over the shoulder purse

Julie, have you considered a hands free Crossbody bag? I have used Baggallini bags for years. They have a multitude of styles, light weight, adjustable straps for over the shoulder & crossbody, well made and are machine washable on a gentle cycle. I still use a money belt for cash & credit cards. They have frequent sales on their website. baggallini.com

I use a Lesportsac Everyday bag, it has an adjustable strap, 2 compartments, 2 outside zipped pockets and an inside zipped pocket. Very lightweight. They also make some smaller bags, like the Hobo and Cleo. They all have adjustable straps so you can carry over your shoulder or lengthen the strap and carry it crossbody.

I swear by Baggalini bags and have used several styles. So that I can do carry-on of one 21" bag plus a "personal item" I pack the empty Baggalini bag when flying but use it exclusively as my day bag except when hiking. My favorite is this one.

Yep, LeSportSac and Baggallini are both good. I have a Giani Bernini nylon cross-body bag that I bought on sale at Macy's some years ago that I LOVE but they don't make anymore so one of the other two brands will be its replacement when I wear it out.

But I wouldn't put a wallet with ALL of your cash/cards in a shoulder bag like these. I don't use a moneybelt but neither do I trust my bag for documents, credit cards or amounts of cash I can't afford to lose.

And I vote for the piazza cross body by ebags, the new version has an rfid protected area and I adore the spot for a 20 oz water bottle

I have a few (okay, more than a few) Baggallini and Kipling purses in a variety of sizes. I always use a cross body bag and never take it off during the day while I'm out touring, eating, using the bathroom, etc. It never comes off me while I am out. That way I won't accidentally leave it behind.

I have found good deals on Baggallini at TJ Max. Macy's carries Kipling's and they sometimes go on sale or use a coupon.

I'm short too, and one of the nice things about adjustable straps is I can wear my purses as a shoulder bag at home, but lengthen them at any time to wear them cross body. I really prefer this when travelling, since they're more secure that way, especially when my hands are busy with a camera, guidebook, etc.

I prefer a medium size messenger bag. Multiple compartments for organization, multiple zippered compartments, and the front flap is secured too, providing one more bit of security for contents, but still easily accessible.

I never use a shoulder bag, always cross body -- I have such sloping shoulders that it would fall off unless I hold onto the strap. That said, my travel and everyday bags are no-name models for $15 or less from my favorite thrift stores (ok, there are a few Baggalini bags if they happen to jump out at me at my price point.)

Go out to some stores, try on multiple bags for size and shape.

I also use a crossbody with an adjustable strap. I can make it look like a shoulder purse if needed.
I usually favor Relic or Rossetti from Kohl’s. I prefer dimensions of 10x12x3 inch’s. That makes them very packable when collapsed.

I’m another long-time fan of the Baggalini brand. Their cross-body purses have been reliable and comfortable through several years of being my work and travel purse. They can also be run through a washing machine and hang dry.

Huge Baggallini fan here... I have this one for travel: https://www.baggallini.com/crossbody-bags/big-zipper-bagg/LZP474-BG.html

It’s $65 with 30% off sale on Baggalini’s site above. So, $45... which is very good and well worth it imo. I’ve used mine for 15 years and it still looks brand new.

They have so many sizes and styles... it’s hard to choose which one. I like mine because it’s flat but easily expands if needed.

I'm cheap. Mine have all been from target or other department/discount stores. I just have criteria I look for:

zippered main compartment(s) - NO magnet closures or open large compartments (rain or pickpockets can get in too easily!),
one or two exterior zip pockets for things I need to reach easily
an interior zip pocket that I can safety pin closed for an extra credit card or cash (I don't wear a money belt some days)
adjustable strap that can go cross body or over the shoulder
big enough for what I need (camera) but not too huge
seems sturdy
matches everything I will wear, so a neutral color like black, gray or tan.
feels comfortable on my shoulder

While they're a little casual for some, I'm cheerfuly part of the Tom Bihn cult:

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/briefcases-and-messenger-bags

You can fit a lot into a Side Kick- I use one as my everyday carry when I'm at home- and I like their O-ring and strap system for connecting keys, small pouches, etc. to the interior of the bag.

I'm yet another Baggallini fan. In fact, Baggallini bags are the only ones I use at home or abroad. They're available from many online vendors.

All my Baggallini bags are crossbody. An advantage of that is that I can keep the bag on while sitting down. I pull it down around my waist and position the bag on the least exposed side of my body.

After much trial and error I've settled on the Baggallini Plaza Mini Crossbody bag for the basics. It's amazing how much you can get in it. Tip from me: don't carry a wallet with all your really important stuff in it. Put that stuff in your money belt. A wallet is too easy to lift.

The one thing I dislike about this and some other bags is the use of lobster clips and rings for the strap. Too easy for someone to unclip the clip. I take my bags to a local shoe repair place to have the lobster clips removed and the strap ends permanently attached to the rings. Cost is $5.

I use a Hobo Tote for my personal item. I can fit the mini bag into the tote to zip through the airport. I love the wristlet because there are straps to secure it inside the tote.

