Frye Campus Cross Body Bag

If you’ve been checking out the new collections coming down the runways, you know denim is hot this year. Heck, just look at the new issue of Vogue with Jessica “Holy Crap I Can’t Believe I’m Still Famous” Biel on the cover. She’s totally decked out in denim. Speaking of which, why the hell is she still famous? She was on that show 7th Heaven for a while before she left because she didn’t want to be stereotyped as a goody-goody. So she did a couple of movies where she showed her less-than-impressive boobs because, you know, that’s the best way for a woman to improve her image. Gloria Steinem must be flipping in her grave. What? She’s still alive? Um, ok. Anyway, so little Jessie wants to be taken more seriously, so she waves her boobs around a couple of movies. Yes, I do see her as so much more intelligent and as a much more capable actress now. Who wouldn’t? The best move she made was to latch onto Justin Timberlake’s coattails, but his star has even faded a bit over the last year. Maybe he’ll perform at the Superbowl and bring Jessie on stage and “accidentally” flash her boobs to everyone. Oh wait, she’s already done that! Ugh, let me just stop here because she gets on my freaking nerves, and it’s Friday, and thinking about Jessica Biel’s boobs is no way to start a weekend. So as I was saying—denim! As winter draws to a close, you can straddle both seasons by wearing your fall western boots with some spring denim, but you still need a bag, right? Well, Frye, who makes some of those awesome western boots I talked about on the Socialites Anonymous blog a while back, makes this awesome Campus Cross Body Bag.

The first thing that caught my eye is the shape. I love it. It’s different from most cross body bags, which are usually flat to lie against the hip. Yeah, that’s a good thing because they don’t get in the way. But if you want a cross body bag for looks as well as function, the Campus is the way to go. It’s made from the same supple leather Frye uses to make its boots, so it’s nice and soft. It features tiny stud detailing along the bottom of the front and back pockets, as well as along the side for just enough visual interest, but no flash. The top stitching is meticulous and gives the bag a smooth, sophisticated look, and both a magnetic snap and zipper keep the bag securely closed. Inside you’ll find fabric lining and a back wall zip pocket for extra storage. The bag is even deep enough to hold a compact umbrella. The Frye Campus also comes in brown and banana, which would be great for spring too, but this saddle is my favorite color. There are only three left so hurry! It goes for $328 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

In the more traditional cross body bag category, we have the Hobo International Dylan. What’s not traditional is the color. This one is called wine, and I think it’s a perfect complement to any outfit that includes denim, whether it’s just jeans, a jacket, or both. Frankly, I think wearing a jean jacket with jeans is going a little overboard, but that’s me. Yeah, denim’s hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to immerse yourself in it. I’m more than a little embarrassed to tell you, in high school, I had a short, slouchy pair of denim boots, complete with little jeans-like pocket on the sides. And what did I wear them with? Um, that’d be jeans. I did have a jean jacket, but thank goodness I can’t remember if I wore all three together, and no photos exist of me wearing said boots. Or if they did, they don’t anymore. Anyway, the Dylan is a messenger-style cross body bag that keeps your hands free while giving you plenty of storage space for all your necessities. The flap’s magnetic snap opens to reveal a compartment with zippered pockets, and and ID window. The lining is a pretty floral/paisley print. This color is called wine, but it also comes in yam, black, and lilac, which is the same gorgeous pearly pink as the Hobo International Gerty I featured recently. Love that color! And the Dylan is currently on sale. Normally $158, it’s now $128.70 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Now we’re getting really utilitarian. The Hobo International Buon Viaggio cross body bag is made for traveling. Well, its name actually means Bon Voyage in Italian! Wait, that’s French. Buen viaje? No, that’s Spanish. How do we say that in English? “Have a good trip”? Wow, that’s boring compared to the alternatives. The point is, if you’re going anywhere this spring, you don’t want to walk around with a big, bulky handbag. First, it can just get in the way. Also, depending on where you go, it just makes you a target for thieves. The Buon Viaggio has a slim silhouette that hugs your body, helping you keep your ID and money safe. The exterior boasts a pocket made for plane tickets, as well as an ID window. The interior is lined with sturdy fabric, and offers a back wall zip pocket. The strap is extra long, but adjustable, so you can carry it comfortably, yet fashionably. For traveling, get it in black so it doesn’t really stand out. If you just like it and want to carry it regardless of where you’re going, or not going, it also comes in rouge, indigo, cognac, and…tmoro? Um, it’s brown, people. Come on. The Buon Viaggio is just $118 at Endless.com.