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- Min and Mon is the designer for the eccentric shopper.
- The brand employs Colombian artisans to make handbags, wallets, and other accessories by hand.
- It's my go-to brand for fun, high-quality purses, and cardholders.
I didn't think I was a designer bag person — until I walked into Min and Mon. The NYC-based brand makes thoughtfully made products with offbeat and eccentric designs. It puts the "fun" in "functional," and it's worth a browse if you're shopping for something outside the norm, but still classy.
Min and Mon employs Columbian leathercrafters in support of the trade. Past collections even included their signatures straight on your bag, so you knew who made it. The brand's most recent collection includes handmade bags and hats using traditional methods from the tribes with which they share a name. The Wayuu bags are each hand-crocheted using the tribe's centuries-old technique, all executed by the people of the Mayabangloma reservation. The Emberá tribe, an indigenous community located in Los Pastos, weaves each unique hat.
The best items from Min and Mon
1.Vali Crossbody Handbag
The Vali is a fun twist on a classic purse. It comes in a handful of different designs and colorways — the specific one that I own is no longer available. It's the perfect size for all of my on-the-go essentials: wallet, phone, sunglasses, a pen, and more. It comes with a crossbody strap for hands-free wear, or you can pull out the collapsible handles for handbag use. It's durable, and made of soft leather that's hard to scuff.
2. Victor Reversible Messenger Bag
Though I own the Mini, which is no longer available, I'd vouch for any of the Victor designs — especially the reversible ones. It's the perfect design for users who can't be bothered to zip their purse: it's designed with a metallic button to keep the opening shut, and a wide flap that covers it securely. For extra security, you can slip the closure straps into their loops, too. The reversible designs let you alter the look just by swinging the flap to the front or the back.
3. Fausto Wallet
Out of all of Min and Mon's excellent designs, the Fausto is my favorite. It fits all of my cards, cash, and coins securely, in the slimmest wallet I've found yet. It even does all this while still looking cute. I've recommended it and bought it for friends and family alike, and I'm on my second Fausto after wearing through my very first. If you need even less card storage, consider the smaller Filium cardholder.
4. Fiona Wallet
Before I became fully dedicated to the Fausto life, I dared to try the Fiona. It's a great choice if you need more space but don't mind a chunkier form factor. It won't fit in any pockets, but it has ample storage for everything you could possibly need in a wallet, and it's designed with a secure and easy envelope closure.
5. Shoulder straps
If you don't feel ready to commit to a full Min and Mon purse, don't sweat it — its shoulder straps can be added to your existing purse. I like mine not only for jazzing up my normal purse strap, but also because it's wider and stays on my shoulder better.
The bottom line
If you're looking for some bold, well-made accessories to brighten up your look, Min and Mon has something for you. From funky keychains to purses that stare back, you're sure to find something unique and bizarre, in the best of ways. You can also shop confidently knowing that your purchase supports traditional Columbian leatherwork or even indigenous craftsmanship.
Time and time again, I've come back to shop the brand's new collections — once a design is phased out, it's gone forever! I have yet to wear through my years-old purses and wallets, but when I do, I'm absolutely going to come back for more.
