I have distinct memories of landing at the LaGuardia airport in New York City and while still on the plane, my mother is taking off all of her jewelry at light speed and hiding it in her purse. She then puts the purse across her body and walks through the airport with a death grip on it. Not on her kids, mind you, but on her purse. Because we were seconds away from being mugged and they were not getting her stuff. No sirree.
Now, each time I see someone in a crossbody shoulder bag, that is the first thing that pops into my head. It’s like they are screaming at me, “The Gypsies are coming to take my purse!” Or, “I’m carrying $10,000 in cash in here!” Why the need for such safety precautions? Sadly, if anyone ever stole my purse, they would be sorely disappointed, unless they coveted Kroger receipts, gum wrappers or seven old lip glosses.
A relaxed death grip on this cross shoulder bag.
Cross shoulder bags are trending big-time right now for fall. I guess they are not solely for couriers, elderly women travellers or mailmen anymore.
Here are some beautiful bags I have seen lately for fall. In addition to the cross shoulder trend, I am lovin’ the beautiful strong fall palate colors of red, orange, plum, camel and gray. Also prevalent are ostrich textures and snakeskin. So many treats, so little time.
We’ll start small, if you are not quite ready for this whole crazy “over the shoulder” look.
Z Spoke Shoulder Flap with Chain, Olive Color block $295, available at Divas.
Cole-Haan Jitney Ali Mini Crossbody, in my new favorite color for fall, Moroccan Blue. Available at www.cole-haan.com for $98.
Z Spoke small Crossbody Red Quilted Purse, $375, available at Divas. My pick of the litter and the leather is like butter.
And now we can graduate to medium size, if you would like to fit something other than a tissue and a nail file in your purse.
Kate Spade Cobble Hill Ellen. Available at Von Maur, $225.
Banana Republic Metallic Cross Body $45
J Crew Brompton Bucket Bag. $158
Elaine Turner Ash Ostrich Crossbody Clutch, $295. Available at www.elaineturner.com.
Lastly, for those of us that could survive in the wild for a week merely from the contents of our purse (present company included), the bigger cross shoulder bags. These can sometimes be a tote, a satchel and a cross shoulder bag, all in one.
Kooba Meg Chocolate Crossbody. The detail on these straps is beautiful. Available at Divas for $595.
Foley + Corinna Mid City bag. I have had many recommendations on this bag. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $395.
Cole-Haan Vintage Valise Kendra Bag. This is a tote that can be used as a cross shoulder as well. Available at www.cole-haan.com for $378.
Here is the key to the look: own it. Don’t look so scared or squirrelly clutching on to your bag. It is supposed to free up your hands, so you can do other things, like programming your DVR to watch Rachel Zoe or picking up takeout or flat-ironing your hair.
Heidi Klum EATS AN ICE CREAM with her purse on. She’s hands free. And I hate her that she eats ice cream.
