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Beetle
English Retreads

An eco-fashion company that makes handbags and accessories from recycled materials.

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Super-stylish non-leather bags. Really.

  • May 18, 2009
Rating:
+5
Many girls have a thing for handbags. I have a herd of handbags, ranging in size from petite to monstrous, depending on the occasion and my mood. Those may have been the occasion and mood I bought the bags FOR, or the occasion and mood WHEN I bought them.

But I'm here to tell you about a place I've returned to twice already, and I expect I'll return to again, because I think I want to collect the entire family of bags from English Retreads. Partially because I'm a green gal. I love my planet and I try to do my part to protect it. English Retreads does, too. Its bags are made from reusable materials - tire inner tubes - and that's pretty cool. But I also run with the vegetarian crew, and I know it is darn hard to find a nice bag that's not leather. And here it is.

A FANTASTIC BAG THAT ISN'T LEATHER.  I'm proud to take my English Retreads evening bag to a 5-star restaurant. And I have. To a few of them, as a matter of fact.  These bags are not just great bags, they are stylish and useful bags.

I've bought two of them. The Model T Tote Luxe (lined) and the Mini Luxe.  The Model T is great for commuting to work because it's got some little pockets inside and a zipper on top, and it's big enough for all the stuff I carry on the Metro. The Mini Luxe is one of my evening bags, it fits snugly under my arm when I go out at night.

I highly recommend going with the lined versions of things, because the reused tire-rubber doesn't give you much of any structure on the inside of your bag on its own.

These all have a slightly industrial look to them, a bit biker-chic, and it works for me. If it's not your thing, consider these as a unique gift. They're really fabulous! I get compliments on mine all the time. The straps are made from seatbelt-type material, we've seen that around for some time now, but the other stuff is different, and girls do love it.
 
Note that they are starting to show up in some boutiques here in the USA,  mostly small shops to my knowledge.

Prices on their website are $45 - $209 plus shipping, which is right up there in competition with any leather handbags I've picked up in department stores. I say it's 100% worth it, especially since you can clean these bags off with ArmorAll.

PS: Customer service through the website I've found to be outstanding. I have had no problem with returns and exchanges whatsoever. (My husband ordered a wallet for me, when I clearly needed another bag.) That's what gets them from a +4 to a +5 in my book.
Model T Tote Luxe (lined) Mini Luxe

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March 12, 2010
I've heard of these, but have never seen them. Or used them. ha ha Sounds like a great gift. Nice review.
March 13, 2010
they are a WONDERFUL gift (hint, hint ;) thanks for reading!
 
August 18, 2009
Interesting, reused tire purse! I have a question though. Does the purse have any rubber smell? I am kind of sensitive to odors and not too fond of tire smell.
August 18, 2009
I'm not fond of tire smell, either, and I never had a problem with these bags. I still get compliments on my perfume. So I think you would be safe. I would recommend you aim for the lined models, they definitely are more refined.
August 18, 2009
Great. Thank you!
 
May 19, 2009
Oooh, thanks for sharing this!  I totally dig the bags in the pictures.  Looks like they can give my Balenciaga bag a run for their money because you're right, they do look biker-chic, and the prices aren't bad either!  Do you know if they make laptop bags?
May 19, 2009
I think the Bentley is large enough for a laptop. The Model T Tote is very nearly large enough. These would be VERY chic for laptops! Great eye!
May 19, 2009
Ooooh, I gotta check out their site. I really like the design of these English Retread bags and would love to get a more stylish bag for my laptop!
 
1
More English Retreads reviews
Quick Tip by . March 18, 2011
posted in Eco-Chick
So neat that they can recycle plastic and rubber into stylish handbags and other accessories!
see all English Retreads reviews (2)
About the reviewer
Heather ()
Ranked #147
I'm a Washington, DC native and I really hope I help you discover something that makes your life easier or more fun.
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English Retreads is an eco-fashion company that makes handbags and accessories from recycled materials. The company is known for its products that are all low environmental impact, vegan, and handcrafted in Boulder, Colorado. English Retreads offers handbags, wallets, belts, laptop bags and key chains all made from recycled materials, primarily reclaimed rubber and recycled PETE (plastic bottle) material.

Official website: http://www.englishretreads.com/
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Fashion, Green Living, Vegan, Bags, Accessories, Style, Reuse, Wallets, Recycled, Belts
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"Super-stylish non-leather bags. Really."
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