Rebecca Minkoff: MAB vs MAB-Mini

Like many of you, I was kinda stumped when it came to sizing for Rebecca Minkoff's Morning After Bag (aka MAB) and Morning After Bag Mini (aka MAB-Mini).  The dimension of the bags are similar...so how does that effect overall size?  I've been to numerous websites and I've yet to see a clear-cut side-by-side size comparison of the MAB and the MAB-Mini.  I've found plenty of pictures of models wearing the bags, but I'm smaller than average (5'3" on a good day!) and most models are taller than average.  How do those model shots help me?  They don't...not really.

I finally got my hands on both the MAB and the MAB-Mini simultaneously (thanks to Stefanibags.com)!  Here are side-by-side pictures of the MAB (on the right) and the MAB-Mini (on the left):

• Front View:

• Top View:

• Side View:

• Me With Both Bags - Front View:

• Me With Both Bags - Side View:

Hope this helped ladies!  IMO, the MAB is a great work-size bag and the MAB-Mini is great weekend-size bag.

Here's my video review of the MAB-Mini: Video Review: Rebecca Minkoff's MAB-Mini

My video review of the MAB is coming soon!!

LuvCharlie.com: 30% Off Code!!

Labor Day Weekend is upon us and that means sales are everywhere!  It's easy to get carried away and buy, buy, buy because everything is on sale.  Resist that impulse and you'll be left with fewer buyer's remorse.  Two questions to ask yourself: 1) Would I buy it if it weren't on sale? (i.e., Do I truly like it?) and 2) Would I buy it if was a final sale (and in some cases, it just may be)?  I'm mentioning this because I just went to the Barneys Warehouse Sale and saw women buying things they would probably never usually buy and will probably never wear.  They were all caught up in the frenzy of the hunt.

All this being said, I found three fantastic items on sale at LuvCharlie.com to use with their current code "HOLIDAY" (expires 9/7).  This code works with the entire site, not just the sale section!  So what are the three fantastic finds?  In no particular order of fantastic-ness: (Note: Prices reflect the additional 30% off.)

• Botkier Uma Satchel ($333.20) in black:  The Uma is a great everyday back that you can take from work to drinks/dinner!  Here's my video review of it: Video Review: Botkier's Uma Satchel.

• Yumi Kim Joey Top ($83.30) in pink maui:  I am not a pink girl.  But lots of you are and if I were a pink girl, I'd be buying this top.  This top looked amazing on all the girls trying it on at the Yumi Kim Sample Sale.  Particularly if you have tan!

• Yumi Kim Devon Dress ($98) in blue juniper:  I was lucky enough to nab this dress at the Yumi Kim Sample Sale and I LOVE IT!!  It's comfy and it's chic.  And you can dress it up with heels or down with flip flops.  I like to pair it with my silver flip flops - half-dressy/half-casual, totally comfortable!

[Images Courtesy of LuvCharlie]

Stefanibags.com: 25% Off Sale - NO EXCLUSIONS!!

Stefanibags.com is offering the best kind of promo code...a code that has NO EXCLUSIONS!  Use code "GLAM25" (expires 07/27/10) to take 25% off your entire purchase.  Here are my four picks: (Note:  Prices reflect 25% discount.)

• Olivia Harris Zip Pocket Clutch ($131.25) in violet:  Ooohhhh...soft, slouchy, smooshy purple clutch with a wristlet chain.

• Treesje Crimson Clutch ($291) in black:  This a fab rocker chic clutch (here's my video review:  Video Review: Treesje's Crimson) made from super soft leather!

• Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag Mini ($412.50) in black:  For all you RM fans, if you want (or is it need?) another black MAB-Mini, get it now (here's my video review of the MAB-Mini: Video Review: Rebecca Minkoff's MAB-Mini)!!

• Tano Mix Master Hobo ($149.25) in fuschia:  Thanks to a lovely shade of dusty fuschia, this hobo can take you from summer into fall!  And I love that this hobo has a zip top.

[Images Courtesy of Stefanibags]

Tobi.com: Sale Times Two!

Tobi.com is having a sale on top of its sale!!  Take 20% off all sale items with code "EXTRA20" (expires 7/18/10).  Happily, I found great prices on two very terrific Olivia Harris bags:

• Knot Satchel ($314.40) in black:  I have the Knot Satchel in vintage grey and let me just say that this bag has become my go-to bag.  It's taking a beating beautifully.  This is not a bag you baby.  This is a bag you use.  (For my video review, click here: Video Review: Olivia Harris' Washed Leather Knot Satchel.)

• Knot Flap Brushed Calf Crossbody Bag ($254.40) in grey:  This is a soft but structured crossbody bag.  It would make a very chic bag for sightseeing...big enough for your essentials (and a little more) but small enough so that you're not tempted to carry everything.

