Massaccesi Handbags

[bonniekir]

Will do--I'm preparing to take the kids, dog, and bag on a trip to a local park today, but will take photos once there. The inside is roomy. While it is a small bag, is it not a mini-bag, and I feel that it accommodates a lot of things I can fit inside my medium sized bags. I'll take some comparison photos with other MM bags.

Here are a few thoughts about the bag so far.

Lining:
Marco chose the tortilla lining for this color. Although I love his bright-colored linings, I have to say that it is stunning with the purple. Tortilla is almost like a light taupe, and the shimmer from the fabric also makes it very pretty. The purple leather "pulls" a bit of pink our of the lining. I do believe that tortilla is now my new fave lining, next to lilac (of course, as I am a fan of all things purple).

Leather characteristics:
The thing I appreciate about Marco -- and which I think marks him as a craftsman rather than just another guy who makes bags-- is his attention to what type of leather grain he places on different parts of his bags. My shoulder and crossbody straps (it comes with both) and the inside leather on the zippered portion of the bag are made of a tiny pebbled texture, whereas the outside body of the bag showcases the larger structural variations in the hide. Marco clearly chose to highlight the best parts of this vegetable-tanned leather by using it on the body of the bag. I think this leather would look amazing on any sizes of the Minerva, Juliet Thea, Calista, or Hera. I think it would look very chic on the Modena if you are looking for a more textured, casual look.
I have to warn you, though, about the leather smell. Goat is a bit "gamey" smelling, a little bit like lamb leather (reminds me of some of my BV bags). The scent it gives off is not nearly as pleasant as his Nappa, Vaccetta, or Toscano bags, which are all made of calf, I believe. But goat is my favorite leather in terms of toughness, weight, and texture, so the payoff is worth it for me. Consider yourself warned!

Design:
This is a classic drawstring bucket bag, so the one thing that I'm a bit nervous about is content security. It only closes with the drawstring. To be honest, this is what has put me off to the style in general, even though I find them both adorable and cool in terms of design, a design that has been around for centuries! For security, I have clipped a small card carrier with my ID and extra credit card to the inside D-ring as a just-in-case measure; of course, you could also tuck these things into the small inside zippered pocket. In fact, I think I'm also going to use the key-fob clip I don't think I would take this bag on a travel holiday unless I was keeping a close eye on it at all times (like keeping it on my shoulder close to my body rather than cross-body). You might be able to add some type of closure to it (a magnet, or a clasp on opposite sides), which would change the overall look of the bag but give you added security-- kind of like Loewe's bucket bag. If I were to order another Diva, I would probably ask for a magnetic closure. Overall, though, I love the details on the bag=the tassels are just the right size, and I love the details on the shoulder strap (I'll take pics). Shoulder strap and crossbody strap are both adjustable for length.

I really enjoy both the Tortuga and Taupe linings.. i think I might have overused them .. lol
Re the scent.. smells goat for sure, but usually Marco's goat choises will wear it off.. and yes , you're right I have also smelled this on other brands.. could have been BV
The bucketbag is a casual bag, so I woulduse another model to travel with. I have used my bucket bags as a very casual bag, mainly because i so like the style!!

 

[Kimbashop]

@ohmisseevee, you may know this already but: nesting bags saves space haha! Then you can keep more bags .


@bonniekir, joining the chorus of thanks for these awesome comparison pics. That's so helpful to see that it's a similar size to Victoria.


@Kimbashop, your Diva is seriously breathtaking. I gasped when I saw it; definitely when I saw the leather striations that you mentioned. It's such a gorgeous leather and color. I was thinking of the content security of the closure as well. My straw midi Diva actually closes fairly tightly; but another thing that can be done is doing a quick slip knot to make sure the leather tab stays in place. Just an idea.

I am waiting for a white box to pass through customs!!! Ahhhh...but so glad I can live vicariously through all of you who post. Thank you!

Thanks for the tip on the slip knot idea! So far I have ent worried too much as I live in a safe place and social distancing makes it hard for purse thieves But your idea makes sense as I’m not sure how well the drawstring closure will work over time as the leather pulls will likely stretch and wear thinner.

I hope you are enjoying yours. Do you tend to wear yours on the shoulder or crossbody?

