For those who have ever purchased an unassuming handbag with quilted leather, the Rebecca Minkoff Mini Affair Bag may have been one of the first options they considered. This perennial style garners mostly positive reviews for its simplicity, versatility, and the (somewhat) reasonable price tag.
Putting aside the obvious fact that the design is heavily influenced by Chanel, other than a small logoed gold plate affixed onto the back of the bag and the brand’s signature fabric lining, no other brand marking can be found on the bag.
QUALITY The Mini Affair is generally constructed out of dyed cowhide, but depending on the color of the bag, the appearance of the leather can differ greatly. Darker colors do a better job of concealing leather quality issues.
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| J. Crew Tippi Sweater in Swiss Dot | Gap 1969 Legging Jeans | Ann Taylor Cashmere Scarf (similar)| Zara Masculine Coat | Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini Affair Bag | Lauren Ralph Lauren Bryce Boots |
PRICE The Quilted Mini Affair Crossbody retails for $195 but most department store coupons do not exclude the style (so the base discount is between 10-20%) and more unpopular (and sometimes somewhat popular) seasonal colors are often discounted heavily at the end of the season. A discontinued version with studs can often be found on secondary markets cheaply.
DETAILS The magnetic snap closure makes the contents of the bag easily accessible (though some reviewers complained that this feature is unfortunately conducive to spilling the contents) and, aside from one slip pocket, there is no other division built in (which, given its size, is unsurprising). The bag is lined in Rebecca Minkoff’s “signature” fabric.
SIZE The Mini Affair measures 6″ tall, 9″ wide, and about 2″ deep. The crossbody strap has a 22″ drop which can be shortened to 11″ for use as a shoulder strap.
A larger version, the classic Quilted Affair Shoulder Bag, is also available for those looking for something bigger. Its measurements are 11″ wide, 8″ tall, and 2″ deep, with the same strap length as the mini.
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| iPhone 6s with Madewell Leather Carryall Case // Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Poppin’ Poppy // NIVEA lip balm // Michael Kors Runway Watch // Pocket Sudoku // Dental Floss // Chanel Sunglasses |
CAPACITY Most bags with “mini” in their names are meant to be packed lightly; the Mini Affair is no exception. It is slightly more capacious than the Kate Spade Vivenna Mini Crossbody that I reviewed here because of its wider depth but I still have to choose between my eyeglasses and sunglasses, there is simply no room for both. I like to think of mini bags as being a discrete storage unit for all the things you might find in one’s coat pockets.
Buy the Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini Affair Bag in black (here, here, here, or 30% off here), cherry (40% off), white (45% off; also here), mint, beige, port (20% off), navy (50% off), and quartz.
