You’ve heard it a million times; bring your own bags when you grocery shop to save the planet. And every grocery store is going to sell you different bags to do just that. And I’ve bought a couple from Whole Foods for just that purpose. The problem? A lot of them are ugly, a lot of them don’t fold up well and a lot of them aren’t comfortable to carry once loaded.

I had heard a lot of friends rave about the Flip and Tumble bags but I was really suspicious of a bag that folds into itself. I’ve bought a lot of those (and blankets) that never, ever, fold back into themselves. But the price, the colours and the raves (plus the fact I could order using Paypal – always a plus for me) made me cave, and I’m so glad I did.

This is the first bag that easily – and I mean easily – folds into a ball. In seconds. With no thought! I keep my little ball in my purse (it’s that small) so whether I’m at the grocery store, out running errands from clothing to beauty stores or just in need of a bag to take to the beach without worrying about getting sand it, I now have it.

The handle has a little bit of padding which makes it comfortable on your shoulder. It holds a lot of groceries while still being comfortable to carry. And did I mention in turns into a ball? The only downside for me is that the handle is long and I’m not. So if it has things in it and my arm is extended down fully, the bag touches the ground. If you like to carry things that way, you’ll have to either shorten the handle yourself or find another bag.

But the goods far outweigh that which is why I’m going to order a few more!

BUY AT: Flip and Tumble

I’m a firm believer in wearing hats for several reasons; sun protection, keeps your hair color longer, looks stylish on days you don’t want to wash our hair and did I mention sun protection?

Living in Los Angeles, I both love and fear the sun. I try to do everything I can to keep my skin healthy from sunburn and melanoma which is hard to do when most of your days are sunny.

But this hat, which I’ve had for a few years in a dark brown, has been indispensable for a few reasons. First, it has a very large and bendable brim. It keeps the sun out of my eyes but because there is a light wire running along the edge, I can move and shape the brim as I please. Second, the colour and style works with a lot of different outfits from casual beach wear to more on the town dresses.

Pair it with some oversized glasses and people will be wondering, who is that girl regardless if you live in LA or not!

BUY AT: Anthropologie

With buying a new travel bag comes the need to buy a new luggage tag. Since my Orla Kiely bag was colourful and fun, I wanted a tag to match. But all the travel stores seemed to carry the same black or neon tags – definitely not what I had in mind. With all the luck I’ve been having on Etsy lately, a quick search turned up Two owls linen and cotton travel luggage name tag by Minmade!

There are several reasons why I love this; the colour combinations, the fact that it’s linen, the stretchy loop to secure it to my handle, the snap closure to put my business card in (and keeping my info private), the fact that it’s unique and handmade and I confess, most importantly, is that it goes perfectly with my luggage!

I’m not sure how it would stand up to repeated uses as checked luggage but for my carry-on pieces, it’s perfect.

BUY AT: Minmade on Etsy

I will always sing the praises of my Victorinox luggage as it has been all over the world with me and still looks fabulous. But there came a point when I wanted a second, lighter carry on bag for a longer trip and a smaller bag for just overnight excursions. And, I must confess, wanted something pretty instead of just the full on red of my Victorinox. I do run a site called Pet the Pretty Things after all.

But since I had a great set of luggage, I resisted buying this Orla Kiely Wheelie when I was recently in London. But then when I saw it pop up again at my local Anthropologie and heard my good friend dish about recently purchasing it, I caved and went from petting it to bringing it home.

At first, I thought it’d be a more whimsical bag because it’s colourful and definitely made for fashion. But upon closer inspection I came to discover it’s actually a decent travel bag; a gorgeous and large enough main compartment for a weekend’s worth of clothes or as a nice carry on. There are three inner, two outer pockets, great top handles to carry it or a 17″ extendable handle to roll it. It’s light, it’s definitely hard to miss and above all, it’s well crafted.

I wouldn’t use it as checked luggage – that’s what the Victorinox is for but for a carry on or car trip? Absolutely perfect.

BUY AT: Anthropologie or Orla Kiely

As an artist, I love colourful, unique things and especially love to support other artists. However, I find a lot of gear for my camera is boring black – not creative at all – and generally made by great big corporations. So I was happy when a quick search on Etsy revealed the shop What a Hoot that was selling beautifully made (and colourful!) camera straps!

I was a little hesitant because my camera and lens can be quite heavy so I wasn’t sure if something home made would be sturdy and comfortable enough for my gear. However these straps are made from real manufactured camera straps so they are very durable and a felt backing makes it very comfortable around your neck. I also really like the thickness of the strap (1.5″ wide) and the length (42″ long). The colour selection is beautiful as is the craftsmanship.

So if you have a camera, banish the black and get into some colour!

BUY AT: What a Hoot Etsy Shop

Growing up on a farm I wore wellingtons a lot and from what I remember they were always too big, too uncomfortable and left my feet too cold. I vowed to never wear them once I became a city girl. But you know the saying, never say never.