 

[christinemliu]

Thanks for the tip on the slip knot idea! So far I have ent worried too much as I live in a safe place and social distancing makes it hard for purse thieves But your idea makes sense as I’m not sure how well the drawstring closure will work over time as the leather pulls will likely stretch and wear thinner.

I hope you are enjoying yours. Do you tend to wear yours on the shoulder or crossbody?

@Kimbashop, I am enjoying mine! "She's" the bag I'm currently using when receiving orders being delivered because of the easy access to my stuff inside. I have both the shoulder strap and the crossbody strap attached so that I can easily switch, but when I have the option, I'm usually a crossbody gal. It allows for a little more freedom of movement. I'm loving both the leather and the straw!

 

[smile10281]

I finally got a chance to take some pictures of my new bags and play around with them. Here they are: grande penelope messenger in dark teal Sorrento with gold HW and cappuccino lining, and Sabrina colorblocked with antique pink and wine Fiore, light GM HW.

I’ll add some other pics and thoughts about the messenger in a separate post.

 

[smile10281]

I am liking the grande Penelope messenger; as @bonniekir said, it’s probably not as spacious as the Victoria though their dimensions are similar (due to the compartments), but it fits all of my essentials easily and then some. I took a picture of the items I usually carry with me and added in a few extras (kindle, mini toiletry pouch, candy). I’m just missing my car keys, phone (used it to take the pictures), and face covering . As you can see, I fit most of the items in the main/middle compartment. Since the kindle and phone are flat, I figure I could put these in either of the side, taller pockets. These pockets are quite spacious - not deep, but length and width are generous. Tried to make this clear with the shot of the pocket containing the kindle.

One other thing I noticed is that the strap that comes with the bag is quite long. I realize this is a messenger and therefore probably intended to be worn crossbody, but I had thought I might be able to wear it over the shoulder. Even on the shortest length, I think over the shoulder would not work for me. In the mod shot, I have the strap set at the shortest length, and the bag sits just where I would want it. (For reference, I’m 5’6” and normally on the smaller side of average - I’m 3 weeks postpartum in this shot and still have several lbs to lose). Also, in this shot, the bag is filled with my items.

I haven’t had a chance to take the bag on any errands/out of the house, but it feels comfortable and I think it would be easy to get in and out of.

Hope these pics/thoughts are of some use to those who are interested in this style!

 

[southernbelle43]

I finally got a chance to take some pictures of my new bags and play around with them. Here they are: grande penelope messenger in dark teal Sorrento with gold HW and cappuccino lining, and Sabrina colorblocked with antique pink and wine Fiore, light GM HW.

I’ll add some other pics and thoughts about the messenger in a separate post.

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Nice!

 

[southernbelle43]

I am liking the grande Penelope messenger; as @bonniekir said, it’s probably not as spacious as the Victoria though their dimensions are similar (due to the compartments), but it fits all of my essentials easily and then some. I took a picture of the items I usually carry with me and added in a few extras (kindle, mini toiletry pouch, candy). I’m just missing my car keys, phone (used it to take the pictures), and face covering . As you can see, I fit most of the items in the main/middle compartment. Since the kindle and phone are flat, I figure I could put these in either of the side, taller pockets. These pockets are quite spacious - not deep, but length and width are generous. Tried to make this clear with the shot of the pocket containing the kindle.

One other thing I noticed is that the strap that comes with the bag is quite long. I realize this is a messenger and therefore probably intended to be worn crossbody, but I had thought I might be able to wear it over the shoulder. Even on the shortest length, I think over the shoulder would not work for me. In the mod shot, I have the strap set at the shortest length, and the bag sits just where I would want it. (For reference, I’m 5’6” and normally on the smaller side of average - I’m 3 weeks postpartum in this shot and still have several lbs to lose). Also, in this shot, the bag is filled with my items.

I haven’t had a chance to take the bag on any errands/out of the house, but it feels comfortable and I think it would be easy to get in and out of.

Hope these pics/thoughts are of some use to those who are interested in this style!

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Three weeks postpartum! You look fabulous. Congratulations.

 

[smile10281]

Nice!

Three weeks postpartum! You look fabulous. Congratulations.

Thank you!

