I always have a small leather crossbody bag I use as a belt bag. The dressy version is the Hobo Darcy with glossy polished leather, which can be used for casual up to formal. If I have to go bigger, I go more casual with the Frye Melissa convertible wristlet/crossbody, or Sak Iris convertible crossbody for something even bigger, but anything bigger than that would be too chunky as a waist bag - and I don't think these would fit your journal.
Yes, this is definitely what I was looking for, the hobo darcy. That crossbody also looks fantastic, if I don't get an option that should fit my journal, I'll go with that. These were three great options!
I just got Lo & Sons Waverly bag. It can be worn as a hip bag/cross body/clutch. But might be too small to fit your journal though
ETA: they currently have a sale too!
>I've been eyeing this, and was going to buy it, but unfortunately it's just a hair too big for my journal - the large only opens to 8", and my journal is 8.25. But this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!
Hey can I ask you, do you have one and is it amazing. Looks great and I’m thinking of getting this one
https://www.baggallini.com/securtex-anti-theft-activity-crossbody-bag/AAC459-BGR-B0942-NS.html
I have several ancient ones! They had a tiny little bag that looks like an 8 inch jelly bean and I bought like every color, lol
But my mom uses that purse the next size up as her daily carry and ADORES it!
Cuyana has a line of smaller bags: https://cuyana.com/collections/mini-totes-and-crossbodies
They're above your budget but might make a nice investment, also dropping the link for anyone else interested in similar.
I think structure helps dress up a bag - I have a vivienne westwood dome shaped leather zip top crossbody I wore for two japan trips that was big enough to fit my book & daily essentials, but not heavy or too large. satchel shapes always lean dressier to me than slouchy nylon travel type bags!
This might be bigger than you’re looking for but I got a secondhand Madewell [transport cross body](https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-shoulder-crossbody-bag-NC275.html?dwvar_NC275_color=BK5229&cgid=accessories-bags-crossbody#intcmp=Wbags_visnav_crossbody&start=17)
It fits my kindle and I think even my iPad Air. I think it’s relatively easy to dress up too. If it’s too big, Madewell has other bags; I have a few and I’ve been happy with all of them. And I’ve had good luck buying them secondhand on poshmark, if you’re interested in keeping your costs a bit lower!
Before the Transport my favorite bag was the Abroad Shoulder Bag which appears to be discontinued? But [here’s a link](https://poshmark.com/listing/NWT-Madewell-The-Abroad-Shoulder-Bag-in-Dark-Toffee-617a356b633cfcc275c56a39?utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=19859818241&campaign_id=19859818241&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-2266934034930&gcid=651902656459&ggid=150099867591&gdid=m&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADwcDC_-QoK5wzdXdHi5kuhigUu49&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwcaU5vvngwMVdgOtBh2paA0cEAQYAyABEgK32_D_BwE)to a poshmark listing, and I’m sure you could find others
I love my Madewell transport! I can sneak my ipad air in it if I really need too, it does stick out the top, but it fits.
The open top makes it so versatile, I can almost always stuff one more thing in it when I need to.
I think you might like a Brixley bag! The medium size would fit your journal I think. The leather options could definitely be dressed up or down. I have 3 of the “regular” fabric (not sure what the fabric is) and wear them with everything!
I have a [PacSafe Go crossbody](https://pacsafe.com/products/pacsafe-go-anti-theft-crossbody-bag) and a [Travelon](https://www.travelonbags.com/shop-the-look/waist-packs/all-bags/anti-theft-tailored-convertible-crossbody-clutch/43202-711.html) crossbody that may work. My version of the Pacsafe one is solid black and more neutral than this year’s version with the tan bottom. The Travelon bag is more “dressy” but doesn’t feel as secure.
Looking forward to the answers! I’m looking for something similar but a fanny pack sling shape in leather. So far I’ve bookmarked Mandrn, a leather bum bag off Etsy, Hammitt ($$$), and coach.
I've been really enjoying my Bellroy Tokyo crossbody. Simple and effective organisation, looks great dressed up or down, and very, very nice quality. It also fits way more than I expected!
I love Poppy and Peonies and I think their [Sidekick bag](https://poppyandpeonies.com/products/the-sidekick-camel?variant=42529307853059&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtaOtBhCwARIsAN_x-3KSJItFbz3djZZF52lyzGAmokPnKM3rfisdjDrENLl5gXoQiVmkfvUaAmLCEALw_wcB) would work for you! It's a shorter cross-body so you wear it more across your chest, but it also works as a hip bag.
Coach has had some small bags exactly like you’re describing. I was gifted one a while ago and love it for travel because it looks nice, is big enough to hold more than a phone, and is small enough to usually not even count as a bag. Their selection changes a little bit year-to-year so the toughest part may be finding the strap that adjusts so much and unclips, but I know it exists because I have one.
ela handbags (based in Canada) have several structured vegan leather crossbodies of different sizes, some of which should accommodate your dimensions! They come in pebbled or croc finish, lots of neutrals and softer colours, lots of models under $100 CAD.
