I have the mini and I can say that it does fit more than it looks. For example, I can comfortably fit two phones, a card holder, and a small baggu pouch that I keep my lipstick, hand sanitizer, tissues and keys in. With all that, I could still probably even fit in a flatter sunglasses in a soft pouch, but because of how the bag opens I don't like to crowd it. A lot of mini bags won't be able to fit two phones for me.
Mark Cross - Oldest American Luxury Brand
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I have the mini and I can say that it does fit more than it looks. For example, I can comfortably fit two phones, a card holder, and a small baggu pouch that I keep my lipstick, hand sanitizer, tissues and keys in. With all that, I could still probably even fit in a flatter sunglasses in a soft pouch, but because of how the bag opens I don't like to crowd it. A lot of mini bags won't be able to fit two phones for me.
Very interested in this thread because the bags are beautiful. Also very interesting, when I was in Ohio, I'd see these bags at thrift stores for no more than $20. No one knew what they were. The city I lived in it was all LV, a bit of Chanel here and there then MMK & the like, tons of it.
If I remember correctly, I picked up a MC bag some time ago. It may have been sold since though. Must check the collection soon for it!
If I remember correctly, I picked up a MC bag some time ago. It may have been sold since though. Must check the collection soon for it!
Are you serious? What size phones? I have an iPhone XR and it’s at least 6 inches maybe 6 1/4 and so that clearly would not fit, right?
Oops!! Sorry for the confusion! I just double checked and mine is the grace small not the mini. I was confused because I think the one in the video is a small too. Usually, the smalls will have the inner pocket with a zipper whereas the minis won't have a zip (and have a chain strap). I definitely wouldn't be able to get my phone with a case on into a mini.
Thank you so much for this! That clears things up!
I just could not make the math work in my mind. The mini is so cute, but impractical. I might just be in love with the small in brush off leather.
Hi I have a mini Grace Box bag in lizard (and omg I can’t get over how gorgeous it is). First of all, the quality is fantastic, I’d say just a smidge below Hermès. Idk what it is, but Hermès just has that little something special that sets their bags apart from the rest. That said, my mini Grace was originally priced at $4495, and I got it on sale for $1618 on Net-a-Porter (60% off plus an additional 10 off that). I dread to think of what the Hermès equivalent of a mini Grace in exotic would be! In comparison, Mark Cross is an incredible value, and you’re sacrificing very little in terms of quality.
I watched that video, too. He says mini, but what he actually has is a small. The main difference (apart from size) is that the mechanism does not lock, so no keyhole or key, which isn’t a big deal in my book because I wouldn’t bother locking it, anyway. I can definitely fit necessities in my box, including my iPhone 12 mini (it also fits iPhone XS), cardholder, insulin pen (woohoo diabetes), lipstick, AirPods, keys. It’s definitely more of a night out or statement piece than a day bag. I’m including some photos for you.
Wow! That is a beauty! I never look at c, I should start.
Personally, i won't be sacrificing anything in quality because I'll never own an Hermes. So if that's the standard, it's nothing but up for me! The nicest leathers I have are LV empriente, one LV lambskin (will never sell), Tod's, and one Chanel Cerf in calf.
Being new to this brand, I don't know--do they have any daily kind of bags that are considered MC Classics? It seems that the Grace is the only classic shape they make. That is certainly what brought me here. But I might have to keep an eye out for some well priced bags and, I'd like to know if
Do any of you have thoughts on the coated canvas? Just curious.
Personally, i won't be sacrificing anything in quality because I'll never own an Hermes. So if that's the standard, it's nothing but up for me! The nicest leathers I have are LV empriente, one LV lambskin (will never sell), Tod's, and one Chanel Cerf in calf.
Being new to this brand, I don't know--do they have any daily kind of bags that are considered MC Classics? It seems that the Grace is the only classic shape they make. That is certainly what brought me here. But I might have to keep an eye out for some well priced bags and, I'd like to know if
Do any of you have thoughts on the coated canvas? Just curious.
So, aside from the Grace, they make the original “Rear Window” bag still, which I guess would be the O.G. (the Grace is inspired by the original, but it’s not exact). They also make the 1845 Trunk, which is a replica of an original 1904 design (but they call it “1845”—go figure), and they have brought back the Benchley, which was in production back in the 1980s. While I don’t know if the “Murphy” bucket bag is a historic (pre-1997 closing) design, it has elements of other older designs, and it’s named after Gerald and Sara Murphy, who led the brand through its 20th-century heydays. In fact, Alfred Hitchcock asked Gerald Murphy to design the iconic “Rear Window” bag. Sorry, I’m sure a lot of this has been mentioned in the thread before, but I’m a PhD candidate in art history, and I’ve had two glasses of wine, so now I’m on a tear (stuff like this really gets me going, you know?).
Anywho, I’d say the Murphy is the most appropriate for daily use out of those options (but I don’t own one, so I can’t say with certainty). If you’re open to more modern styles, the Madison and mini Madison are great options, and the Madeline line is inspired by the clochette found on the Grace, the Benchley, and the Murphy. Also, they have several of these options available at 50% off on their website right now.
As far as canvas, I don’t think it’s coated (once again, I have no experience with it)? I think it’s just plain canvas. Also, the monogram jacquard is just a plain jacquard weave cloth, like Coach bags circa 2002 (personally, I wish they would do a new design because the current MC jacquard looks like a weird hybrid between Coach and Michael Kors). I think MC is best known for their leathers, but they seem to really be playing up the raffia and rattan lately, but that could just be seasonal.
