Snob Essentials

Financial Times – Long-Strap Bags Story

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Designers seem to have finally gotten the message that women want to be hands-free if given a choice. From Tory Burch and Alexander Wang to Mulberry and Hermès, brands, both contemporary and designer, have introduced new bags or evolved best-selling styles to accommodate the season’s biggest handbag trend: the long-strap bag. Have a look at an article I wrote about the trend in this past weekend’s Financial Times, where I contribute to the style pages. I’d love to hear your feedback. Have you adopted this new look? What long-strap bag did you just acquire or have on your wish list? Read the Financial Times article.

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17 comments

  1. I already adopted the style last year as soon as Anya Hindmarch launched handsfree bags. I snapped the 3 pocket handsfree for practical reasons. My son was just about 10 months old and I needed hands free when using bugaboo. I use this bag mainly when I am out with my kid.

  2. Goodness, it’s not brain surgery. It’s common sense that a shoulder bag or messenger bag keeps your hands free. Designers and customers both in this article are acting like this is a big news flash.

  3. Yes! I recently got a Hermes Kelly handbag and after toting it around for a few days, found it to be incredibly tiring. It’s a heavy bag and probably better suited for a lady who lunches type. Thank God it comes with a strap. I’m happy to hear it’s now considered stylish to carry a long strap bag. Honestly, it would have been rather granny if it weren’t for the fact that it’s a Hermes Kelly. Shall I consider myself a trendsetter? : )

  4. Thank you! This is the only style that works for me. I am glad I live in Texas and often go without a coat and shorter straps can work for me, but I have to have longer straps.

  5. I don’t need straps that drop the bag below my hip, but I’m definitely all about hands-free bags. That’s one of the reasons I like the Kelly better than the Birkin. Most of the purses that I use on a regular basis have a strap/straps that I can carry over my shoulder, with or without a coat. One of my biggest frustrations right now is finding a tote-size bag that I can use for work that also has long straps.

  6. cross body handbags are super in this summer, but the ones pictured above are not the style I`m interested in.

  7. I’m with J in that I can finally consider myself a trendsetter, too! 🙂 Two of my favorite bags that I find myself wearing the most often were both designed to have a long removable shoulder strap (so convenient!): a burgundy patent leather Gucci with the (uncomfortable) bamboo handle, and an adorable navy Ferragamo with a grosgrain bow. I guess having my hands free suits style; plus, I can ride my scooter with them!

  8. I, too, don’t need a bag that hangs to my hip. To be honest, the only time that I use a crossbody bag is during football season or if I’m at a park, parade, etc. My boys play football, and I definitely prefer a crossbody during those times instead of a shoulder bag.

    My favorite is a Michael Kors because the strap is adjustable. I can wear it crossbody or shoulder.

  9. In December I got an Hermes Jypsiere. You can use it across the body or shorten the strap and use it over the shoulder.

  10. I’m all about hands free! I only own shoulder bags with the exception of a dressy evening bag. However, I embraced the shoulder length that fit right under my shoulder, as it is most secure and comfortable! A super long strap is super uncomfortable to me! I don’t appreciate a bag bumping against my hip when I walk. I do appreciate a bag that fits amply and comfortably on my shoulder!! 🙂

  11. I never bought a bag I couldn’t wear on my shoulder or, preferably, cross-body. That means I’ve passed up some beautiful bags, but for those of us who live in cities and get around on buses and subways, it’s so much more practical.

  12. I have always worn a crossbody bag ever since I can remember. But I wear clutches for dining. I wish I could afford the new Celine that is simple like the constance.