What's new this week @ à la mode - PILLOWS!

I'm so excited to have finally made some seat belt pillows. This is something I've wanted to do since I began working with this material. They are a wonderful accent and conversation piece for any room and any style. I absolutely love that they look so chic but are made from reclaimed seat belts.

I'm slowly introducing these online and hope to have an entire collection during my holiday shows. Currently, they will be offered in two sizes: 15" x 15" and 12" x 16". Stop by my website for more details.

Upcycled scraps as wearable jewelry

It is difficult for me to throw away my fabric scraps. I feel like there is value in the smallest bit however, accumulating these pieces result in baskets and piles of....well, scraps.

I've had a drawer of seatbelt webbing for some time because I've always thought they'd make great cuffs. Finally, I bought some snaps and made these. I'm wondering what took me so long. They were easy and fun to make. What's more, I found some fun brads (they look like screw heads) that add a funky detail.

I also have scraps of leather that I used to make these fun rings.

Both cuffs and rings are lightweight and fun to wear. Even the boys love them and immediately depleted my new stock.

I'm currently making some with reflector ribbon which will be great for dog walking and running at night. I love it when a plan or idea comes together!

Great eco friendly, urban chic work/travel bags

Here are two new bags I made this week. Both are fashionable work horses. The first one is a custom order and the other can be purchased in my Etsy shop.

The lightweight neoprene (think scuba fabric) is highly durable yet urban chic. Blue faux suede peeking through the grommets add a punch of color and contrast. The neoprene and seat belts are both first quality factory overruns slated for the landfill. So, this bag is also environmentally friendly!

On a personal note, I have used one similar to the one below for several years. It has been to many places and is my favorite travel bag - both fashionable and functional!

Addition to post 3/06/09, 3:40 PM - Be sure to check out my inaugural post on www.scoutiegirl.com/. On Fridays, I'll be featuring designers and artists in different areas of the US and including upcoming art shows and festivals in those areas. See the Scoutie Girl image in the column on the right. --------------------------->

This just in...

Just listed:

the woven messenger bag - black and charcoal

This just in...

...the Woven Bag series! Using seat belt webbing (my signature bag straps), I've begun a series of bags that I'm certain will become a regular line at

à la mode.

It took some time for me to figure out the perfect way to construct these bags. My goal was to let the weave dictate the styles, which resulted in minimal seams (adding to the bags durability).

Currently, I have 3 styles - the market, the messenger, and the mini. I plan to add a clutch and a wristlet soon!

The woven belts add beautiful texture and interest to these bags. They are classically tailored and minimally sophisticated. A perfect balance between trendy and timeless.

I've begun adding these bags to my Etsy shop and hope to have my website updated with them soon.