I need a purse that I can sling on my shoulder. If my bag is not somehow attached to my body, who knows what will happen to it? Well, actually, I do know. I’ll lose it. I’ll leave it on restaurant tables, coffee shop counters and anywhere else my hands deem fit to relieve themselves of the responsibility.
That being said, you can see why I’ve always been a diehard shoulder-bag carrier. If there isn’t something bulky, heavy and typically colorful hanging from my shoulder, I feel naked. But, in light of the chain-strap bag trend, I’m starting to reconsider the big, old unwieldy purse part. Tell me, how darn cute are these bags?
They’re the perfect out-and-about purses. Many of them are ideal for crossbody use, which makes them all the more simple and accessible. So, let us count the ways in which we adore them, shall we? Well, the chains add a nice glinty spark to your look without hiding your outfit. Plus, these purses are much smaller than your average shoulder bag, which means no neck pain or awkward leaning.
They’re also sized just right for your essentials (phone, wallet, lip gloss, etc.)—no over-packing or mess-making allowed. And, if you’re going out, you don’t have to worry about leaving it on a table, fighting with it on the dance floor or wrestling with it as you enjoy your cocktail. And, finally, because the crossbody, chain-strap bag is so hot right now, there a plenty of pretties to choose from.
My faves, clockwise starting from the top left, are:
1. Little Bag Blue: This leather bag’s turquoise hue may be sweet, but the pyramid studs definitely lend a good dose of rocker edge. Runaway Simone, Tylie Malibu (eBags.com).
2. The Gun(metal) Show: This crossbody purse is very tribal-meets-rock-and-roll. Can’t you picture this bag paired with a very girlie dress or sweet floral tank? Picadillly Crossbody Bag, Carlos by Carlos Santana (macys.com).
3. Not Your Granny’s Quilted Purse: I still can’t decide how to categorize this purse. It’s quilted, which is oh-so-traditional. But the studs rough it up, and the tassels make it feel a bit boho. Whatever it is, I love it. Quilting Bee Crossbody Bag, Rachel Rachel Roy (macys.com).
4. The Essential Everyday Bag: With its brown leather trim, this bag has a masculine feel—one that calls to mind the look of a vintage case for a camera or pair of binoculars. How perfect would it be for your daily city adventures? Mini Crossbody Bag, Junior Drake (nordstrom.com).
5. Chic and Simple: Kate Spade knows how to make understated look so luxe and gorgeous. This goathide bag, which reminds me of the frothy foam on top of an espresso, is timeless and can be dressed up or down with ease. Villa Bridget, Kate Spade.
(Image: Elizabeth Ulrich for Extrabux.com)
