Thursday, January 23, 2014

A simple cross-body bag




You probably know that I'm not an accessory or shoe person. I like coats, sweaters, and button-down shirts. Shoes never seem to fit right, and I'm wobbly in heels. Leather bags are usually too heavy, especially after I stuff them. I have a cognac colored Henry Cuir tote that works well during spring and summer, and my custom Rennes bag is perfect for casual outings and work, but most of the time I use canvas market bags for all of my books and stacks of paper. I also have a Duluth Scout Pack, which has become increasingly useful when out with the kids. But a part of me has been hankering for a more grown-up leather bag.

Now that the boys are getting older and need less gear during outings (they can haul stuff in their own backpacks!) I'm ready for something a little more polished but still practical. We finally hired a babysitter, so that means we actually go out once in awhile. The other day I was at Holt Renfrew because I had received a gift card. I figured I might as well get a bag. The best I could do within my price range was this Kate Spade Cobble Hill Carson bag in black. I think the size is about right, the leather is soft (maybe too soft?) and I like the secure zippered pouch and easy access--but the logo is bothering me.

I'll probably keep the bag because my options are limited to Holt Renfrew's offerings. Still, it got me thinking: If you were in the market for a simple mid-sized cross-body bag in the $200-350 range, what would you get? Something that is lightweight, soft but sturdy, and user friendly.

12 comments:

jennifer said...

Have you looked into Rebecca Minkoff bags? She has a pretty good selection of cross body styles that are within your price range. Shopbop has a good selection of them.

erica said...

Holt Renfrew's selection of Rebecca Minkoff bags had too much hardware for my tastes, but I do like some of the more minimalist ones on Shopbop's site.

melissa said...

Love Clare Vivier

Micaela said...

I will echo Melissa -- Clare Vivier's bags are gorgeous and made in the USA to boot. Steven Alan also has beautiful cross-body bags from Shinola, also made in the USA and made from Horween leather.

Yan said...

I bought a black sac from Totokaelo a while ago. The brand is AANDD. Practical and durable!

erica said...

Thanks for the recommendations. The Shinola cross-body bags on SA's website are a bit too small for me, but they look gorgeous.

I just remembered that Ewanika carries Lizzy Disney, and there's a sale right now. I'm going to have to drop by this weekend.

Mona said...

I love my J.W Hulme mini legacy I found it on sale at barneys 3 years ago
in black made in USA

nanashi said...

I just made a purchase in black basic bag, too. I looked into Kate Spade and MZ Wallace (the tote I have been using for eight years is finally looking, well, sad), and ended up getting a nylon black one in second hand. I only owned a Kate Spade bag from their nylon series years ago, but am curious about the quality of their new selections, let me know how the Kate Spade bag holds up!

Grace said...

I recommend a Moop messenger bag (made in Pittsburgh). They are simple, well designed, and logo free, plus the built in pockets are amazing! Wendy is continually refining and improving the bags. I use the medium bag (messenger no. 3) for my daily commute and weekend events. You might like the tote bags with a cross body strap. I also have a market bag, but I use it far less than the messenger bag.

Jade said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jade said...

ooo, i love the Lizzy Disney Lock Bag as a cross-body! i got mine from Anaise last Fall. it comes with a teeny and cute little key to boot. i love the Yvonne Kone line satchel for a cross-body as well--it has adjustable and detachable straps so you can make it into a clutch. and it has 3 compartments--one that you an unzip and use for extra space. Clare V seems like a tried and true option, but i don't have any experience with her cross-body bags.

aprovecharse said...

I am generally not a bag person, and usually just use canvas totes or hand-me-down Coach bags from various family members, but I recently bought an AANNDD sac and have to second how awesome it is. I got mine from Spiritual America.