In today’s post, I’m sharing my Sézane Milo bag review.
I purchased Sézane’s Mini Milo bag last month in anticipation of our upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal. I wanted a travel-friendly crossbody that would fit my daily “essentials.” I also wanted a crossbody in a fun spring color, and the Mini Milo in Smooth Honey fit the bill.
After wearing the bag out and about for a couple of weeks, I am thrilled with the decision. The style is classic and one I will wear for years. I love the chic box shape, and the color is even more stunning in person.
Much like with my first Sézane bag purchase–a Justine basket bag–this bag just *makes* every outfit. (You can check out my review of the Justine basket bag here).
In this post, I’ll share some details on the Mini Milo bag, including dimensions, color choices, and what exactly fits in this size. At the end of the review, I’ll share a few similar, more affordable options as well as a handful of staples from Sézane that I love.
Sézane Milo Bag Review
The Sézane Milo bag is the sustainable French brand’s nod to Céline’s classic box bag, bringing us that timeless, sleek box style at a much more palatable price point. This is, in my opinion, what Sézane does best: classic, high quality styles that will last for years to come without totally breaking the bank.
The Mini Milo and Milo Classic are part of Sézane’s staple bag collection. These are typically available year round, unlike their basket bags which surface only in the spring and summer months.
Sézane does roll out seasonal colors of the Mini Milo and Milo Classic a couple of times per year, but note that the seasonal colors are limited stock. (More on colors in a minute).
Sézane’s Mini Milo bag is the smaller version of the original Milo Classic bag. I’ll compare the two at the end of the post, but I decided to go with the Mini because I wanted something that was more compact and travel friendly.
Where are Sézane bags made?
Sézane’s Mini Milo, Milo Classic, Claude bag, and Farrow bucket bags are all made in Italy. The Mara tote bag is made in Portugal. The majority of Sézane’s raffia collection is made in Madagascar. Their small leather goods and wallets are made in Italy and Portugal, depending on the style.
Sézane takes its commitment to sustainability seriously. They are B-Corp certified and currently use eco-friendly materials in over 75% of the product line.
Sézane Mini Milo Bag Review
Design Details + clasp
The Sézane Milo bag features a chic rectangular box shape with a curved foldover flap. The adjustable strap allows the bag to be worn either over the shoulder or across the body.
Perhaps one of the bag’s most distinguished features is the beautiful metal clasp that secures the flap to the body of the bag. To open the clasp, press down on the lower half of the clasp which will release the top part attached to the flap. To close, simply insert the top portion until the clasp clicks into place.
Compartments
The Sézane Mini Milo bag has one main compartment. It also contains four additional compartments: a tight open pocket along the back of the bag, one thin open pocket on either side of the inside of the main compartment, and one small zipper pocket along the inside of the bag.
The three interior sleeve pockets are small but can hold either a phone without a bulky case or a slim card holder (Sézane’s Large Alfred Card Holder fits perfectly). Even though the pockets are small, I love that I have the option to use them. This helps keep the bag organized.
The exterior pocket on the back of the bag, however, doesn’t hold much. I can’t figure out what people are storing in there–maybe a card or a few coins?
Materials
The exterior of Sézane’s Mini Milo bag is made with 100% leather. The type of leather varies by colorway. The Smooth Honey color that I have is made with ovine (sheep) leather, and the Glossy Black is made with cowhide leather.
The interior lining of the bag is made with a thick 100% cotton material. The interior material is black and seems pretty sturdy. The metal clasp and studs are made of brass.
The exterior leather is smooth and supple. Sézane’s website advises regularly conditioning the leather, and they included a little container of their own leather conditioner in the box with the bag. They advise applying this with a soft brush.
I saw on another review that the conditioner works on scratches as well. I bought this bag knowing that soft leather like this is bound to pick up scratches here and there, so I am mentally prepared for that to happen.
Straps
The Mini Milo bag comes with a single leather strap that can be adjusted to a variety of lengths using the chic studs along each side. The studs on mine are the same gold-covered brass as the opening clasp.
Each side of the strap fastens to itself using a simple loop system. This allows the user to adjust the length without having any extra strap hang loose at the end. To me, this feature is part of what makes the bag so unique.
At its shortest length, the strap can be looped over a shoulder or across the body in a diagonal “belt bag” fashion. As you extend the strap, it begins to look like more of a classic crossbody. I love having these options and have worn the strap a variety of ways so far, depending on the activity of the day.
The strap is, as far as I can tell, not removable.
Color
Sézane’s Mini Milo bag currently comes in a variety of colors: Glossy Black, Smooth Honey, Iced Cumin, Icy Light Pink, Ecru Croco Print, and Icy Pistachio.
I had been dead set on the Mini Milo style for months, but I agonized over the color choice. I actually ordered the Icy Pistachio first. The color was SO fun, but I worried that I would tire of such a bold green.
I ended up exchanging for the Smooth Honey without being totally sure on the color, but as soon as it arrived, I knew it was right. The rich, warm honey color is beautiful and matches perfectly with most of my spring and summer wardrobe. It’s what you might call an “elevated” neutral. The bag provides a fun pop of color to every outfit without being so loud and distinct.