When recent downpours became a regular part of my life and having a dog meant I couldn’t hide from it, plus the fact I was spending every day walking the beach, I became in need of some water proof boots. But not just any boots – they had to be stylish. Because I wasn’t working on a farm – I’m wearing expensive dresses and still want to look pretty.

With hundreds of recommendations in tow for Hunter Wellington Boots, I ordered a pair (a half size down) and when they came I was instantly smitten and wondered why I’d waited so long! They’re stylish, easy to get on/off, so comfortable, and they fit like a (waterproof) glove. They look great walking in tidal pools or on the streets in a downpour. In fact, I’m hoping in rains tomorrow just so I have reason to wear them out.

BUY AT: Zappos

Since I travel a lot but can’t eat gluten, eating at airports can be a pain. So I bought this bag to bring with me as a stylish way to bring along lunch or dinner. And if you’re in an office or at school? The perfect lunch bag!

What I love (besides the look) is that it’s waterproof, washable, and big enough to hold a drink plus my food. It’s watersuit material so it keeps my food cold (or hot), doesn’t stand and it’s pliable to roll up or lie flat when not in use. It’s also ecofriendly in the sense I’m not throwing out a bag after every meal!

BUY AT: Built NY and REI and Container Store

Working on film sets in Vancouver you saw nothing but Uggs on people’s feet. Everyone’s except mine. When I lived in New Zealand we’d make fun of the Australians who wore them – calling them “Uggers” and I vowed never to wear them. Especially since when I moved to Los Angeles and girls were wearing them with shorts in 30C/80F weather!

Never say never.

Although, in fairness, I do not wear the boots (can’t do it) but I do wear these slippers every day. I’ve suffered with cold feet for years and lots of slippers just couldn’t warm them up, or were uncomfortable, or broke down or whatever. But these, these little fluffy friends keep my feet warm, cosy and wear beautiful around the house or a quick dash out in the yard.

They never make your feet sweat, they’re easy to slip on and off but don’t come off easily (so if you sit cross legged or one foot tucked under they won’t pop off). They’re my favourite slipper – so much so I’ve convinced most of my friends to get a pair – even those who once vowed never to own something “Uggers.”

When I saw these shoes I was instantly smitten and anyone who knows me that’s rare (I’m a boot girl). But the colour (I actually bought them in black), design and shape looked amazing so I had to give them a try. And I was even more surprised to discover not only did they look great, but they felt great too. This Spanish company believes in more than just pretty footwear; with a green conscious they create beautifully designed, eco friendly shoes that give support to your feet and the environment.

Listen to this: “The upper is made from Stream Leather; tanned with vegetable extracts, ground tree bark and churned for weeks in a special cylinder. It is treated by hand with animal fat, olive and sunflower oil. This naturally protects the shoes from water, dirt and everyday wear. Insoles are a recycled carbon compound that give added support and breathability. The exclusive Frog Shock System is a specially cushioned insole that absorbs the harsh impacts to the heel. The Comfort Last is anatomically angled. The outline adapts to the natural shape of your foot. The Recycled Rubber Outsole is environmentally conscience.”

The thick soles keep your feed high and dry plus keep you from slipping on wet surfaces. The design prevents your foot from slipping out whilst giving you amazing support. And the comfort? Well, let’s just say I hiked in them in the Big Woods on the West Coast and my feet felt better after than those of my sneaker wearing counter parts (plus I got a lot more compliments!)

Never before have I seen a shoe that had style, comfort and a mission. I know this won’t be my last pair of El Naturalista’s!

BUY AT: Nordstrom and El Naturalista

Until a few years ago, I had one bag. I was content. But then I met Sara Lovering who runs the Bag Blog and then I moved to LA and I just seemed to all of a sudden notice and want bags. It was bad for awhile. But I got help and thought I was doing OK until I saw this bag at Anthropologie.

I petted it, dear reader, for a very long time. Daily, in fact. No, just pet it I’d tell myself. But the colour, the material, the size, the style – it was too much! And when there was only one left in the store I knew I had to act quickly. So I took it off the hanger and yes, I brought it home. And I’m so glad I did.

First, aside from being terribly stylish, it fits my 15″ macbook perfectly and is very, very comfortable to use with the computer inside. Travelling as much as I do, I need a laptop bag that doesn’t look like a laptop bag and this is it. Inside, there’s lots of pockets and storage – for pens, papers, notebooks, keys, phones, wallets, your mama. Kidding about your mama. Kind of.

It’s a step price to pay for a bag, I know, but it’s something I think you’ll be able to use for a very long time. And if it’s not in your budget keep petting it – Anthropologie is known for their serious sales so check their website sale section and most likely it’ll be 40% off within the month!

BUY AT: Anthropologie