Bag that style

Ms T takes a look at the next big fashion trend — the smaller handbag — and why they are a woman’s dream come true.

Remember the good old days when we used to drag around tiny suitcases on our shoulders, with everything we had ever purchased stuffed inside? Am I bringing back horrid memories of the times you spent laying in bed with backache, praying to God for a solution?

Guess what, ladies? Your prayers have been answered! The days of the larger than life purses are long gone; everyone from Hollywood starlets to local socialites is indulging in the hot new fashion accessory: the dainty, long-chain box purse.

Call them side bags, cross-body bags or even baby bags, one thing you can be absolutely certain of is that these bags are here to stay. When it comes to chic and practically, nothing can beat these compact little bits of fashion heaven. With high-end brands like Chanel and Micheal Kors and cheaper ones like Mango and Zara, all jumping the chain-bag bandwagon, there is a great variety available, including leather or faux leather bags, animal print bags and even transparent ones! The fashion world is buzzing with innovative ideas for side-bags (Check out Chanel’s Lego bag below) and now you can too. Here is why we love them:

1)  Good-bye, shoulder aches and my mom’s incessant nagging! The side-bags have spared many of us from our mothers who feared our backs and shoulders would give away if we continued carrying our whole world on them. Never did they miss an opportunity to tell us this and understandably so. The larger the bag, the more the clutter would be. But thanks to the much smaller side-bags, we have learned how to use minimal space efficiently.

2)  With the limited space, it is easier for us to pack just the basic necessities in our bags as opposed to the seven lipsticks and five jewellery items we carried before lest we had a fashion emergency. Not only does this mean we have less baggage, we automatically learn to de-clutter and keep what we really need. Meaning no more rummaging for your phone while it is buzzing away!

3)  The fact that side-bags are incredibly easy to accessorize makes us love them even more! Style your bag up with a colourful, flowery chiffon scarf or get a 70s vibe with a funky broche. If you want to keep it simple, decorate your bag with tiny badges or hang dazzling charms from the chain straps. Unlike before, we no longer require a special bag for every outfit. My suggestion would be to invest in one or two neutral-coloured bags (try black or tan) and glam them up with tiny trinkets to match your wardrobe whenever you are heading out.

4)  Designers like Lanvin, Nina Ricci and Bottega Venetta have been accessorizing their latest collections with just small side-bags, putting them in the spotlight. It has worked phenomenally well at the New York Fashion Week this year and will do great here in Pakistan as well, on days when it is too hot to wear too much jewellery or a heavy outfit. However, make sure that your bag contrasts with your outfit to make it stand out. For example, a red bag on a red outfit risks looking excessive. Keep it simple and stylish.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, October 6^th, 2013.