Handbag help...when paired with a parka and Sorels?!

[maddysmum]

I'm going to lose my mind if I go out again with my current bag (slouchy tote type shoulder bag). Shoulder bags and parkas do not mix. I have to cling to it the whole time I'm running errands, or have it slide and fall off or...anyway, the struggle is real.

But...what the hell DOES compliment a giant North Face down parka and big ol' Sorels?! There's not really a lot to work with.

I guess cross body is a must, but as that's not my typical preference, this is not going to be an investment piece! So we're going for price and practicality first, with style a very close second (I also don't want to sacrifice that - I've already sacrificed my hair to -40 temps and giant hoods!).

Any suggestions for something that's still going to look...not totally frumpy or practical, but willbe totally practical for the winter months? That will fit and stay out over a giant parka but not look like I'm a Sherpa preparing to trek Everest?

(I also wear lovely, cute coats - particularly a polished, tailored black wool coat - when the air isn't trying to kill me. So ideally something I can use those days, too.)

How's that for a weird fashion quest?

[krisim]

I'm not a cross-body bag lover so I've primarily switched to totes as they typically have longer or at least adjustable shoulder straps. I also find them versatile to style (dressy or casual!). I wear big coats on the weekends in the winter and I'm usually fine carrying a tote. My favorite is this one:

shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-york-buckle-tote/3736692

I have the larger version because I carry a lot of stuff, but there is also a smaller version!

[bimbi284]

MBMJ cross body of your liking.

[bimbi284]

Or if you're worried about leather and the elements, maybe a longchamp nylon crossbody?

[gringachef]

www.madewell.com/browse/single_product_detail.jsp?color_name=English-Saddle&srcCode=MWGGBS00002_99104030280__&sisearchengine=197&siproduct=B2135&noPopUp=true&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4qSzBRCq1-iLhZ6Vsc0BEiQA1qt-zovwUy2Y7eC73qC-uRlRM0u0FbMpvDgxL9eCKJLHpqkaAkBA8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441769485&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302026061&bmUID=l5DGIdg

[kris356]

I agree that the crossbody is the only way to go.

Another Madewell suggestion: www.madewell.com/madewell_category/BAGS/crossbodybags/PRDOVR~E5180/E5180.jsp?color_name=dark-cabernet

[DaisyCakes]

I love this little crossbody. It comes in canvas, canvas with a leather bottom, or all leather. Plus its made in Duluth, MN where they know winter.
www.duluthpack.com/standard-shell-bags.html

[jchokie79]

Look into MZ Wallace bags. I have several and love using them in the winter. Mostly cross body bags with nylon material.

[woowoo]

I was also going to suggest that Madewell Transport Tote. I have something very similar and that's what I use commuting in the city during the winter (also in Sorels and a Northface)

[sunshineandpinot]

Oh my! Where do you live? -40??

[maddysmum]

Dec 12, 2015 9:17:41 GMT -5 sunshineandpinot said:

Oh my! Where do you live? -40??

Canadian prairies. It's inhumane (and I recognise, fully supports every Canadian stereotype ever) and to make it even worse? We chose here over Seattle! (However, our family is here and they're pretty awesome, if a little frostbitten!)