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as much love and attention i give as a designer to designing bags that are softer, that are more organized, i also love exploring color. how could i not? it’s such a big part of self-expression. use it to change up your style. to express your mood. to have a little fun! that’s why i’m always dreaming up new color combinations i can share with my shortyLOVERs. one day you may want to throw on a light pink crossbody bag, but the next day just begs for khaki and bright orange.
shortyLOVE launched five years ago with black and navy, two tried-and-true colors that work well with most people’s wardrobes. next up, we introduced our extremely popular camos: green, grey and blue. featuring a contrasting, sunny yellow strap, green camo became our very first two-toned handbags. since then, we’ve expanded the collection with more options. i’ve worked hard to create a cohesive collection of colors that coordinate with each other, so you can feel free to mix it up. let’s take a look at your options….
leopard, our newest introduction. it’s stylish. confident. fierce. just like you. you can wear leopard to show your wild side. or wear it as the timeless classic and modern neutral it’s now become.
i love throwing on a leopard shortyLOVE bag as both a neutral and as a fun stand-out. black tees, jeans and a leopard bag are practically begging to be worn together – who am i to say no? our leopard bag pairs well with neutrals like black, olive, tan, gold or white but is also a great contrast to blue denim, reds and burgundy, as well as purple tones. want to personalize it? accessorize your leopard crossbody with our black/brown/almond boardwalk strap. pounce on it.
i design shortyLOVE bags with colors that work in harmony with one another — like slate and teal. i’ve been a fan of color blocking from the time i was a design student studying the bauhaus movement. i’ve always found something so striking in setting strong colors side by side, so i was was thrilled when we recently introduced our colorblocked slate/teal crossbody bags, tote bags and wallets.
it’s also a little different from the rest of the . how? rather than having a singular color, it has three! the front is a cool slate grey, the back is a serene teal and our crossbodies and totes are finished with mocha straps and finished with straps. to top it off, i also designed a slate/teal/mocha boardwalk crossbody strap. i’m really loving the combo — and i think you will, too.
2023 belonged to barbie and the fashion world went head over heels for pink. i love pink, too, but for our shortyLOVE bags, i toned it down to a refined shade that works for all seasons — this pink has staying power. another opportunity to create two-toned handbags, this colorway features a sophisticated light pink on the body with contrasting khaki straps. the color complements our signature blush pink interior like a dream.
i love wearing a light pink crossbody bag as a modern neutral, but i think it also works perfectly as a subtle pop of color. so chic. add our navy/blue/pink or burgundy/pink/red boardwalk strap to your crossbody for a personal touch.
i designed our drop-dead gorgeous khaki and orange color combo to be light, bright and oh so right — for warm weather, sweater weather, for any season. a classic, sophisticated neutral that goes with just about every color in the spectrum, khaki looks especially good with greens, blues, teal and summer whites. that extra pop of orange takes khaki from plain to wow in an instant — a perfect pairing. i’m seeing a pattern here: i must love two-toned handbags, because i keep designing them and you keep asking for more! for your khaki crossbody, our mocha/khaki/blue/orange boardwalk strap really dials up the contrast.
if our light pink crossbody isn’t quite you and you’d like a new color that’s a little deeper consider burgundy. darker than pink but richer than red, burgundy offers the perfect balance within the red family.
p.s. i think this color would look great paired with one of our leopard, pink or burgundy merchant small wallets!
people kept asking for grey shortyLOVE bags, so of course I sketched designs like mad until i came up with something that was eye-catching for a color that’s typically neutral. with a cool, crisp, sophisticated undertone, our versatile shade of grey coordinates particularly well with blues, greens, dark grey and black. i added contrasting black accents to really set the grey apart on the body, with chunky, sunshine yellow straps to add a vibrant pop of color — the perfect amount of fun! this three-toned design goes a step beyond our two-toned handbags with three tones for a bold, anything but dull look. throw on one of our grey/yellow/black boardwalk straps to your crossbody to bring it all together!
perhaps a light pink crossbody bag is too tame for you? well let me tell you about red... from bright scarlet to deep crimson, from pinky coral to rich sangria, the scale is vast! how do you even begin to select the right shade for a bag collection? as a designer, it’s my job to be discerning when it comes to color — after all, you’re going to wear it, so not just any hue will do. for shortyLOVE, i envisioned a pure, vibrant red with a cool blue base. confident. classic. sublime.
getting color right is more than an art, it’s science. so the fabric mill and i went back and forth. i selected the shade i wanted to achieve, the mill sent me what they call a strike off (a sample, essentially), i asked for adjustments, they sent another strike off, and so on.
we took the time to get it right. and the result? the truest, pickiest red ever for shortyLOVE bags. i set it off with black straps and black accents for yet another two-toned handbag. the ideal accompaniment for your crossbody bag: a red/black or black/cream check boardwalk strap.
color is so transformative – and impactful. think about it. how many times have you seen a shirt (or anything else, really) and wished it just came in another color? i know i have. i want you to have options with your bags at shortyLOVE. for me, that starts with designing bags in different colorways and extends to personalizing your bag with customization options.
