Purse, bag, pocketbook…what do you call the beast that carries all of your stuff? Do you prefer small, medium, or large bags? I love the idea of a big bag, but hate carrying the kitchen sink with me. It hurts my shoulder and always falls off! This is why I am a small purse girl. I only carry exactly what I need and no more. Keys, wallet, meds, chapstick, sanitizer and room for my phone. Now, I remember those days when I carried a big purse and that was because of the offspring…you know…the ones that hang on your hip and need diapers, a snack, a change of clothes, a drink, and toys to entertain. Boy I had everything in those bags. I used to always win those games at home parties where you found stuff in your purse for a prize. Not so much anymore. I got tired of toting that thang around and really tired of it slipping off my shoulders. I mean, one hand for the kid and one for the stuff you are toting leaves you with no hands to pull up the purse.
Over the years I have learned how to keep myself hands free. In comes the cross body bag! Today’s post is all about the top 10 cross body bags that will free up those hands and keep you moving. My opinions only, of course…with a little help from some of my mom friends. Oh and they are cute, too! Gotta compliment that outfit, right?
Kedzie – Check me out on Amazon
This is my first choice for several reasons. First, it’s cute. Second, it’s small just like I like them to be. Last, you can change the strap to match your outfit. The Kedzie Crosstown is small and perfect for just a few things. The Roundtrip Convertible is a little bit bigger and can hold more stuff. They are great with casual outfits and even better when you are traveling and need your purse right next to you, but they keep your hands free. (Worth mentioning: They have other purses that are not cross body.)
Pros: small and medium sizes, hands free, come in lots of colors, can change straps to plain or patterned, great prices and CUTE. Perfect for any age, fun way to change up the look with different straps and gets great reviews.
Cons: Can’t store the kitchen sink in them, but they are still roomy, buying more straps can be pricey and take up room in your closet. Biggest Con: doesn’t come with extra straps as those are optional.
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley bags are great, durable bags. I have one that has lasted for years and still looks great. They hold up very well and have several cross body bags that range from super small all the way up to large sizes. They come in several styles and colors and you can mix and match with your outfits. The patterns never go out of style. Even though they are not what I would call cheap, they are still affordable and they are very worth the money.
Pros: affordable, lots of patterns and styles and many sizes to choose from, colorful and durable, can find online and in stores very easily
Cons: patterns can clash with outfits; cloth can get dirty
Carhartt
Carhartt is a clothing company that makes bags. The bags are very durable and they are water repellent. They are made of thick cloth that are kind of like construction work type pants. The materials last a long time and they have many pockets that even fit a small tablet. They are great for casual wear and outdoors. People who love Carhartt clothing will love these bags.
Pros: durable and repels water, can fit small tablet along with regular stuff, gets awesome reviews, great for casual and for outdoors, affordable, easy to find online and in stores, several pockets
Cons: doesn’t come in many colors and is only casual
Bagallini
These bags come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The kind I have chosen here have 3 zippers and are perfect for a girl like me. You can put all of your necessary stuff in this purse and be stylish all in one. This bag is water-resistant and very light, as well as affordable. It has RFID blocking material so your cell phones and credit cards are safe. It gets great reviews.
Pros: can remove strap or change into a fanny pack, lots of colors, light and holds a lot of stuff, RFID blocking
Cons: some reviews say it is not balanced when full and it kind of leans over
Estalon
This Estalon cross body is made of soft leather and has 3 compartments. It has a wallet closure in the front which is great for your cell phone and money. It is very stylish and comes in a few different colors. It is a bigger bag for those that like to bring more stuff with you.
Pros: soft leather, can be spot cleaned, plenty of room, can hold a small tablet, affordable and stylish
Cons: does not have credit card slots in the wallet closure, scratches
Realer
This is what you call a Hobo bag. You can literally fit a hobo inside of it along with the kitchen sink. All you big bag people, here you go!! This has room for everything! It gets really good reviews and it can double as an arm bag or make the straps longer for a cross body. It is faux leather, but it looks great and goes well with any kind of outfit.
Pros: can use as a shoulder bag or as a cross body, large enough to hold all kinds of stuff, different colors
Cons: heavy when filled, made of PU leather, so I don’t know how many years it will last
Calvin Klein Reyna
I can’t say enough about this purse. It’s a little more out of my purse budget, but still affordable, especially if you use it all the time. I don’t mind saving up for a purse with this price as long as it lasts and meets my needs. This one can be dressed up or down depending on your look. The straps are removable, so you can add a thicker, more colorful strap that you enjoy to jazz it up. You can wear it with any outfit, but it looks amazing with more dressy clothes. There are several colors to choose from and it is made of high-quality vegan leather. It gets great reviews, too! Since it’s a bit pricey, I really appreciate the coupons that come with it on Amazon.
Pros: Everything…is…good…about…this…purse.
Cons: Price without a coupon is a bit high, but makes a great gift!
Kate Spade
This is a very pretty cross body made of a pebbled leather with a front and back slip pocket to slide your cell phone in. It only comes in a few colors, but it will match any trendy outfit and you can use it with dressier outfits. There are a couple different designs and sizes to choose from.
Pros: perfect with a classier outfit and holds just enough of what you need, very stylish, a bit pricey of around $100, but worth the price, really good reviews
Cons: only comes in a few colors, rather on the small end
Coach
Coach bags are wanted by every woman! They are made from great quality leather and are on the pricey end, but they last forever. They are made well and will never go out of style. These may be expensive, but they are an affordable type of expensive. You can set a saving’s goal here and get the bag you want easily. They go with any outfit and are timeless.
Pros: lots of styles and sizes for cross body, leather, good quality, last a lifetime
Cons: expensive
Gucci
– Check me out on Amazon
Top of the purse food chain, right? I mean, this is the purse to show off! Every girl in the world will know you have Gucci when you walk in the room. These bags are made from quality material and they never go out of style. In fact, they don’t lose their value. At best, they increase in value over time! They match with ANY outfit and there are several sizes to choose from. With that being said, be prepared to sell your firstborn child in order to get one! LOL. No really….you better be saving for a lifetime or get you a sugga’ daddy. Overall, these are the purses every girl and mom wants.
Pros: highest quality materials, retains value, lots of styles and sizes, head-turning
Cons: Unrealistically expensive (but I put it here due to quality and fashion)
Which bag would you choose?
No matter what cross body bag you choose, your hands will be free to do whatever you need them to do and your purse will be safely close to your body. Leave us a comment below if you have a cross body bag that you love and let me know if I can find one for you!
Check out these styles at Amazon
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I love your reviews on crossbody bags. Crossbody bags not only give you hands free shopping, but they also save your back!
I have a few Bagallini bags and I LOVE them! They are extremely durable, roomy, and lightweight!
Awesome! Thank you so much for your comment. I totally agree that Bagallini bags are so cute and light!