Michelle *hugs* Missed you & can't wait to catch up with you here & "en personne" SOON.
I think the cute, tiny cross-body bags are probably in part a reaction to all the huge totes that so many women (like me) schlep around with them with half their life piled into them. I can see that many women would appreciate the freedom and delicacy of something much smaller. I theory, I would love to leave the house with a wee bag stuffed with my my lip gloss, keys, credit card and driver's licence. I can absolutely see where the Desire comes from. Sadly, that's not how I roll : )
I usually have large sunglasses in a hard case that - literally - would take up about 85% Gwyneth's diminutive bag. Add to them my sun block, keys, phone, reading material (I always bring something to read for when doctors, friends & public transportation are running late), lipstick & breath mints are pretty much what I consider my bare necessites - no way I can manage with a delicate purse.