whether you have one of our large, medium or small crossbody bags in black, the simple addition of a colorful strap changes the look completely.crafted using soft and durable nylon twill, our adjustable boardwalk straps come in 10 different colorways that you can use to change up the look of your crossbody. whether you want to match it with the new bag colors or experiment with color, it’s your turn to play designer. how cool is that?
when i design, my goal is to provide my shortyLOVERs with bags that solve your everyday carry issues that are going to give you utility without sacrificing style. along with our softer, smarter, more organized designs, color is integral to achieving your own style. express your personality. change up your look. color can do it all!
xo – sloane
in case you didn’t realize it by now, i love handbags. i think it’s incredible how they can not only serve a functional purpose but make each and every one of us feel stylish. while i could go on about my love of all things bags, i’ll spare you (for now!). the point is, these bags — big and small — do so much for us. so why is it that so often we don’t give our bags the care they deserve? after all, proper care is what is going to keep them in their best shape for years to come. time to give our bags some tlc. let’s take a look at how to keep bags in good condition.
if your shortyLOVE bag is like mine, it goes through a lot. trips outside no matter the weather. small, accidental spills after that midday coffee run (oops!). all that we put bags through can take its toll. want to know how to keep bags in good condition? it’s not going to take much time, i promise. as a busy business owner/bag designer on the go, i know how important it is for bags to be easy to care for — so i designed ours to be easy to clean, store and organize!
whether you’re heading out for errands with your shortyLOVE bag or on a trip with your massive shortyLOVE friday weekender travel bag, you’ll be out in the real world with our water-resistant nylon twill fabric that’s — yep, you guessed it — actually designed for the real world. just spot clean with mild detergent, air dry and you’re done. don’t forget to get your bag’s interior, too! turns out learning how to keep handbags in good condition doesn’t have to be as extensive as a youtube cleaning tutorial.
an essential part of knowing how to keep bags in good condition is knowing the best way to store them.. i know i’m guilty of not always protecting my bags the way they should be. how about you?
the first step is knowing where you should and shouldn’t keep your bag when not out on the town. shortyLOVE bags are durable but not indestructible! did you know that placing any bag in prolonged direct sunlight can cause discoloration and impact overall condition? that includes shortyLOVE bags, so let’s look at what you can do to help keep those colors vibrant.
do: keep bags in a dark, dry place with adequate ventilation to keep them safe from dust and damage. we don’t want anything scratching our bags! i designed our bags to store completely flat — just like they arrived at your door when we shipped them. that makes them ideal for a drawer, although a shelf will do.
don’t: store in an area with direct sunlight. you’re the one that needs daily vitamin d — not your bag.
bags can sometimes become a black hole for well… everything. if you know, you know. one of the not-so-obvious steps to learning how to keep bags in good condition is to keep them clutter-free. besides weighing you down, all those unnecessary extras migrating around the bottom of your bag might end up marring your otherwise lovely blush nylon lining.
keeping your bag free of clutter isn’t always as simple as it sounds, i get it. to make it a little easier, try to make a habit of decluttering once a week. totally worth it, trust me.
occasional decluttering, along with containing pens, lipsticks and sharp objects, can go a long way toward keeping your bag’s interior looking as good as new. let’s talk more about that…
organization probably doesn’t sound like part of how to keep bags in good condition — yet it can be surprisingly helpful. all those essentials we love can, unfortunately, become the culprits of interior stains. that stray lip balm that melts? what a mess. that new bold lipstick you took a chance on in the store? stunning shade on you. on your bag? not so much. that’s where organization comes in. stash things where you know you’ll be able find them and where they can do the least amount of damage. i designed storage compartments into shortyLOVE bags for a reason!
take the boxer, for example. plenty of storage space for larger stuff, sure, but it also has a zip pocket and a cute detachable pouch for your smaller essentials. take advantage of the organization solutions our bags provide, tuck it in a compartment or maybe add a small stevie cosmetic bag to your main bag. it’s one of the simplest things you can do when learning how to keep bags in good condition.
i love my handbags. you love yours. now, let’s keep loving them for years to come by taking care of them the way we know we should. remember how to keep your bags in good condition — even if it’s just by following one step at a time. together, we’ve got this.
xo — sloane
there are a lot of cute cosmetic bags out there. but – and this is a big one – they don’t really offer us the practicality we need for travel, everyday life, or even a quick gym sesh. what use is that cute cosmetic bag if you can’t use it?! not wanting to sacrifice practicality for style, i set out to design a small cosmetic bag that delivers everything we’ve been looking for in a makeup bag – plus a little more.
palm-sized bags? adorable, but way too small. full makeup cases? great for all of those palettes you’ve treated yourself to, but a no-go for on-the-go. i wanted to design a small makeup travel bag that was compact enough to fit in your carry-on yet still had the space you need for all of travel-sized beauty essentials. measuring in at a petite 6" h x 7" l x 6 3/8" d, the stevie is your fairy tale “not too big, not too small, just right” size. say goodbye to those other cosmetic bags that take up precious bag space!
don’t think that i forgot about storage. stevie may be a small cosmetic bag, roomier than it looks but small enough to tuck into your boxer, tillie, or friday. a depth of 6 ⅜” offers plenty of space for all of your lotions, makeup, haircare, and other travel musts without feeling like it’s overstuffed.