 

[Kimbashop]

I am liking the grande Penelope messenger; as @bonniekir said, it’s probably not as spacious as the Victoria though their dimensions are similar (due to the compartments), but it fits all of my essentials easily and then some. I took a picture of the items I usually carry with me and added in a few extras (kindle, mini toiletry pouch, candy). I’m just missing my car keys, phone (used it to take the pictures), and face covering . As you can see, I fit most of the items in the main/middle compartment. Since the kindle and phone are flat, I figure I could put these in either of the side, taller pockets. These pockets are quite spacious - not deep, but length and width are generous. Tried to make this clear with the shot of the pocket containing the kindle.

One other thing I noticed is that the strap that comes with the bag is quite long. I realize this is a messenger and therefore probably intended to be worn crossbody, but I had thought I might be able to wear it over the shoulder. Even on the shortest length, I think over the shoulder would not work for me. In the mod shot, I have the strap set at the shortest length, and the bag sits just where I would want it. (For reference, I’m 5’6” and normally on the smaller side of average - I’m 3 weeks postpartum in this shot and still have several lbs to lose). Also, in this shot, the bag is filled with my items.

I haven’t had a chance to take the bag on any errands/out of the house, but it feels comfortable and I think it would be easy to get in and out of.

Hope these pics/thoughts are of some use to those who are interested in this style!

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It’s so helpful to see what it looks like when worn. Thanks! Very pretty bag.

 

[bonniekir]

I finally got a chance to take some pictures of my new bags and play around with them. Here they are: grande penelope messenger in dark teal Sorrento with gold HW and cappuccino lining, and Sabrina colorblocked with antique pink and wine Fiore, light GM HW.

I’ll add some other pics and thoughts about the messenger in a separate post.

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Congratulation with both your bags! They look stunning
Yes the Grande holds more than expected, and can be used by both smaller and larger bag users.
And you look great btw.. 3 weeks only..lol..

 

[smile10281]

It’s so helpful to see what it looks like when worn. Thanks! Very pretty bag.

Congratulation with both your bags! They look stunning
Yes the Grande holds more than expected, and can be used by both smaller and larger bag users.
And you look great btw.. 3 weeks only..lol..

Thank you!

 

[Kimbashop]

Does he even have goat leather now though?

I checked with Marco, and this is what he said about the availability of the goat leather:

"We have very few Sorrento skins in stock. At the moment it would be possible to produce
2 bags in dark teal
1 bag in dark blue
1 small / medium size bag in autumn leaf
1 small / medium size bag in Byzantium purple"

 

[southernbelle43]

I checked with Marco, and this is what he said about the availability of the goat leather:

"We have very few Sorrento skins in stock. At the moment it would be possible to produce
2 bags in dark teal
1 bag in dark blue
1 small / medium size bag in autumn leaf
1 small / medium size bag in Byzantium purple"

Wow, thanks!!!!

 

[samfalstaff]

I am liking the grande Penelope messenger; as @bonniekir said, it’s probably not as spacious as the Victoria though their dimensions are similar (due to the compartments), but it fits all of my essentials easily and then some. I took a picture of the items I usually carry with me and added in a few extras (kindle, mini toiletry pouch, candy). I’m just missing my car keys, phone (used it to take the pictures), and face covering . As you can see, I fit most of the items in the main/middle compartment. Since the kindle and phone are flat, I figure I could put these in either of the side, taller pockets. These pockets are quite spacious - not deep, but length and width are generous. Tried to make this clear with the shot of the pocket containing the kindle.

One other thing I noticed is that the strap that comes with the bag is quite long. I realize this is a messenger and therefore probably intended to be worn crossbody, but I had thought I might be able to wear it over the shoulder. Even on the shortest length, I think over the shoulder would not work for me. In the mod shot, I have the strap set at the shortest length, and the bag sits just where I would want it. (For reference, I’m 5’6” and normally on the smaller side of average - I’m 3 weeks postpartum in this shot and still have several lbs to lose). Also, in this shot, the bag is filled with my items.

I haven’t had a chance to take the bag on any errands/out of the house, but it feels comfortable and I think it would be easy to get in and out of.

Hope these pics/thoughts are of some use to those who are interested in this style!

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I love both bags! Is the goat leather soft compared to MM's other leathers?

 

[tenKrat]

Brownrose is a unique and very pretty color. Here it is in a nappa Victoria Midi.