While searching for a brown handbag, I was also looking for an affordable statement clutch for evening events. With my cousin’s wedding coming up, I needed something unique to complement my handbag collection. During my YouTube ventures, I discovered the Maje Leather Clover Bag, alongside the Charlotte Elizabeth Bloomsbury Crossbody Handbag (see review here).
Why I Chose Maje
I was drawn to Maje because of its Parisian charm and unique design.
– Dimensions: 5.91″H X 7.48″W X 3″D or 15cm H X 19cm W X 7.6cm D
– Exterior material: Cow leather
– Lining material: Cotton
– Colours: Black Croco Effect and Cognac Brown Lizard Embossed
– Hardware: Gold-toned
– Interior: 1 compartment with 1 card pocket
– Closure: Clasp
– Other features: Crossbody strap (24″ or 61.1cm)
– Other inclusions: A branded thin cotton dust bag
Availability
The Maje Croco Effect Leather Clover Bag was released around two years ago and has since been discontinued. Currently, you can find the Black Croco Effect and Cognac Brown Lizard Embossed versions brand new on ICONIC. For other colors, check preloved channels.
Design
The bag’s design is similar to the Celine Classique Triomphe Bag with its rectangular box shape and gold-toned zinc alloy clasp. The clasp can get scratched, but you can open and close the bag without touching it directly. However, the mechanism can sometimes be finicky.
Originally, I wanted the smooth leather version, but it wasn’t available in Australia. I settled for the Black Croco Effect Leather, which serves well as a statement piece and masks scratches effectively. This bag comes in several colors like Vert Casino and Palm Green in Lizard Embossed Learther, but currently, only Black Croco Effect Leather and Cognac Brown Lizard Embossed Leather are available.
The strap’s design is the bag’s main drawback. Although adjustable and removable, adjusting it is difficult. The holes are tiny, requiring significant force to push the knob through, often causing tears. Removing the strap to convert the bag from crossbody to clutch is also challenging due to the small loops under the flap.
As a clutch, the Maje Clover Bag is on the weightier side due to its leather construction. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on carrying it for long periods.
The interior lining is black, which can hide darker items. However, given the bag’s small size, it shouldn’t be too hard to find items quickly.
Wear and Tear
I haven’t extensively used the bag as a crossbody, nor did I get to wear it to my cousin’s wedding due to COVID, so there isn’t much to report. There is a minor scratch on the flap, likely from handling, but it’s not noticeable unless inspected closely under certain lighting. The croco effect does a good job of masking such imperfections.
What Fits Inside
This is a small bag, ideal for evening essentials. For a detailed list of what I carry, see my post on “What’s In My Bag: The Evening Edition.”
Overall Experience
Despite the strap issues, the Maje Croco Effect Leather Clover Bag stands out as an elegant statement piece for evening occasions. Its unique design and high-quality materials make it a worthy addition to any handbag collection, even if it requires some patience with the strap adjustments.
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