plus, stevie has a flat, structured bottom for easy loading so you can set her up on any bathroom counter or vanity while you get ready. i told you she was practical!
raise your hand if you’ve ever had to dig through your bag for lip balm or even worse, bobby pins. i mean, where do they go after that zipper closes? i wanted your small cosmetic bag to give you quick and easy access to those items. i’m for spending more time having fun on your vacay and less time fumbling through your cosmetic bag!
i designed the end-to-end zipper to open extra wide so you can see all your things, then the blush lining that helps make them easier to spot, then pockets. the inner side pocket keeps slim items handy (lip balm, i’m looking at you). the inner pop-red zip pocket keeps small essentials like hair ties secure and accessible. oh, and did i mention that the interior is blush pink so you can see everything in your small makeup travel bag? work smarter, not harder.
stiff cosmetic bags feel rigid and have zero give when you’re packing your travel bag. I wanted to create a small cosmetic bag that felt softer yet still offered structure. something a little luxurious.
stevie is as plush as she is practical. deliciously plush with a structured base and structured internal padding to hold the beautiful shape, she’s made for the ultimate packability. no more sharp corners that poke through your carry-on. no more taking up space that could’ve been used for souvenirs. just a small cosmetic bag with a soft drape that’s waiting to fit perfectly next to your packing cubes.
i wanted to design a small cosmetic bag that was more durable than other designs i’ve seen offered online. while i appreciate style (who doesn’t?), i also want my bag to be durable enough to take me from destination to destination and coated to provide stain resistance. with stevie, no broken zippers and no bags that are hard to clean when the inevitable spill happens.
designed using water-resistant nylon twill fabric, stevie is your easy-to-clean dream makeup bag. all you need to do is spot clean with a mild detergent and water, then air dry. same goes for the luxurious, interior blush nylon: a simple spot clean, and she’ll be as good as new.
need more durability? I got you. high-quality vision zipper that won’t rust and can be used in wet and humid environments. waxed cotton cord to pull the exterior zipper. durable nylon to withstand water and the inevitable spills - made to stand up to daily use and travel. she’s a small makeup travel bag you can confidently use for many adventures to come.
i’m a firm believer in designing bags that deliver both style and functionality, whether it’s a cosmetic bag or a tote. we shouldn’t have to choose one or the other! we deserve both, am i right? enter: stevie. she’s the small cosmetic bag that does it all. classic. chic. cute, cubed, and certainly never boring.
there’s a look for everyone. love a good print that stands out? show off your wild side with leopard! love a good neutral? khaki and navy go with everything. and, of course, you can always bet on black. our cosmetic bag is designed to coordinate with the rest of our collection and is available in 7 colorways.
i know you have a lot of lotions, potions and travel-sized notions to pack in your small cosmetic bag, which is why i don’t want to weigh you down any more than necessary. ever picked up a cute bag, and it’s been super heavy – even when empty? yeah… no one wants that.
when designing stevie, i knew i wanted her to be more lightweight for better carrying. the result: 0.4 lbs. of compact goodness. add in the fact she’s made of durable, wipeable nylon twill, plush for packability, and has plenty of storage, and you’ve got yourself one easy, breezy, travel-ready makeup bag.
my shortyLOVERs can’t get enough of this bag for travel – so lightweight, so cute on your hotel vanity, and so you!
if you’re like me, you love getting more versatility from your stuff. leggings that take you from the gym to happy hour? yes, please. ottomans that double as storage? sign me up. small cosmetic bags that are for more than just your everyday handbag? absolutely.
tuck stevie into your carry-on before your next flight. pack her into your boxer backpack. I like to pack my stevie with my sunscreens, skincare, and hair care and tuck her into my beach bag for a quick beach getaway. use her to keep your medications handy on a trip. instead of a zip-lock bag, isn’t it time your on-the-go beauty regime grew up? level up your daily makeup bag with one that looks and feels more high-end. go ahead – stevie is made for it all.
where did the name stevie come from? none other than the woman who “ takes to the sky like a bird in flight,” a free-spirited. bewitching. bohemian. i wanted to create a small cosmetic bag worthy of such an influential woman. to stevie and to all those that radiate her same energy – this one’s for you.
the weekend is finally here. if you’re like me, you’re more than ready to shake off the busy week you’ve had and pack for that weekend trip. the only problem is, i need a bag that can effortlessly hold my whole world without adding a lot of weight! so what did i do? i designed our friday, a nylon weekender bag that delivers big on storage and style, of course. the perfect weekend companion, the friday mega-weekender bag is crafted from gorgeous nylon twill fabric and is just what i need to hold a few outfit changes and all the little extras i want to bring on a last-minute weekend getaway.
this is a big one when it comes to must-haves in a massive weekender bag. since it’s the main bag i’ll be carrying (i like to tuck my stevie cosmetic bag inside, add my jetty wallet/clutch to the front pocket so it’s handy, and sling on an everyday handbag like the amuse or wonder). i knew i would need a lot of space to accommodate clothes, shoes, phone charger and other items. designed with real life and first-hand traveling experience in mind, our friday nylon weekender bag makes packing easy with its spacious storage. the flat, structured bottom lets the bag stand up as i throw in my weekend trip essentials. its capacity lets me fit all my stuff in, and the top opens extra wide so i can see what’s in my bag. hello, faster and easier packing!
