Preview AW17: Cross Body Bags

Cross body bags are becoming more popular than normal shoulder bags maybe because the weight is more balanced and also because the bag is a bit more secure from pickpockets. Obviously cross body bags are not very big but you can always put not valuable items in a tote bag like a small umbrella, shoes, a book and more and keep the smaller one for items like phone, money and keys. I've seen few nice options around.

*In Store*  This saddle bag in red colour leather is by The Cambridge Satchel Company. It comes in 6 colours and dust bag and its style is taken from the equestrian world. It is possible to personalise it with your initials and symbols to be chosen from a selection on the website. www.cambridgesatchel.com

*In Store*  With the leopard print trend still very strong, Cath Kidston has got this round cross body bag with its personal leopard/flower print in a lovely colour combination of pink and navy. It is made of PVC coated cotton with cotton lining so very easy to clean it, just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Match it with the round coin purse in the same pattern. www.cathkidston.com

*In Store*  It has a classic design the Dathy quilted bag by Dune. With its gold hardware and the tassel, it sports three compartments where to store your essentials. Black is also available and I like the multi ways strap that you can adjust if you want to use the bag on your shoulder or across your body. www.dunelondon.com

*In Store*  Animal print for this great Brighton camera bag by Hobbs in yellow suede, pony skin animal print and black leather. the adjustable strap allows you to carry the bag either on your shoulder or across your body. The shape is perfect to store easily all your essentials and the zip keeps everything safe. www.hobbs.co.uk

*In Store*   The saddle bag is a very popular shape for a cross body bag and this Darby Bright by Joules is beautiful. Available in Tan, Burgundy and Navy, is made of polyurethane with cotton lining and it is easy to clean up with a damp cloth. A hidden magnet ensures that the bag is secure, the strap is adjustable and as well as having an external slip pocket covered by the flap, has got a zip pocket on the inside. A matching wallet in tan can be added for a nice set. www.joules.com

*In Store* The Mademoiselle Longchamp by Longchamp is a gorgeous bag in between hobo and cross body. With two detachable straps, you can choose to wear it on your shoulder or across your body. It is made of calfskin with a perforated front and gold hardware and it is available in black, grey, cognac and yellow. It is possible to buy a different shoulder strap with colour details if you want to give a twist to the bag. www.uk.longchamp.com

*In Store*  I've seen these beautiful bags by Manu Atelier at one of my visits to several press day. The Bold in plain colours and the Bold Combo with colour combinations are pieces of high craftsmanship. They are made of vegetable tanned calf leather with an adjustable shoulder strap and a very discreet logo on the front in metal hardware. Check online for its stockists at www.manuatelier.com

*In Store*  Isn't it gorgeous this quilted cross body bag by Marc Cain ? It is made of calf leather, with gold hardware in this rich dark green colour. The shoulder strap is quite large so it will sit comfortably on your shoulder. It is roomy enough for storing all your essentials and it is perfect for a day at work, combined with a tote for bulky items, or for a night out on its own. www.marc-cain.com

*In Store* The high street has got many offering for a cross body bag. This one with an embroidered guitar strap style and metal studs is by Matalan. Made of faux suede, a zip fastening will keep secure your essentials and the size 13.5 x 19.5 x 7.5 cm will allow you to carry items like even a small tablet as well as a mobile phone, money and more. www.matalan.co.uk

*Not Yet*  Keep an eye for this Chanellesque cross body bag by River Island. I like the contrast synthetic leather panel and the fabric body. A multi strap will allow you to carry the bag across your body or at your arm and the metal hardware on the front finish it off giving it a classic with a twist look. Make sure to own one when it will land in store. www.riverisland.com

*In Store*  Nothing beats a saddle bag style, mostly because it is a timeless shape that will never go out of fashion. This Rowan cross body bag is by White Stuff. It is made of leather with a nice tassel and adjustable strap so that it can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. Size is perfect to carry a small tablet as well as other essentials, making it a bag for work if you don't want to carry many things while commuting.  www.whitestuff.com