Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

First World Trash

Question: What makes advertising sustainable and cars a renewable resource? Answer: First World Trash. Designer Jenelle Malbrough from Queens, New York, rescues old billboards and salvages car seat belts to create colour-popping tote bags, messengers, laptop and iPad sleeves, duffles, wallets and more! Each waterproof and tear resistant bag is unique in colour, graphic and font, and each and every one is designed and individually handmade by Jenelle herself. Wowee. Trash bags these are not!

Grocery Shopping Chic

The expression ‘trés chic’ and the words ‘let’s go do the groceries’ don’t often meet in the same sentence. That was until ink & stitch came along. Based in Bondi, this mother-daughter design duo wanted to create durable and beautiful eco-friendly bags after they became tired of seeing ‘scary looking tote bags that resemble saggy tits and Swiss cheese!’ Woah. With a trendy range of 100% organic cotton canvas totes featuring delicate ink designs, we think they might just revolutionise the grocery shopping experience. They are so delicious we want them all. Yes, all of them. (And that cupcake she’s eating too).

Australia Day in Style

Australia Day might be a celebration of national identity, but trust us, there are more ways to say it than just by eating lamb! Never mind draping an Australian flag around your shoulders, either. What you need to flaunt your national pride is to get familiar with locally-designed and produced fashion. Australia is home to lots of labels that are ethical, environmentally-friendly, socially-responsible and promote local industry. And they are making beautiful clothes right here in your backyard! What more could an Aussie girl want? Here is our little pick of what’s on offer in your capital city… (more…)

Sense of Fashion

As we’re sure you’re all aware by now, here at Peppermint we believe a true sense of fashion is one that dares to step away from the tireless mainstream trend-mill. That’s why we were pretty chuffed to find this website 100% dedicated to peddling the wares of independent designers and boutiques from all around the world (as well as a stylish dose of vintage). Just a quick poke around led us to this My Only Sunshine necklace all the way from Italy, made from a recycled handbag strap and Czech glass beads, and this African Print organic bamboo tee, which happens to be ON SALE – amongst many other items on the site. So if you want to get a bit transcontinental this lazy January, Sense of Fashion is where to do it.

Outside The Box

Did someone say those three magic words: pre-loved, designer and charity? Because these five handmade necklaces made from recycled materials and being auctioned off for the Vinnies ‘Think Outside The Jewellery Box’ promotion tick all the right boxes. College of Fine Arts student Sophia Davison has created an impressive collection to highlight the beauty found in pre-loved jewellery. The range is 95% recycled and uses materials from Vinnies such as broken chains, brooches, jewels, beads and even an ornamental plate. Pieces are being auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, closing on December 19th. Perfect for your New Years Eve party outfit…

We Believe In You!


Makers of Belief are a clothing collective with a difference. A pacemaker of the slow-clothes revolution, sustainable garment consumption is the aim of their game. With exclusive vintage ranges sourced from locations most of us only dream of visiting, Makers of Belief are proving that old can be bold, beautiful, and anything but dowdy. (more…)

Fashion is Forever

From the fashions of Peru to the garments of Switzerland, there are more than a few common threads that link the wonderful world of clothing. The Liverpool City Library’s latest exhibition, United By Colour: Vintage Fashion From Around the World, investigates the element of colour. The 60 garments and accessories on display are vibrant, vivid and all part of the Darnell Collection, Australia’s largest private collection of vintage clothing. Around 23 different countries are represented, all with their own colourful histories to tell. We asked the curator of the Darnell Collection, Charlotte Smith, to tell us more about this exhibition and the beautiful clothes it includes. (more…)

Find It, Keep It

Is it that time of year again already? The Finders Keepers Spring/Summer markets are on this Saturday and Sunday at Brisbane’s Old Museum. Plenty of old favourites and brand new designers will be trading their wares against a backdrop of live music, cold beer and sizzling sausages. Treat yourself to something handmade, vintage or crafty, and don’t forget to snap-up a few stocking fillers while you’re there. The silly season doesn’t have to mean silly purchases!

An SOS to the World


Ethics and eco-friendliness don’t typically go hand-in-hand with mass-market fashion. Rules of thumb are made to be broken, however, and ASOS are certainly challenging our preconceptions. The UK-based online giant has just launched an Australian store, which means less time waiting by the mailbox for your latest purchase to arrive. We thought we would take a look at their social and environmental policies and check out the substance behind the glamour.

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Upcyling The Swiss Army

Good news green army! The design team at Helveticus have dared to go where few upcyclers have gone before with their new collection of bags and accessories made entirely from vintage Swiss army blankets. After big success in Switzerland, Germany, Holland, the US and even Korea, the brand has just launched the range down under, endeavouring to offer Australians modern, sustainable and well-made products imbued with a real sense of place and history. They even have slippers and iPhone pouches! For more info click here.