Welcome to the week of requests, which will probably—as it usually does—end up being two weeks of requests, because you all had so many good queries and I’d like to get to as many as possible. Here’s one that was both after my heart and took me out of my comfort zone: “I’d love your suggestions for simple but stylish crossbody bags,” writes a commenter named Megan. “On the smaller side, to hold the essentials.” I rely on a crossbody bag every day, so it was a delight to go browsing for more. But small ones, which Megan asked for, just kind of arbitrarily give me the ooks, and who knows why. I did find some fun specimens, though, like this checkerboard number.
This has such a cool, vintage-y look. Here’s a smaller version.
I dig the combination of canvas and leather here.
And here’s a cheaper leather/canvas option.
This chic, slouchy suede bag has annoying branding on it—though it isn’t too obvious—but is otherwise pretty perfect.
This mini pouch bag is a dead ringer for Mansur Gavriel’s (much more pricey) cloud bag.
Such a chic, simple nylon sling.
Why not a bright green bag, I ask you?
And if that green is too much for you, why not try this subtler shade? (It also comes in some more neutral hues, and here’s a smaller version.)
I have praised Claire V’s Gosee Clutch many times, and deservedly so: it fits so much more than you think it will, and has such nice, clean lines.
And here’s something similar, for just a hair over $100.
This quilted bag from Allsaints makes a statement, but not too much of one.
There is more hardware going on here than I usually go for, but I love the contrast between the nylon and the chain handle.
Thank you for providing the term “sling bag”. I have a late 70s/early 80s plum suede Donna Karan bag and never quite knew what to call the shape. Hobo didn’t seem quite right.
(Lest that sound fancy, it was $5 at a thrift store, is really plain, no logos or hardware, holds a lot and looks nice. The only reason I don’t use it more is ’cause it’s unlined suede)
I especially love the navy COS satin slings, the Clare V moyen messenger in that green, and the first Clare V. I managed to get a Clare V moyen messenger used for a song at least 5 years ago, and the bag holds up beautifully.
I feel awkward typing this but I have an annoying q — when I clicked through to admire some of the Clare bags, I saw that the manufacturing is now taking place for at least some in Bangladesh. I thought the company was still making stuff here, and I know some reforms — I think? I hope? – were made after Rana Plaza, and that a smaller company isn’t an H &M. And that COS — and I’m aware that I love that bag — is part of H &M. Anyway: is it possible that Clare V and other smaller companies are providing more oversight and better wages and protections than big companies that probably won’t ever feel a similar pressure, where the customer is theoretically not as loyal for a host of reasons? Clare V has a really particular aesthetic, it feels very designed for a GOACA as much as for younger consumers. I just was surprised to see where things are made now. I hope this won’t work your nerves, Kim, or anyone else.
That’s a good question and I can’t answer it. I would just gently push back on the idea that smaller companies will behave better – I don’t know that that will turn out to be true. I wonder if it isn’t just going to come down to the individuals running these companies. … … … I looked at the Clare V site and there is a little information about their philosophy on it, but not a ton. (It’s entirely likely I didn’t look in the right place though.) … … … So, I think it might be worthwhile to ask the company directly about it. For me, I wouldn’t necesssarily not buy something bc it’s made in Bangladesh, since afaik, that is a free country. (We have our own workplace issues here too after all.) Perhaps their safety regs have improved? … … … Still I agree with the importance of this – none of us want to see people die in a factory fire, ever again. Just my two cents.
Hope you don’t mind a recommendation. There’s a documentary called The True Cost that’s helpful if you want to know more about how clothes are manufactured and I also learned a lot from a book called The Conscious Closet.
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-conscious-closet-the-revolutionary-guide-to-looking-good-while-doing-good-elizabeth-l-cline/10224330?ean=9781524744304
Great choices. I always appreciate how you find these bags with subtle branding. And at not $3000+ pricing for a crossbody. Curious about your thoughts on designer bags, pricing and the marketing that pushes one to buy an “it” bag.
I’m a fan of madewell bags too. No outside branding, little hardware, and affordable. Thanks for these beauties!
Ahhh, the sweet glow of validation when already I own something that Kim recommends… I have the larger version of that Madewell canvas/leather bag in navy and it is weathering quite nicely!
I feel the same! I have the Piazza Mini Cross-body, and I love it. It holds a lot more than I thought it would, the leather is nice and soft, and it’s just cool.
Yes, same! I can vouch heartily for the Madewell camera bag – I own one in a sort of oxblood/wine color. It fits an AMAZING amount of things but isn’t too big, and I like switching up the straps (matching leather for ‘fancier’ occasions, and the woven/stripe one for more casual outfits). The lack of an ostentatious label is just *chef’s kiss*.
I’m always looking for crossbody bags with a drop of at least 24″ so that the bag isn’t competing with ‘the girls’ for space – Madewell consistently has a nice selection of choices that do the trick. Thanks for the great list!
What an excellent selection! Wowzer, I want so many of these!!
Uniqlo and Baggu have some nice crescent/sling bag options, too, though none as nice as the COS one!
I have the rag and bone one in the smaller size. Almost perfect except for the brand placement.
Btw … did anyone see the NYT Styles section yesterday? Excuse me if this offends anyone, but I thought “petite” size meant that the garment was adjusted proportion-wise for someone whose vertical height extends not-as-far as whatever the average happens to be. Ie, a shorter person. … … … Further, I found it comical that the person featured in the article could be considered large at all. I wonder if it is really true that larger women don’t spend much money on clothing. (That was the excuse given.) Count me a skeptic. (Though of course there is a big chicken/egg issue there.)