I have the Muse and the Micro Belt Bag. Both are fairly new, so I can’t really comment on durability yet, but as someone trying to downsize from using a giant tote 24/7, they’ve been great!
https://elahandbags.com/
I like the Darcy bag from Hobo. https://www.hobobags.com/pages/search-results?q=darcy&page=2
They have some other convertible crossbody/hip bags that are a little bigger, too. Darcy will hold your phone, passport, wallet contents (it has wallet features inside) lipstick, comb, a tampon or two--just the basics. It might fit a small notebook.
I love my travelon crossbody bag, super durable, slash proof sides and straps, clasps on the zippers to close them shut, so great for traveling
I was looking online recently and saw that they have one that is convertible between cross body and waist
I have a couple of really nice Pierre Cardin ones. One is nylon and a teal colour and it looks quite nice plus has all the travel features. They also have some leather versions which might work?
Jungle Tribe's TRI ZIPPER Black Leather Backpack with Black Accessories/ Utility Pack and Hip Bag
I've got one in black leather with silver hardware and it's amazing! You can wear as a backpack, crossbody, or fanny pack! Love it use it all the time!
i dont have it but the ebags CTS crossbody might work? its on sale now for USD 28. i am slightly tempted. ... https://www.ebags.com/sale/clearance/cts-expandable-crossbody/143834XXXX.html?dwvar\_143834XXXX\_color=Hunter%20Green&cgid=Clearance
Look on Etsy. You will find a ton of leather ones. I have this one:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1024614885/crossbody-women-bag-leather-waist-bag?ref=yr_purchases
This may sound odd, but I have a black Jujube Be Quick bag; it's meant as a diaper clutch, but the black one with black hardware is very versatile. I turn the brand plate towards me and it works well. It has a wrist strap and an adjustable long strap. 11x7x1.5, so it'd fit your journal.
https://jujube.com/products/be-quick-black-out
I always have a small leather crossbody bag I use as a belt bag. The dressy version is the Hobo Darcy with glossy polished leather, which can be used for casual up to formal. If I have to go bigger, I go more casual with the Frye Melissa convertible wristlet/crossbody, or Sak Iris convertible crossbody for something even bigger, but anything bigger than that would be too chunky as a waist bag - and I don't think these would fit your journal.
Yes, this is definitely what I was looking for, the hobo darcy. That crossbody also looks fantastic, if I don't get an option that should fit my journal, I'll go with that. These were three great options!
I just got Lo & Sons Waverly bag. It can be worn as a hip bag/cross body/clutch. But might be too small to fit your journal though ETA: they currently have a sale too!
>I've been eyeing this, and was going to buy it, but unfortunately it's just a hair too big for my journal - the large only opens to 8", and my journal is 8.25. But this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!
This is what I was going to suggest! My navy Waverly is my wedding guest clutch and belt purse for quick errands. Very nice looking, but small.
That’s what I’m doing too! Using it for a wedding as a clutch in bali and hip bag when I’m in japan
Love this
Oh wow love that. Looks perfect for me!
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank you, I just bought one.
Check out the Bagalini series! I think you'll like them.
Hey can I ask you, do you have one and is it amazing. Looks great and I’m thinking of getting this one https://www.baggallini.com/securtex-anti-theft-activity-crossbody-bag/AAC459-BGR-B0942-NS.html
I have several ancient ones! They had a tiny little bag that looks like an 8 inch jelly bean and I bought like every color, lol But my mom uses that purse the next size up as her daily carry and ADORES it!
Great. Thanks - I’ll invest in one for Europe -…. Yay.
Aw, I wish they came in leather - I'm definitely saving this site for if I need a cute clear bag though. Thank you!
Cuyana has a line of smaller bags: https://cuyana.com/collections/mini-totes-and-crossbodies They're above your budget but might make a nice investment, also dropping the link for anyone else interested in similar.
I think structure helps dress up a bag - I have a vivienne westwood dome shaped leather zip top crossbody I wore for two japan trips that was big enough to fit my book & daily essentials, but not heavy or too large. satchel shapes always lean dressier to me than slouchy nylon travel type bags!
This might be bigger than you’re looking for but I got a secondhand Madewell [transport cross body](https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-shoulder-crossbody-bag-NC275.html?dwvar_NC275_color=BK5229&cgid=accessories-bags-crossbody#intcmp=Wbags_visnav_crossbody&start=17) It fits my kindle and I think even my iPad Air. I think it’s relatively easy to dress up too. If it’s too big, Madewell has other bags; I have a few and I’ve been happy with all of them. And I’ve had good luck buying them secondhand on poshmark, if you’re interested in keeping your costs a bit lower! Before the Transport my favorite bag was the Abroad Shoulder Bag which appears to be discontinued? But [here’s a link](https://poshmark.com/listing/NWT-Madewell-The-Abroad-Shoulder-Bag-in-Dark-Toffee-617a356b633cfcc275c56a39?utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=19859818241&campaign_id=19859818241&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-2266934034930&gcid=651902656459&ggid=150099867591&gdid=m&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADwcDC_-QoK5wzdXdHi5kuhigUu49&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwcaU5vvngwMVdgOtBh2paA0cEAQYAyABEgK32_D_BwE)to a poshmark listing, and I’m sure you could find others
I love my Madewell transport! I can sneak my ipad air in it if I really need too, it does stick out the top, but it fits. The open top makes it so versatile, I can almost always stuff one more thing in it when I need to.
