Harveys Seatbelt Handbags & Birkenstocks: Durable Vegan Bags, Style & Limited Editions

Original released March 2019.
Updated October 2025 with new pictures and YouTube Video.

Harveys seatbelt handbags

Bold Comfort: Glitter, texture, seatbelts and timeless comfort—my Spotted Arizona Exquisite Leather sandals and Harveys Beetlejuice streamline crossbody tote are the perfect duo for any Birkenstock lover.

Why Harveys Seatbelt Handbags Pair Perfectly with Birkenstocks

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. ​

Why Harveys Seatbelt Handbags and Birkenstocks Are the Ultimate California Style Duo — Durable, Vegan & Timeless

Bold color, California sunshine, and timeless comfort — Harveys Seatbelt Handbags and Birkenstocks are a match made in style heaven. Both brands champion durability, craftsmanship, and sustainability, turning everyday essentials into iconic statement pieces.

Shoes + Purses in Harmony: My Style Philosophy

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.

Kairo + Harveys California Sticker (Floral Look)

Harveys California Sticker & Birkenstock black Kairo with Flowers and a rainbow pedicure.

The Harveys Origin Story (Garage Project to California Brand)

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.”

What Makes a Harveys Seatbelt Bag Different

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

Video showcasing Gina Mama's Harveys Collection in 2019

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Watch the Video: Harveys Seatbelt Handbags & Birkenstocks — Durable Vegan Bags, Style & Limited Editions

If you’ve ever wondered why Birkenstocks and Harveys Seatbelt Handbags make the perfect pair, this short video brings it to life.  I’m showing some of my favorite combos — from Spotted Arizonas and Big Buckles to limited-edition Harveys collaborations — all proof that comfort and craftsmanship never go out of style.

Watch now to see how I style my Birks with these durable, vegan, California-made bags that are as bold and timeless as the sandals we all love.

Birkenstocks Meet Harveys Seatbelt Bags: Durable Vegan Bags with California Cool

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Harveys x Disney Star Wars Medium Streamline Tote + Birkenstock Kiltie

Harveys Star Wars Medium Streamline Tote & Birkenstock Kiltiein brown leather. Another crazy Gina Mama pedicure.

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. ​

Secret Garden Mini Streamline + Seres Sandals (Both Limited Edition Gems)

Harveys Collector's Series Secret Garden Mini Streamline Botanical Tote & Birkenstock Seres in black leather.

Automotive-Grade Seatbelts, YKK Zippers & NASA-Grade Thread

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.”

Vegan, USA-Made, Repairable & “Guaranteed Tough” Durability

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!!

Style Pairings: Seatbelt Bags with Iconic Birkenstocks

Ice Leopard Streamline + Arizona Two-Tone (pattern mixing)

Harveys Medium Streamline Tote Ice Leopard & Birkenstock Arizona Two Tone Wine Flame in Brownsville, Texas for Thanksgiving.

Sometimes I feel like I can never have enough Harveys bags.  Like Birkenstocks, Harveys surprises customers with limited edition releases.  Plus, they have a partnership with Disney and make the most adorable Disney themed seatbelt items.  Harveys just released their first Disney Pixar Toy Story collection.  This Harveys release was out of this world and in such high demand that customers trying to purchase these items literally crashed their webpage!

Harveys x Disney Pixar ​Toy Story Woody Carriag Ring Tote + Madrid Big Buckle / Custom Gizeh

Harveys x Disney Pixar Toy Story Woody Carriage Ring Tote & Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle, Rivet Gizeh Custom Glitterlites orange.

Harveys x Disney Pixar Buzz Lightyear Backpack + Rivet Arizona / Magic Snake Mayari / Bellary

Harveys x Disney Pixar Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Streamline Backpack & Birkenstock Rivet Arizona (custom green), Silver Magic Snake Mayari, Bellary (custom purple)

If you are not a Disney fan (who doesn’t love Disney though?), don’t fret, Harveys has got you covered with other, always changing, one of a kind designs.  Birkenstocks don’t just make sandals and Harveys doesn’t just make handbags.  Harveys also has other goodies.  Like wallets, key chains, lanyards, dog collars and leashes, coin purses, as well as some other non-seatbelt accessories.  Harveys is not just for women, they have a line of items for men too!   Harveys has so many wonderful items and everything is made right here in California!!

Tango Red Patent Arizonas in Birko Flor and Harveys Seatbelt Be Mine Full Size Park Hopper

Harveys Be Mine Full Size Park Hopper & Birkenstock Arizona Tango Red (resoled from white to black)

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!! ​

Harveys x Disney Snow White Mini Streamline Tote with Pebbles Metallic Arizonas

Harveys x Disney Snow White Mini Streamline Tote & Birkenstock Arizona Silver Pebbles Metallic

While I often get compliments on my Birkenstocks, I have never been complimented on a pair of sandals in a public restroom.  Honestly, if I did, I’d be a little weirded out by it. 

