Talk to me About Cross Body Bags - YouLookFab Forum

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Talk to me About Cross Body Bags

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I have been considering getting a cross body bag lately. I usually stick with a satchel that will also fit on my shoulder, but I'm itching for a change. I used to always carry a large purse, because I felt that it was more balanced for my body. I find myself filling it up with so much junk, though. Now that my body is smaller, maybe my purse should be too.
So tell me all about cross bodies- what do you like, dislike, what do you look for, links to styles, etc.

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

shiny

Veteran

I haven't used a cross-body bag since the early 90s, so I am probably the last person to ask. Since I'm short, I always have problems finding one that isn't too long. And I find the strap laying between my breasts is annoying and can wrinkle clothing. But, I can understand the hands-free convenience and the comfort for your back. Personally I prefer a small cute backpack - I know they are out of style but I still use my Kate Spade backpack when we go on long urban walks.

Anyway, I think the trick with cross-bodies is to find one that is cute, and doesn't look like a wallet with a strap. There are a lot of truly boring cross-body bags out there, that look very dated to me. Very MOTG-in-the-90s! So be careful and be CHOOSY.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I know Shiny- I feel the same way about some of them. I am finding cuter options, though. I'm also worried that it just won't be big enough. I do need to pair down on what I carry, but I still have to have room for a wallet, sunglass case, cell phone, keys, and a small make up type bag (which is where I keep the hand sanitizer, band aids, pill box for son's allergy meds and my migraine meds, etc) and space for a small knitting project bag that I sometimes carry.
I really like this one that I saw on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brown-Cros.....7C294%3A30
and my local Target had some that I was looking at, but they are not on the website.

rute

Veteran

CS,

Here in Portugal everyone has cross-body bags, I have one myself, but I must advise you that if you carry much weight it is not a good option, because it causes back pains

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I got one this spring, and I love it. It forced me to pair down what I was carrying around, including the size of my wallet. (I only use a credit-card wallet with it, with room for cash, license and credit cards. The big wallet stays at home.)

I would look for something in a color, and use it like an accessory when you are dressing -- the way it's worn, it's almost like a necklace anyway! I love the Tignanello line; their leather is very soft and they've got a number of styles and colors. They're at DSW, Macys, probably Zappos, plenty of discount stores and sites, etc.

This is how I wear mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/k.....646747961/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/k.....otostream/

The one you linked looks more like a messenger bag than a crossbody. I wonder if it might weigh you down...

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

The bag that I have now is killing me, so I'm thinking a cross body would be better. I'm going to look for a new, lighter wallet. Mine is really heavy (not what is in it- the wallet itself), and a smaller make up bag.
I saw one at Target that was a pretty dark purple color. That would go well with most of what I wear, I think. it also seemed big enough for what I need. I will have to go back alone and try it on.
I looked up the Tignanello bags online- they are too small and out of my price range.

Inge

(website)

I love the look of a cross-body bag. I really like simple bags with clean lines, so perhaps these won't be your style Khris...

http://www.mattandnat.co.uk/product/display/812

http://www.fossil.com/webapp/w.....=ZB9939720
(in bone)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....4&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....4&P=1

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Thanks Inge!
I like the purple color of the Matt and Nat one- although that one seems like it may be too tall. I like the Sak one, too. The size of that one seems pretty good. I can leave my sunglass case in the car (I realized this after thinking about it), but the cell phone, keys, wallet and small make up bag are a must, and like I said I need a little extra space for times when I want to throw my little knitting project bag in there- even if I have to leave the top open and it peeks out.
Out of that, my cell phone is probably the heaviest thing. I should weigh it all and see how much it weighs.
Do you gals think that a bag that will fit all that is a small enough size to carry cross body comfortably?

Vani

Veteran

Khris, esty has a few good options too. There are a few leather options but you're better off buying from mainstream retailers. Most others are very sturdy canvas bags made with great fabric. Here are a few options:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?u.....id=5985068

http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....B%5D=title

http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=24385035

http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=26124025

I like heavy canvas better than faux leather or PVC because they don't crack or look worn out too soon and a hot detergent sponge bath later they look good as new.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Thanks Vani. I have a shop on etsy, but I often forget to check there! Some of those are really cute, but they're just too big. I'm having a hard time finding something in between the wallet on a string size and the messenger bag size.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I can easily fit in my crossbody: keys, iPhone, credit card wallet, point-and-shoot camera in its case, pager (yes, I have a pager like a 1980s drug dealer lol), sunglasses, and a fistful of shopping coupons. *g* If I leave the camera out, I can fit in a small cosmetic bag for my hearing aid batteries, lipgloss, etc. And you've seen the proportion of my my bag to my body. It only gets heavy with the camera -- the rest of the stuff I carry is light. If I leave the top open and fits things around, sometimes I can get a small paperback in it too, but that's only temporarily, like you want to do with your knitting.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

The thing to keep in mind is the style will play into the available space. Stiffer fabrics make it harder to squeeze things in, and bags with lots of pockets and/or built-in wallets leave less room for your stuff. I looked for one that was simply made -- the body is one big pocket and there's one large external one -- to give me the maximum space.

Anonymous

I think a cross body bag would be most comfortable with winter weight clothing because like Shiny I don't care for the strap going across my chest. I do think they look good on others though, if it doesn't bother you. They would be good for a day of hands free shopping around the city.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....uct-_-Auto
I like the colors and simplicity here.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Thanks Kristen- that's very helpful
I wish they had a picture online of the one that I saw at Target. I don't like the ones with the built in wallet, because I take my wallet out when I go to the gym, but I do like some pocket to keep it more organized. That one had external pocket(s)- can't remember if it was one or two, and I remember thinking that would be perfect for my phone and keys.
Thanks san- those are pretty colors.

De

I don't think you need a really large bag to carry the things you said you need to have in your bag.
And Kristen is right about the shape... one large compartment would hold more stuff, and would make it easier for you to throw in your knitting bag. The only downside is that it might be difficult to find smaller things like keys in there (but I guess that's what the smaller compartment is for!).

Vani, I loved the canvas bags you posted. It seems like a very practical option, and they look nice too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My cross-body bag thoughts are represented in this post:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/04/.....-body-bag/

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Angie- what are the dimensions of yours?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's 9 by 8 inches.

Maya

Veteran

I love my crossbody bag. I have worn nothing else since getting it. I'm busty and short and love it. It's the perfect size. I can always find everything, yet it's big enough to hold my portfolio for an interview. It's NOT big enough to strain my shoulder though, which is important. I think this is one of those cases when non-leather has an edge since it is a lighter weight. There are some little ones at H&M for $10 that you could try if you're not sure just as a test run.