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Help with a crossbody purse?

House Cat

House Cat

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
4,602
You ladies are really into purses.. I’m terrible at buying purses. I usually buy one good quality leather bag in brown or black and use it until it dies. I have recently been confronted with some very serious back issues. My very large, brown hobo bag that carries everything and the kitchen sink is really hurting my back. I need to downsize. I have been trying to find a crossbody bag that fits my style and will last for a long time.

I was hoping for a boho style brown crossbody that isn’t too large or too young looking. Have you seen anything like this in your travels? I know it’s kind of a weird request, but I’m not a refined lady. Chains on the shoulder strap or a refined bag isn’t me. I’m tattooed, wear cowboy boots, and I’m a little more rough around the edges. :geek2:

Ok, thanks for your help.
 
One thing you might consider is having two -- one small carries the basics for days you can get away with it and one a bit larger (but not big!) for days you need a bit more.

Hope others can help with good advice on a quality bag that will last and fit your style. (I never carried a purse until about a year ago so am still learning.)
 
The first one might be larger than you are hoping for, but it has a nice wide strap and their leather is sumptuous. I have the last one, which also might be a bit larger than you are looking for, but it's really light (I have it) and also has a nice wide strap that is good for the back. The second one is a smaller version.

https://www.duluthtrading.com/women...OG#start=1&cgid=womens-accessories-bags-totes

https://www.duluthtrading.com/women...s#start=11&cgid=womens-accessories-bags-totes

https://www.duluthtrading.com/oil-c...RA#start=7&cgid=womens-accessories-bags-totes

I love the idea of crossbodies and of being hands-free, but I seem to never be able to get used to them. I also have to carry light for my back, and am an avid handbag lover... having had many, many handbags in all kinds of styles, I have found a structured domed satchel with handles and a strap is my holy grail. I generally carry it by the handles, or over the crook of my arm by the handles, and I love that I can use the strap for those moments when I need to be hands-free. Just some unsolicited experience-based advice, in case it offers an alternative idea! :))
 
As a fellow sufferer of back problems, I would highly recommend Lesportsac. I know they're not leather like you want, but IMO, if your back/neck is hurting, and you need to carry stuff, you can't afford the carry the BAG and the stuff. I have some really nice leather bags in great condition and nifty colors (like turquoise!!) but I finally had to give them up because the weight of the bag itself was just too much.

And crossbody bags only work if the strap is wide. I have a few of those too, with narrower straps, and after a while of walking and carrying it, they start to get very uncomfortable.

So, with those two factors driving me, I got a couple Lesportsac purses for my trip to Ireland a few years back. It has a bajillion zipper compartments (it seems, especially when I'm looking for my phone :rolleyes: ) and the strap is 1.5 inches wide, which is pretty comfortable for long wear. They come in basic solids and fun prints and are virtually indestructible and washable.

Give them a look.
https://www.lesportsac.com/collections/handbags
 
I used to be one that had to have the designer bag of the moment, but have found I strongly prefer a small, sturdy, simple crossbody. I bought a black leather Fossil a year ago and love it. Still looks great. Maybe they'll have one you'll like?
 
I started carrying a smaller bag when my back started hurting a lot. It has helped tremendously. If you like anything other than heavy leather, that helps too. A cute canvas or jute bag would be cute for spring or summer.

I wear cowboy boots a lot HC! They go with anything from a hobo style knapsack to a refined handbag with gold tone chain straps! :lol-2::lol-2::lol-2:
 
Bags can be really heavy-whatever the material. I have ruled out many a bag due to its weight before it gets filled up with my junk. I used to be a purse snob and until I got older and had kids it changed. I needed a light bag as I had to carry everyone's stuff. The lightest bag I found for across the shoulder are fabric bags as canvas can be coated and thus heavier and faux leather can be heavy. The problem is fabric prints can be ugly, old ladyish or they can look like diaper bags. I am not a fan of Vera Bradley BUT I purchased a bag at an outlet with a clearance sale so I got it for nearly nothing. I used it for a long time - always apologizing for the print- but praising it for its light weight, heavy zipper, and multiple compartments. It also did not show the dirt. If you can find one in a solid color-I think there is an all black one -it is a suggestion. Again, I had to go over to the 'other side' to buy one but it did the trick. When I wanted to be stylish, I switched bags.
 
