If you’re looking to restyle your end-of-summer return to work or school, here are some stunners. Nothing restyles your look quicker than a new bag. Meet the work of local handbag makers, all right here in Sonoma County.
Totes Sonoma: Great Handbags by Local Makers
Breezy Beauty: This "Coastal Breezes" deer hide bag was handmade by Native Riders' shop owner, Lone Eagle. Embellished with bead work, a buffalo nickel, and vegetable dyed leathers, "this bag seems to whisper a story of its own," to quote Native Riders.
$685, Native Riders, 851 Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol, 707-829-8544, etsy.com/shop/nativeriders
Fashioned Felt: Quality German-made “filz” or felt comes ingeniously into form and function at the hands Sonoma County artisan Adelle Stoll. Seriously sculptural, but cheerfully colored, this handbag truly stuns.
$298, Adelle Stoll, 6780 McKinley St #140, Sebastopol, 707-291-4484, adellestoll.com
Mohair Marvel: Local designer Adelle Stoll does it again with innovate style. This piece is called Riverfront Lux.
$650,Adelle Stoll, 6780 McKinley St #140, Sebastopol, 707-291-4484, adellestoll.com
You Go, Green!: Sonoma-USA upcycles banners from many local businesses to make duffle bags, laptop cases and carrying pouches. The remnant material is cut and sewn in a Santa Rosa studio. Lined in neoprene, this laptop bag is protective of your electronics, local businesses and the planet.
$49.95 (13” laptop case), $19.95 (pouch), sonomausa.com
BOHO Buffalo: This handmade, buffalo hide piece features the following exquisite details: eagle half-dollars fashioned into buttons, hand-cut deerskin lacing, lining for durability, and a turquoise rosette with seed beading.
$685, Native Riders, 851 Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol, 707-829-8544, etsy.com/shop/nativeriders
Custom Chic: Pieces by Pennyroyal in Petaluma are produced in the spirit of timeless design and small batch making. Their commitment to creating “your favorite handbag” means many customizable options from piece of cowhide to length of straps.
$460, Pennyroyal Studio, 122a American Alley, Petaluma, 707-280-3259, inthemakingpetaluma.com
Classic Carry: Here's is Pennyroyal's sweet take on the classic school bag. Made with vegetable tanned bridle leather.
$600, Pennyroyal Studio, 122a American Alley, Petaluma, 707-280-3259, inthemakingpetaluma.com
Raw Edge Beauty: Here's some asymmetrical style well worth obsessing over.
$200, Pennyroyal Studio, 122a American Alley, Petaluma, 707-280-3259, inthemakingpetaluma.com
Crafted Carry: Oberon Design in Santa Rosa combines their intricate handtooled leather work with waxed canvas to make this Tree of Life messenger bag. An artfully made carrier for the hardworking laptop or other important items.
$195 (without laptop pouch), $220 (with laptop pouch), Oberon Design, 1817 Empire Industrial Ct, Santa Rosa, 707-570-3910, oberondesign.com
Handbag for Healing: Out of heightened gratitude and love for their home after the North Bay Fires, the makers at Oberon have designed this Sonoma Tote. Each purchase yields a $20 donation to ongoing fire recovery efforts. This hand-tooled beauty is designed to be roomy, but slim.
$295, Oberon Design, 1817 Empire Industrial Ct, Santa Rosa, 707-570-3910, oberondesign.com