[Images Courtesy of Tobi]

Video Review: Rebecca Minkoff's MAB-Mini

I've been getting requests for video reviews of Rebecca Minkoff bags...so here's my 1st one!  This is the Morning After Bag Mini in concord.  It's a GORGEOUS PURPLE!!  This is a fantastic, stuffable, medium-sized satchel that you can bring to work, take to drinks/dinner, and hang with over the weekend.  It's a no brainer in this color.  The MAB-Mini in black is nice, but this purple version is wayyyyyy better!



Special Thanks To Our Sponsor:  Luna Boston


Here's a pix of the front of the MAB-Mini...and a side view (so you can see the dog-leash clasp):

Video Review: Treesje's Runaway Mini

Here's my video review of Treesje's Runaway Mini in black!  It's from Treesje's JETT Collection.  It's a washed lambskin tote with gunmetal hardware (yes, Yes, YES to gunmetal hardware!!).  I know what you're wondering...is it a zip tote?  There's no zipper for the main compartment but it's not wide open either.  There are three magnetic closures at the top.

Here's a pix of the Runaway Mini (without the shoulder strap):

The leather is crazy soft and smooshy!  This would make a fantastic black tote for Fall, right?  If the Runaway Mini is too small for you (it's 12.5" tall and 11" wide), consider the Runaway (it's 16" tall and 13" wide).  That would be a very stuffable bag!

Stefanibags.com: 30% Off All Cross-Body Bags!!

I'm pretty vocal about my current obsession for cross-body bags.  So I'm thrilled about Stefanibags.com's Cross-Body Bag sale: take an extra 30% off ALL cross-body bags!!  So many to choose from...which ones will make the cut?

These fab four reign supreme for me: (Note:  Price reflect 30% discount.)

• Rebecca Minkoff Eyelet Rocker ($206.50) in pale grey:  Sometimes leather feels a bit heavy for summer but the combo of pale grey and eyelet detailing lightens things up!  This is such a cute bag!

• Treesje Jovi Crossbody ($255.50) in viola:   I like that this lilac version of Treesje's Jovi is more pretty than edgy.  It's such a gorgeous shade of light purple!

• Botkier Venice Feed Bag ($244.30) in naked:  Need a more substantial/functional cross body bag?  Then Botkier's Venice Feed Bag is for you!

• Rebecca Minkoff Main Squeeze Foldover ($276.50) in pale grey:  This RM bag is for you ladies who like to tote around a little more than you should (that's me!) on the weekends.  Sunshine is always wondering why my bags are so heavy...I don't have a good explanation for him.

[Images Courtesy of Stefanibags.com]

LunaBoston.com: 2 Very Lovely Bags On Sale

I found two very lovely bags on sale at LunaBoston.com.  One is perfect for summer evenings when the sun sets late, and the other is perfect for work for summer Fridays when you don't want to carry the same old black bag.

• Stephanie Bracelet Clutch ($290) by DVF in silver metallic:  I'm really liking the woven leather texture; it's different than all the other clutches out there and it adds a touch of flirt to the bag that's great for the summer.  Plus, I'm pretty sure I would appreciate the bracelet strap towards the end of the night, if you KWIM...

• Mini Matinee ($425) by Rebecca Minkoff in vintage dark gray:  Yes, you have a MAB Mini in black.  But do you have a Mini Matinee in this vintage dark gray?  This is a great shade of deep gray that will work for almost any work outfit (pun intended, ha ha)!!  This gray paired with silver hardware really does it for me!!  (I know that you're thinking...you're thinking that I would have liked it even better with gunmetal hardware and you'd be right!)

[Images Courtesy of LunaBoston]

Video Review: Katherine Kwei's Amber Switch

This is one of my favorite video reviews to date:  Katherine Kwei's Amber Switch in black.  This is from her Fall 2010 line.  It's such a clever bag (calfskin with silver hardware)!!  If you're looking for a uber-cool Fall bag, this may be the one for you.



I just had to know more about the bag so I asked Katherine Kwei if she could provide a little background on it.  And wouldn't you know it?  Kathy has a great story behind it:

"We thought of the Amber by accident.  When we received one set of our mock up samples[,] we wanted to change the knot weave so we cut it off the body of the bag.  We realized that the weave was completely intact and not falling apart when detached from the bag.  Since we always back our leathers with another leather, sometime it's tonal but often it's with a metallic, we decided to see if we could make a bag that someone could switch colours around depending on their mood or desire...So the Amber Switch was born -  where someone can change the whole look and feel of the bag with just a quick unzip and zip while you're in a cab from the office to cocktails."

The greatest things always occur by accident, right?

Here's a pix of me using the Amber Switch as a cross-body bag:

I'm not sure why I didn't lengthen the shoulder strap more (there's plenty more to lengthen) since I wouldn't mind having it sit lower, but at least you get a feel for the size of the Amber Switch.  BTW, I'm petite.  It can fit all your personal items easily (in my case, personal junk), but it won't (and shouldn't) double as your gym bag.

