I recently came across Mia Tui, a brand whose tagline is "because life's too short for endless bag rummaging!". If you've been here a while, you'll know I'm a bag lady and love bags which look good while helping me to stay organised. (Targeted advertising on social media clearly does work!) When I started researching this brand, I couldn't resist ordering what turned out to be a fantastic product backed by great service. I got in touch to say I'd be including Mia Tui bags (for all budgets) in the 2016 Festive Gift Guide and was kindly offered a 20% reader discount and the chance for one of you to win an Emma bag like mine (pictured). Read on for details...
Emma, available in a wide selection of colours, photo © Mia Tui |
Mia Tui is a small company set up in 2010 by Charlotte, a busy mother who was frustrated when she couldn't find an ideal bag to suit her lifestyle. She wanted something with a bright interior and lots of pockets so she could find things easily, while still looking stylish. As a result, Charlotte set up the Mia Tui brand and started designing her ideal bags. Charlotte was living in Vietnam at the time, and now she is back in the UK, her friend runs the Vietnamese factory where each bag is handmade by skilled craftspeople using quality materials. (All seams and furnishings are beautifully finished and the fabrics used are lightweight, durable and practical.) Charlotte aims to stand apart from the bigger brands she is competing with by providing exceptional service as well as great products, and after placing three orders myself already, I'd say she is succeeding by building a loyal customer base who love the bags as much as she does. Multiple awards seem to confirm this.
Charlotte and her children, photo © Mia Tui |
The Mia Tui designs - in varying shapes and sizes - share common features such as a bright waterproof lining, various pockets and a removable clutch bag and accessories pouch (in the larger bags). I chose Emma, a large tote which can also be worn across the body, thanks to an adjustable and comfortably-wide detachable strap.
The Emma bag could have been designed for me. I either travel very light (when it's just me and I'm popping out on the school run, or to the shop) or I carry everything but the kitchen sink (when I have the kids with me on a day out, if I'm travelling long-distance, or if there is the slightest chance I will have time to knit, in which case there's at least one project in there). The Emma bag does it all. It's a huge tote with plenty of sizable internal pockets (and one on the outside), plus a matching clutch bag (also with two strap options) and a clear zippered pouch. With all of life's essentials safely compartmentalised, there is still a very large main space for your projects and crafting paraphernalia.
Typical inner, showing phone and pen pockets, two insulated pockets, clutch bag & accessories pouch, © Mia Tui |
Since getting my bag several weeks ago, I've used it constantly. I particularly love that my money, phone and keys can be in the clutch (across my body or in the main bag) and that I don't have to carry everything unless I need to. So the tote - aka kitchen sink - can stay in the boot of my car, in the hotel or at home and I still have the essentials with me. The clear pouch is handy for carrying liquids through customs or to the gym - and also makes a great notions case.
On our recent half term mini-break, I carried my huge shawl project as well as everything else, with room to spare. In fact, my only caveat about this bag is that it would be easy to carry too much in it! The bag itself isn't very heavy, but if you fill it to the brim it could be.
Emma is one of the most expensive bags in the Mia Tui range and retails at £55, arriving in a bright pink (re-useable) tote bag. Using the 20% discount code below you will pay just £44. That's a whole lot of bag(s) for your money.
Emma is one of the most expensive bags in the Mia Tui range and retails at £55, arriving in a bright pink (re-useable) tote bag. Using the 20% discount code below you will pay just £44. That's a whole lot of bag(s) for your money.
Hotel room knitting! (Incidentally, this picture is the closest representation of the outer fabric in normal light.) |
With several vegans in our family, I know how hard it can be to find nice gifts that are suitable. (It's also why I like to source nice cotton and acrylic yarns!) I wanted to point out that Mia Tui bags do not use any animal based products are completely vegan-friendly as well as being attractive and functional. I'm not a vegan and before the bag arrived, I admit to being a bit worried that it might look like 'cheap plastic' when used with my black leather jacket, but my worries were unfounded - the PU is lovely as well as being much lighter to carry than most of my leather bags. I've had lots of compliments on it.
I mentioned bags for different budgets and there are plenty of other designs to choose from, including the Mia Tui Eco Shopper bag (in various patterned fabrics) which folds up small enough to fit in the clutch with your essentials, is very sturdy, and has three sections formed with a zippered central section. It's great for general trips when you might want carry a mix of fresh produce and other things you need to keep dry. At only £5 each (£4, if using the discount) these make a great stocking filler.
After using the black clutch so much (and because I like 'matchy matchy' things and have red boots), I also ordered a Lily Clutch in Berry. Lily also comes with a wrist strap and long detachable strap and has a built-in key clip. There is a 'phone' pocket inside - much too small for my iPhone 7 Plus but perfect for business cards and lipstick. Under £10 each (and 20% cheaper still, with the exclusive discount below) these would also be a great gift.