Lastly, I’ve really been impressed with their level of customer service. I’ve only ordered directly from them three times, and all three times were items on sale (one bag and two SLGs). All of them came wrapped so nicely (note: opt for the luxe packaging in your cart before you check out), and they even included personalized, handwritten thank-you notes. I really enjoyed that aspect, as all of my online orders from other luxury brands like Hermès, LV, and YSL just came with receipts folded in posh envelopes (not that I expect a handwritten note from a major corporation, but it was a nice touch). When I received my mini Grace Box from Net-a-Porter last week, it just came wrapped in tissue and plastic (disappointing), so I reached out to MC customer service to ask how I could acquire a dust bag and box. They emailed me back today saying that they would gladly send me a dust bag and box complimentary, which I wasn’t expecting at all.
Obviously, this might not be the same for everyone, but I’ve only had positive experiences with MC and will continue to shop with them in the future.
Anywho, I’d say the Murphy is the most appropriate for daily use out of those options (but I don’t own one, so I can’t say with certainty). If you’re open to more modern styles, the Madison and mini Madison are great options, and the Madeline line is inspired by the clochette found on the Grace, the Benchley, and the Murphy. Also, they have several of these options available at 50% off on their website right now.
As far as canvas, I don’t think it’s coated (once again, I have no experience with it)? I think it’s just plain canvas. Also, the monogram jacquard is just a plain jacquard weave cloth, like Coach bags circa 2002 (personally, I wish they would do a new design because the current MC jacquard looks like a weird hybrid between Coach and Michael Kors). I think MC is best known for their leathers, but they seem to really be playing up the raffia and rattan lately, but that could just be seasonal.
Lastly, I’ve really been impressed with their level of customer service. I’ve only ordered directly from them three times, and all three times were items on sale (one bag and two SLGs). All of them came wrapped so nicely (note: opt for the luxe packaging in your cart before you check out), and they even included personalized, handwritten thank-you notes. I really enjoyed that aspect, as all of my online orders from other luxury brands like Hermès, LV, and YSL just came with receipts folded in posh envelopes (not that I expect a handwritten note from a major corporation, but it was a nice touch). When I received my mini Grace Box from Net-a-Porter last week, it just came wrapped in tissue and plastic (disappointing), so I reached out to MC customer service to ask how I could acquire a dust bag and box. They emailed me back today saying that they would gladly send me a dust bag and box complimentary, which I wasn’t expecting at all.
Obviously, this might not be the same for everyone, but I’ve only had positive experiences with MC and will continue to shop with them in the future.
Due to the closure, most of their designs are newer ones. If you just want a classic looking bag, I'd go with the Madeline. I have it in smooth black and get lots of compliments. It's understated and looks high end at the same time.
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I’d been meaning to post my modest, two-bag Grace collection, and this question gives me the perfect opportunity because it shows the difference between the mini and small Grace styles. The small is definitely more useful for day-to-day, and I’d only recommend the mini for a special-event, evening bag. I do love it for that purpose, though. I’ve worn my gold glitter mini Grace with an emerald formal dress for a Christmas party, and can’t imagine a better bag choice for that event, at any price point.
I loved reading about how everyone found the brand, as well as everyone’s Mark Cross sale/donation regrets, and will share my own. I found the brand at a Barney’s Warehouse (remember those?) at an outlet mall, and bought a beautiful, soft orange mini doctor bag (I don’t know the style name but have attached a stock photo in a different color). I later bought a large, black Grace with a geometric design from Barney’s Warehouse online, and a black Dorothy bag in pebbled leather from Yoox, all at crazy discounts. I’ve since sold all of those, and regret each and every sale (especially that large Grace). But alas, I now have (and treasure) my small Grace in antique silver, and mini Grace in gold glitter. I love how unique and beautiful they are.
I loved reading about how everyone found the brand, as well as everyone’s Mark Cross sale/donation regrets, and will share my own. I found the brand at a Barney’s Warehouse (remember those?) at an outlet mall, and bought a beautiful, soft orange mini doctor bag (I don’t know the style name but have attached a stock photo in a different color). I later bought a large, black Grace with a geometric design from Barney’s Warehouse online, and a black Dorothy bag in pebbled leather from Yoox, all at crazy discounts. I’ve since sold all of those, and regret each and every sale (especially that large Grace). But alas, I now have (and treasure) my small Grace in antique silver, and mini Grace in gold glitter. I love how unique and beautiful they are.
The Dorothy seemed like such a practical bag. I considered it for the longest time but never ended up pulling the trigger because of my lifestyle at the time but I still do sometimes wonder if I missed out!
So......
Mark Cross Dorothy Bag Glazed Leather Small | eBay
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I mean, wouldn't I be a terrible tPF member if I didn't tempt you a tiny bit, no?
And here's one in classic black 
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www.yoox.com
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MARK CROSS Handbag - Women MARK CROSS Handbags online on YOOX United States - 45502192KP
MARK CROSS Women Handbag on YOOX. The best online selection of Handbags MARK CROSS. YOOX exclusive items of Italian and international designers - Secure payments
www.yoox.com
Just found this brand today, and have started to look into it.
I like leather bags that are very good quality, understated and feminine, so Mark Cross bags are definitely going on my “be on the lookout for“ list.
I like leather bags that are very good quality, understated and feminine, so Mark Cross bags are definitely going on my “be on the lookout for“ list.
So......
Mark Cross Dorothy Bag Glazed Leather Small | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mark Cross Dorothy Bag Glazed Leather Small at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
I mean, wouldn't I be a terrible tPF member if I didn't tempt you a tiny bit, no?
And here's one in classic black
MARK CROSS Handbag - Women MARK CROSS Handbags online on YOOX United States - 45502192KP
MARK CROSS Women Handbag on YOOX. The best online selection of Handbags MARK CROSS. YOOX exclusive items of Italian and international designers - Secure payments
Haha! Amazing
Thank you both! Guess it's going back on the watch list