I also LOVE the elegant Ecru Croco Print, but this colorway comes with one long chain strap rather than the adjustable leather strap. I decided this wouldn’t be as comfortable to wear or practical for travel.
Size + dimensions
The Sézane Mini Milo bag measures 12 x 19 x 5 cm / 4.7 x 7.5 x 2 in and weighs 14 oz.
Packaging
The packaging was, in true Sézane fashion, dreamy. My order arrived in Sézane’s signature white and blue shipping box stuffed with gold striped tissue paper. Inside, the purse came in a gorgeous, sturdy gift box and a drawstring canvas dust bag. I have been storing the purse on my closet shelf inside of the gift box, and it makes me so happy every time I open my closet.
Complimentary Monogramming
The Milo bag is one of the many items on which Sézane offers complimentary monogramming. Customers have the choice to add up to three characters on the back of the bag in gold stamping. I decided against this because I wasn’t 100% sure I was going to keep the bag at first, a choice I now deeply regret, lol!
What much does the Sézane Mini Milo Bag hold?
The ultimate question! The Mini Milo bag can easily hold my phone, a Sézane card holder, sunglasses, AirPods, a car key, a lip product, hand sanitizer, and–wait for it–my KINDLE.
One thing to note: I mentioned earlier that the side pockets could fit a phone that didn’t have a bulky phone case. I use a Loopy phone case which makes my phone too bulky to fit into any of the side pockets, but the phone can still fit in the main compartment along with everything else if I stack a few things.
Price
Sézane’s Mini Milo bag costs $435, and the Milo Classic bag costs $475.
Mini Milo vs. Classic Milo Bag
The biggest difference between Sézane’s Mini Milo bag and the Milo Classic bag is the size. The Milo Classic measures 17 x 24 x 4.5 cm / 6.7 x 9.4 x 1.8 in and weighs 19 oz, making this about 2 inches wider and longer than the Mini Milo bag.
I love that the Milo Classic bag can hold a book or notebook, but I thought the size would be too big to travel with. The Mini Milo is more compact and streamlined which is what I needed. And while you can wear the Milo Classic as a crossbody, it’s definitely a little bulkier.
The Milo Classic bag does come in several of colorways that are not available in the Mini Milo. The Milo Classic currently comes in Natural Heritage (a rich chocolate brown), Taupe, Denim (a deep blue leather, not actual denim), Black, and a Brown Python (this would be my pick!!).
Mini Milo vs. Claude Bag
There is one more bag that should be mentioned on this post, and that is Sézane’s Claude Bag which is a sister to the Milo collection. The Claude bag has the same distinct metal clasp, but the bag is a half-moon shape as opposed to a rectangle. The Claude is a beautiful bag and is sized right between the Mini Milo and the Milo Classic. Again, I wanted something smaller which is why I went with the Mini Milo, but the Claude is a beautiful option for those who want a little bit more storage.
Where to buy the Sézane Milo Bag
You can purchase both the Mini Milo bag and the Milo Classic Bag on Sézane’s website or in one of their stores (in the US, you’ll find them in NYC, LA, SF, and Austin).
It’s worth noting that the prices at Sézane’s store locations in Europe are cheaper than what you’ll find online. If you’re planning to visit Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Aix-En-Provence, London (Marlybone or Notting Hill), or Zurich this year, you might want to rework your itinerary to allow for an afternoon of shopping!
Pro tip: If you do make any purchases in the EU, don’t forget to ask for a VAT refund receipt that you can redeem at the airport on your way home!
Box bag: look for less
Quince makes a small leather box bag that has amazing reviews and costs just under $150. This comes in a couple of GREAT neutrals.
I love the color options that Leatherology carries in their $215 structured crossbody, and I have heard great things about Mango’s dupe that is under $60 (also available at Nordstrom).
Other Sézane favorites
Adeline Low Sandals
It’s been YEARS since I’ve purchased sandals that are not Birkenstocks. I bought these sandals a few months ago to wear with dresses and anytime I feel like I need to rise a smidge above said Birkenstocks. I’ve been so happy with these–they sort of form to my foot and are surprisingly really comfortable for a flat sandal.
Deia Shorts
These are my new go-to spring and summer shorts, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They are comfy, and the belt makes them feel more put together than normal cutoff jeans shorts. I have the Snow Blue wash, and it is perfect. Size down!
Max Shirt
I now own Sézane’s Max Shirt in two colors (Casual White and Very Light Denim) and wear each of them constantly. I wear this half buttoned over jeans and flowy pants or all the way open over a tank, shorts, etc. The options are limitless, as this is the ultimate wardrobe staple. (Check out my full review + styling tips here).
Justine bag
If you’re on the hunt for a summery bag that has more room, you might consider the Justine basket bag. This bag is gorgeous and fits everything that the Mini Milo fits and more. (Read my review here).
Loulou Trousers
Another year-round wardrobe staple, Sézane’s Loulou Trousers might be the most flattering pants I own. These look great with blouses, t-shirts, tanks and can be dressed down or dressed up.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for checking out my Sézane Milo bag review. I hope it was helpful, and please tag me if you do end up purchasing this bag!
On that note…
My Sézane Léontine Jumper Review
Sézane Justine Basket Bag Review
must reads
Get my top 10 travel tips straight to your inbox.
Sign up here