as much as i wanted to design a bag with extra storage capacity, i made sure not to overlook durability. like all of our shortyLOVE bags, friday’s water-resistant nylon twill is made for real life and spot cleans like a pro. the chunky zipper is high quality because you, like me, want to invest in a bag that’s made for the real world. the friday offers durability that’ll take you from this weekend’s trip to the next and on and on and on...
our nylon friday weekender bag’s lining may be hidden, but it’s certainly not forgotten. it features our signature blush nylon, which lets me easily see everything in my bag without digging forever, and provides a glamorous touch that i love (i think you will, too).
ever carried a big bag that was not only hard to carry but also rough on your shoulders? not fun. i wanted a weekender to offer as much ease as it has style. i designed ours after looking at the other weekender bags out there and made it plush. the soft nylon twill fabric allows for comfortable carry, anywhere i go. it’s got no leather or rough canvas, and no sharp corners at the bottom to bruise my hip, and the structured padding makes it a joy to carry. i made sure the friday nylon weekender bag has our backs — well, shoulders — covered. the soft, silky straps are designed not to chafe while carrying the friday to the car, vacation rental or hotel room. its slip-resistant straps are not too wide and not too skinny, so they sit securely across the shoulder. no more struggling with a heavy weekender bag thanks to lightweight nylon!
there are those that are great at organization, and then there are the rest of us. but imagine arriving at my travel destination after braving holiday traffic — and actually being able to find everything i need in an instant. sound too good to be true? it’s not when you have a friday weekender bag with some organization to rein in the little bits, like chargers, lip balms and keys. its design is smarter because that’s shortyLOVE’s thing — the circular reinforced stitching at stress points, the flat bottom, the zipper that opens from either end, extra wide so i can easily pack or see in when i need to grab something, with lighter lining so i can spot things, the chunky, quality zipper, durable fabric that wipes clean, lightweight, the storage pockets, the sleek profile that packs flat into a drawer or hangs up out of the way without taking up too much room while it’s waiting for my next escape. now when i need to quickly grab my small wallet like the jetty, i can do it quickly and easily.
maybe style isn’t necessarily a priority with a weekender bag, but it should be! who doesn’t want to travel in style with functional weekender bag that’s also a head-turner? just say yes to bags that provide utility and practicality while also delivering the right dose of style. we want a bag that can do it all — just like us.
it’s all in the details with our nylon weekender bag. oversized metal zippers add a luxe touch that stands out. nylon twill fabric is soft and wearable without sacrificing durability. the blush interior nylon is an opulent touch with an unexpected sensibility. high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design are at the center of the friday so you can maintain your style as you take on the world.
easy maintenance with my weekender bag is a must. even if i’m careful, things happen. i don’t want to scour the internet for cleaning hacks that won’t mess up my bag’s exterior or interior, especially in the middle of my trip. all shortyLOVE bags are designed with durability in mind, including the friday nylon weekender bag. made with easy-to-cleanup nylon twill fabric, it’s the effortless travel bag of my dreams. all i need to do is spot clean with a mild detergent and let dry. spills, be gone!
maybe i’m heading on an overnight trip a few towns over. maybe i’m heading to the coast for the weekend. either way, a weekender bag needs to accommodate my needs, providing the ultimate in carrying, functionality, style and comfort. our friday nylon weekender bag is designed for versatility, regardless of where life takes me. chic style, the mindful choice of nylon twill fabric for durability, and ample storage let me make the bag my own for my travels.
often, the success of a weekend trip comes down to how well-prepared i am. did i remember to bring my phone charger this time? how about that book i’ve had on my to-be-read list for the last month? my weekender is like a lifeline to home, carrying all my weekend getaway essentials, stylishly. having a chic bag that’s crafted for durability, functionality and easier carrying, the friday is the do-it-all nylon weekender bag that makes last-minute travel effortless.
this beautiful behemoth is your super-sized getaway companion for overnights and long weekends. toss your things into this monumental tote bag, throw it in the trunk and head out. ready to go on your next adventure? for me it’s the jersey shore. maybe i’ll see you there!
xo — sloane
first things first: there’s no such thing as ONE PERFECT BAG for everyone. the right handbag for you may not be the right choice for someone else — and the reasons for needing a new bag vary widely. handbag shopping can be a very subjective process but there are certain factors to consider that can help you narrow the field to your ideal choice. i’m a bag designer — let me help!
here are 8 questions to ask yourself on your hunt for a handbag for everyday use:
before we get into style or what your specific needs are, answer this: will you actually be using this as your primary handbag — or at least most days? if the answer is NO, you can jump right to #8 if you want. if the answer is YES, then let’s move on to #2…
you want to take a bag’s weight into account if this will be your daily carry for work or workouts — or if you need a smart choice for travel. the lighter your bag is, the less it will drag you down once you have it filled. a heavy bag is hard on your shoulders and can take a toll on your back. the more of a slog your bag is to carry, the unhappier you will be with your purchase over time.
