Shoes and purses are like wine and cheese.  When paired correctly they are harmonious.  When paired incorrectly there is total discord.  Dissonance makes me anxious.  Therefore, I must make certain that my purses compliment my Birkenstocks.  By doing so, not only do I find harmony between my purse and shoe choice, I also pay my respects to the artistry of each pair of Birks.  There is only one brand of handbags that can truly match the quality and flair of my beautiful Birkenstocks.  That brand is Harveys California.  Harveys makes the most incredible seatbelt handbags.

You read that correctly.  Handbags made of SEATBELTS!!!  Per their webpage, “It all started in a tiny garage with husband and wife, Dana & Melanie Harvey. While restoring their classic car, Dana came up with the idea to make Melanie a matching handbag with the leftover seatbelts. Everyone loved hers so much they decided to make more for you.”

Here is the Instagram TV video that I made to promote my blog.   To illustrate the loveliness of these handbags.

The Harveys began creating, designing, and manufacturing their seatbelt handbags in Southern California in 1997.  This was before the internet and social media.  But, since I lived in Santa Barbara at the time, I had the good fortune to learn about these amazing bags early in their infancy, through word of mouth.  However, since I was a college student, I did not have the funds to purchase a seatbelt bag for several years.

I drooled over these bags for over a decade before I finally “splurged”.  Let me tell you, a Harveys Seatbelt Handbag is worth every single penny!!    Like Birkenstocks, a Harveys bag is extremely durable, they are available in various styles and colors, and they can be repaired.  Though I doubt that you will need to repair a Harveys bag, since they are nearly indestructible. ​

In fact, the Harveys slogan is that their bags are “guaranteed tough”.  Additional features, as noted on the Harveys wiki page, is that these bags are “Durable, fade resistant automotive grade seatbelts and YKK zippers are sewn on industrial sewing machines (the kind used to sew horse saddles) with NASA grade nylon 69 thread.” It is hard to believe that such a durable bag is also vegan!!  A Harveys bag will last a lifetime.  You will probably only ever need to buy one.

But, what fun would that be?!  Once you buy your first Harveys bag, you will soon want another.  If you have been following me on Instagram or Facebook, you will have noticed that I occasionally post pictures of my Birkenstocks alongside one of my beautiful Harveys bags.  Yes, I have more than one.  How many do I have?  Not enough!!

I am a California girl, born and raised.  And one of the things that I love the most about the Harveys brand is that their items are created, designed, and manufactured in California.  Plus all of their materials are made in the USA.  This is a double whammy of goodness, like champagne and strawberries.  Every time I purchase a new Harveys bag, I feel like I am buying “locally” and am proud to support a small California business.

One of the most ingenious marketing tools that Harveys has implemented, is a stack of miniature business cards that come in every new bag.  That’s right, Harveys tucks these darling little cards into every purse so that wearers can pass them out when others inquire about the bag.  And, believe me, you will get compliments every single day that you wear a Harveys purse!!  These unique bags are conversation starters.  For example, I get asked questions about my seatbelt bags at the grocery store, at soccer games, walking my dog, on airplanes, even waiting in line in a public restroom!! ​

You are most likely reading my blog because you are a Birkenstock wearer.  Have I piqued your interest in the Harveys Seatbelt Handbags?  Why not take a peek at their current line of bags and see if they have something that might match a pair of your Birkenstocks?  Or better yet, if you are in Santa Ana, swing by their store.  I stopped by last month, when I was in town, and had the good fortune of meeting Melanie Harvey! ​​

Whether you stop by their store or visit their webpage, I bet you will be pleasantly surprised with their offerings.  But, beware, like Birkenstocks, Harveys Seatbelt Bags can be mildly addictive.


So addictive in fact, that you might want to mesh your two worlds.  What do I mean?  Well…Harveys often asks their customers for suggestions for future ideas.  I have officially submitted my request for Harveys to make a seatbelt bag with images of Birkenstock sandals.  But, that has not happened yet.  Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to suggest that Birkenstock collaborate with Harveys and make a limited edition line of Birkenstocks with seatbelt uppers!!  How about THAT idea???!!!  Imagine the endless possibilities, designs, and colors.

What are your thoughts on Harveys Seatbelt Handbags?  Do they play to your palate of style when it comes to matching your Birkenstocks?  Do you find the pairing of a seatbelt bag and Birkenstocks to be as harmonious as I do?  Send me a message and let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

TIPS:

Want to learn how to acquire rare, unique Birkenstocks?  Read this blog.

Not sure how to break-in your new Birkenstocks?  Then check out this article.

Worried about counterfeit Birkenstocks?  This post details ways to determine if your Birks are authentic.

It's almost Spring!!  I cannot wait until the rain stops in the Bay Area and I can start wearing my Birkenstock sandals again.  

Birkenstock has recently begun releasing some of their Spring/Summer 2019 collection.   I quickly snatched up my very first pair for Spring.   It might not be what you expect.   Usually I go for the unique, shimmery uppers.  Unfortunately, many of the new releases with the pretty designs have white soles.    If you have been reading my blog, you know that I am not a fan of Birks with white soles.  

So, what did I buy?  Let's just say that I "invested" in a pair of blue leather Mayaris.  Any Birkenstock collector knows, that it is rare for Birkenstock to release leather Mayaris in a deep, rich color.  Usually, leather Mayaris are only available either in black or in brown.  While those colors are solid neutrals for most people.....for Gina Mama.....it is just not enough.
 

The moment that Birkenstock Attitudes got these blue Mayaris in stock, I bought them.  Watch this video to see the deep, rich navy of the leather:
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Here's a tip to any newbie to Birkenstocks, if you see a sandal that you like, buy it!!  With seasonal and limited edition Birkenstocks, once they are gone they are G-O-N-E.  You never know when, if at all, Birkenstock might produce the style, color, or model again.  

These blue Mayaris were my first purchase this season, what will your first Birkenstock purchase be from this collection?  Send me a message, I would love to hear from you.

Thank you Birkenstock Attitudes for your exceptional customer service!   I wonder what my next purchase from you might be.....????

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook, to keep up to date on all my posts.

TIPS:
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To learn more about the different types of Birkenstock uppers, read this blog.

To learn about the various styles available from Birkenstock, read this article (please note that it may not include the newer models that Birkenstock has released since the initial post).