Crystalyn Kae Blog

"low impact, high-style handbags" via Treehugger!

Today I had the honor of having my bags featured on Treehugger.com!  Wow!  I still can’t believe it. That squeaking sound you hear? That’s me trying to scrounge together enough pennies for one of Crystalyn Kae’s luscious climate-forward bags.

From Sculpture to Style: Upcycled Fashion Reimagined

Today I  discovered a feature in American Style on mixed-media sculptor John Petrey. His collection of multi-dimensional dresses with a pop – culture Americana feel, are crafted from an array of unconventional salvaged materials, including: bottle caps, playing cards, yardsticks, 

 

‘More than Just a Reusable Bag’ – CT Green Scene

Crystalyn Kae was recently featured in an article in CT Green Scene.: “Looking for that classy little clutch or a funky Hobo? Look no further for your eco-chic handbag. There are some great shops online that have made the old new … Continue reading

 

Mom’s Whole Grain Blender Pancakes

On Sunday morning, while visiting my parents, I woke up in time to help my Mom make breakfast. She is the queen of adapting healthy recipes in unique ways, and as she started pulling ingredients from the cupboard for “Blender Pancakes" I had to grab my camera.  This extremely flexible recipe is adapted from a cookbook she’s marked to shreds. 

I was most impressed that this easy pancake recipe also accommodated my ‘dairy-free’ requirement nicely, while incorporating whole foods for a meal that would sustain us for a long day of sight-seeing and antique shopping in the Willamette Valley.

 

“The Essential Green You” – Eco Shopping List

Crystalyn Kae was featured in Deirdre Imus’ new book “The Essential Green You!” I adore my Monarch black hobo bag – it’s chic and vegan!  She uses a great mix of vintage fabrics and upholstery -grade fabrics that have been … Continue reading

 

“After a Fashion” Brown Metier tote featured in Neet Magazine!

My ale brown Metier tote was featured in this month’s Neet Magazine! Check it out!

 

Shop handmade for the holidays

Yesterday I was sent one of those email forwards, this one was on the topic of ‘Support Sears’ for the Holidays and it really got under my skin. What happened to supporting small business, artisans and not giving more money …  

Monarch hobo in November 2008 Lucky

Featured in the Seattle section of Lucky Magazine: “Sweet, fan-like pleats and subtle rivets add the loveliest texture to Crystalyn Kae’s hobo.” Monarch Hobo, www.crystalynkae.com

 

getting into the groove

So far, the Seattle autumn has been quite lovely. Whether we are hiking in the mountains, or simply crunching through the leaves on our daily post office run – it has been a blissful season. These past few weeks have … Continue reading

 

Eco-Interview on Girlie Girl Army

I was recently interviewed for the Girlie Girl Army blog – which is a powerful voice for the vegan community and I was happy to share my design aesthetic, low-impact lifestyle and ethical business practices,

Watch Crystalyn's interview & studio tour for Washington State University

I have relished the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of fashion designers: mentoring students in preparation for their senior fashion show, hands-on demonstrations in my workshop, as well as offering jobs and internships.   

I was recently filmed at work in my studio and around Seattle, sharing my experiences as an alumni of WSU‘s Apparel & Textiles program. 

 

Waterproof Handbags

Rooftop Trunk ShowOriginally uploaded by Crystalyn Kae Thank you to everyone who came to my Rooftop Trunk Show last week. The cloudy skies and infrequent showers helped me show off the waterproof-ness of my bags. I was so thrilled at … Continue reading

 

custom wedding clutches for a Seattle bride and her bridesmaid clutches
Nothing thrills us more than to be asked to be part of your wedding party!  Or be worn on your arm/wrist, that is! Kelly asked us to customize our pleated clutch with varying shades of hot pink for her bridesmaids gifts - which she filled with pampering goodies for her special ladies.
photoshoot at the Balmar

A big thank you to Steve and Susan at the Balmar, for hosting our photoshoot last week! The exposed brick walls, wooden staircase and cocktail vibe were a perfect setting! 

 

Patchwork Stripe Pillows: A Homage to the Women of Our Family

Our patchwork leather pillows and stripe designs celebrate sustainability and storytelling — transforming rescued fabrics and heirloom materials into modern heirlooms

 

Casual tote to Stylish Purse: Seattle Magazine

Seattle Magazine, May 2008 “This Métier shopper bag by Seattle-based designer Crystalyn Kae easily transforms from casual tote to stylish purse. Stash magazines, a water bottle, a map and your laptop for weekend roaming, or fold down the corners and. . .

Thaw Fashion Show

I was honored to be included in the Thaw Fashion Show, which an annual fashion show and fund-raiser in Seattle featuring independent designers. Proceeds benefit the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) to fund social services and research. this year. … Continue reading

 

pleated clutches on ABC’s View from the Bay

The gals at Cool Mom Picks brought my lovely pleated clutches to be featured on San Francisco’s afternoon t.v. show – for their Mother’s Day Gift Ideas. Watch the show online here.

 

Pleated Clutch featured in Body + Soul Magazine!

In this month’s (February 2008) issue of Martha’s Body + Soul Magazine, my glazed fabric pleated clutch was featured!. Ethically responsible handbag designer, Crystalyn Kae has found a way to unite high style with serious social consciousness. “ I guess … Continue reading

 

Cool Mom Picks – Bag of the Year (With the Story to Back it Up)

  “Here’s how much we love the bags from Crystalyn Kae: I emailed designer Crystalyn Kokorowski about ordering one of her gorgeous Soirée Drawstring Bags for myself, and then one for my co-editor Kristen as a holiday gift. Simultaneously, Kristen … Continue reading