a related consideration is comfort — weight certainly plays into this but more importantly, is the bag comfortable to wear? is it designed to help distribute weight in a smart way? is it soft or stiff? does it have corners that might dig into your hip? is it bulky and will it get in your way as you move? if there’s a strap, is it designed to wear comfortably across the shoulder? is the material flexible and soft or is it hard and scratchy? chafing is no fun! is the strap designed to stay on your shoulder or will it slide off in the most irritating way and, somehow, always when you’re in a hurry? is the strap adjustable so you can customize the fit? proper fit is essential to comfort.
if this bag is intended to be your daily carry, then taking care of it should be as effortless as possible. you should be able to worry less about it breezing through daily activities and the occasional calamity. don’t forget to take features like water-resistance and the cleanability of the material into account when choosing your everyday handbag. “oh no, rain!” or “oh no, i spilled coffee on it!” — these things are going to happen, so plan for them.
you also want your bag to last as long as possible. make sure that material is not only durable but that the bag is well-constructed. quality zippers and buckles made a difference. lack of strengthening at stress points can cause a bag to fall apart more quickly, even with ordinary use. are the strap ends turned under so they don’t fray? attention to detail makes a good bag great — just ask this bag designer!
if your life gets a little crazy at times, consider a more organized bag — such a cure for headaches! a great everyday handbag will eliminate the time-waste of digging to find what you need. it will have pockets to hold the little things that swim around the bottom of your bag — with zippers to keep them from falling out. slide pockets to hold phones or sunglasses or charging cords. water bottle pockets. padded laptop pockets. a shoe compartment is handy for trips to the gym or travel. a little organization goes a long way!
you just know when looking at a designer handbag whether it’s ‘you’ or not. fussy, trendy, high-fashion bags that are beautiful but scream ‘look at me’ are not my style, which is why i designed shortyLOVE bags to be modern and minimal with a confident, streamlined silhouette that feels relaxed against the body. two key takeaways here: confident and relaxed. that’s the personal style i’m going for and how i want to feel throughout my day. how about you? something to think about!
whether your ultimate goal is to match your everyday handbag to your everyday routine or you’re trying to solve for those predictable events — like travel — that pop up regularly but less often, ask yourself: what problems do you want your new bag to solve in order to make life a little easier?
i can’t speak for other handbag designers but with shortyLOVE, my goal was to design a collection of everyday bags to address the issues we commonly face. of course i absolutely designed with lightness, comfort, easy maintenance and durability in mind, because i need these qualities in a bag in my own life. but i also designed for a range of needs — because maybe your life demands that you keep your hands freed up, or maybe you only need your phone, cards and cash on you most days, or maybe you need a way to organize your things AND your toddler’s things in a single bag, etc etc etc. we’re all different!
here’s a quick breakdown of the shortyLOVE range — perhaps it will bring you closer to finding your right style:
[personal travel rec: given airlines’ 2-bag carry-on limitations, pairing a boxer large backpack or tillie tote with a shorthand small crossbody to hold your credentials and phone makes travel SO MUCH EASIER! check your luggage. slide boxer or tillie under the seat, keep your shorthand on from check-in to arrival. boom, done.]
better, smarter handbags do exist and i hope every woman finds the one she should own, in the perfect problem-solving style. happy hunting!
xo — sloane
when it comes to expressing yourself, can you think of anything more personal than color? you can use color to reflect your mood, or you can even use it to change your mood, bringing more fun and energy to an otherwise routine day. the possibilities are seemingly endless, so let’s explore…
as a bag designer and long-time adherent of color theory — the nuanced art and science of hue, shade, tint, and tone in fashion — it’s my job to think deeply about color. my goal is to create harmonious color combinations. i’ve used color theory to design a bag collection that feels unique to shortyLOVE yet speaks to your individual preferences, along with boardwalk straps to help you punch it up and personalize your shorthand, amuse, or wonder crossbody bag.
our shortyLOVE crossbodies are designed with removable straps, which allow you to change things up as you see fit. adding a colorful boardwalk strap to a handbag with changeable straps is like gaining a whole new bag and a whole new look. have a little fun! coordinate your straps with your outfits, match your mood, or punch up your vibe. because our bags are available in a wide range of colors, i’ve created a strap collection that can help you personalize your shortyLOVE bag, no matter which style you own.
each of our boardwalk straps coordinates with several colorways, so you can feel free to experiment and personalize your bag in any number of ways. need a visual reference? you can find photos of our straps paired with different shortyLOVE bags to give you an idea of the look you can achieve. the idea is to express yourself!
here’s a quick guide if you want an idea of which boardwalk strap looks best with which color bag…
pairs perfectly with black and, for a little pattern play, really sets off grey camo — but don’t stop there! this classic checkerboard strap design also adds a graphic punch to our red, grey, and navy crossbody bags.
this gorgeous color combo really sets off the rich tone of our burgundy crossbody bags. the stripes also look fab paired with our red bags, and i’m unexpectedly loving how it looks with black!
