By now you’re all aware of my love for a great handbag, or purse as we call them here. Usually the bigger the better. However, I have recently been won over by the charms of a cross body bag – in this case the smaller the better. I took one to the UK with me – it was perfect – it meant I could carry a larger one on the plane and pack the small cross body. I used the cross body each time I went out shopping, thus freeing up my hands for a cup of coffee on the go, fiddling with change for public transport, and carrying the essential purchases. It fits a small coin purse, a compact, a lipstick and my phone – all I need for a day out shopping.

(photos from Pinterest)

Now when I began researching this post I had a few bags in mind that I knew I wanted to share with you. Given the current popularity of the Gucci Soho (I think I know at least five friends who have one) I wasn’t surprised to find that there is no shortage of beautiful bags, of all price points to choose from, so bear with me as my edit is quite long.

First up the J.Crew Marlo. It is beautiful and it’s simplicity really reminds me of a Mansur Gavriel bag. In the US there is currently 20% off with code GETSHOPPING making it just $78.40 – a great price for a well made, versatile, leather bag that will age beautifully. It’s available in four colors plus leopard print which is slightly more.

If navy is your color check out the Parker cross body bag.

Now when I am shopping for bags, shoes or jeans I never make a purchase without first checking out TheOutnet.com. You never know what gems you’ll find. Unfortunately the stock on the UK and US site can vary drastically with some brands only being available in some regions. Here are the beauties I uncovered today – they are new on the site too.

I love Rag & Bone for their shoes and this bag of theirs is gorgeous. Really urban looking and not covered in branding. The grey with black is perfect. It’s listed on TheOutnet at 50% off retail.

This mini bucket bag from Tory Burch is a great color – so versatile and the quality will be fabulous.

This is the same bag but maybe in a more summer friendly color?

Again a bag from Tory Burch – this one is particularly appealing with the top handle. I love my PS1 as it can be carried on the shoulder or in the hand. Be quick though at just $163 (50% off) it won’t stay in stock long.

This Sandro bag is a real little gem – such a great cobalt color for summer, and just $138 (50% off).

This bucket bag is also from Sandro – also a great choice as it has a longer strap and a top handle. It’s on TheOutnet at $278 (60% off) – amazing value for a leather bag from a great brand. This will last you a lifetime.

Now Mango – oh lordy Mango. I swear I could spend my earnings at Mango this season. They are so on the ball with their offerings. So excuse me – the list of gorgeousness is long!

This stunning little number has some studding and comes in white and black too.

I love everything about this one – the quilting, the tassel, the chain strap – again it comes in black too.

This Chloe-esque number is just $11.99 – yes $11.99 in the sale!

Again I love a chain strap and I am really drawn to the cobalt blue but this bag comes in other colors too. It is beautifully neat.

You can’t go wrong with pink in the summer – go on make the boys wink 😉

Now another sales gem – I looked at this over and over again at full price, it is leather and now just $35.99 reduced from $119!!

Another animal print leather bag here, though less rigid looking.

What can I say but top handle – the perfect combination of a hands free bag with a lady like appearance.

This chain bag is a sales bargain as well – it’s slightly bigger than some of the others but reduced 70% to $23.99.

Now if this isn’t the perfect Gucci Soho dupe I don’t know what is…it comes in off white too and it’s leather.

Loving the clasp detail and fringing on this bag in the sale at just $23.99.

The shape of this flap bag is fabulous – it’s quite deep and the yellow is great for Easter best! It also comes in black and white.

Or if you prefer a saddle bag how about this one?

This one is a classic – so neat, also available in tan.

Phew – are you still with me? I thought it only fair now to add some lust items, given the current popularity of the Gucci cross body.

Here it is – the Gucci Soho, perfect proportions, a zip closure and tassel detail.

This is the version I have – it is a flap closure rather than a zip, with the chain strap – which is basically why I chose it. Now the only draw back is I have to take my phone case off to fit my iPhone 6 plus in it  – first world problems indeed.

Another version with the classic Gucci stripes.

Fancy something a little different? I adore this Balenciaga – and what a great crimson color!

This bag from APC is a beautiful shape, minimal, clean and neat.

Of course we can also add a bit of humor with the Anya Hindmarch smiley face bag – but I really do wonder why her prices are so high?

So there you go – plenty of food for thought. Not only are they fab for shopping but I love a cross body bag when traveling – they’re great for keeping close by when you’re moving through crowded areas.

This weekend is going to be crazy here – having just about recovered from the jet lag, Hugh turns 8 on Sunday so we have a weekend packed full of fun and surprises for him! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Trousers – Mango (sale – size down!) // Sneakers – Adidas Superstars // Shirt – Mango (old) // Jacket – AllSaints // Scarf – M&S (old) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora