Nichole MacDonald‘s Sash Bag Is The Nomadic Woman’s Favorite Accessory

The idea came from Legoland. Nichole MacDonald was fumbling with the purse she’d attempted (and failed) to create a company from at a Southern California amusement park. Her youngster was anxiously tugging on her sleeve as she attempted to balance the hefty bag against her shoulder. And then it hit me: Wouldn’t it be nice if she had additional pockets? Endless pockets? Everywhere pockets. A modern-day Batman’s utility belt?

She went home and, with the assistance of a sewing buddy, created the prototype for the Sash Bag, a popular crossbody handbag that combines a satchel with a belt. With ten compartments equally spaced throughout the bag’s length, it’s light in weight. The bag recalls a nomad’s airy style: It looks as natural on Geena Davis as it does on a Jack Sparrow cosplayer.

Since launching Sash Bags in 2012, Nichole MacDonald has amassed over $14 million in sales and a dedicated fan base. Most of the bags are made of real leather, a smooth lambskin imported from India that is strong yet lightweight. The leather Sash retails for $150-190, with “junior” purses for kids starting with $50.