One of the questions that I get asked the most by friends, family, and even strangers once I tell them what it is that I do, is which bags I recommend that are beautiful and stylish but won’t break the bank. The truth is, I see a lot, and I mean a lot, of bags. It takes a great deal for me to be impressed, and that goes for premium or contemporary bags alike.
Like the rest of us here, I love my luxury handbags, and I’ve been collecting them for over a decade and a half at this point in my life. Additionally, like many of you, I do not have unlimited funds, and my big-ticket purchases are limited to one or two a year. That means that I can’t always spend 4 figures on a handbag, so I am constantly on the lookout for brands that feel luxe at a contemporary price point.
Beautiful on a Budget
Back in 2019 I discovered Mlouye on Instagram and was immediately struck by the brand’s unique shapes and stunning color palettes. Founded in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2015 by industrial designer Meb Rure, the brand designs and produces with sustainability in mind. Mlouye’s designs are a nod to architectural lines and elements. Innovation and aesthetics are at the forefront of the brand’s DNA, quickly becoming a favorite of celebrities like Hailey Baldwin and Gigi Hadid.
One of Mlouye’s newest bags, the Sera Tall Mini Tote, which launched last fall, has become a favorite in my rotation. I first fell in love with the Sera thanks to its unique but stunningly clean lines and its bright purple hue. I’ve been wanting a purple bag for quite some time, and the color is what really drew me in. The color-blocked handles are a fun touch, and I’ve been wearing this bag repeatedly and intend to all through spring and summer.
No Compromise on Quality
The Sera packs a punch in style, and though it’s tiny, it is also mighty! The Sera is perfect to fit all of your daily essentials. I can comfortably carry my iPhone 13, small YSL wallet, keys, a small pill case, and miscellaneous cosmetics. The bag itself is very well made for the price-point. Crafted from leather with a suede drawstring top, your things are secured but easily accessible on the go, which is a big plus. There’s a detachable longer strap so you can wear the bag crossbody or over the shoulder. Of course, there is also the option to carry it via the top handles.
This bag shines both because of the many color options available, but also thanks to its architectural construction. Even in all black, it stands outs. Overall dimensions are 6.7″ x 7″ X 2″ and the Sera Tall Tote retails for $495. Currently, the Sera Tall Tote is only available via Mlouye, but you can discover more from the brand via Shopbop.
this bag is ugly to me – something you would purchase for a $1 and throw away after one use
gigi and bella have horrible style so i wonder who follows them?
Love the review! This Mlouye bag is next on my list in off-white. I have the Mini Eddy in cappuccino. The leather is nice.
I always think that high profile models, like Gigi, get bags gratis, but I could be wrong, Idk.
I like it!
I love mlouye’s bags, I have the helix bag and I get more compliments and questions about it than any other single bag I own. Really beautifully made, you can tell that the construction is high quality. I try to limit myself to one contemporary and one premium designer bag each year, I got the helix 3 years ago and it is still in excellent shape, as well made as my more recent fendi and better than my gucci
Ugly AF
I love the look of this bag but I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger, I’m not a fan of drawstring tops.
I’m not a fan of drawstrings either, but you could just leave the drawstring open. There’s a picture of it that way on their website, and the suede just tucks inside and out of the way.
Shockingly ugly bag.
The Hadids are really forgettable.