Those of you who know me in an in-person kind of way know that I am really into accessories. The bag, shoes, scarf, or jewelry makes whatever you’re wearing a whole different outfit. Last weekend, I was looking for the perfect bag that would work for both mingolfing, where one requires the use of one’s hands, and the symphony, which suggests one should, you know, pretend to be classy.

There is this little independent shop at 41st and Tennyson, right across 41st from Tennyson Hardware. I had been past there about a zillion times, because I love Tennyson Hardware and they magically always have exactly what I need. Unfortunately, hardware stores where you can go get what you need are fast dying off, and hardware stores that feature an all-important advice-giving older guy have all but vanished, except, of course, for Tennyson Hardware. But I digress.

So I actually went into the little shop in question last Friday. It was incredible! It had all manner of the most beautiful handbags I have ever seen. Sometimes when I visit the art museum’s gift shop, I see some kind of gorgeous accessory, then I look at the price tag, and it’s, like, $200, which I think borders on immoral. I mean, if I have $200 to blow on a handbag, isn’t there something better I could be doing with that money? It’s the same reason I don’t think I could ever own a $400,000 car, when I could very happily drive a $20,000 car and give $380,000 to a whole host of more worthy causes. I am just too much of a commie to drive a Bentley, you know? But again, I digress.

Okay, so I’m in a room full of absolutely gorgeous handmade handbags, and not one of them is even $50. Most are real silk, around $20 - $25, and have some sort of clever design. They also have art for sale in the attached gallery, a number of beautiful little gifts, and handmade clothing. So while my eyeballs are popping out of their sockets, I take a look at one of the price tags. It tells me a little bit about who makes these lovely pieces of practical art:

“This beautiful purse was sewn by the hands of the women who are members of the various co-op groups outside of Saigon, Viet-Nam. The organization was founded to help the women fight against poverty.”

It seems that the woman who runs the shop in my neighborhood is from Vietnam, and travels back there frequently. These women’s co-ops make accessory art, the shopkeep knows the women personally and sells their wares at her shop in Colorado, and then sends them back the proceeds to pay for the work of the co-ops and other anti-poverty programs in their area. The organization is called “Provide-N-Ce,” and they also have a website you can check out.

I love stuff like this: I can help out people who are doing good work as both artisans and human beings, AND I get fantastic and unique accessories. Feel free to join me.