The end of the potty-training stage brings a lot of positive changes — including finally being free of the diaper bag! No more toting around potty seats, wipes, pull-ups or extra sets of clothes — everything is streamlined and it's much easier getting out the door.
Structured cross-body bags are the perfect next step after saying goodbye to your diaper bag. The hands-free strap ensures you can hold your kiddies' hands, while the structured shape makes it easy to store your essentials (phone/keys/wallet) plus any kiddy extras (snacks/Boogie Wipes).
There are structured cross-body bags for every price point, from designer pieces to mall finds. While it's a good idea to invest in something you'll use for a long time — it has to be something that fits into your budget — and that you'd be comfortable using without fear of spoiling it.
The Celine Luggage tote has been wildly popular among celebrities (Nicky Hilton is pictured above), with it's 'robot-face' and winged sides. The Nano has all the famous features of the Luggage tote, but in a teeny scaled down size. It's completely adorable, and it has to be, considering it retails for more than $2,400!
The Phillip Lim Pashli is also very distinctive, with its unique pushlock and double zipped sides. In the picture above, Rachel Bilson is carrying the white Mini Pashli, which costs around $650. However, if you were lucky enough to access Phillip Lim's collaboration with Target, you could have scored a faux leather version in a similar shape for less than $35. (Confession — I still scan the bag section at Target hoping to find a leftover bag...no such luck!)
The Michael Kors Selma Messenger bag comes in a wide range of colors — from bright Neon (like the one Alessandra Ambrosio is carrying) to a classic tan. The bag is made of saffiano leather, which is durable and easy to care for. It retails for around $260.
The Coach Mini Tanner is my cross-body bag of choice — you can see me with my Navy & Citron version in the picture above. The shape and size remind me of the Celine Nano, but at nearly a tenth of the price. I've had mine for nearly a year and I love it — amazing quality and still looks like new. Like the Selma Messenger, it also retails for around $260.
The Forever21 Glam Faux Croc Crossbody has a classic shape (reminiscent of a Louis Vuitton Speedy) with gold hardware and a gorgeous navy color. There is a lot of attention to detail which belies its $29.80 price tag — including embossed faux leather and studded 'feet' at the bottom of the bag.
I've always had amazing luck with ALDO bags, I've found their stitching and material holds up even with daily use. The YONG bag has a glam shape and luxe lock and key detail. Although pricier than the Forever21 bag at $40, it can do double duty as an evening bag if you tuck away the cross-body chain.
Do you save or splurge when it comes to handbags? Based on design (not price) which of these bags is your favorite?
(Photo Credits: Nicky Hilton, Rachel Bilson and Alessandra Ambrosio)
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