HOT PICKS [FRIDAY]

Skin-tastic!

March 21, 2008

We love our leather but prefer to wear it guilt-free. Thanks heavens, then, for designers like Vancouver’s Ashley Watson. Watson makes damn fine bags any fashionista would be thrilled to throw over her shoulder, and the sweet part is that she gets her hide from cast-off leather jackets rescued from thrift stores, and not from cute little cows.

Watson’s hot spring line is called Murre + Plover and features trend-defying totes with such names as “Junco,” “Warbler,” and “Thrush.” We’re sensing an avian theme here, girls, but don’t be fooled: these bags ain’t for the birds. Each purse is a one-of-a-kind piece with details like jacket pockets and seams Watson integrate into the design.

The colours are original, too, meaning no leather was dyed in the processing of these bags. The result? A truly one-of-a-kind work of art that will easily and breezily take you from summer to fall, winter to spring - without any guilt.

Score yours at One of a Few, 354 Water Street, www.ashleywatson.net.

Comfortable shoes for the eco-conscious ped are the subject of yesterday's Vancouver Trendz. Have you entered this week's Contest yet? You could win four tickets to The Vancouver International Children's Festival and a  CD.