Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s officially the beginning of Christmas shopping. It’s only the beginning but I’m finding myself thinking up a storm on what to get my close gal pals!

One consideration would be a handbag designed and made by the lovely Los Angeles-based handbag designer, FIDM alum Maxine Dillon. Her work has also been featured on sites/magazines like DailyCandy and Nylon. But what really makes her stand out from other handbag companies is that all of her bags are made out of recycled garments.

And if you’re thinking what I’m thinking, you CAN finally transform that hideous sweater that your grandma gave you last Christmas to a beautiful, crafted handbag this Christmas. 

Maxine Dillon proves that handbags can still look OH-SO-CHIC made out of recycled fabrics (yup, do good to your neighborhood)! Here are a few more reasons to go and see what Maxine Dillon handbags are all about!

Helping the environment is fashionable!

1. Good for the Environment, Good for You

Maxine Dillon’s bags are unique because each handbag is made by Maxine herself and not mass produced. In addition, Maxine uses fabric that are from recycled garments to produce a polished, unique bag. Thus, the bag is NOT just a bag, it’s a bag with a statement! So, it’s good to recycle your water bottles, but have you thought about recycling garments?

What Maxine has to say, “What inspired me to use recycled materials was a need to be socially and environmentally conscious.  I also love the process, it’s so fun to deconstruct and transform one article of clothing into something completely different.”

 


Santa Fe Ethnic Print Pouch Purse ,$95.00

2. One Bag, Multiple Ways

Most handbags usually have only one type of “carrying” method, such as slung across the shoulder or carrying it as a clutch. With these functional yet versatile pouch purses, you can carry the handbag as it is (as seen above) OR wear it as a messenger bag!

As a messenger bag, you can include your favorite strap and hook it onto the sides of the bag. The bag has a loop on each side so that the strap can easily hook onto, instantly transforming yet again to a messenger bag for those casual days out.

 

3. Send in Your Jacket/Sweater to be Made Into a Handbag!

As if these bags aren’t personal enough (they’re handmade by Maxine herself!), these handbags are completely customizable! You can send in a jacket or sweater to Maxine so that it becomes one of Maxine’s signature pouch purses! Plus, you’ll save $10 onto your order. Just don’t let grandma know that you’re sending in that sweater she gave you a couple years back… Hey, it’s being put into good use!

 


Original Bucket Bag, $165.00

4. Support Local Designers

It’s always good to support local businesses and local designers are definitely exception! It’s a great way to get involved with your community and feel like you’re part of the community. Since Maxine Dillon is local and designs her handbags in Los Angeles, why not support independent fashion by sporting one of her pouches?

About Maxine Dillon: Maxine Dillon has lived in Los Angeles for nine years now, and is loving Los Angeles every bit. She chose Los Angeles as her place to produce/design the handbags because she “love[s] L.A.’s independent spirit towards fashion.” She is currently focusing on handbags, but she will be expanding into clothing for Fall 2011. 

Can’t wait for that! Would you like to have a handbag of your own? What’s your favorite part of the handbag?

All Image Sources by Maxine Dillon