Lily Clutch in Berry, © Mia Tui |
So those are the three bags I've tried and tested and can personally recommend. There are lots more to choose from, with a wide range of prices - you should find plenty of gift inspiration on the Mia Tui website. If you place an order using the code CWTCH20 you will get 20% off the retail price of any bags.
As if that wasn't enough, Charlotte has offered one lucky reader an Emma bag! She will ship anywhere in the world so this giveaway is open to all readers. To be in with a chance to win, simply take a look at the full range of colours and leave a comment on this blog post with your favourite colour AND your Ravelry name, Instagram name, or an alternative way to contact you if you are the winner. (While you're visiting the website, remember to use CWTCH20 for your gift purchases.) The winner will be randomly selected next Wednesday 30th November 2016. Good luck!
Reminder: there is still time to enter last week's giveaway as the draw will be made on Sunday 27/11/16. Find the details here.
I'm on a monochrome phase and love the dove grey! Notsogranny on rav and instant. X
ReplyDeleteI love these bags! I would love to win the black Emma bag, although I love the dove grey as well. RavID Lisej
ReplyDeleteI love the aubergine one. Soozyj on Rav and IG.
ReplyDeleteThank you - the Teal makes my heart sing! I'm CraftyLittleRat on Ravelry too!
ReplyDeleteOh My! I looked at the bags, looked at my Christmas Budget, threw a tantrum, and my current handbag on the floor! TheCalmNook on Rav and @thecalmnookcrafts on insta.
ReplyDeleteOh I forgot to mention Black!
DeleteAn Emma in aubergine! Although I can see a good argument for having more than one...
ReplyDeleteameliamcs on ravelry & Instagram
Dove grey is calling to me. poppyseed on Rav :)
ReplyDeleteHead and heart are having an argument - will go with my head (for a change) and opt for Tan. Loop60 on Ravelry.
ReplyDeletethe teal is stand out best colour - instagram: thespannerworks
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jo, you are the randomly selected winner! I'll be in touch on Instagram! :D
DeleteMy heart says berry but my brain says black as a favourite colour for an Emma bag. DaisyL on Ravelry. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteClassic black is always best (but I do love the bright colours too)! IG csandl7
ReplyDeleteBerry or tan? I truly can't decide. Rav: Hazysummers
ReplyDeleteCan't decide what colour to buy as my first first bag, I think it will be red berry but I so love the teal. Already planning how my things will fit @kpritch25 insta
ReplyDeleteLoving the bright interior.... sensible on the outside with go-with-all grey, while fun on the inside.. sounds a bit like me! Hlp5040 on Ravelry (which autocorrect wants to change to revelry. - time to party?
ReplyDeleteWhat fab bags! I love the pewter and purple colours - gorgeous! (Buffykeeper on Rav)
ReplyDeleteHi I love the berry colour. My Ravelry name is audabod & Instagram is @audabod.
ReplyDeleteOMG those bags are gorgeous. Love the one with the bright pink lining that you have. I may order a couple of the smaller ones as stocking fillers but I will def be ordering for next years birthdays and myself. My Ravellry name is maggiel29 or you can find me on Facebook as Maggie Lewin
ReplyDeleteJust ordered 3 Lily Clutch bags :) - they are perfect thank you for sharing this
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for black bags, especially when they have a pink/red/berry lining. I'm Greyknitter on Ravelry
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for black bags, especially when they have a pink/red/berry lining. I'm Greyknitter on Ravelry
ReplyDeleteGah, more gorgeous bags!! You evil temptress!!
ReplyDeleteMy inner goth says it's got to be black ;-)
IG: nyree_dawn
Purple! Please!! SusieQ100 on Rav
ReplyDeleteI love the teal colour. It can brighten the darkest of days.
ReplyDeleteInstagram @sonaseer
the black is beautiful! I'm cottontots on ravelry x
ReplyDeleteBerry for me
ReplyDeleteMicha on rav
This bag looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteTeal would be the colour.
Zeah on ravelry
This bag is the answer to my lost keys and mobile. I would love it in purple. I am LovingJG on rav.
ReplyDeleteSo hard to make a choice on a favourite! I like most of them- teal, bluebell, blush and black would all be great in different situations. I'm otagogirl on Rav.
ReplyDeletewhat a hard choice they all look beautiful. i think it would have to be between the aubergine and the berry as i love my bag to stand out a little. i am sisfay on rav.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love the teal! mintyvicky on ravelry and IG
ReplyDeleteIt's got to be black for my... my go to colour. Millieapple on IG.
ReplyDeleteAm I too late?! My favourite colour is BLACK! Blue is a close second. Or maybe green? No, it's red. Oh dear. I love the look of these bags. As I get older I get much more grumpy about having to rummage for everything - drives me mad! Tam x
ReplyDeleteAnd SimplyMrsP everywhere x
ReplyDeleteThe draw is now closed and the winner has been selected! Thanks for entering!
ReplyDelete