MZ Wallace Cece Review: Is This Bestselling Bag Worth the Splurge?

Hey there, fashion lover! If you‘re on the hunt for a stylish, functional, and well-made everyday bag, you‘ve probably come across MZ Wallace. This New York-based brand has gained a cult following for their nylon bags that perfectly blend downtown-cool style with smart design. As a fashionista myself, I decided to take a deep dive into the brand and review one of their all-time most popular styles – the MZ Wallace Cece. I‘ll share all the must-know details on what makes this bag so covetable and help you decide if it deserves a spot in your closet. Let‘s get to it!

All About the MZ Wallace Brand

Before we jump into reviewing the Cece, let‘s talk about MZ Wallace as a brand. The company was founded in 2000 by Monica Zwirner (the ‘MZ‘) and Lucy Wallace Eustice (the ‘Wallace‘). Their goal? To create functional, fashionable bags for the modern woman who does it all. With backgrounds in fashion editorial and accessories design, Monica and Lucy know a thing or two about chic carryalls.

Over the past two decades, MZ Wallace has earned some serious fashion cred. Their bags have graced the arms of celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Sienna Miller, and Reese Witherspoon. Style bibles like Vogue, InStyle, and Harper‘s Bazaar have featured their designs. Even Oprah is a fan – she named MZ Wallace a favorite in her annual "Oprah‘s Favorite Things" list. With over 82k followers on Instagram, it‘s safe to say this brand has struck a chord with fashionistas everywhere.

So what‘s the secret to MZ Wallace‘s success? First, there are the materials. The brand‘s signature fabric is a lightweight, ultra-durable nylon sourced from Italy. It has a subtle sheen and supple hand-feel that looks way more luxe than your typical nylon. The bags also feature Italian leather trim, custom gold or silver hardware, and the occasional pop of calf hair or snakeskin for added texture.

But MZ Wallace is about more than surface-level good looks. The brand puts major thought into functional design details, from an abundance of interior and exterior pockets, to removable pouches and adjustable straps. Plus, they‘re constantly tweaking and improving their bestselling styles based on customer feedback to make them as user-friendly as possible.

Another reason to feel good about buying MZ Wallace? The brand is committed to sustainability. All of their best-selling Black Oxford Nylon is made from recycled plastic bottles – 13 million and counting! Other eco-friendly materials they use include Repreve (a recycled fiber) and Econyl (regenerated nylon). This allows you to shop stylishly and sustainably.

Meet the MZ Wallace Cece Bag

Now that you know more about the brand behind the bag, let me introduce you to the star of this review – the MZ Wallace Cece. Named after the grandmother of co-founder Monica, the Cece has been a staple of the MZ Wallace lineup for years. It‘s easy to see why it‘s a fan-favorite. With its slightly-structured hobo silhouette, top handles, and crossbody strap, this bag can be styled multiple ways. At 11.5" wide, 12" tall, and 5.5" deep, it‘s roomy enough to hold daily essentials and then some, but not too big to feel cumbersome.

Standout Features of the Cece:

• 5 exterior pockets, including two zip pockets, two slip pockets, and one cell phone pocket
• 4 interior pockets, including one zip pocket and three slip pockets
• Detachable, adjustable nylon crossbody strap with a 22" drop
• Short Italian leather rolled handles with a 5.5" drop
• Leather protective feet on the bottom
• Signature MZ Wallace leather logo tag
• Zip-top closure to keep belongings secure

The Cece is available in three core materials – Bedford (soft, lightweight nylon), Oxford (a more structured, slightly spongy nylon), and Dawn (ultra-lightweight, slightly shiny recycled nylon). All have that subtle sheen and supple feel MZ Wallace is known for. There are also seasonal releases in novelty materials like metallic, coated linen, and quilted oxford.

In terms of color options, the Cece comes in a rainbow of shades, from versatile black and navy to eye-catching red, pink, and metallics. You can also find it in the brand‘s signature prints, like a chic camo or pixel pattern. With such a wide range, there truly is a Cece to suit any style.

What Customers Are Saying About the Cece

Of course, you don‘t just have to take my word for it when it comes to the Cece. I scoured reviews from real customers to get their unfiltered feedback. With hundreds of 5-star reviews, shoppers have a LOT of good things to say about this bag. Here are some common raves:

"This is my most used bag! It‘s the perfect everyday size – I can fit my wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and more, without it getting too heavy." – Amy L.

"I love how many pockets the Cece has. I can organize all my essentials and always know where to find what I need. No more digging around a black hole of a bag." – Rachel M.

"I get compliments on this bag all the time! The leather and hardware make it look so luxe and expensive. No one believes me when I tell them it‘s nylon." – Sarah P.

