Reddit mentions: The best crossbody bags for women

I'm not really a bag/purse person. It's a utilitarian thing for me, so I want it to be good quality but I'm also really picky about how it looks. Right now, I use a small cross-body bag - it's the Marc Jacobs Natasha Mini I've had it for about 1.5 years and it still looks new. I use it every day and don't really change it out, ever. I wanted the MJ one for so long and finally bought it nearly new on eBay for about 2/3 the retail price. It was a great investment, IMO. I love it and plan to continue using it for a looooong time. It's the perfect size, because I don't really carry much in my purse, and the crossbody style keeps it out of the way. I love the gray color and the gold hardware.

It's pretty casual, though, so occasionally if I'm going to a fancy dinner/event, I'll switch it out for this Kate Spade Crossbody.

Before the Natasha, I had this one from Opelle Creative on Etsy. I got it for Christmas in 2011, and used it every day until I got the MJ. It still looks brand new, and has held up beautifully. As a side note, I'd definitely recommend this seller as their quality is awesome and I love the unique design of this bag. Their current version is slightly different, I think, but still super cute. I still love this purse, but it doesn't work super well as a cross body and is a bit larger than what I currently prefer.

Edit: I wanted to add that currently my style is kinda minimal/boho/edgy and I think the MJ Natasha works really well with this.

Gifts I've given, or considered giving, over the years -- descending price order

• AeroGarden (about $150)
  
• Klhip Nail Clippers (about $80-$100)
  
• Vera Bradley purse (about $60)
  
• Kindle cover with light (about $60, obviously this only works if she has a Kindle)
  
• Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder (about $50)
  
• Frog-shaped humidifier (about $40)
  
• Planet Earth (about $35-$40)
  
• Box of candy types from the decade they were a kid (about $30)
  
• Less crazily priced but still good fingernail clipper and toenail clipper (about $30)
  
• If she entertains guests ever, maybe a party game like this one (about $25)
  
• Travelocity gnome (about $25)
  
• Some good quality bath towels ($20 and up, multiple brands, my mom liked these)
  
• Wine chiller (about $20)
  
• Eye glass holder (about $20)
  
• Maybe she needs more drink coasters, here's just one of many types (about $20)
  
• Odd little windup-toy (about $15)
  
• Light blanket / throw (about $15)
  
• Wine Saver Set (about $15)
  
• Slinky! (about $6)
  
  Variably priced gift ideas
  
  
• Does she have a hobby? Search the internet for a good book / movie /class related to said hobby
  
• Bath & Body Works is a good bet, though it can help if you are able to snoop on your mom's favorite (spy in bathroom, ask family member or friend to spy) -- or go with eucalyptus, because my mom likes that one -- from $10 on up
  
• There's more than chocolate and flowers, do a search to find a bonsai tree to send her, or specialty foods if she has something she likes (e.g., gluten-free, low-carb, etc.), or just something different (honey-baked ham, omaha steaks, etc.) -- variable cost
  
• Gift certificate (or otherwise 'your treat' money) for a pedicure, manicure, massage, meal prep visit (search for 'meal prep cityname' to see what I'm talking about) -- $25 - $100
  
• Offer to pay for a night at a nice local hotel for her and a spouse/partner to get away -- or a local theater production, night out at the movies, restaurant gift certificate, etc. -- variable cost
  
  Some other places I look
  
  
• /r/BuyItForLife -- I get ideas of quality-type products here sometimes
  
• SkyMall -- some super-expensive stuff, but some interesting ideas and more reasonably priced stuff
  

I've had a few Pacsafe bags (various styles) over the years and have been generally happy with them, but I beat them up pretty good (sometimes overfilling them on flights, for example, or taking them hiking because I had no other option). I usually go through one every 3 years or so only using it for travel; we usually go on 3 or 4 trips a year where I take it along and use it as my only purse. My boyfriend has a camera backpack from them also that's probably about 5 years old now and still going strong. We usually do a ton of walking around cities or whatever with our bags, so they see a lot of use.

They changed their fabric recently though (on some models at least, I can't confirm every bag) and I don't like it as much. It used to be kinda satiny and water resistant, and blended better with nicer outfits. Now it's more of this sort of coarse canvas (with basically no water resistance, been caught in heavy rain with both fabrics). It seems like it gets more dirty easily too because the old fabric was smooth so was easier to brush or wipe off. It doesn't seem as durable as it used to.

Another thing I noticed is that they seemed to have scaled back the anti-theft technology a little. I am replacing this bag now, and I had the older version of that bag before. The older one had the anti-theft mesh throughout the bag, whereas the new one only seems to have it in the bottom part (the part that's black on the linked bag, mine is all black though) and on the front pocket. It's still in the strap and everything, but even the zippers and stuff don't seem to be as nice of quality as my older one. It looks like that same bag is on clearance, so I don't know what the replacement will be- it seems like they usually keep the model of the bag the same but change it up a little every "generation".

