I know, I know – this is going to turn into the FashionABLE blog if they don’t stop coming out with gorgeous, very wearable handmade accessories that help support the women in Ethiopia who made them. Recently we introduced you to their new leather wrap bracelets, and we were thrilled to see  how many of you snatched up the affordable bracelets–sometimes three or four at a time for layering. (Nice!)  Now they’re out with a new leather tote that is so amazing, even I was impressed when I saw it in person. And I’m pretty picky with my leather.

The Mamuye leather tote, like all their offerings, is named for one of the actual Ethiopian women who designed it. And what design it is; the gorgeous leather is soft and supple and super high-quality, and I’m especially impressed with how lightweight the whole is – the weight of most leather totes tends to keep me from buying one. And those 12″ straps? Exactly how I like them. In fact, if I had to design a leather tote, this might be it.

It’s a perfect four-season bag, though right now my mind is on beach trips or easy weekends in the country.

 

FashionABLE leather tote

FashionABLE leather tote

At $178 it’s terrifically good deal for this kind of quality. Plus it comes with a nifty little detachable leather pouch that’s great for tucking in your phone, or better, your keys so they don’t slosh around and scratch up everything else. (Story of my life.)

And let’s not forget that every purchase supports the actual women who craft them by hand, giving them a skill, sustainable income, education and medical care for their families.

Or if you do forget, the bag comes with a tag hand-signed by the artist to thank you for your purchase and explain just how it’s helping her.  Which means you’ll be wearing it with more pride than maybe any accessory you own.

Find the  Mamuye leather tote by fashionABLE at their website. CMP is an rstyle affiliate.