I am a handbag fanatic and thoroughly enjoy the hunt for the perfect bag.

The whole process of checking out a new handbag is an absolute treat for me. 🙂

My research and discovery process will typically include:

• Trying new styles (hobo, clutch, satchel, tote etc…)
• Checking out the compartments that are inside
• Determining if I need a short or long strap
• Asking myself, “is the material waterproof?”
• Will the purse stand on its own or slouch when I put it on a table?
• If one of my kids draws on it, will I easily be able to clean it?
• Will I feel stylish carrying it?
• Can I easily fit my iphone in the interior compartments?
• Will I need to buy a different size wallet so that it will fit better in my new purse?

After trying many different brands and materials including leather, faux leather, vinyl, cotton, straw etc…, I have finally found the handbag for me.  The style, as you might have already guessed, is the Harveys seatbelt bag.

The History of Seatbelt Bags

The company, Harvey’s Seatbelt Bags, was founded in 1997 by an Orange County, California husband and wife team, Dana and Melanie Harvey.  The couple was in the process of restoring their 1950 Buick.  When it was time to install the seatbelts, Dana decided to use the extra seatbelt material to create a handbag for Melanie.

Well, of course, she loved her handbag.

From there, they realized that this handbag was pretty darn unique and sturdy and fashionable, so they started to create the bags for friends and family.  The bags were very well received, and this lead to Dana and Melanie using their garage to create these wonderful seatbelt bags for gifts and for a business venture.

The Buick that served as the initial inspiration for the first seatbelt bag was then sold to fund their growing business.  So, that Buick played a very important role in the phenomenon of the seatbelt bag.  🙂

Style and Design of the Seatbelt Bag

When Dana and Melanie started out, they only made single color bags.  They created their first print bag in the summer of 2006 and have not looked back.  The colors and designs run the gamut from silver to aqua to black to polka dotted and so on.

The bags are offered in many different styles including:

• Satchels
• Messenger Bags
• Laptop Bags
• Baguettes
• Totes – Large, Medium or Small
• Backpacks

The multi-colored styles are very fun and when running around town, these handbags grab a lot of attention.

Even though they have been around for 15 years now, it always amazes me that the seatbelt bag look is still a new one for a lot of people.

I always receive compliments when carrying mine around town.

My personal experience with the seatbelt bag

I personally own the Large Satchel in champagne color, the large tote in the chocolate, and the medium tote in black.  I thoroughly enjoy all of the colors and sizes.

The next one I’d like to add to my collection is the medium tote in teal color.  It looks so refreshing for spring.  🙂

My three favorite features of this bag are:

• Unique look
• Sturdiness
• Easily stands on its own with built in feet
• And, of course, Looks Amazing

Since there are little metal feet at the bottom of the totes and satchel style bags, they stand up so easily, which I love.

Since my bags tend to also serve as a mobile office for me, being able to stand the bag up, as I sort through the contents is a major plus.

Since I mentioned the cute teal color medium tote, I thought I’d include a picture to the left.  The small tote is big enough for a wallet, water bottle, keys, sunglasses and a few odds and ends.  The medium tote in black, as pictured above, is slightly bigger and can hold a few additional items like an umbrella and camera for example.

The Sterling Baguette style looks very stylish and fun as well.  To be honest, this one is on my wish list as well.

I’ve included a photo of this one to the right.  The baguette is smaller than the totes in height, but it could be great for the essential wallet, keys, phone, and sunglasses.

Sometimes I think I should carry much smaller purses like this one, so I’m not tempted to carry around too much. 🙂

I think seatbelt bags are absolutely wonderful, and they have made me realize that, yes indeed, there is a perfect handbag.

I know it sounds silly, but I actually look forward to picking up my seatbelt bag every morning so I can show it off.  🙂