Style is in the Bag

The weather is still summer-like, but the clock and calendar are taking us right into fall. One handbag trend that would be perfect for back to school or back to the grind shopping is the saddlebag.

A saddlebag is a purse, usually made of leather, with a shoulder strap and a flap that covers the closure. The saddlebag gets its name from its roots in the old days of the Wild West. Saddlebags were often being used by cowboys and cowgirls; they tossed these bags over their horses to carry things. Generally today they are larger, but they can vary in size and design.

Wikipedia has a rundown of the different types of saddlebags available, if you’re curious.

Handbags are a necessity for most fashionistas, and for me the bigger the better. With all the running around, a saddlebag makes a perfect carryall for everything we need. Since we are already seeing a bit of western flavor coming down the runway, if you’re a fan of this style of bag you’re in luck.

In addition to being a hot fashion trend, a saddlebag would be perfect on a major shopping trip since its hands free. If you get one large enough it could carry books, work gear, or even take you on a quick overnight trip.

My ideal saddlebag would be a combination of two of my favorite purses: the cross-body bag and the oversized tote, but there are lots of options to choose from. Several styles feature both a handheld handle option, as well as a shoulder strap.

Although it has a western flavor, this type of handbag can also work several of the other hot fashion trends we are seeing for fall 2012. Saddlebags have a definite menswear vibe to them, and these bags also have the option to be carried as an oversized clutch or a ladylike handbag.