Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: not-too-big, not-too-small, just right bags for everyday

not-too-big, not-too-small, just right bags for everyday

not-too-big, not-too-small, just right bags for everyday

key takeaways

  • your perfect everyday bag is just that: your perfect everyday bag. but it should always give you that perfect goldilocks balance of style and functionality.
  • whether you’re taking it easy or have a to-do list a million miles long like me, your bag must be comfortable for all-day carry. life’s too short for stiff, uncomfortable bags.
  • is it really the ‘the perfect bag for every day’ if it doesn’t have pockets? i think not. you deserve multiple pockets and compartments for organization. remember that.
  • amuse, cruiser, tillie and marcel are the mvps of not-too-big, not-too-small bags.

‘perfect.’ people throw that word around a lot. the perfect outfit. the perfect body. the perfect song. but what does ‘perfect’ really mean? it’s subjective. it’s an ideal. but everybody’s idea of ‘perfect’ is different, right?

although there may not be things that are perfect in the conventional sense, there sure are things that get close. getting in bed after a long day, discovering $20 in the laundry or, my personal favorite, finding a really good bag. it’s as elusive as bigfoot, but once you find it, it’s pure magic. everyone deserves that feeling. that’s why, as a bag designer, i think of all those details big and small. not just how your bag looks, but how it’ll make you feel. how well it solves problems and matches your daily needs. because it’s those details that make the most significant difference in delivering that magic. 

but enough of that! let’s talk about not-too-big, not-too-small bags. those goldilocks bags that are designed for style, function and comfort…

if you love totes…

when it comes to ‘just right bags’, tillie practically runs the show. 8 colorways to match your personal style. chic hardware. stylish waxed cotton cord zipper pulls with a top zipper that opens wide. a flat, structured bottom that allows her to stand for loading. blush lining so you can easily find what you’re looking for. in a plush, lightweight, streamlined design that won’t weigh you down or bruise your hip. 

but this leading lady has substance, too. measuring a perfect-as-carry-on-bag 13” h x 17.5” l x 7.25” d, tillie is spacious without feeling overwhelming for travel or everyday. think of her as your not-too-big, not-too-small tote bag. her generously sized main compartment accommodates your stevie cosmetic bag,  jetty clutch wallet, planner/journal and even a change of clothes! plus, she has a laptop pocket for your tech and other little pockets inside and out to keep you organized wherever you go.

if you love crossbodies…

according to so many shortylovers, our bestselling amuse is synonymous with ‘the perfect bag for every day.’ a few real statements taken from your reviews:

  • “the material is great and the size is perfect”
  • “perfect size”
  • “this bag is the perfect everyday or travel bag”
  • “it’s the perfect in-between size  — not too big, not too small and holds all my daily must-haves without feeling bulky”

you know best! that’s why amuse is famously our not-too-big, not-too-small, just-right bag — no wonder it’s our bestseller. why do shortylovers adore this medium crossbody bag so much?

it’s softer: nylon twill inside and out, with internal padding for a plush feel you actually won’t mind carrying all day. 

it’s smarter: that same nylon twill? it’s lightweight and water-resistant, meaning it not only adds minimal weight to your carry but is easy-breezy to take care of — two musts for a bag to be considered ‘the perfect bag for every day.’ amuse is also convertible: wear it as a crossbody bag, a shoulder bag or carry it by the top handles. switch it up to meet your daily needs!

it’s more organized: a not-too-big, not-too-small bag, amuse has handy pockets for things like your phone, merchant small wallet, keys and other daily essentials. plus, it thoughtfully organizes your stuff with zippered and slide-in compartments. 

crossbodies, take two

i just love a crossbody bag. i mean, what’s not to love? they keep your hands free. they wear close to the body. they’re versatile for almost any outfit and occasion. and did i mention that they’re hands-free?! with such versatility (and adoration for the just-right amuse bag), i knew i had to design another not-too-big, not-too-small crossbody bag to love. one that you might deem ‘the perfect bag for every day.’ 

wave hello to cruiser! our wave quilted nylon crossbody is the just-right size for every day: 8 ½” h x 12 ⅞” l x 3 ⅝” d. not too big, not too small. and holds a surprising amount. slip your phone, lip balm, sunglasses, a lightweight layer, and a snack or two without adding a ton of bulk. the cruiser’s organic silhouette has everything covered (literally). this medium quilted crossbody doesn’t add weight, either. silky-soft, bomber jacket-inspired quilted nylon is equal parts chic and lightweight for your ideal everyday carry. so, what’s the verdict for this not-too-big, not-too-small bag? i’ll let you do the talking:

  • “absolutely love it!” 
  • “quality is amazing and it’s the perfect size”
  • “great quality, size, color, comfort and fit.”
  • “it’s the best size and fits everything”

if you love bucket bags…

a not-too-big, not-too-small bucket bag? that’s right! a member of our wave quilted collection, our heroic little marcel quilted crossbody bucket bag is the just-right bag you never knew you needed. 

i just love marcel’s shapely silhouette! the main ‘bucket’ compartment comfortably holds your essentials (size is similar to the cruiser) and is a stylish going out bag. the signature shortylove blush interior makes said essentials easy to find. the interior and exterior pockets keep you organized. the feathery 0.87 lb. weight doesn’t weigh your shoulders down after a long day — it comes with a removable, adjustable crossbody strap as well as a removable carry handle. i could totally geek out on all the technical design details, but i’ll just leave you with this: marcel basically delivers everything we want and more in the cutest, perfect everyday size. here’s what customers say:

  • just the right size, not too big or too small
  • fits a lot of items
  • the size and color are perfect for my everyday needs
  • i’m trying to downsize from always carrying such a big bag and this is the perfect size to transition with

the perfect bag for every day

not-too-big, not-too-small bags. that’s what many consider the ‘perfect everyday bags.’ but if there’s one bit of advice you take from me, let it be this: find *your* perfect everyday bag. it could be the not-too-big, not-too-small, just right amuse bag. it could be the small-but-mighty shorthand phone bag if you want to carry just the essentials. it could even be the large wonder crossbody, because you need to carry a lot (but lightly). from style to color to organization, i want you to find the bag you need — you deserve it!  

xo — sloane

Read more

matching your purse and shoes

matching your purse and shoes

the year is 2025 and yet this question about matching your purse and shoes still comes up. the short answer from someone who designs bags for a living: sure, you can match your purse and shoes, but...

Read more
4 of the best alternative diaper bags for 2025 (and beyond)

4 of the best alternative diaper bags for 2025 (and beyond)

the key takeaways: you don’t have to settle for a traditional, dedicated diaper bag — chic alternatives can offer similar organization with more versatility during and after babyhood shortyLOVE cu...

Read more