BagBible

IIIBeca Murray Street Crossbody

Yes, it’s only spring. But, I’m already thinking ahead for summer trips. I like to plan my outfit long before I have to travel. This way, I will be able to pack up my stuff immediately. Since I have 3 little ones that I need to pack for as well, I don’t have the luxury of staring in my closet for hours when packing.

For a traveling outfit, I usually pick my outfit after I decide on the bags and shoes. Fist, I will decide on the comfortable walking shoes or sandal (preferably something neutral that goes with everything because I like to travel light).

My criteria for picking my traveling bags are:

1. Light:  No chunky clunky hardware because chances are we will be doing a lot of walking and the last thing I want is to drag heavy hardware during the whole trip.
2. Not too small: It has to be able to fit at least a pair of sunglasses, small make up bag, wallet, and cell phone with a little more room to spare.
3. Crossbody strap: This is a definite must. I’m already short one hand since I have 3 little kids. Naturally, I can’t spare another hand to hold a bag.
4. Pop of color: I tend to gravitate toward neutral color clothes and just play with textures.  Therefore, adding a pop of color will add interest to my otherwise boring outfit.

I usually go shopping before a trip (during the trip, after the trip, who’s counting right?), that’s probably why my closet is full to the brim. This year, I decided not to do that and just use things that I already have. So, I decided that my IIIbeca Murray Street Crosbody fits the bill.

I like the fact that it has a simple and modern design that won’t clash with any outfit. It is also easy to open and close, which I can do it without looking. (some bags require your undivided attention just to open and close it; yeah it’s supposed to be fancy like that! I have several bags like that but they’re not coming with me on the trip)

Since I’m not planning on buying new things, I’m probably going to bring my Sam Edelman Trina from last year for footwear. (I brought them to a 3 week europe trip and these babies are super comfortable)

Buy this at www.JoyGryson.com

The name “Fortune Cookie” definitely suit this bag, because it really looks like one.  Despite of it’s food-like appearance I think this bag looks pretty feminine.  I love the ties on the sides and the ruffle flap (the one thing that makes the bag looks like a fortune cookie).  This bag comes in many different colors.  Since this season is all about the turquoise, I chose to put up this picture.  This color will look great against a pair of clean white denim.

At first, I was skeptical about this bag.  Since it was priced under $200, I assumed that it would have a hideous interior.  By hideous interior I mean a crappy plastic zipper that is dreadfully attached to the lining.  However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the interior view.  It has a nice metal zipper with leather trim attach to the lining.

As for functionality, this bag has two kinds of straps; one shorter shoulder strap and one long removable strap that you can use to wear the bag cross body.  I personally think this bag is such a great deal. You can wait around for the sale but you might not get the color you want.

Buy it from Nordstrom for $198

When I see designers make cheaper lines of their brands, I always assume that they are not as good as the more expensive line.  However, this is not the case with Donna Karan bags.  Lately, I’ve noticed that DKNY bags are a lot better than the Donna Karan bags and they are a lot cheaper too.

I like this DKNY Satin Medium Shopper. Even though it is not made of leather, it still manages to look sumptuous and rich thanks to the satin sheen.  The interesting hardware also adds some glam to the simple bag. The only thing I wish were different is the shoulder strap.  Since the handles are made of leather, it would be nice if the shoulder strap were also made of leather.

All in all, I think it is a great bag with great value.  Buy from Bloomingdale’s for S195