Cross body bags

[MaudesMum]

Has anyone seen any nice ones recently as mine has just died and I'm feeling the loss? Ideal would be big enough for purse/phone/glasses case and hairbrush, but not enormous as I have a larger work bag for when I need to haul make-up/laptop/folders etc around town. It should be preferably leather - in either black or dark blue or dark brown - and casual but kind of minimalist, if you see what I mean!

I have heard good things about Aurora London. A camera bag is always a good option - casual but can be dressed up too.

www.aurora-london.com/new-the-gigi-bag

Or, depending on budget, you could go for DeMellier. I like the mini Venice a lot, and burgundy is a great colour, very versatile with just a little more interest than black/brown and pretty much goes with everything.

www.demellierlondon.com/the-mini-venice.html?color=108

I have my eye on this from Saint & Sofia. It even comes with a 20 year guarantee which I've never seen before.

I can also recommend this from British designer Kate Sheridan. I have the larger size and its lovely.

What's your budget like?

I bought a lovely cross-body bag from Hilary Johnson Handmade a few years back, and it's going strong. You can choose leathers, colours, and go entirely bespoke.

hilaryjohnsonhandmade.co.uk/

There's some lovely ideas here - now dithering between something like a camera-bag or something like a satchel. Although with a satchel, I might get irritated fumbling with a buckle or two all the time...
I probably shouldn't spend more than £100-ish. Thank you everyone!

Marks and Spencer usually have decent leather ones that will last. See if Hobbs or L K Bennett have any in the sales. The camera bag ones can be quite small. I love DeMellier but they are expensive. There are lots that look similar for less money. I also think Radley have upped their game as well. Not so obvious dog logo and excellent designs and quality. They will last!

I wouldn’t get a satchel. I have a Mulberry Alexa and it’s style over substance. It’s stunning in navy suede but it’s not that practical. Easy access and a long strap are important.

You can get satchels that are practical - just ensure the buckles are decorative and that the fastenings are magnetic or poppers.

The Alexa is a beautiful bag but is a prime example of style over substance.

Fossil or Radley crossovers are a good size but not too bulky

I like the ally capellino cross body bags. Perfect weekend bag size.

www.allycapellino.co.uk/collections/crossbody-bags-new

But not cheap....

Bought a beautiful White Stuff one secondhand from eBay for £12. My sister thought it was Mulberry (and she should know!).

I bought this wee bag from Amazon. I love it and they have some beautiful designs reisenthel shoulderbag S dots

Can't justify this at the moment but it's next on the list
mishnoc.com/waxed-portrait-messenger-bag-by-ashwood/

Thank you for that link, @MotherForkin — I’ve just fallen in love with one of their backpacks...

You can blame bil for buying my sister one for Christmas!