Beautiful, Elegant, Functional

After extensive use of my beautiful tan TMA Midi, I would be remiss if I didn’t write a review and comment on just how practical and gorgeous this bag is after putting it through it’s paces. We recently took a holiday to Maui, HI and my TMA Midi was the perfect solution for a mid-size carryall and daily handbag.

The TMA Midi is a size that was created with the collaboration with Jackie and the lovely members of the Belen Echandia sub-forum on the Purse Forum. While many of us adored the style and look of the TMA, a few of us were hesitant to take the plunge on the bag because of it’s size – or our size! Being short (shh..And a little pudgy!) doesn’t always translate well with larger bags. Enter Jackie and her solution: BE Couture. With a few small tweaks (and lots of editing from the gals on tPF), Jackie came up with a wonderful design. Almost the exact same bag as the classic TMA, just slightly smaller in scale, the TMA Midi was the perfect solution for me for a 6 hour flight with two kids (aged 7 and 5).

This bag, for it’s “midi” size has an amazing capacity. I was able to fit a drawing kit, two notepads, small early reader books, snacks, an empty sippy cup, and even headphones for my daughter, who has some sensory issues. This was in addition to all my normal handbag items (wallet, phone, camera, etc.)! I loved how I could slide travel documents into the side slip pocket. My ID, lip balm, and two small sets of headphones easily fit into the front flap pockets, which were so accessible when wearing the bag messenger style (thanks to BE Couture, I also opted to add a messenger strap to the bag, creating a “hands-free” option). Even with the shorter hand straps, the bag easily fit over my shoulder, and stayed secure as I was chasing kids in the airport.

When we dined out at Mama’s Fish House (and amazing restaurant nestled in it’s own private cove), the TMA Midi easily transitioned from a functional day bag into an elegant evening handbag. Knowing we would have to entertain two kiddos in a rather more upscale restaurant, we packed everything we thought we would need – notepads, colored pencils, toys, meds for my son (who has severe food allergies) just in case, and yes, headphones! Similar to the “little black dress” which works for day and night, the TMA Midi was perfectly at home in the more formal dining room. The evening went so smoothly with everything with us, and we even managed to smuggle out half a coconut shell (from an appetizer) and a few fun drink umbrellas to boot!

Suffice it to say, my tan TMA Midi was just a fantastic choice for our journey. I couldn’t resist, so I snapped a lovely pic of my bag taking a well deserved break at Kuau Cove. Doesn’t she look relaxed?