this bright, summery color trio just can’t miss with shortyLOVE army green and green camo crossbody bags. that touch of yellow really seals the deal.
a soft, sophisticated color combination that adds a whole new layer of style to our blue camo, burgundy, army green, and navy crossbody bags.
adds a perfectly sunny color pop to your grey, grey camo, or black shortyLOVE crossbody bags.
happiness, striped! i love this strap as a bold, standout contrast to our navy, red, or black crossbody bags.
i’m sure you’ve looked at the shortyLOVE collection as a whole and noticed that our signature blush pink interior and round, blush logo badge unite the bags across colors. that’s not an accident! i believe in a cohesive collection and used blush as the foundation to build our full range around. the colors ultimately have to work together such that each colorway of bag we introduce is sure to complement all the other colors of bags in our collection. once that formula was figured out, it was easy to come up with accessory boardwalk straps to add yet another layer of color to the collection.
from makeup to fashion to your home’s interior, we tend to be drawn to one color family over another — and often feel like we look and feel better in the company of colors that complement our skin tone. i tend toward cool colors and neutrals; how about you? are you more frequently drawn to the warm, energetic colors found in our red and burgundy bags? are cool, calming colors like our navy, navy camo, green and green camo bags your go-to style? or perhaps you prefer the neutral, achromatic shades found in our grey, grey camo, and black bags to achieve a more minimalist look?
no matter which color family appeals to you the most, by simply adding a boardwalk strap, you can go from just neutral (black bag) to neutral with a warm color pop (grey/yellow/black strap). or go from just cool (navy bag) to cool with a warm color pop (rainbow stripe strap). or go from red hot (red bag) to red hot with a dramatic, neutral strap (checkerboard). you have so many options — it’s fun to play with color combos!
with our accessory straps, there’s no compromising on quality. our adjustable boardwalk straps are crafted of the same soft but sturdy woven nylon twill as the strap that originally came with your shortyLOVE bag. we also use the same high-quality, statement-making metal hardware as our original straps — including the swivel clips that allow your bag to fall just right as you move. measuring 2” wide, our changeable straps wear comfortably across your shoulder and adjust from 23” to 55” for your ideal fit. and everything we make is vegan-friendly and guilt-free.
it’s no secret that i’m a jersey girl through and through. as you might expect, i frequently mine my garden state roots to come up with the names of my shortyLOVE designs. growing up, i spent my days riding my bike to the new jersey shore, picking starfish off the jetty, and, yes, people-watching on the bustling boardwalk with my close gaggle of friends.
the thing you notice first when wandering that iconic stretch of boardwalk lining the sandy jersey shore is the way it draws so many different personalities: laid-back surfers, bronzed beach-goers, gawking tourists, and dressed-up club-goers stepping outside from a noisy shoreline nightspot for a breath of fresh sea air, just to name a few.
at any time, these boardwalk characters seem to switch roles on a whim — a surfer goes to a nightclub, a tourist sets out their umbrella on the beach, or learns to surf. our boardwalk straps are a nod to how humans are fascinatingly complex and contain multitudes. there’s no one story for any of us, nor should there be, and we’re writing new roles for ourselves all the time. welcome to the boardwalk.
xo — sloane
how many times have you been out and about when it suddenly dawned on you that your full-sized handbag was way more than you needed now? it used to happen to me more often than i'd like to admit. your go-to large crossbody bag, shoulder bag or tote bag hardly makes sense when all you need on you is your iphone, your id, a few credit cards, lip gloss and your keys. sometimes the most brilliant move is to travel light and keep your hands free. the answer for those occasions: a cute, lightweight crossbody phone bag that can keep you organized!
i designed shortylove’s shorthand cell phone bag with crossbody shoulder strap to be the perfect little gem, with no bulk to weigh you down or get in your way. if you’ve never had a bag this compact in your life before, let me show you what a difference the best phone crossbody bag can make!
even before i began sketches for this crossbody cell phone purse, i jotted down a notebook’s worth of words as inspiration: breezy, ultra-light, chic, minimalist, hands-free and so on. sometimes i need a bag that can be all that — and so do you. to accomplish that aesthetic, i knew early on that i wanted to pare back and eliminate anything unnecessary from your typical crossbody cell phone bag with shoulder strap.
but what does your typical small crossbody bag for your iphone look like? let’s take a closer look…
taking a look at the other designer cell phone bags with crossbody shoulder straps, cell phone pouches and cell phone clutch wallet options out there, i saw a lot of design cues i wanted to improve on:
stiff leather phone bags? out. a soft bag is considerably more comfortable to wear, especially if you’re on the move.
phone bags that are glorified phone cases with zero storage, no card slots or organizing capability? get out of here with that. we need to keep at least the essentials on us.
tiny cell phone bags with no shoulder strap or those wristlet wallets? cute, but we need our hands! the shortylove crossbody cell phone purse would require a full-length strap, so you can just wear it and forget it. in my opinion, you should be able to throw on a slim, adjustable cell phone bag with shoulder strap effortlessly, never having to use your hands until you need to use your mobile phone on the fly or instantly grab a credit card from your cardholder without missing a beat.
