Wednesday, July 14, 2010

My Vacation & Wayuu Mochila Bags

I'm sure you guys have been wondering where I have disappeared to. Posts were still appearing everyday but I stopped commenting on blogs. Sorry, but I was on vacation! Most of you know that I am currently living in South America so I took a vacation to the coast, staying at my aunt's condo for a few days. The trip was fantastic. One of the highlights was a hike through the forest to the most gorgeous river you can imagine. We then rode the river currents down towards the ocean on tubes. There really are no words to describe how beautiful it was and the pictures don't do it justice. Along the river bank monkeys played in the trees and birds flew over us.

Palomino River

Of course there was also plenty of laying on the beach, $5 foot massages, mojito drinking and lobster eating.

View from the Condo


Sunset on the beach

And shopping...there were some indigenous women down the beach selling mochilas (bags). If you have been to Colombia bags made by indigenous people are a common sight and somewhat of a trend. I spotted a few that I loved and everything ended right there. I ended up walking away with a truck load of bags. Two for myself and the rest with the intention to sell. After I bought them I borrowed my aunts computer to do a bit of research and turns out the Wayuu mochilas are becoming somewhat of a trendy "it" item in North America. Even J. Crew was selling them but has already sold out. It's almost like I'm psychic. LOL.

The mochila that started it all (this ones not for sale)

Each bag is hand-made by a Wayuu woman. The particular bags I purchased were made by a group of 60 women working as a co-op. They all live together as a clan in what they call a rancheria. Each women has her own signature style and the bags all signify something special. For example certain design mean "the path of love", "wind", "rays of the sun", "coming of age" etc.

Extra Small Mochila


Extra Large Mochila

Extra Large Mochila

Large Mochila

Large Mochila

Extra Large Mochila

If you want more info, prices, photos etc. leave a comment here with your email address and I'll send you a PDF file with all the bags I have for sale.

I'm working on setting up a website to sell these mochilas and others not pictured. I thought I'd give my blog friends first dibs before the website is set up.


Posted by at 5:13 PM
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40 comments:

  1. Lobster, mojito and massage... that is the life. Those bags are so cute.. perfect for summer. xoxo

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  2. Sounds like fun! Your pictures are beautiful :)

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  3. Sounds like an awesome trip! Those mochilas are really nice :)

    xox cathy.

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  4. What a beautiful place! These pictures are truly amazing!

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  5. View from condo? mad jealous.

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  6. Relaxation is such a great thing =D
    Of all the bags, the most beautiful one is not for sale, what a pity =(

    Fairies in the garden,
    Berlin

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  7. wow! all the bags are so pretty...and you sure have a great eye to pick fab things ..always :)

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  8. ah.. beach. make me wanna go there too :D

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  10. those bags are adorable!

    Thankyou for the comment on my blog!
    XOXO, BECCA
    www.fashion-train.co.uk

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  11. I'm glad you had a great holiday and the River trip sounds and looks amazing.

    The bags look amazing, I love all the different colours and patterns.

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  12. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  13. Great pictures and I love those Mochila's.:)SarahD

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  14. love your blog!

    you should enter my giveaway!
    return the favor & follow back? <3

    givemefashionnow.blogspot.com

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  15. those bags are awesome, i would love to buy one!

    jadepurplebrown.blogspot.com

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  16. Mmmhmmm, mojitos and massages. Sounds good to me! These photos are so lovely, btw. Looks like you had a wonderful vacation!

    Remember to enter for your chance to win a Two Strap Belt from Sway!

    Melanie@UnravelledThreads

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  17. Oh, I remember walking along beautiful beaches in Uruguay and drinking Mojitos at the Iguazu waterfalls... But the truly indidgenous wares I bought in Central America. These are beautiful bags, great idea to start a website! xo

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  18. those tribal inspired bags are awesome !!

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  19. $5 foot massages? wow I would get one every night before I go to bed lol! The tribal bags are awesome! You should start a site with these bags!

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  20. WOW what an amazing place!
    Love mochilas! they are so cute!
    Thanks for your comment!
    Sandra

    http://dearlookbook.blogspot.com

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  21. that place looks like a dream.. and thhose bag are so cute! :)

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  22. thankyou for the comment on my blog :)
    hope you have a great summer izzy!

    XOXO, BECCA
    www.fashion-train.co.uk

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  24. A great idea to put the bags up for sale. Very striking and different bags

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  26. The green/yellow bag makes me weep with joy, oh my ! Please give me a chance to buy one.

    Tkmanolian@gmail.com

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  27. Beautiful spot. Would love to get there someday. I'm definitely interested in a bag purchase. Please reach out.
    deva.newman@nick.com

    Thanks!!

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  28. um, so now i really want one of those bags!!!!! either the first or last, they are amazing. i would have though they were vintage had i only seen one. haha.

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  29. I had been arguing with my close friend on this issue for quite a while, base on your ideas prove that I am right, let me show him your webpage then I am sure it must make him buy me a drink, lol, thanks.

    - Kris

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  30. Hi, I sell these amazing Wayuu mochila bags

    www.mochilabags.co.uk
    info@mochilabags.co.uk

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  31. Id love to see bags and prices:)
    amylynnzimm@gmail.com

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