The “M.A.C.” (or Morning After Clutch) is, apart from the Affair and the M.A.B., Rebecca Minkoff’s most recognizable design. I used to own the standard version but wore it so infrequently that it went to Goodwill a few years ago.
While searching for a purple crossbody last year, I came across the Quilted Mini Mac Convertible Crossbody (on steep discount at the time) and purchased it immediately, without much consideration (how most mistakes happen).
The quilting always looks deflated when the bag is empty, and it has not aged as well as its widely acclaimed non-quilted counterpart, so I cannot in good conscience recommend making this purchase at retail. But I did want to talk broadly about the design, since I’ve been asked about this bag in the past.
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| J. Crew Chateau Parka in Stadium Cloth (review) | Ann Taylor Cable Turtleneck Sweater | Gap Skinny Jeans | Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini Mac Convertible Crossbody Bag in Aubergine | Kamik Jennifer Rain Boot |
The “mini” MAC measures 6.5″ tall and 8.5″ wide, which is a fairly standard size for mini crossbody bags. As seen below, it will fit a phone, glasses or small wallet (pick one), some beauty products, and a few tiny discretionary items (in my case a flashlight and a compact mirror).
The “standard” MAC is about 8″ tall and 11″ wide, but has a similar number of compartments and pockets.
The bag has one main compartment, lined in RM’s signature fabric, with a slip pocket (note that the top zipper closure/opening is about 1.5-2 inches shorter than the width of the bag which limits the size of objects that will fit inside) . There is another (small) zippered pocket, concealed by the scalloped front flap and further secured by a swivel hook clasp.
The diamond-quilted leather lost its appeal to me after some time, and I think the non-quilted version will survive the test of time better.
The metal feet were a nice touch, but this bag cannot stand on its own (or I couldn’t get it to, anyway) so they felt unneeded. The detachable chain-and-leather crossbody strap has a 22″ drop,
My least favorite thing about the bag has to be the (unnecessarily long) leather zipper pulls. I keep wanting to take a pair of scissors to them, but I am not in the habit of altering my bags and feel burdened to have to take this step.
You can buy the Quilted Mini Mac here in four colors, or the non-quilted version in black, baby pink, sandstone, red, navy, biscuit, denim, flamingo, honey dew, cobalt blue, almond, and charcoal.