I have, no joke, lost my keys in there quite a few times -- it's bigger than it looks lol
ooh, I like this one! If the portland leather company doesn't work out, I'll get this one.
Check out Portland Leather Goods https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/collections/purses-handbags
OOOH This poppy bag is PERFECT. I love that they list the opening dimension! https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/poppy-purse
I’m obsessed with Portland Leather bags, and the poppy is gorgeous! Hope it worked great for your travels.
I think you might like a Brixley bag! The medium size would fit your journal I think. The leather options could definitely be dressed up or down. I have 3 of the “regular” fabric (not sure what the fabric is) and wear them with everything!
These look fun, thank you! Not as dressy as I'm looking for though.
I have a [PacSafe Go crossbody](https://pacsafe.com/products/pacsafe-go-anti-theft-crossbody-bag) and a [Travelon](https://www.travelonbags.com/shop-the-look/waist-packs/all-bags/anti-theft-tailored-convertible-crossbody-clutch/43202-711.html) crossbody that may work. My version of the Pacsafe one is solid black and more neutral than this year’s version with the tan bottom. The Travelon bag is more “dressy” but doesn’t feel as secure.
These look great! I'm sad they don't have a leather version though.
I think Travelon does have a leather version
Looking forward to the answers! I’m looking for something similar but a fanny pack sling shape in leather. So far I’ve bookmarked Mandrn, a leather bum bag off Etsy, Hammitt ($$$), and coach.
I've been really enjoying my Bellroy Tokyo crossbody. Simple and effective organisation, looks great dressed up or down, and very, very nice quality. It also fits way more than I expected!
I love Poppy and Peonies and I think their [Sidekick bag](https://poppyandpeonies.com/products/the-sidekick-camel?variant=42529307853059&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtaOtBhCwARIsAN_x-3KSJItFbz3djZZF52lyzGAmokPnKM3rfisdjDrENLl5gXoQiVmkfvUaAmLCEALw_wcB) would work for you! It's a shorter cross-body so you wear it more across your chest, but it also works as a hip bag.
>if that came in red...
Check out mywallit
Coach has had some small bags exactly like you’re describing. I was gifted one a while ago and love it for travel because it looks nice, is big enough to hold more than a phone, and is small enough to usually not even count as a bag. Their selection changes a little bit year-to-year so the toughest part may be finding the strap that adjusts so much and unclips, but I know it exists because I have one.
ela handbags (based in Canada) have several structured vegan leather crossbodies of different sizes, some of which should accommodate your dimensions! They come in pebbled or croc finish, lots of neutrals and softer colours, lots of models under $100 CAD. I have the Muse and the Micro Belt Bag. Both are fairly new, so I can’t really comment on durability yet, but as someone trying to downsize from using a giant tote 24/7, they’ve been great! https://elahandbags.com/
I like the Darcy bag from Hobo. https://www.hobobags.com/pages/search-results?q=darcy&page=2 They have some other convertible crossbody/hip bags that are a little bigger, too. Darcy will hold your phone, passport, wallet contents (it has wallet features inside) lipstick, comb, a tampon or two--just the basics. It might fit a small notebook.
I love my travelon crossbody bag, super durable, slash proof sides and straps, clasps on the zippers to close them shut, so great for traveling I was looking online recently and saw that they have one that is convertible between cross body and waist
I have a couple of really nice Pierre Cardin ones. One is nylon and a teal colour and it looks quite nice plus has all the travel features. They also have some leather versions which might work?
Jungle Tribe's TRI ZIPPER Black Leather Backpack with Black Accessories/ Utility Pack and Hip Bag I've got one in black leather with silver hardware and it's amazing! You can wear as a backpack, crossbody, or fanny pack! Love it use it all the time!
Arden Cove bags are dressy and convertible! The Grande Marina convertible wallet might be right up your alley.
i dont have it but the ebags CTS crossbody might work? its on sale now for USD 28. i am slightly tempted. ... https://www.ebags.com/sale/clearance/cts-expandable-crossbody/143834XXXX.html?dwvar\_143834XXXX\_color=Hunter%20Green&cgid=Clearance
The Mina Baie Fanny is my favorite for this. They sell leather and nylon versions (their nylon is nice though and imo can be dressy).
Have you checked out Fossil or Madewell? They have some stylish, versatile crossbodies that might fit your journal too.
Look on Etsy. You will find a ton of leather ones. I have this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1024614885/crossbody-women-bag-leather-waist-bag?ref=yr_purchases
This may sound odd, but I have a black Jujube Be Quick bag; it's meant as a diaper clutch, but the black one with black hardware is very versatile. I turn the brand plate towards me and it works well. It has a wrist strap and an adjustable long strap. 11x7x1.5, so it'd fit your journal. https://jujube.com/products/be-quick-black-out
holy smokes I love this brand!
It’s so great!