Ask Belle: Chic Crossbody Bags
Aug 27, 2015
Dear Belle,
I’m tired of hauling my satchel around on the weekends. I think it’s time to downsize to a crossbody. I need to carry my wallet, a phone, some makeup and have room. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Kaya
Crossbody bags are great for weekends, travel, or for a low-key work day. I carry mine whenever I travel so I can have my hands free. Here are a few medium-size crossbody bags.
Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC ($195)
I own this Mini-MAC in cognac, and I love it. It’s big enough to hold all the things you’re looking to carry. I can also fit my iPad-mini in there. The bag comes in a wide range of colors this snakeskin option is on sale, as is this pale tan.
Michael Kors JetSet Crossbody ($148)
This bad doesn’t have a strong shape, so it will hold quite a bit. I wasn’t too thrilled with the width of the strap, but it’s very well made.
This bag is a great buy. I love the small-medium size. I also think it packs a lot of style for under-$50.
Isaac Mizrahi Lileth Crossbody ($55)
This bag has a slouchy, relaxed feel. I like the minimalist details. If you like a more casual look, this bag blends that with a bit of sleekness.
I love this for a fun, easy handbag. The tassel is a nice detail. It might be a little smaller than you want. Gap also makes this fringe crossbody that is a bit larger but no less stylish.
I have the Lo & Sons “Pearl” (in black with the gorgeous lavender interior) and it’s the best – beautiful leather, just the right size to hold the important things (including my Kindle, which never gets left at home), and best of all: convertible! When I travel it is my day bag for touring as a cross-body and my night bag for dinner and going out as a clutch or shoulder bag.
I was just going to ask Belle her thoughts on the Lo & Sons “Pearl” bag – since she recommends their OG & OMG weekender bags.
I don’t own one, but a good friend does. Virginia said she loved everything except the quality and width of the leather strap. She felt like it could be better.
I just got one and am very happy with it. It fits everything I need it to buy is low profile. Nice quality, very plain. I’m planning to use it forever. Really recommend it; it’s not cheap but I think quality will make it a good value.
I just got the Lo&Sons Pearl in brown. I agree that the size and pockets are fantastic, and the leather is quite soft. That said, I also wish the strap were a bit wider. When you have a purse that can hold a lot, the strap needs to be wide enough not to dig into your shoulder. I carried a packed Pearl for a day at the Iowa State Fair, and by the end I could tell the strap was a bit too skinny for the weight.
I have the Pearl, and have carried it exclusively since APril. I am unhappy with the quality. It’s already coming apart at several seams and the leather shows quite a bit of wear. While it is a nice design, I probably wouldn’t repurchase.
Any suggestions for the more well-endowed among us for whom a crossbody bag doesn’t exactly sit right on the chest? I would love to downsize and keep my hands free but most crossbody bags make me feel indecent!