Buckle up, bagsIntern Candice Chan test drives a seatbelt bag -- and decides to stick with the old model.
It goes without saying that seatbelts in cars are all about promoting safety before comfort, and after a weekend with a pink polka dot seatbelt bag by Harveys, that philosophy seems to apply even when the belts have been reincarnated into tote form.
While carrying my happy pink polka dotted seatbelts last weekend, I walked with an undeniable sense of security; if someone tried to bring hurt my way, I’d take them down first with a deftly placed swing of my indestructible purse to their groin. Conceived by Dana and Melanie Harvey while they were installing new seatbelts in their Buick, the bags are an intriguing alternative in a sea of leather bags. They are, without question, sturdy and well-made, but the contentious issues for me lie in their comfort and style.
After my field test, during which I asked several ladies if they would consider carrying a similar purse, it seemed that there was universal agreement: everyone could see how someone else would wear it. Not the kiss of death, but definitely not overwhelming enthusiasm.
They didn't ask to be made into bags! It's not their fault!
Perhaps it was because I surveyed the twenty-something crowd -- and let’s be fair, that’s a tough crowd to please. Everyone’s trying to figure out where they fall on the societal totem pole, and as an outgrowth the accessories we wear tend to reflect as much where we stand now, as where we would like to stand in the future. The bags do appeal to the go-getter lifestyle – Use it anywhere! It can withstand anything! – and they’re an innovative take on everyone’s favorite tote; but the carry-all, hyper-durability of seatbelts seems much better suited to high school and college students than the current day boho-chic of Gen-X and Gen-Y guys and gals.
Even though I was rocking the ever feminine polka dots, I felt more Rambo than ravishing as I bumped my way through crowds of people. And, who knew pashminas didn’t go with seatbelt? The bags are a little heavy and cumbersome, and where leather has a nice give, the purse I was carrying had a tendency to cut uncomfortably into the back of my arm.
If you are looking for a unique take on the messenger bag, I would recommend a Treecycle bag with their fun blend of champagne, grey and black, or perhaps their Gary Baseman line, which features the artist’s work on the side of the bags. Also, their heart-shaped keychain is a great V-day pick-me-up. But, alas, I would not recommend these polka-dot totes as a good everyday bag choice for the ladies.
For more information go to the Harveys website at: www.seatbeltbags.com
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