Find your bag: Reusable shopping bags, upcycled handbags, felt gift bags

Okay, I'm playing catch-up here and posting about some things that have been on my desk for a while. This collection of three is all about bags.

One: The WaPost recently ran a feature in its Local Living section about shoppers in DC learning how to bring their own bags to the store. The story included a nice photo gallery of what the Post deemed "best bags" -- best value, best design, best insulated bag, etc. Of note: The Trader Joe's six-bottle beverage tote, perfect for wine, water or any bottle. I hadn't heard of a beverage bag before; it fills a need for me, when I buy wine, but not enough to fill a box.

Two: Looking for a unique way to give a gift, without using wrapping paper? Gift bags are a good substitute, but another option is a nice, reusable felt gift pouch designed by textile artist Diane Davis -- and available from Bee Modern. My friend Paula Bee and her sister run this Web site/store, which also sells jute bags, canvas bags, and some bags made from repurposed fabric.

Three: If you're pro-sustainability and like leather, check out the leather handbags and clutches at Uptown Redesigns. Owner and designer Sandy Philpott takes old leather clothing -- coats, jeans and such -- cleans and conditions them and then uses them to make handbags. She offers quite a range of designs and will do custom work, too.

For whatever you want to carry, there are green options out there!