One of my fondest memories in my twenty years of running this site was being invited to a Kate Spade holiday party that included a White Elephant gift exchange. I was new to NYC, and I remember the joy I felt over the invite alone—then the friends I made and the laughs I had. I wound up with a Kate Spade multicolor striped beauty bag, which I still have to this day, over a decade later.
That whimsical phosphorescence further solidified my love for the brand. Kate Spade is fun, modern, colorful, independent, playful, and sophisticated. On top of all of that, Kate Spade brings function to the forefront, and that combination makes it a brand that remains steadfast and beloved.
Speaking of functional, there’s a new Kate Spade bag in town that, as its name suggests, offers a duo of bags—but when you see it in person, you realize the Kara zip-up leather satchel bag is one of the most multi-functional bags out there. And in true Kate Spade fashion, there’s a colorway and material for everyone.
One Bag, Infinite Possibilities
Of course, I am drawn to a bag for its aesthetics first, but I’d say functionality is a very close second. I need a bag that I can actually use—one that makes sense for my life, carries my things, and looks good while doing so. You’d think that would be an easy feat, but it isn’t. So when a brand nails it, I will forever sing its praises.
The Duo Bag offers two compartments: the larger main compartment and a removable pouch. But it doesn’t stop there. You can style this bag in so many ways that it transcends age demographics. What do I mean by that? As an overplanner, I’m not going to carry the pouch by itself—but you absolutely can. The young and free can even add the pouch to the strap and wear it as a crossbody or waist bag.
But me? I’m carrying this bag as a crossbody or over the shoulder. I’m using the adjustable strap to make it work for my body. The sleek lines hug my frame and fit nicely whether I shorten the strap or prefer being hands-free. And the little pouch—I love her! She is a her because she’s small but mighty, offering what feels like a secret place to put the items I never leave home without. Millie’s EpiPen fits, my AirPods fit, a small pack of gum fits, my car keys fit!
And then there’s the option to turn this bag into a clutch, completely changing the shape. You can attach both ends of the snap closure together to form a circular pouch that works beautifully for evenings out. This is the convertible bag of my dreams, and since it’s a Kate Spade bag, there are so many colors and materials to choose from—whether you want a standout star or a classic carry.
The Celebrity-Approved It Bag of the Season
I’d love to tell you that, as a 42-year-old mother of two, I no longer think about Nike 2022 Air Sport 2 Stand Bag multiple times a week—but that would be a lie. I don’t skip a single Reel or TikTok that revisits the love story between Belly and Conrad. So when I say I’m a Lola Tung fan, I mean I am a full-on Belly Conklin–Lola Tung fangirl. Outside of the show, I’ve loved her style and relatability, so seeing her with this bag naturally made me love it even more.
Other celebs have been spotted with this bag as well, most of them carrying it as a little clutch. That tells me that even if they don’t have as much to carry as I do, they still appreciate a transformable bag.
Duo Bag Details
The young, approachable perspective that Kate Spade brings to its designs is evident in this bag. There are numerous colors, diverse materials, and even playful options—including a pouch transformed into a shearling bear.
This is the type of bag you can gift to a friend, wear yourself, choose in a fun color or pattern you don’t typically gravitate toward, and still make it look like you’re carrying something entirely your own. Plus, if you purchase more than one, you can easily swap pouches between bags to truly personalize your look.
The dimensions are 10.4″ L × 8.5″ H × 2.8″ W. The strap drop is adjustable and removable, with a maximum length of 22.5″. The main bag can fit your iPhone Max (as long as it’s not styled as a clasped clutch, which changes the shape), and it includes an interior slip pocket. The pouch fits AirPods, credit cards, and other similarly small essentials.
Prices vary depending on the finish, with most just under $300. Malas TJW ESSENTIAL TOTE KateSpade.com.
Stunning bag 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Oh I love this bag on you Megs and love the price even more!
Bag Converse X Josh Vides Basketball Utility Bag 10023694-A01.