Day of Downsizing

There’s an epidemic sweeping this country as we speak. Many of us are guilty of contributing to this cosmic crisis; Rather than admit to it, we find excuses to justify our actions. I’ll be the first to come clean on this site and say that I am guilty as we speak: I am wholly and utterly responsible for my larger-than-life purse.

Most women (and some men) are guilty of carrying more than they need. We run around all day to different meetings or interviews, schlep the whole rainbow of Apple tech products, our entire cosmetic drawer, and objects that we didn’t even know were still in existence at the bottom of these bags. It begs the question, “Why are we lugging around all this crap?” 

There is no need to carry around a massive wallet filled with quarters for the LA meters and way too many credit cards. Carrying a work Blackberry, personal iPhone, iPod or iPad in your bags all at once is excessive. And holding any spare clothing articles is a definite no-no.

On a recent lunch outing at Los Feliz’s Mako with my Style Section L.A. colleague Erin Weinger, I noticed she was sporting a chic, vintage and petite cross body purse. Inspired by her bag, I went in search of a small one for myself. All I can say is that the cross body bag is in full effect, and it brought along metallic studs, multiple zippers and edgy fringe. In that spirit, here are six of the most stylish and rocker glam small purses I came across that will effortlessly transition from summer, to fall, to Coachella next year.

Best of all, these bags have detachable straps so you can go effortlessly from day to night. Hope that this inspires you to make the switch to a smaller purse.

Cleobella Zula Bag ($310), available here

With mixed metal studs, ikat lining, and exquisite fringe dripping down the bottom, this bag screams, “Take me all over L.A..”

Linea Pelle Pyramid Stud Top Zip Mini ($215), available here 

So supple you wish you could turn it into a pillow, this bag also packs a wristlet attachment and standout studs.

Rebecca Minkoff Eyelet Rocker ($195), available here 

I love all the glam rock bags by this designer, but the combination of the pale grey color underneath a layer of studs is our fave.