Mary Jo Matsumoto Debuts Laid-Back Luxury...And I Need It!

“Luxury is the ease of a t-shirt in a very expensive dress.”
Karl Lagerfeld

Darlings, in a time of economic struggles the term luxury has taken on new meaning. What was once associated with glittering baubles, sparkling sequins, and noir hues has been re-imagined to fit in with a more laid-back lifestyle – one full of bright colors for added cheer, slouchy styles to combat the structure in other areas of one’s life, and textures that are soft to the touch. And one of the people I feel who is at the helm of this laid-back luxury is Mary Jo Matsumoto.

Many of you may remember Mary Jo Matsumoto from when I introduced you to her Pacific Coast Highway Nail Polish Collection back in December 2011; but before Mary Jo began making a name for herself in the beauty department, she was designing handbags which appeared on Oprah; were carried to the Oscars; featured in Cosmopolitan and Glamour; and sold in Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. With the release of her latest Day Bag Line, she is returning to her carryall roots.

Like her nail polish collections, Mary Jo’s new Day Bag Collection is inspired by the Pacific Coast Highway both in color and ambiance. Each bag takes on a trait from the location it is modeled after – be it the PCH Bowler, which bears a beachy blue surf print (created by artist Alex Weinstein); or my personal favorite, the Ritz Cove Oversized Clutch, which blends together Sunshine Yellow, Tangerine, Fuchsia, and Navy colors to create the ultimate in summertime accessories. Yet one commonality each piece (from the Crystal Cove Knot Clutch to the Balboa Island Soft Tote with Turquoise Snake Handles) shares is its ability to not just transport your daily essentials from Point A to Point B; but to wiggle its way into your 24/7 wardrobe – sidling up to your cuffed denim for Sunday Brunch dates with your besties, or stealing the show as an accompaniment to your little black dress for evening affairs.

The Mary Jo Matsumoto Day Bag Line is laid-back luxury at its finest…and I need it! Don’t you? I’ve already told you which bag I’ve got my eye on; now I want to know which one you’re coveting. Do tell, dolls!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Mary Jo Matsumoto for the pictures.