The many faces of Miche Bags

It is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, and in fashion in particular, that’s a given. Keeping up with current styles could make your head spin and your budget burst. Enter Miche Bags (pronounced Mee Chee), the brainchild of a young woman who spilled something on her purse one day and wished she could just throw on a new cover instead of having to transfer the contents to a new bag.

The company has grown since its inception in 2004, but the concept remains the same: buy a base (Demi, Classic, Prima, or Petite) and then change the covers to fit your outfit, your mood, or the season. You can buy Miche bags three different ways – online, in a retail store, or through a  representative. With a rep, you can actually have a purse party at your home and shop with your friends.

Oh, the prices? $19.95 for the Petite, $37.95 for the Classic, and $44.95 for the Demi or Prima. The covers are magnetic and go on in seconds. It’s easy and fun, especially if you like to change your look on a whim. Here are a few samples – check out the others at michebag.com.

Maddy is one of the shells for the Petite Bag, featuring a  charcoal floral-embossed panel against a fuchsia background.  A simple half chain shoulder strap adds another  point of interest. At $17.95 it would be a sweet addition to any young girl’s wardrobe.

Do you like Burberry?  Then you might enjoy Alyssa, a pretty plaid cover that fits the Classic. This tote is shown here with black handles, but you can switch out to cream-colored ones (purchased separately) to give it a lighter look.  Alyssa can be picked up for a fraction of the cost of a Burberry – $32.95.

Ah, the Prima – “for the woman who carries her life in a purse”. That would be me! The pairing of the giraffe print with touches of red makes Lexi a fun everyday look.  There’s plenty of room inside this large bag and at $44.95 it’s worth having around for a chic change of pace.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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While it’s not your typical Marc Jacobs design, there’s something very appealing about the Small Fulton Bag nonetheless. In fact, were it not slapped with a logo plate along the flap, I’d never have guessed. Gone is the OTT hardware and the quilted leather. In their places are soft, gleaming goatskin and just a touch of gold for a hint of shine. It’s not the hugest departure in the world, but it makes for a nice change of pace. Find it for $1150 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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Michael Kors isn’t exactly synonymous with exotic materials and peppy colors, but you’d never know it by the looks of his Ostrich-Embossed Satchel. How delighted am I that this is merely embossed and not the real thing! The effect lends the bag a nice texture that plays well with the playful neon pink hue, and what better way to lighten up your look than with a bag that’s polished and colorful at once? Pre-order it for $895 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Michael Kors Handbags
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I love a lot of purses, but I worship this exquisite Alexander Wang Adele Leather Fold-Over Trunk Clutch! I haven’t seen a clutch this season that had more of an impact on me than this one. It features push-stud fastening tabs at the top for expansion, an internal zip-fastening pocket, the designer stamp at side, nickel hardware, concealed magnetic fastenings with a fold-over tab at the top, and a full lining. One of the things I love most about this purse is that it is perfect for both day and night – it’s cool and casual, yet sexy and chic. Pick one up for $580 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Prepare to be dazzled! This Tasha Rhinestone Clutch practically redefines “glamourous” with its immensely elegant gleaming finish, which comes courtesy of hundreds of delicate rhinestones. The shine is an immediate draw, and it’s a detail that lends the bag immediate versatility. This is the kind of evening clutch that doesn’t discriminate; it looks just as appropriate in the hands of a mother-of-the-bride wearing an elegant pantsuit as it does in the hands of the party hostess in a chic sheath. Grab it for $248 at Nordstrom.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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This pretty package of a purse hits two major trends at once: it’s a small crossbody capitalizing on colorblocking! Sure, this Jeffrey Campbell Hoffman Bag may be loud, but that makes it an easy way to add some interest any outfit, like the t-shirt and jeans I so often wear around town on the weekends. Plus, while the palette may be bright, it’ll still work in fall. Available at Karmaloop for $50.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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One of Rebecca Minkoff‘s most coveted bags, the Brynn Satchel delivers a powerful dose of chic just in time for fall. It’s hard to determine which detail makes it most appealing. Is it the grape-tinged raspberry hue? The timeless shape? The general upscale quality? I’m leaning towards the latter, if only because that’s how this bag will best be remembered – as something classic, elegant and colorful without being over the top. Beautiful! Pre-order it for $550 at StefaniBags.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Rebecca Minkoff Handbags
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For many, fall is full of reds, oranges, and yellows. But where I live, we don’t get treated to a dazzling array of warm colors falling from our trees. The color of the Bodhi Double Pocket Tote is somewhere in between a suburban, Southern Californian lawn in the dead of winter and the mighty saguaro, and I would have no qualms carrying it for fall. But if your autumn palette is more traditional, maybe you’d prefer it in cognac or sun. They’re $280 each at Last Call Neiman Marcus.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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I don’t expect anything but class and finesse from Michael Kors, and he always, always, always delivers. Every now and then, he goes above and beyond and brings intense drama and unexpected exoticism to the mix, too. His Python Shoulder Bag strays from his usually simple offerings, yet is really quite understated despite its material and romantic appeal. Who can resist something as sweet as soft blush? Not I – although I’d prefer it if it were leather. Available for $1295 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Michael Kors Handbags
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This sleek Brahmin The Toasted Almond Collection Laptop Case is quite the catch for fall. I love the warm almond coloring and the slick chicness of the crocodile texture. This gem also features double handles, a removable adjustable strap (an absolute must for laptop bags!), a top zip, a front zip pocket, front and back slide-in pockets, and two interior organizer pockets. My only concern with getting this bag is that my laptop itself won’t be good enough for it! Find it for $295 at Brahmin.

posted: September 15th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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