D.I.Y. Bags for the Masses

Retailers make billions every year producing bags with little or no heart at all, which is quite sad when you think about it. And sooner or later, you'll run into someone who has the same bag as you. Let me tell you, as an individualistic visionary in terms of style, it is one of the most awkward feelings in the world. So to lessen the chance of that happening, try some handmade bags from online vendors at Etsy.

The Fawn Vinyl Messenger $50.00

There's something very vintage about this bag. I like the richness of the red vinyl, which is a great alternative to leather. Bambi is a nice touch to an otherwise ordinary bag. The lining is also a nice colorful surprise.

The Zen Bag: Sumi $80.00

This bag is very "zen" because there is a balance of simple and complex. There's a complex mixture of materials like raw silk, canvas, metal and linen within a very simple design. It's very architectural too.

Seat Belt Messenger Bag $58.00

Harveys is known for the seatbelt bag, but what sucks is that their bags look a little too manufactured and are twice the price of this one. All they make are woven bags, which makes me kind of belittle their design ethic because this bag is not woven, and you could clearly see it is made of seatbelts.

Monarda Repurposed Black Synthetic Leather with Bow $105.00

This bag is made of old leather jackets that would've been thrown out otherwise. It's good reason to kill less cows. There is a very cool 1980s feel about this bag with the bow and all. This bag is the 80s done right.

Tan Messenger with Dahlia Pleats $215.00

This is one of those bags you'd expect to see in a store, but you wouldn't. The mixture of the leather and the vintage fabric pleats create a very cool effect. You'll be one of a kind on the streets because you're the only one not carrying Louis Vuitton, Coach, Gucci, or Prada.

Buttermilk Tan Cowhide Leather Messenger Bag $175.00

I love everything about this bag from the color to the design. I love the creamy color of this leather; it's very sophisticated. The raw edge makes it look handmade, which people will either love or hate. Oh, and those appliqued leaves are adorable.

Owl Field Bag $20.00

Okay, so you can get a bag like this at any army surplus store, but can you get it with a cute owl on it? Honestly, I'm am more interested in the print than the bag itself; it's hand screened.

Courtesy of Etsy