There was a post awhile back about travel stuff I think, and one of the comment threads was talking about a Travelsmith bag they just bought that had Pacsafe antitheft technology. It was basically this one here, I bought the black and white one. It's smaller than the one I am replacing and I haven't taken it on a trip yet, but I like the material and stuff more than my old one. I can't really review it yet other than to say it's more stylish than most regular Pacsafe bags and it seems like decent quality compared to a regular Pacsafe.

Sorry for the longggg post.
TL;DR is basically that I have a lot of experience with Pacsafe bags over the last ten or so years and like them, but it feels like the quality of materials used is going down.

Fav Blouse - Lauren Conrad Pink

Fav Casual Shirt - Striped chestnut Target shirt

Fav Jean - Mossimo High Rise Jegging (I only have 1-2 pairs of jeans, and am still hunting for a good pair)

Fav Skirt - Pink pleated Modcloth

Fav Fall/Winter Dress - Maroon Modcloth

Fav Sundress - Floral blue Target (This is such a random cheap dress I bought but I adore it and it looks great on me)

Fav Cardigan - Brown Old Navy

Fav Fall/Winter Shoe - Steve Madden Stinger booties

Fav Spring/Summer Shoe - Lucky Brand brown Emmie Flats

Fav Bag - Floral Coach (This is my summer/spring purse)

• [Fossil Vickery cross body bag] (http://www.amazon.com/Fossil-Vickery-Cross-Body-Bag/dp/B00PJSF02G) – I really wanted the Lo & Sons Pearl cross body bag, but this one was about the same size, $50 cheaper, and I was able to buy it from Amazon with credit card points. I’m sure the Lo & Sons bag is nicer, but I’ve always had good luck with Fossil purses, and I’m not planning on using it that frequently, so it should hold up well.
  
• [Lucky Brand Paddle drop earrings] (http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Brand-Metal-Paddle-Earrings/dp/B00GXO0P3O) – I saw these earrings at Dillards but didn’t buy them. I regretted choosing not to purchase them, so I searched for them online. Finding them on Amazon was great because, like the Fossil purse listed above, I was able to buy them with credit card points (yay).
  
• [Black Faded Glory maxi skirt] (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Faded-Glory-Women-s-Solid-Maxi-Skirt-with-Shirred-Waistband/41112734) - Stitch Fix put a $48 maxi skirt in my last fix. I liked the skirt a lot, but thought that $48 was a bit ridiculous. I found this one at Wal-Mart for $12.94. Score!
  

So my mom has asked me to choose a leather purse for a Christmas present. My problem, I can't decide! Am I better off with going with Fossil brand, or the Sak? I want to get a fairly neutral purse, but there's something about red leather purses that I love.

Purses I'm considering

This sakin either cherry Ikat or the brown and snake print

This Fossil one, I like the camel but the red is beautiful

I love both of these colors, but I'm concerned about the shape of the purse. The front pockets seem so bulky for how thin the main part is

Another, but smaller Fossil purse

I like the shape of this Sak one, but I don't know about white, and are red purses really neutral?

This Sak one. Is it too square? I feel like square purses highlight how short I am for some reason, but the color is beautiful and it's so pretty

The last purse I'm considering is this other Sak purse, I like the browns and the shape of it

I guess my main concern to start is what's the quality difference between Fossil and Sak?

So, purses are like furniture and cars. When you find the right one, you'll know, and you should just buy it, because it's something you will use every day, and you'll be stuck with it. Nobody wants to get a mattress or a car that they just feel okay about, and the same thing goes for purses.

I picked up a Fossil Explorer in a seasonal color leather brand new off of eBay for $60. It's got the right amount of pockets, I can fit a 13" laptop or a tablet in it, it can hold a knitting project, it's a fun color, it's surprisingly easy to clean, everything is segmented, the zippers are loud and kind of difficult to open so nobody can pickpocket me, and everyone loves it.

I've also used it daily for like six months now and abused the crap out of it, and aside from an occasional wash with Cerave (the face wash), there's been no lasting dirtiness or scuffs to the leather.

I figured that it was worth it for me to spend money on a purse that I love and that fits all of my crap in it.

Fossil shit lasts forever, and I stumbled on mine because I was actually looking for a used one because their value doesn't depreciate a ton. It is well worth it to get a nice leather purse (if you're okay with leather, of course). I decided on Fossil because I got one of their wallets in high school (like eight or nine years ago now) and it's still in amazing condition. I ran that wallet over with my car accidentally more than once.

If you aren't into Fossil, every season, designers have fun colors and then basics (black and brown etc), so you can get either a basic or a fun color from last season for a huge amount off of the original price.

Totally worth it.

