Today let’s chat about my favorite fashion topic . . . handbags!
For years, now, big totes and roomy handbags were the style of the moment. But right now trends are shifting towards the smaller bags. If you’re a mom with young kids, you definitely will need to keep a few larger bags on hand. But this trend is coming at the perfect time for me! I no longer need to carry the kitchen sink when I go out so I’m happily embracing the smaller handbag trend!!
Clutches are great for a night out or a luncheon with girlfriends. A clutch is sleek and elegant.
For day-to-day wear, I prefer a crossbody because it’s a more casual look and it allows me to have my hands free.
Here are my top picks at a variety of price points to suit almost any budget.
My Top Ten Small Handbag Picks for Fall 2014
1. The Sak Kentra Leather Crossbody, $69. I love this for a casual everyday bag. There are a slew of color options to choose from.
2. The Sak Ventura Crossbody, $84. Another one by The Sak — this is a great casual crossbody bag for everyday, and it comes in a variety of colors.
3. Fossil Explorer Mini Crossbody Bag, $85. You can’t go wrong with Fossil, and this bag is perfect for everyday use or for travel.
4. MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Classic Q – Percy’ Crossbody Bag, $198. This one’s on my wish list. I love the “faded aluminum” color, and I also love it in “cement.” Either would go with everything in your closet, and this bag can easily take you from day to night.
5. Kate Spade New York ‘Cobble Hill – Ellen’ Leather Crossbody Bag, $190. This bag is a nice mid-sizes crossbody, and it comes in 4 luscious colors. I simply can’t choose a fave!
6. Rebecca Minkoff ‘MAC’ Convertible Crossbody Bag, $295. I’ve had my eye on the Mini MAC for a while, but this is a larger version, better for everyday use. It comes in a TON of colors, and some are even on sale so poke around!
7. Tory Burch ‘Marion’ Leather Crossbody Flap Bag, $395. I love this for a casual daytime bag. It also comes in navy. This is obviously an investment piece, given the price point, but if you are one to carry one bag all the time, this one is a great pick.
8. Halogen ‘Date Night’ Asymmetrical Flap Clutch, $98 – perfect for date night or a glamorous night on the town! I love the sparkle detail and the bold blue trim.
9. Glint Metallic Tweed Clutch, $88 – love the combination of tweed and metallic for an elegant but edgy evening bag.
10. Leopard Clutch.
A leopard clutch is super on trend right now. It jazzes up the simplest of outfits. I NEED ONE, yo! Here are two options I found.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Bedford Large Zip Clutch, $138.
ALDO Gadoni, $25. I KNOW! For $25, how can you go wrong!??
Did I say two? Well, here’s one more.
Menbur Leopard Print Minaudiere, $58. A minaudiere is so classy. I think I need this.
Nope, can’t do it. I can’t live out of a bag that size, and I don’t even have kids. If I’m going be sightseeing or walking around somewhere for a day, I switch to a smaller bag but that’s all I can handle. I’m the kind of gal who wins purse scavenger hunts at church women’s events b/c I have everything AND the kitchen sink in my bag.
LOL! Well, at least you know it. 🙂 I admit, for the everyday, I like my big bag, even though it’s half empty. But I am amazed, when I DO carry one of my smaller ones, how much stuff I really don’t need. My biggest issue is that I recently bought a GIGANTIC wallet. I love it. It holds all my receipts and crap and zips up so nothing is sticking out. But it doesn’t fit in my small purses.
Great picks! I have been on the hunt for the perfect cross-body for a long time. Love the cobalt Kate Spade cross-body and the Halogen clutch!
Jill
http://www.dousedinpink.com
Last year about this time I made myself switch to a smaller bag. My larger one was too heavy! I figured if I switched to a smaller one I couldn’t fill it as full and make it as heavy. I’ve loved it. You picked some gorgeous one!
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
I’ve been obsessing over small crossbody bags lately. I want them in all different colors. Now that I don’t have diapers and baby bottles to carry with me, I’m all for small bags, unless I’m carrying my laptop. I love the Kate Spade and Rebecca Minkoff bags that you chose! Have a great weekend! ~Cynthia
So many great bags here & it’s nice to downsize since it forces me not to carry things I don’t need! In love with the Marc Jacobs & Tory Burch ones. Thanks for hosting:)
Marta, xo
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I’m on the look out for a good cross body purse! Walking in the city with my big backpack and my normal coach purse is not doin’ it! Cross body would be so much better!
I’m currently having a crossbody obsession not just for its cuteness but also because it’s so functional – you get more use for your arms! And that Tory one is absolutely divine!!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
It is so funny that last year I finally got a larger bag (also because I got a bigger wallet – cash envelope style). I am not one to change up my bag much, but I do grab a crossbody when I need to have a smaller bag and keep it close & hands free.
Last week at Bon Ton I purchased a leopard & black wristlet to carry just my cell, cash and basics. Love it.
Love that Michael Kors zip clutch!
I’m so with you! Both my children are in school now & so finally my bags can get smaller! I do still love an oversize bag though! I love the Tory Burch one…its stunning! Andrea x
http://inmamaswardrobe.blogspot.co.uk/
I think I need to have that Tory Burch crossbody bag. It’s divine!
I have a similar Fossil crossbody bag, which is rubber-lined, so it really is perfect for travel!