Eden Stuart
To say that I'm known for my Tiny Little Crossbody bags—henceforth referred to as TLCs—would be a bit of a misrepresentation; It would be more accurate to say I am roasted for my TLCs. I'm regularly ribbed (gently!) by my friends and colleagues over the diminutive handbags that seldom leave my body. What can I say? I like to keep my friends close and my MetroCard closer.
And while the jokes about my puny purses abound, I've had the last laugh on more than one occasion. Checking your coat and work bag at the door? Unless you have robust pockets (a rarity in fashion directed toward women), you'll be carrying your essentials all night. Why suffer through the feeling of your debit card sticking to your calf inside your boot when you can tuck it away into a stylish, small bag slung across your midsection instead?
Are you sold yet? If not, keep scrolling—because I rounded up some of my favorite TLCs. Feel free to shoot me a "thank you" DM with your newly free hands.
Telfar Small Shopping Bag
I know what you're thinking: "Eden, I am well aware of the diminutive version of the Bushwick Birkin." But this was an absolute must for the list for two reasons:
- It is by far my most used TLC. I am to oversized glasses and my cooked little black Telfar what Elizabeth Taylor was to gigantic gems.
- This might be the perfect TLC. The long straps are the ideal crossbody length, hitting right at the hip (I'm disproportionally leggy, so YMMV), and volume-wise, you can easily fit your phone, keys, and slim wallet, along with a few lip products, a compact, and earbuds. Source: All those things are in my Small Shopping Bag right now.
While Telfar's Shopping Bags are famously only available during drops or when the brand opens its Bag Security Programs, if you can snag one, trust me: It's worth it.
Brahmin Arietta Leather Crossbody
The tiniest of the TLCs (a feat!), Brahmin's "micro crossbody" is verging dangerously close to "wallet with a very long chain" territory, and we love it. If you are wearing attire with pockets or are looking for a smaller bag to accompany a larger one—unless you're Derek Zoolander, this little lady will not fit your cell phone—this bag is a super chic way to tote your cards (it has two interior card slots), keys (sans keychains), and exactly one lip product.
Cult Gaia Sybil Crossbody Bag
Vacations are an excellent excuse to carry a TLC. What better time to unencumber yourself? Leave your chewing gum and Tide to Go Pen in the room and slide your ID, hotel room key, and lippie into this petite wicker crossbody bag from Cult Gaia. It was practically made to be paired with espadrilles and a crochet cover-up.
Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Trunk
Brandon Blackwood is arguably the reigning sovereign of TLCs, and the Mini Kendrick Trunk might be the brand's crown jewel. While the bag is available in loads of finishes and materials, I went with this stainless steel option for the simple fact that it is impossibly cool (not pictured: the chainlink crossbody strap) and of a positively Lilliputian size. Just imagine this one paired with trendy sneakers and an oversized sweatsuit.
Aldo Alamaendrai Mini Crossbody Bag
If there's one context most of us can agree warrants a TLC, it's evening wear. Aldo's Alamaendrai Mini Crossbody Bag possesses my favorite attribute in an evening TLC: A top handle. While I want to sling a bag across my body when I'm commuting or on the dancefloor, in pictures, holding it by its Tiny Little Top Handle just looks impossibly chic. It says, "I'm living in the moment (because my phone is back at the table, in the same larger bag as my heels)!"
Off-White Skeleton Binder Clip Crossbody Bag
I decided to give myself an aspirational TLC (as a treat) and approached it from the viewpoint of "If money were no object, what kind of TLC would I want as an investment piece?" The answer: Something that would go with most of my wardrobe while adding a little of the unexpected. I'd say an electric blue bag with a cord-festooned crossbody strap and binder clip on the front flap does just that (and then some).
Moda Luxe Callie Mini Satchel
Sculptural bag handles were among the biggest winter accessory trends, and I'm committed to carrying them (pun intended) into the warmer months. This affordable option from Moda Luxe features a mid-century modern handle on an otherwise streamlined design. It'd be a great way to add a fun, '60s-esque touch to a minimal outfit.
Coach Mini Jamie Camera Bag
Coach's Mini Jamie Camera Bag has enough volume to fit a phone, slim wallet, and earbuds with ease. (Shoutout to Coach for providing video demos on their website to show what you can fit into a bag.) Two standout features of this one are the strap—which hits right above my hip for a comfortable cross-body fit—and the wide range of print and hardware options: My own Mini Jamie is in a fun chambray. If you aren't seeing anything you love, check back regularly—they frequently drop new colorways.
JW PEI Fae Tophandle Crossbody
The TLC goes ladylike with this little structured bag from JW PEI. This is exactly the kind of TLC I want when I'm about my business: The silhouette would look elegant slung across a blazer, while the crushed, almost wrinkle-like finish is a little surrealist and avant-garde.
Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack
While I'm almost exclusively wearing crossbodies around town or at the office, when I'm traveling, only one type of bag will suffice: a fanny pack. Fanny packs keep your hands free, can be slung across your body for a chicer, less "'90s dad stressed out at Disney World" vibe, and can easily be tucked into your personal item when they make you consolidate before boarding your flight. While my go-to fanny pack is no longer available, I'm a huge fan of Dagne Dover's neoprene offerings. They're super lightweight and water-resistant without sacrificing any sophistication. (I use the brand's Dakota Backpack, $195, as my work bag.)
