Marni Calfskin Handbag: Marni Just Misses the Money

I want to love this easy white bag so much. An appealing origami shape, whimsical turquoise lanyard handle, and zipper closure placement that’s way interesting. It seems like a no-brainer, so I drove all the way to the Marni store prepared to buy it.

Then why did I leave the shop empty-handed? The cons totally kill it. Sadly, the origami shape is an illusion and can only be achieved in a photo shoot. Paper-thin with about a 1.5″ gusset, the bag is floppy and formless.

The patent leather handle looks like plain old lanyard from summer camp – I feel like it should be on a grocery bag instead. But their switch-a-roo feature is pretty cool: use one or the other, both or neither (but use it as a clutch?! No way!). Equally cute as a top handle or shoulder bag, and the zipper is a success, ironically my only initial concern. Just goes to show that you really don’t know until you’ve got the thing in your hands. Lack of structure makes a bag look flimsy and cheap. I expect Marni to be quirky but quality – and the appearance of quality – needs to trump everything. At Marini for $1,295.

Pair with: If you go for it, keep the color popping with a bold mixed-material Marni necklace. Hot coral ropes, bronze-tone chains, and brown leather pack on the whimsy. On Net-a-Porter

for $520.