To some, pairing exquisite leather Birkenstocks with a seatbelt bag might seem a little weird.  But, there is nothing better than a Harveys Seatbelt bag to match the uniqueness of my rare Birks.  Just as Birkenstocks make different models of sandals to meet everyone’s needs, Harveys Seatbelt Handbags create various silhouettes to match everyone’s personality.   In my humble opinion, the seatbelt bag actually helps elevate the elegance of my Birkenstocks.  Plus, it is fun to mix and match various Harveys designs with styles of Birkenstocks. 

My favorite Medium Streamline Tote by Harveys is this Rain or Shine bag paired with big buckle cognac Madrid sandals

Harveys Rain or Shine Medium Streamline Tote & Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Cognac in Corte Madera, California next to a frog statue.

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! ​​

Stopped by the stop on the way to airport and got the pleasure of meeting one of the owners Melanie Harvey.

Harveys Storefront in Santa Ana, California & Birkenstock Boston Zinfandel oiled leather. My favorite Bostons. Walked 20,000+ steps at Disneyland in these clogs.

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.

My Harveys collection in 2019 before I sold off many of these bag.  They come and go like my Birks

My Harveys Collection as of March 2019 & Birkenstock Arizona Studded Black Leather. Funny how things change. In 2025 I only have 4 of these bags in my collection, the rest I sold on eBay. I still have these Birks!!

Shoes and purses are like wine and cheese—and my Birkenstocks taste best with Harveys seatbelt handbags.  I fell for Harveys back in my Santa Barbara days and finally “splurged,” then learned they’re the perfect Birks partners: vegan, USA-made, ridiculously durable, repairable, and endlessly fun in limited editions (hello, Disney/Star Wars/Toy Story!).  I love styling pairings—Kairo + a classic Harveys, the Star Wars Medium Streamline with my Kilties, Secret Garden Mini Streamline with Seres, Ice Leopard with Arizona Two-Tone, and the Buzz backpack with my custom green Arizonas. These seatbelt bags are conversation starters, just like rare Birks, and their “guaranteed tough” weave stands up to real life the way cork footbeds do.  As a California girl, I’m proud they’re made here, and yes, they’re a little addictive—but matching Harveys to my Birkenstocks elevates the look, honors the craftsmanship, and makes everyday outfits feel playful and polished.

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Further Reading: Birkenstock Care, Sizing & Authenticity Guides

I’ve also written about Harveys in Support Small Business, where I spotlighted three of my favorite U.S. businesses—Birkenstock Attitudes, Custom Made Birkenstocks, and Harveys Seatbelt Handbags. That piece was my reminder during the pandemic about the power of shopping small, supporting local artisans, and choosing brands that truly value quality and community.

Be sure to dive into my detailed guides for even more insights. For comfort and fit, read How to Break In Your Birkenstocks, discover the most popular Birkenstock Styles, and avoid the Top 10 Birkenstock Mistakes most people make.  For care and maintenance, check out How to Clean White Sole Birkenstocks, How to Clean Nubuck Uppers, and Birkenstock Uppers, Downers, and All Arounders to learn the best cleaning and material care tips.  If authenticity is your concern, my blogs on Spotting Fake Birkenstocks and Knock-Off Birkenstocks will help you shop with confidence, while Birkenstocks Are the Ferrari of Shoes and Birkenstock Exquisite Leather explore the brand’s heritage and premium craftsmanship.  Together, these posts give you everything you need to get the most out of your Birkenstocks—comfort, care, style, and authenticity. 

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Birkenstocks + Harveys = my forever vibe. Whether it’s glitter straps, classic leathers, or limited-edition bags, I love pairing these two California-born brands. Want to see more combos, color stories, and limited drops? Follow me on Instagram @ilovebirkenstocks for daily style inspo and Birkenstock love! 

My Zebra Big Buckle Arizonas paired with the Harveys Orange Lola Satchel are a bold match made in heaven. Want more Birkenstock + handbag pairings? Follow @ilovebirkenstocks for daily inspo!

Just like my Birkenstocks, Harveys seatbelt handbags are durable, stylish, and made to last. Want more style inspiration, insider tips, and real conversations? Come join me in my private Facebook group — it’s where the real Birkenstock magic happens!

Birks & Harveys = style that goes the distance! Flower Power Medium Hobo + Cognac Big Buckle Arizonas = pure love. Both bring durability, personality, and timeless design to every outfit. If you love pairing comfort with flair, you’ll feel right at home in my private Facebook group or click the image and follow me on Instagram.

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