You know how sometimes you'll hear a new word or idea, and then out of nowhere it'll suddenly be everywhere? That happened to me this week with the notion of "crossbody" purses. As far as I can tell, this is just a new word for an old idea - a messenger bag - that has gotten a fashion face-lift into the next big thing. Yes, I know, messenger bags are old skool, but the twist here is that crossbody bags can be more than just a utilitarian canvas Salvation Army find. Apparently, this new configuration takes function AND fashion into account, providing long straps for such diverse purse styles as the hobo, the satchel, and even small totes. No longer are girls who want to be hands-free expected to conform to the large, rectangular standard!
This trend is interesting to me because I have an incredibly hard time finding a useful, lightweight purse that works for me when I am traveling. I'm not overly obsessed with fashion, but that doesn't mean I want to lug around an awkward book bag or ruin an outfit with an out-sized, boy-style messenger. I have two messenger bags, both of which I roundly rejected last time I needed a purse for a weekend away. One is black on the outside and orange on the inside (why?), and it is very sporty looking. I sat it on the bed next to the clothes I would be wearing and realized that they were all lightweight, simple and slightly feminine. The black bag looked like a towering raven perched next to a sparrow, and I realized that it would overshadow every outfit if I chose to use it. My other option was a big green army-imitation deal, and it was actually bigger than the backpack I would be using as luggage. Not cool!
Just in case you're dying of curiosity, I went with a small, black crocheted bag that is the only other purse I own with that newly coveted crossbody strap. It worked out fine, but it is much smaller than my regular bags and although I appreciated the lightweight feel, I was constantly rooting around in its tiny, jam packed darkness trying to access the things I needed. Also, it is old and starting to fray, so I definitely need to find a replacement asap!
Here are some options I'm considering based on practicality, style and price (of course!) for my next travel adventure:
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