Carry Out

A Davidson designer uses recycled materials to create chic accessories

We may live in a material world, but designer Cathe Hawley has taken those materials and crafted them into eco-conscious pop art accessories. In 2007, after a friend gave her old, designer fabric samples to “do something with,” Hawley started Things SHE Carried, an accessory company that produces handbags, organizers (pictured), and wallets out of reclaimed and recycled materials. Don’t be misled, though—woven hemp totes these are not. Hawley uses everything from vintage designer fabric to industrial felt to construct her colorful, user-friendly bags and office accessories in retro and modern styles, like a zip clutch made from reclaimed denim and floral linen ($39), or a business card holder made with color-flecked billboard vinyl ($27). You can find her accessories on her online shop at thingsshecarried.etsy.com.