• I like this one because it's unique and fun looking without losing a classic feel, so it won't go out of fashion soon. $45
  
  
• Same goes for this though I like the gray better than the black. It looks really roomy too. $20
  
  
• This one only comes in blue, but it still can go well with most outfits! I like the broad bottom, which means I can stuff a lot of stuff in it. $20
  
  
• This is a pretty versatile bag with a classic look. I love the darker brown, but you can go with the light brown to match more easily. $50

No problem! I looked on Ulta and several brands have some body glow that would work. Also I found sequin mermaid tights on amazon!

This is so much fun I can’t stop looking. I wish I could dress you like a doll!

Also I thought this fanny pack was cute Jelly Waist Fanny Pack- Transparent Festival Crossbody Belt Bag Vegan Purse (Clear Jelly with Peach Orange Polkadots and White Vegan Leather Removable Strap) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NGL327G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bxoYCb2V22710

This is a bit more sophisticated and maybe you could use again? Women Cute Clear Acrylic Box Clutch Bag Stadium Approved Crossbody Purse Evening Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBGB4SQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZyoYCb4T38K71

This one has a cat handle!
Marchome Holographic Top Handle Handbag Cross Body Purse Shoulder Bag Clear 2# https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BPK7R6D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bAoYCbXK6GVH0

I also found this rainbow transparent bomber jacket Women Girls Holographic Rainbow Jacket Iridescent Transparent Summer Sun-Proof Coat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKF61GH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-AoYCbKZW0MFV

These sneakers are amazing ROXY ROSE Womens Sneaker Flats Metallic Leather Glitter Fashion Sneakers Shoes Lace Up (10 B(M) US, Hologram Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DC21PF3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TCoYCb4BAVWNT

Yes to Fossil. I've had one of their laptop-sized bags in heavy daily use for 5 years, and it's just finally getting tattered. It still gets tons of compliments though. I have a thrifted small crossbody that has been in use for >10 years as well. I feel like a lot of Fossil bags work well for the Indiana Jones aesthetic, like this, this, or this. The quality isn't "keep it as your only bag for the rest of your life," but it's solid. One zipper lost it's pull on my big bag, and one seam popped on my small bag, but in each case it was after heavy use and they were easy fixes that aren't noticeable, which is good enough for me :)

Slightly above your price point but I have this bag and it is perfect if you want something that fits in other bags but also functions well on its own for a day:

Baggallini Pocket Lightweight Crossbody Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015ESYD6Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_u.fNBb2DSRTSS

Some of the other baggallini bags are a little more affordable and may be closer to what you are looking for. I would definitely recommend taking a look.

I have never been able to find a camera bag that I liked. All the ones I have seen are way too bulky and heavy for me and assume that you are carrying tons of equipment. They also seem to be made for someone tall while I am only 5'1" and petite. I do not want to walk around with a giant bag that screams that I am carrying expensive camera equipment.

Instead I use a lightweight small canvas crossbody bag like one of these by baggallini (found on sale at TJ max in various sizes). It's just fabric so I can put it in any purse or backpack that I own and use inserts/lens pouches for the actual lenses and camera. Other additional equipment or lenses that don't fit in it go in my purse or backpack directly.
It's super light, comfortable and very discrete. I can take it out of my backpack and use it as a crossbody bag with just my camera for easy reach and light protection.

I found it on Amazon for a pretty good price Here!


The yellow one is so cute!

I've been using this Fossil Backpack recently. It fits a book, wallet and an insulated 16oz cup in the main pocket and various cards, lipsticks, etc in the front pocket.

I can't find the exact Fossil crossbody I have but it's very similar to this one . I used to wear lots in the summer.

this Jansport Laptop sleeve is also a lifesaver on days I need my laptop. Not necessarily cute, but lightweight and slim. Comes in a bunch of different colors.

This Fossil purse from Amazon in black. I've had it for about a year, and it does fit most of my essentials (non work/school). But I am getting a little bored with it haha.

Like this? They're like $55.

I'm a guy and have terrible fashion advice, but if I were to get a purse, I would get something like this Purse. It's black, it can be held by your hand, can go over one shoulder, it worn like a book bag and strapped over both shoulders. Not super fancy and won't stick out. But when I carry my wife's purse for her, I hate it going across my body or just over one shoulder bc then it falls off, so this gives you the power of all 3.

If she's not into a back pack style bag, I would recommend this Purse. It's made out of a canvas material so it's not going to feel as stiff as a leather purse may feel, it also has a shoulder strap that can go Cross body if wanted. It's also big enough to hold a magazine with out having to fold it in half.

Found it on Amazon for fairly cheap

https://www.amazon.com/MILATA-Dinosaur-Leather-Clutch-yellow/dp/B07FC3WSFK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542804860&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dinosaur+purse&dpPl=1&dpID=4148rk84dkL&ref=plSrch

Here:

MILATA Dinosaur Shape Cross Body Bag Women Pu Leather Chic Clutch Purse for Girls (yellow)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FC3WSFK/