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:
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.
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.
Love Clare Vivier
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.
I bought a black sac from Totokaelo a while ago. The brand is AANDD. Practical and durable!
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.
I love my J.W Hulme mini legacy I found it on sale at barneys 3 years ago
in black made in USA
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!
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.
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.
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.
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