Bonus suggestion: since I and others have mentioned money belts, this Eazymate is the one I've permanently chosen after all these years. It is the most comfortable and secure option I've tried. If course, you wear it under your clothes, not outside them like the picture.

I, too, vote for cross body Baggallini. I have a couple of them. They are very light weight, can be washed easily, and aren't too expensive. I get mine at TJMaxx...they typically have several to choose from. One of mine has two side pockets that can fit a 16 oz water bottle...I have found this one to be the most useful for traveling. Even though it's larger than what I typically carry, it's great to have the extra room if I make a purchase that day...then the purchase can fit in my purse.

I use what I use at home. I don't like carrying a large purse, so I carry one that will fit in another bag if I have my DSLR out for the day. However, usually it is cross body alone. It is on me whenever I'm not at home/hotel. I also have a reusable grocery bag that folds into a 1" X 2" bag, incase I buy groceries or take my coat off, etc. So, this is the one I've used this year here and abroad. When out for the day traveling, it holds my passport, some backup cash, CC, thin wallet with money being used & tram pass, iPod, lipstick, daily meds and eye glasses. I just ordered a lighter color for spring/summer. I enjoy the security feature of the lockable zipper and strap joints. The lobster claw connection was my complaint on my prior baggallini as others indicate above. I enjoy the security and convenience of this little bag.

On the issue of lobster claw clips:

You can attach an additional locking S-biner to the strap and to the purse. This would attach parellel to the lobster clip. It would allow you to disconnect the lobster clip when desired but makes it difficult for someone to detach the clip.
The thief would have to turn the clip on the S-biner, unclip the biner, and then unclip the lobster clip. That makes it too complicated for a quick grab.

I have this one in gray and it almost fits an iPad mini. I have carried 2 phones, a wallet, ereader, tissues, hand sanitizer, and pens all at once.

https://www.blackleaf.com/en-US/Eastpak-The-One-Bag/bl332002.htm?colour=Black&sku=16644&productid=4075&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20API&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz6vv_aOf2gIVwoKzCh1jTQmjEAQYASABEgIw2fD_BwE

The best advice anyone can give you is this: Leave the purse in the room. Over the shoulder purses/bags are outstanding targets for motorcycle grab and run thieves...and this is very common. If one should target you you can be dragged to the ground and hurt in the process.

Put what you need for that outing in your pockets. I have seen far far too many women in way too many places all over the world hurt and robbed this way. Don't make yourself a target and go home happy.

Put what you need for that outing in your pockets. I have seen far far too many women in way too many places all over the world hurt and robbed this way. Don't make yourself a target and go home happy.

What a gendered fear mongering response!

First off, much (most) clothing manufactureres for women doesn’t have pockets. So “put it in your pockets ladies” doesn’t work.

Second, the motorcycle grab occurs more in south east Asia, not Europe.

Third, it’s easy to prevent. Just walk with your bag away from the road. Then there is nothing to grab. And always walk on the inside part of the sidewalk.

Fourth, swing the bag in front of you so that it rides near your hip. Someone can’t grab it from behind because it isn’t behind.

I’ve traveled for over 30 years on 5 different continents. An over the shoulder bag works fine if you take basic precautions.

Women all over the world carry purses every day without theft or injury. I always carry a cross body purse with my small wallet tethered to the inside. I'm guessing most women don't have adequate pockets to carry much of anything. I know I don't.

Edit to say I didn't see Cindy H's post before I posted. What she said...

Oh, I have seen thieves grab womens's bags that are just being worn over the shoulder here in Germany. It isn't just in Asia.

Solution, wear a cross body bag. You don't have to worry about moving it in front of you, keeping a death grip on it, or forgetting it somewhere.

Thieves are everywhere. But I believe the motorcycle grab occurs most often in Asia. Mainly because there are a lot of motorcycles.

A long strapped purse worn cross body with the purse in front is much harder to grab from a moving vehicle than one on the shoulder. I keep waiting to see this actually happen somewhere I have been travelling over the numerous countries and decades.
I wouldn't single it out as just in Asia. Italy had a reputation for this some time ago - and there are loads of vespas and motor cycles in Europe. In some cities in Spain, they can ride the older narrow streets where cars are not allowed, so get closer to pedestrians. Perfect snatch and grab possibilities.
Vigilance is required everywhere.
A tip - if weather permits, where your bag inside your coat or sweater making the strap totally inaccessible.

European women wear purses just like Americans. I would not worry too much about the motorcycle thing. Purse on inside (facing the buildings, not the road) worn crossbody if you are in a situation where you are concerned. Otherwise don’t be paranoid, just alert as you would be anywhere else.

Women’s clothes do not have big pockets. I am wearing jeans right now, typical ones from a normal store not high end or fashion-y. I have pockets but my phone won’t fit in the front, neither would a wallet or personal necessity. I can’t wear men’s pants because I’m not shaped like a man. And men carry bags, too. If you are going to tell women to not carry a purse then go to the men asking about day packs/messenger bags and do the same.