the phone shoulder bag that tucks under your armpit? big nope. who needs that kind of sweat-fest?
you’ve undoubtedly seen plenty of cell phone bags with a flashy chain-link shoulder strap. bling! uncomfortable to wear, digs into your shoulder and heats up in the sun. i'm not about to do that to you.
the pouch-style phone bag with the drawstring at the top? i find pouch bags too awkward and difficult to get into. the blousy fabric makes it hard to find what i'm looking for quickly.
and how about the crossbody bags for iphones with flaps? as far as i'm concerned, that’s just one more obstacle designed to slow me down — not to mention a waste of material. i prefer sleek, simple, classic cell phone bags with crossbody shoulder straps.
keeping all that in mind, how did i go about designing our crossbody cell phone bag with shoulder strap? the best phone crossbody bags serve a specific purpose, so i built the bag’s proportions around the modern-day lifeline that keeps us all connected and on schedule: the cellphone. your phone is a compact size, and i feel that a good crossbody cell phone purse should be as well.
the profile of your small cell phone bag with a crossbody shoulder strap should be slender like the phone itself, with a little extra room for the few small items you need to bring with you — but not so much that your phone is shifting around. as our smallest designer crossbody bag measuring 8” h x 6” w and only 1/4” d, the shorthand is the perfect size. and with its adjustable, removable strap, you can wear the bag low, high or however you like.
at a mere quarter-inch deep, there’s no need for a phone pocket — the entire main compartment is your phone holder. the depth of your cell phone bag with a crossbody shoulder strap also matters. i don’t have the time or patience to dig for my iphone, so i prefer a crossbody bag only slightly taller than my phone, with just enough room to tuck in a pair of readers or sunglasses and card slots to hold my credit cards and ID.
as a small business owner and a mother, i need to keep my iphone close at hand for a good chunk of the day. comfort is key! i designed the shorthand crossbody cell phone purse to be extremely light — it’s so light that it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing it.
the best phone crossbody bag should lie close to the body and serve as a secure phone holder that won’t bang around as you move. the crossbody-style of the shorthand solves that problem — and nothing beats a cell phone bag with an adjustable shoulder strap. find the perfect length for your shorthand with ease!
the body of the shorthand is not just attractive but soft and comfortable to wear. unlike leather or pu leather, the smooth nylon exterior of the shorthand molds itself to your body. it has the advantage of slightly rounded corners that won’t dig into your hip while you walk. it’s crafted with structured internal padding to hold the shape and add to the plush, almost quilted feel.
and let’s not forget about the strap. too many crossbody cell phone purses have straps that are too thin. too thick. too rough. too stiff. either way, they can be uncomfortable, chafe or dig into your shoulder (yikes). but not shorthand. like every shortylove crossbody, our cell phone bag is designed with a shoulder strap you’ll love throwing on. crafted from soft, sturdy nylon, shorthand’s strap is designed to resist digging and sliding. the ends are turned under and double-stitched so they won’t unravel (because quality matters). and perhaps best of all: lightweight, silky-to-the-touch nylon feels good across your shoulder all day long. that’s how you make the best phone crossbody bag.
switching up your strap? our accessory boardwalk crossbody bag straps are made with the same attention to quality as our original straps. woven, never printed patterns. swivel dog clips to ensure easy on/off and that your bag falls just right as you move. removable and adjustable. slide-resistant. with bold colors and patterns to boost your style quotient
i like to know that my phone is secure and not in danger of falling out of my handy cell phone bag with a shoulder strap, so i added a sturdy, oversized metallic zipper at the top of the shorthand’s main compartment and on the front pocket. bonus: the plush exterior also helps to protect your phone!
what little i need to bring with me i want to keep organized so i can find what i need quickly. that’s why i added three credit card slots to the main compartment of the shorthand crossbody cell phone purse.
this little beauty is multi-pocket! in addition to the main compartment for your iphone and credit cards, this crossbody bag features a zippered front pocket so you can bring along a few more small items — sunscreen, lip balm, hair ties, etc. — and not have them compete with your mobile phone for space. smart, right?
a waxed cotton cord pull is the perfect finishing touch on the shorthand cell phone bag with a crossbody shoulder strap. our sturdy, chunky zippers are made with high-quality metal for a luxe look. our high-quality, water-resistant nylon twill is fabricated to look and feel like the high-end italian fabrics used by big-name designers. the combination of durability with a relaxed aesthetic really places the shorthand among the best phone crossbody bags.
i also didn’t skimp when it came to the inside of our crossbody cell phone bag with a shoulder strap. the lining i chose is a luxurious, silky-to-the-touch blush nylon — because a lighter shade interior allows you to spot what you’re looking for quickly. so even though it looks fabulous, there’s a practical reason for it!
upkeep is another thing i insisted on simplifying when it came to designing a crossbody cell phone purse for shortylove. nobody wants a bag that’s impossible to keep clean — including me. keeping the shorthand looking fresh and sophisticated is easy: just spot clean with mild soap and water, then air dry. let’s keep it simple.
i got my start designing women’s bags at marc jacobs in new york. whether designing small cell phone bags with shoulder straps or medium crossbody bags, nylon tote bags or hobo bags, satchels or large backpacks, bucket bags or messenger bags, over the years, i learned that durability is essential.
