Mini bags get a bit of a mixed reception in the handbag world. They often try to be too many things, and the risk is that the designer tries to cram everything from a normal sized purse into a mini version.

The Malis mini tote is partially guilty of these crimes. The traditional shape looks like a normal sized bag, and in addition to the gleaming white leather the label seems to have added silver studs and silver print.Thankfully the clean color palette manages to reduce the busyness of this, saving this Ed Hardy handbag from handbag overkill.

Once you get past the size of the handbag, you come to the shape. With that unusual curvy handbag you get your first inkling that this isn't as predictable as it could be. Then it folds over, and your little clutch is neatly transformed into a shoulder bag with a long strap. This is a lot of versatility for a mini bag.

Surprisingly practical, this silver purse sometimes treads the fine line between nice and nasty, but I think it falls on the nice side!

Pink Studio Nepal Mini Bag | Affordable Compact Black Purse

 

 

Pink Studio proves that the best things often come in small packages with this stylish Nepal mini bag.

It's called a mini, but it's not as delicate as so many bags with this title. Its boxy, compact shape seems more sturdy and rugged, giving the impression that the Nepal is a purse that punches well above its weight.

The patterned gray fabric seems like an ethnic interpretation of herringbone. It's a great complement to the Nepal's black leather body. This exterior is kitted out with a deep open pocket on one side and a zippered one on the other. These asymmetrical compartments work well with the unique top zip which runs from front to back, rather than front to side. I love this zip, which works as a design element and a security feature.

With the two side pockets, we don't need much to keep the petite interior organized. We get another zippered pocket inside anyway, which offers a more secure space for hiding car keys and other valuables.

This little bag has a little price tag to match. $40 is a steal for a purse of this quality, don't you think?

 

 

Donald J Pliner Seeyu Pouch | Slouchy Mini Green Leather Crossbody Purse

 

We've seen Donald J Pliner weave its magic in many larger bags. Now with the Seeyu pouch, the fashion house shows us what it can do on a smaller scale.

Most small bags tend to be made for evenings out, but Donald J Pliner takes a more relaxed approach. I just wonder whether it's too relaxed. This pouch is covered in pleats which give it a casual slouch. That unstructured look will work well paired with jeans and a favorite T-shirt, but it means our Seeyu can't really do double duty at night.

That's disappointing, because with storage space so limited it won't suit many of us during the day. The soft body means we can cram a few more items inside than a structured purse, but there's still no space for large wallets, magazines, or many of the other things some of us call everyday essentials. If it looked a little more evening appropriate, we might just be able to eke some more use out of it.

That's unfortunate, because at $135 I want to get as much use out of this small purse as I can!

 

Burberry Mini Haymarket Splash Studded Sling Bag | Small Blue Splattered Check Purse

Burberry has decided to have some fun with its traditional plaid print with this Mini Haymarket Splash Studded Sling Bag.

That name is an awful mouthful, so let me break it down for you. Haymarket is that classic Burberry check we've all come to know and love. This time around Burberry has given it a splash of blue color, almost as if it decided to throw some paint or ink around! The splattering gives this purse a little more whimsy than the typical Burberry bag, which I find really endearing. Purists may disagree though!

We all know about studs, and we see them here in the corners of the purse and again on the handles. Personally I think this is overkill. The splashes of blue already made an impact; this hardware simply makes this small bag seem cluttered. And we all know studs are on the way out, so why Burberry chose to add them in such an unimaginative way I'll never know.

The mini of course refers to that petite stature we've already alluded to. If you've got a busy day running errands or hitting the mall you'll find such a small purse liberating, but if you need to carry some serious swag you might need to give this bag a miss.

The Mini Haymarket Splash Studded Sling Bag has its good points and its bad points. Whether you're willing to fork out $595 for it probably depends on your dedication to Burberry. Despite my love for the Haymarket Splash material, I just can't see real value here.

 

Cynthia Vincent Folli Cross-Body | Mini Embroidered Tribal Handbag

 

Oryany Handbags Ella Cross Body | Mini Studded Smooth Black Leather Purse

 

Oryany Handbags channels the spirit of rock and roll with this studded Ella bag.

The classic flap design is given a modern makeover with its chunky stud detail. These accents are bound to polarize bagistas, but they are very rock and roll. The black and gold combination is particularly edgy, but the white and gold bag makes a nice change from the norm.

This bag isn't very big, but if you're a regular festival goer you'll know this is a real plus. It'll hold all of the essentials you need to enjoy the show without weighing you down. The bold cross-body leather and chain strap leaves your hands free for snapping photos or punching your fist in the air!

The $173 price tag seems a bit high considering the Ella's small stature, but if you love the look its high-quality leather and superior craftsmanship will help to justify the expense