All Over Town with Mahi Leather

1: Aritzia sweater (similar), Grlfrnd jeans (c/o REVOLVE), Steve Madden sandals, Celine sunglasses, & Other Stories earrings
2: Uniqlo blouse, One Teaspoon shorts, Raye sandals (c/o REVOLVE), Celine sunglasses, & Other Stories earrings
3: & Other Stories sweater, Forever 21 dress (similar), Jonak flats (similar), Anine Bing sunglasses, & Other Stories earrings

A good bag is hard to find. The same can be said of almost any accessory. In the fast fashion era, it’s rare that we know where our clothes come from. But most of us know enough to know someone, somewhere had to work very hard for very little compensation so that our most recent purchase could be more affordable. I say this without judgement. In fact, I will go so far as to admit that dressing ethically is a challenge I know I’m simply not up to. But I’m always glad to discover a brand that makes beautiful pieces and does a bit of good, too. Which is why I’m so pleased to introduce you all to MAHI Leather.

I initially thought the proposal I received from MAHI Leather was like any other. But my perspective changed entirely when I took the time to visit their online store. The brand makes bags to order from some of the softest leather I’ve ever felt. The made-to-order business model means the bags are significantly more affordable than their high street counterparts. (And they actually have YKK zippers, which I haven’t seen from a high street brand for far too long.) When it comes to shoes and handbags, I am obsessive about quality. I want the pieces I love to last. Forever. And when it comes to quality, MAHI Leather offers some of the best I’ve found recently – this duffle rivals my beloved Cuyana tote for durability, for sure.

But this isn’t just about durability. I mean, sure, I throw my bag on the ground and drag it on the bus and drop it on the floor of the car pretty often. (I’ve done all of those things to my duffle repeatedly, and it’s still in fabulous shape.) We all do. So it’s nice to have something that’s made to last. But there are other brands that make lasting leatherware. What really sets MAHI Leather apart is the work they do with Frank Water. A portion of the proceeds from every bag sold goes to the charity, which has helped more than 300 000 people gain access to safe drinking water since 2005. Basically, a MAHI Leather bag is a good bag that you can feel good about carrying.

If you follow me on instagram, you’ve probably seen this bag pop up more than once on my stories. I take it everywhere. It goes with everything. The classic size and shape make a statement. But it also makes a statement about who I am. Too often, people call fashion bloggers silly, vapid, even narcissistic – because no one who takes so many photos of themselves could possibly be anything else. (Insert epic eye roll here.) Not surprisingly, I was a person long before I started my fashion blog. And I remain who I have always been – assertive, politically aware and passionate . I just have a lot more pictures of myself now. The person I am is proud to support brands like MAHI Leather – and I always would have been.

Thank-you for supporting the brands that support Coco & Vera – and the wider world, too.