Women and their accessories undoubtedly have a close camaraderie, but handbags and women? They go hand-in-hand. And when they’re developed from organic materials from an planet-conscious company? Even better.

Since 2007, Sparrow Handbags have been dishing out designs based on the principle of sustainability, providing style and fashion in an animal-free alternative for the conscious consumer.

Each bag developed in their British Columbia studio is handmade with care and quality – and it shows. We have had the opportunity to review the “Judy“, a shoulder handbag that has loads to love.

A smaller version of their popular “Sophie”, we soon discovered its anything but small. Like my grandmother, I live out of my purse, fitting my Blackberry, camera, two notebooks, wallet, pens, pencils, lists, and everything else with ease. (Okay, it was getting a little snug after all that – but fit it, nonetheless).

The hemp linen bag is a ridiculously vibrant cherry red, a perfect compliment to dissipating any negative disposition. It’s fully lined with black hemp/cotton, giving a durable duo-layer that is resistant to tearing and can easily carry some heavier contents without any stress.

Sparrow Handbags uses two of our favourite materials: 100% organic cotton – which means it’s chemical-free with zero toxicity (we like that, read more here)  and  hemp, a renewable crop requiring no pesticides. They also utilize reactive, low-impact dyes and 100% solvent-free water-based inks, ensuring no harm on you, as well as the environment. No leather, fur, wool and silk to be seen.

We dig the zipper top – something that more handbags seem to be neglecting – ensuring all your contents remain intact. There’s an inside pocket, too, for slipping in your cell phone, a few cards, or a Larabar for an afternoon snack.

The Judy is a smaller version of the Sophie, but don’t underestimate its size! You can fit everything you need in this stylish over the shoulder handbag.

Little details – like the bold black contrast and the shiny side rings, add some extra flair.

We always like to highlight when companies and organizations take the extra step to practice what they preach. Sparrow Handbags is no exception. This vegan company also aims towards preserving our planet through various eco-loving efforts. They strive to minimize waste, reuse when they can, and donate extra material.

Reusing isn’t their only “R”, though. They also use recycled paper, and only print in small quantities and email when possible. Tetra boxes are recycled, too; the crew uses them in their handbags for the bag bottoms. The Sparrow team also uses local goods to reduce their carbon footprint, and feasts on plant-based fields to up the ante even more.

Sparrow Judy Handbag

• 100% SKAL certified Organic Cotton twill or hemp linen
• Fully lined; black hemp/cotton fabric
• Organic cotton batting layer
• Handmade in Canada
• 12″L x 9″H x 2.5″W; Handle, 17″L
• Available in white, natural, grey, black, yellow, red, blue, purple
• $98, available at Sparrow Handbags

Images courtesy of sparrowhandbags.com

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