Novica’s Fair Trade Totes

This is me, going through my cheapjap@gmail.com account: Product endorsement BS, delete, delete, PR crap, delete, delete, Fair trade handbags, del…hmm, interested.

I’ve never bought a bag online, but Novica.com‘s mission to “give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity” has me seriously considering it. Also, the merch is as kickass as the message: See the leather goodness below.

Trendsetter Tote ($169.99); Ice Shoulder Bag ($284.95).
Forest Shoulder Bag ($174.95); Modern Safari Bag ($189.95).

My picks aren’t cheap, but that’s because bags are one of the few things I splurge on. Rest assured there are MANY more affordable offerings on the site (and in unconventional materials too, like aluminum and coconut shell, tres cool).

As you browse the site (sponsored by National Geographic, btdubs), you get to read the stories of the international artisans behind the handcrafted goods; it’s all very warm and fuzzy AND, (unlike high-end designer stuff and its knockoffs) does NOT come with a side of sweatshop labor. Yaaay.