MZ Wallace is a brand that has much sentimental value to me. I first saw a classmate carry it in college, but did not buy my first bag until the start of my blogging journey back in 2020. (Old Reviews: Metro Tote | Top Handle Backpack) To be able to foster a great partnership with an aspirational brand I’ve loved for years feels like a dream come true. MZ Wallace is female-founded, and NYC-based. Their commitment to style and function is unparalleled, and really speaks to my on-the-go city lifestyle. And now, shopping for a bag just got easier with the launch of their new MZ Wallace Flagship Store in SoHo!
If you are in New York City, definitely give this shop a visit. They carry a pretty comprehensive assortment that you may not be able to find at your local Bloomingdale’s or Saks store. Come with me to take a quick peak of the store, as well as a few new handbag styles I tried (and loved)!
INSIDE THE MZ WALLACE NYC FLAGSHIP STORE
Compared to their prior SoHo space, this new MZ Wallace store is a lot bigger. You will be greeted with their latest designs set on mirrored pedestals. The space is very luminous, casting their bags in the best light (literally), and decorated with an elevated marble print.
There are also plenty of mirrors for you to try on different bags. The store associates are super friendly and knowledgable of the product. So if you are in between 2 colors, sizes, or styles, they will bring out different options for you to assess! Even as a repeat customer, I found this visit helpful.
MZ Wallace wins on versatility and function, so with that, their bags come with many pockets, straps, and sizes. It is hard to see all the details online, so I think being able to interact with the product in-person added a lot of value!
NEW MZ WALLACE STYLES I TRIED & LOVED
This trip to the MZ Wallace Flagship store came at a great time because I got to try on several new styles. Read below for my thoughts on the Quilted Bowery Shoulder Bag, and Pippa Crossbody.
MZ Wallace Quilted Bowery Shoulder Bag
You’ll think I am crazy for saying this, but I’ve never owned a shoulder bag before! (Let’s not count tote bags) I’ve gotten comfortable wearing crossbody bags, and enjoy the longer strap length. But this time, I thought why not change it up? To my surprise, I found the crescent shape of the Bowery Shoulder Bag to be a lot more spacious than some of my smaller MZ Wallace bags. (Style Reel HERE)
Overall Details of the Regular MZ Wallace Quilted Bowery Shoulder Bag:
- 6 interior pockets, 1 detachable pouch
- Bright blue interior lining
- Zip top closure
- Padded shoulder handle + 2 interchangeable straps (nylon crossbody strap, chain strap)
- Enlarged quilted fabric pattern with gunmetal hardware
My favorite detail is definitely the shoulder handle. It is made with soft padded leather. As someone with smaller shoulders, I loved how well the strap stays put, and comfortable throughout the day without digging into my skin.
Things to Note: The chain strap is decorative, and harder to wear as an actual strap due to its shorter length. However, the gunmetal color adds an elevated touch, and a little more weight to the bag. If you are going for a dressier look, I suggest adding it for style.
The shoulder handle is also not removable. If you are bothered by the fact that it sticks up with the crossbody strap, you can tuck it down. I do think that for future iterations, making the shoulder handle removable would add to its versatility.
Which Size to Get the MZ Wallace Bowery Quilted Shoulder Bag:
I got to try the Small Bowery Quilted Shoulder Bag at the MZ Wallace Flagship Store. The shape of this bag looks more rectangular than crescent shaped. This petite size is cute if you don’t have as much to carry. However, for $10 more, I would rather go with the regular Bowery Quilted Shoulder Bag because it feels more practical and spacious to me.
MZ Wallace Magnet Crosby Pippa
I walked into the store knowing this was the style I wanted. However, it was nice to be able to try it on, so I knew for sure. The Crosby Pippa is an accordion-shaped crossbody that has a dressier look, which is perfect for fancy occasions. I already own the Ruby bag (worn here), which serves this purpose. However, this bag is a lot thinner and can’t hold as much. Lucky for me, the Crosby Pippa recently came out in Magnet, which is the just the color I was looking for!
Special Details: This bag comes with 3 different straps. For the dressier look, I would use the default braided chain strap. You can also wear the Pippa just as easily as a clutch!
Color Considerations: I tried on both the Black and Magnet in the store, and it was a hard choice. Overall, I found the Black to look really classy and almost Chanel-esque for only a quarter of the price, and much lighter weight. The subtle difference really comes down to the hardware. The Black Crosby Pippa uses silver hardware for contrast, whereas the Magnet uses light gold.
In the end, I went with my gut and chose the Magnet 🙂
Size Considerations: The Crosby also comes in a Large. In this case, I found it looked a little too big for my frame. I was hoping to use the Pippa as a bag for more formal occasions where I wouldn’t be carrying as much. If you want to purpose the Pippa as an everyday bag, then maybe the large makes more sense. Overall, the regular size is able to fit my wallet and most of my essentials. The accordion style definitely creates more pockets to hold (and organize) my items.
MZ Wallace Flagship Store Highlights
Visiting the MZ Wallace store in Soho was a wonderful experience, and I hope to be back again soon. They have a vast selection that easily allows you to compare different colors and sizes. Not to mention, the store itself is so beautifully designed that is hard not to stay a while and admire every corner.
If you are ever in NYC and want to check out their bags for yourself, definitely be sure to stop by!
*Thank you MZ Wallace for having me. Handbags are gifted, but all opinions are my own.
