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Posts Tagged ‘handbag brands’

MZ Wallace caught my attention before I knew who they were. One day on BART I a spotted well-dressed woman carrying the cutest quilted fabric tote in black. I hadn’t seen anything like it. Not long after that, MZ Wallace showed up in my IG feed (hmm, coincidence or … ?) and I immediately recognized their distinctive look. I followed them knowing that one day I was going to indulge.

Behind MZ Wallace are Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace, two NYC women who were not finding what they needed in a handbag – “a bag that would allow for every aspect of our busy lives, that we could use all day every day all year round.” In 2000 they launched their brand determined to provide a “functional luxury” product.

Made of recycled nylon, MZ Wallace bags are lightweight and waterproof. The quilting gives subtle texture and extra interest. Initially they started off in black but recently have added patterns and lots of bright colors like kelly green. They are known for their urban-friendly crossbody bags and backpacks. Also on offer is an array of other styles such as hobo, tote, and the oh-so-popular sling.

I’m a fan of crossbody bags. I like the way they look and of course they are convenient. After a couple of years of watching MZ Wallace I decided last fall that for my birthday I was finally going to treat myself. I had settled on the Metro Flat Crossbody. It’s sleek and simple with two pockets on the outside and four on the inside. There are little details that make this a “luxury” bag such as a leather zipper pull trimmed in red and inside fabric that is soothing to the touch.

This is the bag I reach for when I’m going out for the day. I usually also carry a tote for all the extras – umbrella, hat, water, and so on. I couldn’t be happier with my MZ Wallace and it won’t be long before I just have to have another one.

(This is not a paid endorsement.)

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Me at 5 years old with my red patent leather handbag. Don’t I look pleased with myself. 

Playing dress-up begins at age 5 and never truly ends.

Kate Spade (1962-2018), American fashion designer.

Kate Spade was known for her handbag line which she launched with her husband, Andy Spade, in 1993. The business was a huge success with affordable Kate Spade bags becoming a staple in every stylish woman’s closet. What is lesser known is that the Spades sold a portion of their company shares to Neiman Marcus in 1999 and the rest in 2006. Today the company is owned by Coach.

In 2016 the couple got back into the biz with a new line called Frances Valentine.

 

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I chose this quote because I think many woman can relate and it reminded me of myself at 5 years old when I was all about handbags. I had a small collection which included a couple of patent leather, a wicker, and one orange cloth with a faux tortoiseshell handle. (That one had belonged to my mother but I loved it so much she let me have it.) Indeed I liked to play dress-up with my handbags (and hats), creating outfits to go with them. It made me feel grown up.

Thanks Kate Spade for the reminder and for giving us the opportunity to continue playing.

Sadly, last week the designer hung herself with a scarf in her NYC home.

RIP Kate Spade.

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