We’ve been asking exceptionally tasteful New Yorkers to tell us about an item they bought forever ago — and still love and use today. Here, fashion stylist and trend forecaster Becky Malinsky on the surprisingly versatile little silk bag that’s somehow managed to hold all her necessities better than any other.
When I got it close to a decade ago, I knew that this vintage-looking little bag by Weekend Max Mara would become my most-worn accessory. Called the Pasticcino, it is made from gathered silk fabric, all attached with a small metal frame and ball closure. It cost a little less than $300 at the time, which is not terrible in the world of designer handbags — a category that seems to double in price every year.
Even though it’s mini, the Pasticcino turned out to fit a mighty amount of on-the-go necessities. The clever shape is a pool of gathered fabric that attaches at the top. Really, Mary Poppins would be impressed with its contents: beyond the usual suspects of keys, phone, wallet, and AirPods, also a balled-up pashmina, a detachable strap (clutch for throwing on the back of your chair at a restaurant!), a portable phone charger, and some sort of snack.
I actually have five versions now (a brown raffia, denim patchwork, and pastel floral brocade included). But my original purchase — a silky grosgrain version with orange-and-white stripes — remains my most-used one. The thing about quality fabric is that it can withstand more than we give it credit for. I’ve definitely worn her out in the rain and stuffed her with a napkin-wrapped cookie to eat later. And she looks just as lovely as when I brought her home. The slight wear and tear blends into the pattern, and her metal frame is more durable than any leather.
Functionality aside, she checks two important boxes that I seek out in a great bag and investment purchase: First, she already looks old. Her granny-framed shape makes her seem as though she’s from another era. No risk of appearing dated next season, like so many other trends that have come and gone in the past ten years since I’ve owned her. Her style spans decades. Second, she is the flair that tips an outfit into personal-style territory and out of the realm of the daily uniform — of that bland algorithmic way of dressing that we all need a break from.
The thing is, this bag, in all its fun prints and patterns, doesn’t actually go with anything and therefore goes with everything! It doesn’t need to match. It doesn’t need to be boring to stand the test of time; in fact, the opposite is true. I’ve worn the orange-and-white-striped Pasticcino on vacation with a bright floral caftan. To a wedding paired with a silver strapless gown and to the grocery store with sweats and a Barbour jacket. I’m basically set for anytime I need to leave the house sans laptop. Drop-off. Work coffee. Lunch. Toy store. Home Depot. Yoga. Pickup. Work dinner. Date night. Black-tie charity gala.
The current lineup on the website includes a crinkly silver lamé, a sage-green velvet, and a buttery leather “antique rose” with burgundy piping. When picking your Pasticcino, please just keep in mind one guiding principle: The wilder the better. Go for the color that goes with absolutely nothing in your closet. Or for the super-sparkly sequins — and wear it for a quick jaunt to CVS.
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