I second MZ Wallace. Had a large cross body that I loved. My mom managed to talk me out of it and now it's hers. :roll

Knomo London also makes some nice quality bags for the price. Not sure what they gave in the way of cross bodies currently.

https://knomo.com/

The Lo and Sons Pearl is a nice size. No personal experience but on my short list when my current Knomo cross body wears out.

https://www.loandsons.com/products/pearl-nappa-leather-black-gold-lavender
 
I love my Kate Spade crossbody so much that I have it in a couple colors. It’s lightweight but sturdy, it lays nice and flat against the body and holds a surprising number of things.

92C6E611-ACD0-47A4-B863-7B4B12E7E57B.png
 
So, don’t think I’m nuts. I used to love the show Burn Notice, where the character Fiona rocked the most amazing belt bag and looked so incredibly badass while doing it. I find it tempting because my traps are in constant knots and it would be great to get pressure off of them. I worry I would load up a crossbody way too heavily.

This company claims to make a similar bag to the Burn Notice one:
https://www.happycow.com.au/

And this one can be found at Nordstrom but is much simpler:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/madewe...adcrumb=Home/All Results&color=english saddle
 
If you still want a regular but super lightweight bag that can fit a deceptive amount, check out Longchamp. They are actually foldable nylon. Allmy former bags feel too heavy now. The only way I get into trouble with my Longchamp is by cramming them full of stuff. Water bottles are shockingly heavy.
 
vintageloves said:
If you're open to nylon, MZWallace makes great crossbodies. I get compliments on mine all the time. https://www.mzwallace.com/shop/crossbody

For leather and a boho look I recommend the brand Hobo. They use recycled vintage leather. I have one of their shoulder bags and love it. https://www.hobobags.com/womens-crossbody-bags/c/2
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I was JUST going to say MZ WALLACE! I carry a Paige, and I also have an Abbey Xbody. I just had back surgery so I had to take a bunch of shit out of my purse bec it's too heavy against my incision and rubs, but these bags are SUPER light and easy to fill up!
 
Miss Marple said:
I second MZ Wallace. Had a large cross body that I loved. My mom managed to talk me out of it and now it's hers. :roll

Knomo London also makes some nice quality bags for the price. Not sure what they gave in the way of cross bodies currently.

https://knomo.com/

The Lo and Sons Pearl is a nice size. No personal experience but on my short list when my current Knomo cross body wears out.

https://www.loandsons.com/products/pearl-nappa-leather-black-gold-lavender
Click to expand...
I love the Pearl. I keep hoping they'll offer more colors in the nappy leather since I don't do black clothes or accessories and the tan on is really warm in person. I also carry way too much shit for it but I am working on that!
 
Thanks everyone for all of your input. Ok, I am now hearing a lot of you about finding a lighter weight bag. Leather is heavy! I am going to have to go through all of the nylon and fabric options to see which one I like best. I browsed through them and there are so many that I like. It will be an adjustment, I am all about the leather! My back is dictating otherwise.



@Tonks I don’t think you’re crazy btw. Belt bags are back in a big way. I saw so many women wearing them at the mall. Many of them had them slung around their shoulders.
 
IMG_20181108_091939.jpg
The dark brown bag in this picture is a crossbody - it’s a Mulberry Antony in the large size. They also do a small version, which is considerably lighter. You could totally rock this bag with your style!
 
Have you ever looked at Texascarpetbaggers.com. Sounds like they might be right up your alley, or at least go with your cowboy boots. I saw these bags in person at the Quilt festival in Houston. Next time I go I am going to buy one. They are very well made and the lady who owns the company is a kick. I didn't have room in my suitcase last time.
 
I have the Lo and Sons, pearl and it is just a smidgen too small for me. I love my LV Pochette Metis, and it is about the right size, but a bit pricey. It was a gift from my husband for our last anniversary.
I used to love Kate Spade bags but ever since she committed suicide that is all I can think about when I wear them. Yes, I know that she sold the company. I feel bad for her, and it is just always on my mind when I wear her bags.
 
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"I used to loveKate Spade bags but ever since she committed suicide that is all I can think about when I wear them"

Me too! I have 4 Kate Spades, 2 are new with tags, but I just CAN'T use them for the exact same reason!
 
CHRISTY-DANIELLE said:
"I used to loveKate Spade bags but ever since she committed suicide that is all I can think about when I wear them"

Me too! I have 4 Kate Spades, 2 are new with tags, but I just CAN'T use them for the exact same reason!
Click to expand...
I feel exactly the same way about all of Kate Spade’s products
 
CHRISTY-DANIELLE said:
"I used to loveKate Spade bags but ever since she committed suicide that is all I can think about when I wear them"

Me too! I have 4 Kate Spades, 2 are new with tags, but I just CAN'T use them for the exact same reason!
Click to expand...
Me too..Loved her..I used her crossbody bags when I walked..:cry2:
 
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