Today I’m sharing my Clare V. Midi Sac review.
I have had this bag for about 6 months, so I thought it was time for an in depth review.
Investing in a nice purse can feel like such a big decision. I’m hoping this post will be helpful to those who are considering the Clare V. Midi Sac.
It had been years since I carried a real purse. Between early motherhood and COVID, I didn’t really need anything outside of a diaper bag and my trusty Lululemon belt bag. Once we graduated from that stage of life, though, I wanted a nicer everyday purse to elevate my outfits.
I shopped around for months before deciding on Clare V. Clare V. is an LA-based brand known for their “Paris chic, LA cool” style leather handbags, clothing, and accessories. Clare V.’s line of crossbody bags feature unique details and interchangeable straps that add character to every outfit.
After finally zeroing in on a brand, I agonized for months over which style and color. I ended up going with the Midi Sac which is a small camera style crossbody purse in the “deep sea diagonal woven” color. The exact color I have is sold out now (linked here for reference), but there are many similar new styles available at a bunch of different retailers. I’ll link many options throughout the post.
In this post, I’ll share my honest review of the Clare V. Midi Sac crossbody, details and dimensions of the product, and a list of retailers that carry various colors and styles. I’ll also compare the bag to a few other styles from Clare V.
Clare V. Midi Sac Review
Material
All of Clare V.’s bags are made with leather, but they make several different styles of leather and colorways.
The style I have (linked here but sold out) is the diagonal woven style. They also offer a zig-zag woven style, checkerboard woven style, classic smooth leather, croco-style, and a soft leather rattan.
Most of their bags are lined with chambray on the inside, but the rattan style is unlined and therefore a little less structured and slightly see-through. I LOVE the rattan style for spring and summer.
Straps
The Midi Sac comes with a long leather crossbody style strap.
Clare V. also sells a bunch of gorgeous strap options designed to increase your bag’s functionality and character. I haven’t yet purchased an additional strap for my bag, but there are some really fun options like this resin chain shoulder strap or this delicate thin gold strap or this sporty adjustable strap.
Compartments
There are no extra pockets or compartments on any of the current Midi Sac styles. This is probably my one qualm with this bag–it would be nice if there was just one internal pocket, but it doesn’t bother me too much.
Color
I love that Clare V. is always updating their colors and styles because it makes each bag feel limited edition and unique.
The Midi Sac comes in a bunch of different neutral options.
Price
The Clare V. Midi Sac price ranges from $325-$385, depending on the color and style of leather.
I got mine at a 20% discount during Shopbop’s spring sale event last March.
I don’t often see these bags on sale, but Shopbop usually marks at least a few different styles down during their biannual style event. I will do my best to keep this blog post updated with any sales I come across.
Clare V. Midi Sac Dimensions
The Clare V. Midi Sac crossbody bag measures 7 1/2 W x 5 1/2 H x 2 1/2 D.
For reference, because this was my biggest question, here’s what I can fit in it on a daily basis: my cellphone, a slim leather cardholder, sunglasses, 2-3 lip products, a car key, hand sanitizer, and a pen. All of that fits easily with room to spare and space to find anything I need without pulling everything else out.
This compact size allows the Midi Sac to fit inside another bag. For example, I often carry this inside of my big tote bag when I am out for a long day or going somewhere with my daughters. I’ll keep the tote bag in the car with water, snacks, deodorant, a book, etc. And then I can easily grab out the Midi Sac to run into the store or coffee shop or whatever it is I’m doing.
Overall Review **2024 edit
I am circling back to add in my overall review of this bag now that I have been carrying it for well over a year now. I LOVE this purse. It is compact, holds all of my daily essentials, and is easy to style. I reach for this purse still over anything else I own. I feel like the color and leather have held up amazingly well despite daily use/mom life.
Clare V. Midi Sac vs. Marisol
The Clare V. Marisol is the same shape and style as the Midi Sac but with slightly bigger dimensions, measuring in at 9 W x 6 H x 3 D. I went with the Midi Sac because I wanted something more compact. It also seems like the color and style offerings of the Marisol are more limited than that of the Midi Sac.
In the interest of being thorough, I’ll add one more to the mix here: the Mirabel is the same shape and size as the Marisol (and the Midi Sac) but has an additional top handle strap and an exterior pocket.
Clare V. Midi Sac vs. Grande Fanny
The Clare V. Grande Fanny is one of their most popular styles. This is a crossbody/belt bag that is meant to be worn diagonally. The Grand Fanny, to me, is a sportier, more practical style for the woman on the go. I decided on the Midi Sac because I wanted to be able to sling the bag over just one shoulder which I often do. It seems like the Grande Fanny holds a lot more than the Midi Sac.
I love the look of the Grande Fanny, but I do feel like it can take over an outfit which I knew I wouldn’t always want. If I ever get a second Clare V. bag, though, this one is high on my list.
*The Grande Fanny does come in the Evergreen color currently!
Clare V. Moyen Messenger Bag
The Moyen Messenger bag is another great crossbody option. I love this choice because it also has a top carry handle and holds a lot more than the Midi Sac or the Grande Fanny.
Where to buy the Clare V. Midi Sac bag?
Clare V.’s website has by far the most comprehensive selection of colors and leather styles.
You can occasionally find the Clare V. Midi Sac crossbody bag at Nordstrom and Shopbop. Anthropologie usually has a limited selection too.
How to style the Clare V. Midi Sac crossbody
I wear this bag with everything–and I do mean everything. I purposefully chose a color that I could wear year round. I have been super happy with this purse and definitely recommend it.
More woven crossbody bags
More Clare V. picks
Check out some more style posts here.
Heading somewhere warm this year? Check out my spring and summer packing list for 2024 here.
