The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Cross-Body Bags on a Budget

Can you do a feature on cross-body bags? My trusty old one just busted its strap! I think I can fix it, but I figured what better time to ask you to do some looking around for me? :-) Especially since you're a fellow cb-bag user. Whenever I go shopping for purses I feel like there is NO LOVE for the cb-bags. Gah! —Sandra

Regular readers will know that I love my Fossil cross-body bag because it's just the right size and keeps my hands free. The quality leather in the perfect shade of brown is seasonless and seems to match everything I own.

While I dream of finding the perfect vintage cross-body bag someday at a thrift store, that day has not yet come. As such, I happen to know a bunch of brands that will do you right and stores where you're most likely to find cross-body bag bliss.

Here's my breakdown of the best brands, where to find them, plus a widget chock-full of great options that you can buy right now online:

Best affordable brands for a real-leather cross-body bag (under $200):
Tignanello
Lucky Brand
Fossil
Nine West
Banana Republic
Melia Bianco
B. MAKOWSKY

Where to shop:
Marshall's
TJ Maxx
DSW
Nine West Outlet
Macy's (on sale)
Bon Ton
Dillard's
ebags.com
endless.com

Cheap but cool brands (under $30):
Target
Roxy
Kohl's (Axcess)
PacSun
Charlotte Russe
Forever 21
H&M

Where to shop:
Swell.com
Forever21.com
Target.com
Kohls.com
PacSun.com
CharlotteRusse.com



Comments
You have to check out the crossbody Silverlake Sak flap bag. I think it's my latest obsession. Less than $200, and looks shockingly similar to the Alexander McQueen bag.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3024353?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=sak+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults
#1 Possessionista (Homepage) on 2009-05-02 13:23 (Reply)
I have the Lucky Brand Abbey Road - I LOVE it so cute b/c you can carry it crossbody or long with the little handles. I found mine in a really pretty dark pinky color that was on sale at Lord and Taylor with a coupon I think I paid $105 - so worth it. I think the blue color is on sale now too. Super cute.
Rachel
#2 Rachel on 2009-05-02 15:47 (Reply)
I LOVE cross-body bags. They are perfect for traveling, shopping, Okay, pretty much for any activity!

CLOTHEDMUCH.BLOGSPOT.COM
#3 Elaine (Homepage) on 2009-05-02 20:07 (Reply)
That Charlotte Russe bag is to trendy and cute! I think the cross-body bags with a smaller body are much cuter, otherwise they look a little too messenger bag-ish to me.
#4 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-05-02 21:37 (Reply)
I bought this great tan bag on ASOS and I absolutely love it. It was just the right size for me too.

"http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Ring-Detail-Across-Body-Bag/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=444583&cid=5314&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Tan

They also have other great cross the body bags too, even real leather ones.
#5 Julia on 2009-05-02 23:51 (Reply)
If you're looking at Fossil bags, make sure to visit your local Ross! Ours had several at fantastic prices. I got one from a past season for $20, and another from the current season for $29!
#6 Anusha (Homepage) on 2009-05-03 11:43 (Reply)
I just bought The Sak Silverlake flap bag as mentioned by Posessionista at Macy's over the weekend. It was 25% off plus the additional 25% F&F event that ends tomorrow. I LOVE the bag! It comes in lots of cool colors too.
#7 Zoelicious on 2009-05-03 22:08 (Reply)
I have a SAK bag too and love it! It's the Silverlake Crossbody and the leather is so soft. It's a top zip, which I like because my stuff won't fall out, and it's easy to get into. Mostly I like it cuz it make me feel like a female Indiana Jones.
#8 Abby on 2009-05-04 00:04 (Reply)
They got these super cute, leather cross body bags on clearance for $20 at Marshall's saw them this pass weekend and was tempted to buy one but spend too much money in Charleston.
#9 budget chic (Homepage) on 2009-05-04 05:13 (Reply)
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