"I have the Cece in three colors and I want more! It‘s so easy to carry – I like switching between the crossbody strap when I‘m out and about and the top handles for work." – Lisa R.

That‘s not to say there are no complaints. A few reviewers noted that the bag can lose its shape over time if you don‘t keep it stuffed when not in use. Some wished for a luggage sleeve to secure it over a suitcase handle. But overall, the vast majority of customers report that the quality, functionality, and style of the Cece make it well worth the price tag.

How the Cece Compares to Other MZ Wallace Styles

I know what you might be thinking – the Cece sounds great, but how does it stack up to other MZ Wallace bags? The brand has quite a few tried-and-true styles customers love. Here‘s my take on how the Cece compares:

• The Metro Tote: MZ Wallace‘s #1 bestseller is a classic for a reason. It‘s lightweight, spacious, and comes in multiple sizes. I‘d recommend the Metro Tote if you‘re looking for a great work bag or carry-on, while the Cece is a bit more suited to everyday use.

• The Sutton: Like the Cece, the Sutton is a hobo style with top handles and a crossbody strap. However, it‘s more structured and a bit smaller. Go for the Cece if you want a slouchier look or need to carry a bit more, and the Sutton if you like a bag that holds its shape and don‘t carry as much.

• The Crosby: The Crosby is a camera bag style – it has a boxy shape, top zipper, and adjustable crossbody strap. It‘s a bit more casual and trendy compared to the Cece. If you‘re deciding between the two, consider if you prefer a more classic hobo shape or an on-trend camera bag.

Ultimately, while the Cece, Metro Tote, Sutton, and Crosby differ in shape and size, they all boast the top-notch quality, smart organization, and cool versatility MZ Wallace is so well regarded for. You really can‘t go wrong!

Styling Ideas for the Cece Bag

One of my favorite things about the Cece is how adaptable it is to different outfits and occasions. It truly is a chameleon of a bag. Here are a few ways I love to style mine:

• For a polished work look: Carry the Cece by the top handles with a sleek blazer, tailored trousers, and pumps.

• For a weekend of errands: Wear the Cece crossbody with a graphic tee, boyfriend jeans, and white sneakers.

• For a girls‘ night out: Tuck in the crossbody strap and carry the Cece as a refined hobo bag with a bodysuit, faux leather leggings, and ankle booties.

• For a summer picnic: Pair the Cece in a fun color or print with a flowy sundress and sandals.

The key is that the Cece works with both dressy and casual outfits, and seamlessly transitions from day to night. It‘s the ultimate cool-girl bag!

Is the MZ Wallace Cece Worth It?

Now for the question I‘m sure is on your mind – is the MZ Wallace Cece truly worth the splurge? This bag typically retails for $365, which I know isn‘t pocket change. As someone who owns multiple Ceces and has put them through their paces, my answer is – it depends.

Here‘s why the Cece may be worth it:

• The quality is outstanding. With proper care, this bag will last for years.
• It‘s extremely versatile and functional. You‘ll get so much use out of it in your daily life.
• It has a chic, elevated look, but is still lightweight and practical. A true everyday luxury!
• MZ Wallace has a great reputation and top-notch customer service.

However, the Cece may not be the right choice if:

• It‘s out of your current price range. There‘s no shame in saving up or opting for a less expensive bag.
• You have very specific needs (i.e. you only carry a laptop bag or small going-out purse). The Cece is more of an all-purpose style.

Personally, I‘m a big believer in investing in a quality, timeless handbag, and the Cece fits the bill. Whenever I carry mine, I feel polished, prepared, and a little bit cooler than I did before, which is priceless! But I completely understand that everyone has different budgets and bag needs.

The Final Word on MZ Wallace + The Cece

Phew, that was a lot of info! I hope this deep dive into MZ Wallace and the Cece bag was helpful as you consider making a purchase. In my book, MZ Wallace is the real deal when it comes to functional-yet-fashionable bags, and the Cece is one of their very best. It offers the perfect blend of simple sophistication, thoughtful organization, and durable, lightweight construction. While unquestionably a splurge, you can feel confident that you‘re investing in a quality, highly adaptable bag from a trusted brand.

If you do decide to make the Cece yours, I have no doubt it will quickly become the MVP of your closet. Don‘t forget – MZ Wallace offers free shipping over $100 and free returns within 14 days. They also have excellent customer service if you have any issues down the line.

Thanks for coming along on this fashionable journey with me! Feel free to reach out with any other questions – I‘m always happy to talk shop about bags. Until next time, wishing you happy, stylish adventures with your beloved MZ Wallace Cece in tow!