Here’s an interesting article on how to make plus size marketable: https://edited.com/blog/plus-size-market-analysis/
I think there is market segmentation to be done but I know for me (anecdata) having grown up fat and having remained fat, I throw SO MUCH MONEY at clothing when it is available in my size and cute. Like I have spent an absurd amount of money on clothing when I find something that fits–not even necessarily that I LIKE–but that fits because I don’t know if I will be able to find something again. I continue with a scarcity mentality. I think a lot of shops and brands just don’t want fat people associated with their clothing.
I tend to agree that prejudice and stigma probably explain most of it. It’s certainly not a new issue. I was just confused that the NYT would make a mistake like that – about what “petite” is. But maybe I’m the one who is wrong. (But then why are there sizes like 16P then?) Oh well.
MZ Wallace has some of the best crossbody bags! Lightweight, great organization, and long enough straps!
Thank you, Kim! All great suggestions. I’m leaning toward the A.P.C., which is currently loitering in my cart . . .
https://www.dagnedover.com/collections/micah-crossbody#Onyx
Neoprene bag looks quite chic. If you are bothered by the sewn-on tag, a seam ripper solves the problem.
I learned about Andi bags in the comments on your blog, Kim, and the “Go” is a MacGuyver of a bag that can be a crossbody, a belt bag, and opens up to a larger purse as well. Took one on a trip to Russia (I got to be my Mom’s + one on a Viking river cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow in the summer of 2019 before everything went sideways) and it was just perfect and I think I used it in all its permutations! I got a mellow-looking dark denim version but currently they have some interesting camo prints. Check out https://theandibrand.com/collections/crossbody
I’m a fan of Cuyana’s bags. I own 2 of their mini double loop bags. They come in a couple of sizes. I will say that I don’t think this bag is big city friendly as it only has a small snap closure. But I’m also intrigued by their recycled sling bag
That little recycled bag is awfully cute – I hope it sells well and they make some fun colors. Thanks.
I adore Cuyana as well, I’ve got several. They’re my best travel bags. I am also thinking about adding one of the recycled ones, or their new modern totes.
I recommend the Longchamp le Foulonne or Roseau leather crossbodies. Really beautiful leather, subtle-to-no branding, and a gorgeous selection of colors. With that said, I find their crossbody straps almost too short. It’s “interesting” that more and more companies (not Longchamp, but Clare V and others) “allow” us to purchase longer, adjustable straps. I guess I should be grateful for the choice?!
I know it’s not the most stylish option, but my college-aged daughter convinced to me buy a Lululemon crossbody before a recent trip to South America, and it was the best $38 I’ve spent in a while. It was small enough to wear under my coat so my wallet & passport were protected, and it was light enough that I could wear it hiking or walking around town. It will definitely be my go-to travel bag!
have you tried the Lulu Festival Bag? By far the best travel crossbody bag I have used and have four of them in all colours- they sell out fast – perfect for keeping clean as well and tossing on a delicate cycle in the wash! Great for winters in Northern Canada!
The lack of interior organizational pockets in most of he CV bags is a deal breaker for me. Boo!
The lack of interior organizational pockets in most of the CV bags is a deal breaker for me. Boo!
I have that Madewell camera bag (in leopard) and it’s AMAZING. It seems to be bigger on the inside than the outside 😉 and is adjustable as well. The hardware and stitching seem good quality for the price.
I also have their Sydney zip-top crossbody in pink and it’s equally wonderful.
Kim, About 5 years ago you suggested the most fantastic mascara combo. It was 2 coats of Clump Crusher by Covergirl, topped by a mascara from a brand I had never heard of, Elizabeth Mott Big. I purchased both and could not BELIEVE what it did for my life-long puny lashes. Like most GOACA, I have spent an embarrassing amount of time searching for my holy grail mascara and nothing has ever come close to the result this combo gave me.
After a few months, the Elizabeth Mott became impossible to find, and the CC didn’t do the trick on its own. Always seeking the next, best thing, I drifted to other brands.
I am happy to report that the Elizabeth Mott is back on Amazon, and the line also has quite few other products with rave reviews, including a promising looking eye shadow primer.
My EM mascara will be here on Tuesday and I can’t wait to see if this is still the magic combo! Leaving this here hoping you will see it, and also for readers who weren’t around in 2018. Have a wonderful week!
Is it too late to add a request? I’m going to Scotland in September and need a packable non-ugly travel dress for dinner someplace fancy. I was considering a classic DVF dress but I otherwise dress up about once a year so not willing to spend the DVF $$ on something I might wear a handful of times. Thanks!
I would also love to see some suggestions for the type of dress you’re looking for, but wanted to add that if DVF is what you want, and you know your size, try looking secondhand! I routinely turn to ebay, postmark, the real real, noihsaf and other spots looking for special pieces. You might get lucky!
Liz is right! I’ve also had luck on the Outnet – go in via Kim and search DVF 🙂 https://www.girlsofacertainage.com/shopping/shopping-the-discount-stores-the-outnet/
Ilse Jacobsen might be a good alternative. They have a lot of wrap dresses in a range of patterns, lengths, different sleeves and colors. The fabric is nice and they are really easy to travel with. I have one that’s been with me for years. I do belive they are available at Nordstrom and on Amazon.