For women it's an age old problem – transferring a wallet, make-up, keys and other essentials from one handbag to another and then finding out something is missing part way through the day.
A young woman, a former dental hygienist in Utah, Michelle Romero (who the bag is named after Miche – pronounced MEE-chee) got the idea to have one bag with different coverings or "shells" after spilling something on her favourite purse.
After trying staples and tape she came up with the idea to have magnets hold different shells in place. Within seconds you can go from a black purse, to a red one to a funky one.
Linda Westwell has the rights to sell the Miche Bag in Canada and says "Women love to be able to change it up and the Miche Bag has been a phenomenal success." The bags are available at , through home parties which can be set up through the website or occasionally at Costco. The Miche bag was developed in 2005, came to Canada in 2008 and is now sold in 34 countries worldwide.
Key points:
- Miche (pronounced MEE-chee) bags come in black or brown but the shells come in a variety of styles and colours
- The shells cling on to the bag using credit card safe magnets and are easy to take off when replaced with another shell
- The small bag sells for $100 and comes with three shells. The larger bag is also $100 and comes with two shells. You can buy additional shells for $25 each
- The exterior of the bag is made of a cotton blend. The shell material varies depending on the style, but can be: faux leather, faux crocodile skin, faux fur, regular nylon, textured nylon, canvas, or cotton
- The dimensions of the small bag are 5.75" (wide) x 11.75" (long) x 6.5" (tall) and for the big bag, it's 5" (deep) x 15" (long) x 12" (tall)
- The magnets are harmless to credit cards, iPods, cell phones and other similar electronic devices
- Each bag also has a top zipper and handles that can be removed
- The bags can be purchased online, through home parties and occasionally at Costco
About the company:
The Miche company was founded by Michelle Romero and Annette Cavaness in 2005. The idea for a handbag with interchangeable covers came after Romero spilled something on her purse and wished there was a way to just change the outside instead of moving all the contents to a different purse. Miche Bag Canada was launched in 2008. The bag is now sold in 34 different countries.
Home purse parties:
Canadians interested in hosting home purse parties can visit the link https://www.michebag.ca/pages/home_parties, e-mail or call 1-866-228-6173 to request a free information package and connect with a home party representative in the area
Storage and cleaning tips:
- Storing your shells in the correct manner is a particularly essential to keep your shells looking their best!
- Shells should be stored vertically with studs never coming into contact with the "good side" of the shell.
- You do NOT want the shells to be magnetized to each other; this could cause fabric dimpling on the exterior of the shell.
- To take extra care, place a piece of tissue between each shell to guarantee that there is no scuffing or colour transfer from shells to shell. Using our special Miche Bag closet organizer will also help with keeping your shells in their best condition.
- Never fold a Miche shell into 3's like a clutch bag it could stretch the fabric. Fold only once like it was in the original packaging.
