A Closer Look at the Belen Echandia Make Me Smile Handbag

The Belen Echandia Make Me Smile in Wine sheen leather is the latest addition to my collection.  Why I waited so long to try this bag is beyond me!  The Make Me Smile is currently a top favorite with my Rock Me.  And the wine sheen leather is gorgeous.  It has a rich tone to it...think raspberries instead of strawberries. 

 

Here is a close up shot of the sheen leather.  All of Belen Echandia's leathers have their own unique traits and the sheen is no exception.  It is incredibly soft, literally smooshes into a puddle, and I love that the 'sheen' adds just a bit of class to it.  It wears incredibly well and makes me feel like I can dress it up a bit more - if I want - because of the glossy finish.   

Here is a side shot of the Make Me Smile when held by the handles.  This reflects its true shape and dimensions.  According to the Belen Echandia site, the Make Me Smile measures 16.5" wide, 11" high, and 4.7" deep.   As you can see in the next picture, the shape can flex to meet many needs because of the wonderful yummy Italian leather. 

This picture shows the Make Me Smile sitting on its own.  It is packed with my goodies and the buttery soft leather just forms nicely around them.  

  The front zippered pocket of the Make Me Smile is wider than other BE styles I have tried thus far.  I really like it because I can carry my iPhone while still having room for lists, keys, or an additional random item or two.  The extra size also makes it so I can get my hand in without scratching on the zipper.

There are two things that stand out to me as favorites with the Make Me Smile.  First, when I can carry it on my shoulde, I can have one strap on my shoulder and let the other fall off while digging in it.  I LOVE not having to remove it from my shoulder to access items...very handy when I have one or two children in tow.

  What's my second fave?  The Make Me Smile has an amazing opening!  When it just sits, it is open for me to access what I want.  I love that when driving!  The opening is perfection for the horizontal layout of this handbag.  Everything is right there for you.  The Make Me Smile can fit a ton but you can see it all because of the horizontal layout.

I carry a Belen Echandia Zipper Wallet and Protect Me, carryall with random essentials, a medium Ju-Ju-Be Be Set with snacks and wipes for the kids, my sunglasses, keys, and a pouch with tea bags daily.  Most times I carry a water bottle as well...which fits with complete ease.

One side of the Make Me Smile has a long zippered pocket.  I keep my hand lotion an small toys for the kids in there.  Two slip pockets carry my Protect Me and mail keys... 

The other interior side has a hidden pocket with magnetic closure.  I usually keep receipts and paperwork in this pocket.  It is a great size and keeps items secure in your handbag.  

Here is a modeling picture of the Make Me Smile worn on the shoulder.  The drop is around 8 inches when new, but once the leather breaks in, you get an extra 2-2.5 inches.  I am pretty picky about strap drop and prefer a drop of 10 inches or more...the Make Me Smile is perfect! 

Front shot of how the Make Me Smile looks when carried on the shoulder...what do you think? 

  Modeling shot of the MMS worn messenger.  While this bag is not as flat as other BE bags, I find it comfy worn messenger.  The MMS is not too deep and thus, you can easily access what you need with ease.  Note that my messenger strap is not adjusted as long as it could go so the bag could actually sit lower on you if you prefer that.  For reference, I am 5'7" and size 6. 

Front shot of the MMS worn messenger...

I truly love all of my Belen Echandia handbags and love hearing from you about which brands you enjoy and which BE bags you love.  I enjoy your emails asking for my thoughts on how one bag compares to another so keep them coming! 

What is the latest addition to your handbag collection?