What if you only had to buy one handbag ever again?

Last night while channel-surfing I stumbled across an infomercial for something called the “Miche Bag.”

If the commercial is to be believed, the Miche bag (pronouned Mee-Shee) is your ultimate handbag solution. It’s the last bag you’ll ever need, because you can change the look of the bag in 3 seconds to match any outfit.

Here’s the concept:

You start with the basic bag – available in either black or brown. It’s a structured bag that measures 5.75″ x 11.5″ x 6.5″ with interior pockets for organization.

Next, you choose your shells–available in different colors, textures, etc. Each shell is attached to the exterior of the bag using strong, credit-card-safe magnets. When you want to change the look of the bag, you merely change the shell, not the contents. It takes about 3 seconds to move from one shell to the next.

The idea was the brainchild of Michelle Romero of Salt Lake City, Utah and is already hugely popular in the Salt Lake City area. Since the shells take up hardly any room, it is a natural for travel when you want different looks to go with different outfits but don’t want to pack a half-dozen bags. And forget about closet space…my winter coat takes up more room than all the 30 shells they currently sell combined. That alone is a great selling point.

In the UK package, available from bestdirect.tv, the bag is free, and comes with 3 shells for £49.99 plus £9.99 shipping. In the US, you can buy direct from Michebag.com or attend a home show through a local distributor. The basic bag is $29.99, and shells are available for $19.99 each. The short handles can be alternated with the optional longer shoulder straps ($5.99), so you have a choice between a more formal or casual look.

Miche has just recently turned a year old, and from the blog it appears that they have experienced a few growing pains common with products that become very popular, very quickly, and outsell the distribution channels. But it appears that those problems are behind them. I anticipate Miche coming out with new shells regularly, which keeps the concept fresh.

Now, I have not seen or held one of these bags yet…though I do prefer something a bit roomier and less structured. Of course, the “shell” concept with the magnets requires a sturdy structured exterior in order for it to work, so it’s not a dealbreaker. I can foresee, however, that some people may prefer gold-toned hardware, and some (like me) might need something larger, so a few additions to the basic bag line might be in order. But, as a concept, I give this lady all the kudos she is due.

Bravo to Michelle and Miche Bag for coming up with the first truly new idea in handbags in a very long time!