores.yahoo.net/k101.html
http://www.thefind.com
http://www.bareescentuals.com
http://www.lorealparisusa.com
http://www.lancome-usa.com
http://uk.rimmellondon.com/products/nails/60-seconds-nail-polish

Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote

It's Autumn in the Northwest and the mornings start a little later and the evenings start a little earlier, so it's little wonder that my Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote is filled with black. 

Not only is the bag black, but all of the content are black. Black and awesome!!!!

MzStory Bag

Being blind without them, I'm carrying both my eyeglasses in their respective black cases and while the cases are black, both the frames are not. The Vintage Vogue, circa 1980 are gold glorious gold. These are my new reading glasses and they arrived exactly a week and a half before my Shauns Shades did.  I really dig my vintage Vogues and ordered a couple of chains as soon as they arrived because I want to channel the hole edge of the nose librarian vibe these evoke.  The chain links will look incredible affixed to each of the Vogues lowered arms and I'll be a regular Golden Girl in them.

Equally, I love my Shauns, as there's no comparison to the Vogues and they stand on their own stylistically.  They're so modern in the Lomond brown and cream frames I ordered. With a luxe metal brow sandwiched between the masculine acetate and the dual tones of the caramel and cream, they're a winning combination and I feel like I'm part of the Ocean's Eleven cast wearing them.  I mean, you've gotta love an eye glass company that offers exams to the visually in-need with every purchase you make. Shauns are like the Toms of the eyewear world, but with fine Italian craftsmanship.

You'll see my SkullCandy earbuds in their embossed glossy black can. The sound quality is as good as the aesthetics, amazing! Which is great for me as I've been crushing on the group Goldroom and their new release, Fifteen. You have to download this song at https://soundcloud.com/goldroom/goldroom-fifteen-ft-chela-1 They're currently touring the US and I've already got my tickets. You can find out if they're in your neck of the woods at http://goldroom.la !!!

Everyone who knows me understands it's a given that I have my Tanner Goods Workman Wallet.  It's my daily staple and it always has to be included in the fray and chaos that is the MzStoryBag. This wallet is a taste of the Northwest and all the "boys" covet its Portlandian lines (yes, I'm talking about you gorgeous Mister Starbucks Barista). 

And of course what girls bag is complete without some perfume and this lady felt like Nahema by Guerlain of Paris today.  It's winter and something with a little presence seemed appropriate, so I tucked a refillable sample size into the side pocket. That's the thing about fragrances, you have to try them out and see if they bloom on you in the right way. And given that Guerlain of Paris took four years to design this parfum de toilette back in 1979, it's no wonder that I take no less than a week to decide on my scent du jour.  It's because of this that my bags are littered with samples of what have become full size favorites.     

The only color in todays tote is the almost finished book, Elizabeth Bard's "Lunch in Paris". Readers of the book will understand why there is a Magnum popsicle tucked between its pages being used as a bookmark. Reading this book is about fine dining, romance Parisian style and chocolate. Perhaps I'm embellishing the importance of the chocolate, but if you choose to read this book, a chocolate covered Magnum Ice Cream with a vanilla ice cream center is the perfect on-the-go accompaniment.

I also have my organic Luna lip gloss tint in raspberry shine to bring some La Vie En Rose to my noir day. It's colder and dryer as autumn prepares me for winter, so this is a must have really. I'm sure you know of Luna Bars, so you'll understand the quality of a yummy lip balm made from bees wax and organic oils.  It smells like candy and tastes like fruit and adds a beautiful pink oh so subtle rosiness to lips.

Covet List

Mid City Tote - http://www.foleyandcorinna.com

Shauns Shades, Lomond Brown and Ivory Frame - http://www.shaunscalifornia.com

Earbuds - http://www.skullcandy.com/shop/

Fifteen by Goldroom - http://goldroom.la

Lunch in Paris - http://www.amazon.com/Lunch-Paris-Love-Story-Recipes/dp/0316042781

Workman Wallet - http://www.tannergoods.com

Vintage Vogue Eyewear - http://www.vintage-vision.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=61

Organic Tinted Lip Balm - http://www.lunabar.com/products

Nahema by Guerlain of Paris - http://www.guerlain.com