What do Vanessa Hudgins, Kirsten Dunst and Gwen Stefani all have in common? They have all been recently spotted sporting the new celebrity trend – cross body bags! What is a cross body bag? Simply put, a cross body bag is a hand bag with a long (usually adjustable) strap that enables the bag to hang across your body at about the hip level. They can be worn with the bag hanging in the front, on the side or with the bag to the wearer’s back. This allows hands free activities without the need to worry about holding onto your purse. While these “hip” accessories are by no means new (I’ve had one for 2 years now) they do seem to be enjoying a surge in popularity with the Hollywood elite and trendy consumers everywhere. Cross body bags come in various sizes and are available from quite petite to rather large. Here is a guide to 3 top cross body designers and bags.
Miu Miu – No discussion about cross body bags would be complete without talking about Miu Miu. In 1992 Miuccia Prada, grand-daughter of famous Prada founder, Mario Prada, began Miu Miu as an off-shoot of the famous Prada design label. With an aesthetic that is edgier than the traditional Prada line, Miu Miu is a trendy, cost effective way to add a little Prada to your closet. One of my favorite all-time designer lines, Miu Miu has several handbags that are available in the cross body style. The Miu Miu Studded Cross Body Bag is sure to be a perennial favorite. A smart black bag made of eco leather, and studs in a crisscross pattern. Sporting a zip top and tan suede lining, it has a removable cross body strap. You can pre-order this bag now at Bergdorf Goodman. At a cost of $895 I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Coach – As we all know, you can’t go wrong with Coach. Originally founded in 1941, Coach has become one of the best known leather goods brands in America and has long been a favorite of handbag collectors everywhere. Their mission statement says it all: Coach seeks to be the leading brand of quality lifestyle accessories offering classic, modern American styling. I think we would all agree that Coach indeed lives up to this statement. True to form, Coach does not disappoint with many styles of bags that come in the cross body design. A classic Coach style bag, the Signature Groovy, is one that any cross body bag seeker is sure to love. This attractive bag comes in either silver or black with contrasting signature. There is a zip top enclosure and inside a beautiful hot pink fabric lining. The detachable cross body strap is a fabulous 45″ long with a 22″ drop so it is sure to fit most any frame. This purse is readily available in most Coach stores. Click here to find a Coach store near you. Or you can order on-line here. At a comparatively easy price of $198 this bag is on MY “must have” list.
Cole Haan – This designer is a favorite of many celebrities including Vanessa Hudgens who has recently been spotted wearing their cross body bags. Cole Haan was originally formed in 1928 by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan as a vehicle for men’s footwear. Bought out by Nike in 1988, Cole Haan eventually branched into leather accessories such as cross body handbags. One of their best examples of cross body bags is the outstanding Saddle Cross Body Flap Bag. It is a timeless, equestrian inspired cross body bag. This sophisticated bag is made of a supple, natural grain leather and features custom pale gold hardware. This bag definitely does not fit the “hobo” style of many cross body bags and therefore pleases most tastes. Available in black and chestnut with a price tag of $348, this little bag is available on-line at ColeHaan.com or at Nordstrom’s.