Tylie Malibu Skinny Clutch: Stepping Out With The Rocker Chic In You

After reviewing my first Tylie Malibu bag recently (see post here:  Video Review: Tylie Malibu's Runaway West Leather Bag), I've been paying more attention to this brand.  The designs are rocker chick but the leathers are soft/light.  The Skinny Clutch from Tylie Malibu can bring out the bar hopping party girl in you:

[Image Courtesy of Stefanibags.com]

For those of you uncomfortable with all the super studded bags out there, this one is for you!  The front of the Skinny Clutch is decorated with pyramid studs but the studs are lined up nicely for a cleaner look...as opposed to some of the the all-you-can stud bags out there.  You can't miss the brass stud detailing but it's not shouting at you either.  This bag is on sale for $192.50 at Stefanibags.com (price reflects 30% discount with code "SUNNY30"; code expires 5/10/10).  

As a side note, what's up with everything being named "Skinny"?  Does it make you skinnier?  No.  Does it make you feel skinnier?  No.  But I guess it's because we all like the idea of "skinny"...

Calpyso: 20% Off On 5/6 With T-Shirt Purchase

Calypso is having an in-store sale on 5/6.  The sale terms are slightly weird but hey, it's better than no sale:  purchase any t-shirt and get 20% off your entire purchase during 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.  Calypso always has a unique selection of bags.  Here are the two that I like for summer:

• Valencia Tote ($95) by Mar Y Sol in natural:  Seriously, how cute is this rafia tote??

• Fetish Clutch ($95) by Casting For Calypso in beige: This straw/sequined clutch is a nice alternative to your leather clutch.

[Images Courtesy of Calypso]

ENK Show: Bags, Bags, Bags!

I went to the ENK Show yesterday to look at the upcoming bags for Fall.  And I have to admit that after strolling around from booth to booth, things started to look the same.  How many different ways can you stud a bag?  But here are the ones that stood out:

• RomyGold:  I really liked the bags from RomyGold...particularly those from the Slit collection.  The slitting adds a unique texture to the bags.  The Slit satchel with chain handles on the bottom is gorgeous! 

• Treesje:  I am very happy to report that Treesje has gone more edgy and less girly (no more frills/pleating/braiding!!).  The gray studded satchel below is calling my name!  For you Ascher lovers, the new Ascher is more sophisticated thanks to the new twisted leather detailing.

• Botkier:  The leather of the satchel below hits all my 3 S's:  stuffable, soft and smooshy!  I like the shape and the weaving detailing.  This would make a great everyday black bag.  :)

RomyGold: Biker Slash Tote

My heart skipped a beat when I saw RomyGold's Biker Slash Tote ($475) in black!  It's probably too big for me IRL but a girl can dream, right?  Sigh.  For you taller gals, you can purchase this downtown-vibing bag at SearleNYC.com.  Use code "SAVE15" for 15% off.  (I think it's fabulous when you have a bag that's different from everyone else's bags.)

[Images Courtesy of Searle]

BeeGeeBags.com: Exquisite Clutches

BeeGeeBags.com chooses to focus on one thing: clutches.  And it's a really good thing!  Their clutches are a throwback to a more lady-like era...one filled with prints, silks and embroidery rather than studs, chains and leather.  Take 30% off with the code "BGDC".  I fell in love with these 5 distinctive but equally exquisite clutches:  (Note:  Prices reflect the 30% discount.)

• George ($50.40):  This cotton clutch would instantly add a little funkiness to a simple t-shirt and jeans outfit.  

• Orangy Red Gracie ($57.40):  This cotton clutch calls for a soft and flowy dress/top...very romantic.

• Obi ($64.40):  This cotton clutch will add a pop of color to your outfit.

• Brassy Nora ($52.50):  This silk clutch with peacock embroidery is beyond gorgeous!  You'll want to take this one out to a fancy dinner.

• Dandelion ($50.40):  This sateen-finish clutch would be a great everyday clutch...if you can manage to have a clutch lifestyle!  I can only dream...

[Images Courtesy of BeeGeeBags.com]

Yes...the shipping fee is on the higher side, but at these prices, I think you can let it slide.

AsterAlice.com: Cool Treesje Clutches

In honor of tax day, AsterAlice.com is offering 30% off most regular priced items.  Use code "TAXBREAK".  I'm not sure when this code expires, but I'm pretty sure that if you're looking for a cool clutch, these two Treesje clutches are a great deal:

• Geneva Clutch ($266 after 30% off) in cherry:  I usually don't go for red purses, but I like this clutch with it's unique design.   The distressed quality of the leather tones down the red and the pleating detail in the back is a nice surprise.  This is a statement clutch for a night out on town with the girls!

• Mortale Pouch Skulls ($82.60 after 30% off) in black:  I'm not a skulls kinda girl but for those of you who are, this is a very cute wristlet.  It's not teeny tiny so it will fit everything you need for a night of revelry.  With the wrist strap, you can drink and dance freely! 

[Images Courtesy of AsterAlice.com]