most of us want to invest in a crossbody phone bag we can use for a long time, including me. that’s why the shorthand crossbody bag for iphone, like the complete collection of shortylove bags, is crafted with durable, high-end nylon that can stand up to daily use and last a good long time.
while i can’t stop mobile phone theft from occurring, i like to think that bag wearers can help to deter it. you can certainly wear the shorthand as a shoulder handbag, but i find that wearing your cell phone bag with the shoulder strap across the body feels safer and makes your phone bag more difficult to snatch.
and here’s a tip: the shorthand is a cell phone bag with a crossbody shoulder strap slim enough that you can easily zip a coat or jacket right over the top of it without adding bulk. i have a very smart friend who likes to wear her shorthand underneath her hoodie when she’s going to be in a crowd.
the shorthand is the best phone crossbody bag for everyone! it’s not strictly a women’s crossbody cell phone purse. the look is designed to be classic, stylish, unisex and never trendy. men and women are buying this crossbody bag, and i'm pretty proud of that. and there are so many great colorways to choose from!
and we’re all looking for the right bag for a busy day, right? the shorthand is adjustable and convertible to allow you to wear it as you see fit. streamlined. no-nonsense chic. designed to stand up to everyday wear. hands-free for all you multitaskers out there. softer, smarter and more organized. i see you!
i poured over reviews for the shorthand to see how people are using it and found lots of comments like “grab it and go” and “when you’re on the run.” frequently, the shorthand is being used as a crossbody bag for your iphone/wallet for quick trips to the store or poking around the farmer’s market.
when traveling, i like to use it as my wallet — perfect at the airport when you need to pull out your credentials, passport or boarding passes quickly.
i also like to tuck my multifunction shorthand into a larger bag (like the wonder or the tillie, for instance), and when i head out, take the shorthand and leave the larger bag behind. i made the strap removable so you can keep the cell phone bag in your larger bag with or without the shoulder strap. and it’s designed with a top handle so you can carry it if you prefer. like i always say, it’s nice to have options!
reviews show that shorthand owners like to wear it to events — concerts, festivals, football games, basketball games, tennis matches, etc. it’s sized perfectly for venues that have bag restrictions.
whether weekending out of town or just wandering the shops at home, the crossbody cell phone purse is also a popular choice for day trips and nights out. why risk setting a larger bag down somewhere or hanging it on a chair back and forgetting it when the ultra-lightweight shorthand carries exactly what you need without getting in your way?
i see reports of people throwing on their cell phone bags with crossbody shoulder straps for beach walks, short hikes and daily dog walks as the silky nylon exterior sheds sudden rain showers and snow.
at least one person i know likes to cinch the strap of our crossbody cell phone purse around her waist belt bag bag-style and wear it in the garden as she works, so her phone is handy for listening to podcasts or a good book. she also considers the shorthand to be the best phone crossbody bag when it’s hot out — it’s so light and a small bag against the body is more comfortable. my shortylovers are so clever!
the inspiration for this cell phone bag with a shoulder strap’s name is based on something we all do with our phones: message each other in an ever-evolving shorthand. lmk. fwiw. nvrm. lol. cu l8tr and, of course, emojis! 😁😄👍🙂💪 … when shorthand is ur life, shorthand is ur bag!
xo — sloane
think belt bags are not your thing? that was me — and i’m a bag designer! then i got my sketch pad out one day, noodled and doodled on it for a while, and voila! i ended up designing my own belt bag: the arcade.
like you, i’ve see what’s out there — it ranges from ‘too tiny and too precious’ to ‘what were they thinking’? what is it with designers’ fascination with the mini belt bag? nonsense. from Gucci and Prada to Adidas and Lululemon, they are all touting versions of the belt bag. i designed the arcade to be more sophisticated, softer, lighter, more practical and more grownup, so you can zip up the essentials you need while freeing up your hands in style. if you think a belt bag has no place in your life, you may be surprised. the arcade is creating belt bag converts!
what should you call it?
you can call it what you like — and there are plenty of names to choose from for this style of bag: fanny pack, bum bag, hip pack, hip bag, waist pouch, waist bag, waist pack, waist belt, sling bag, etc. i prefer belt bag. no matter what you call it, if you’ve looked around you know that designs for this type of bag vary widely, from more belt than bag to uncomfortable designer torture device. i’m going to tell you why i designed the arcade belt bag to look stylish while also being extremely functional.
free your hands, hold your essentials!
there’s a good reason people are snapping up belt bags right now: they make sense! i designed the arcade for times when you need to zip up just essentials when you’re on the go but also need your hands freed up. our days are busy and this style of bag serves another purpose as well: accessibility.
the arcade is a sleek, lightweight, organized belt bag with classic new york style and a relaxed, luxe sophistication. it’s truly a unisex style, so you can think of it as a women’s belt bag, a men’s belt bag, an everyone’s belt bag. measuring 5.5" h x 13" w x 2", it’s neither too much bag nor too little bag — it intentionally fits only what you absolutely need, to keep you unfettered but ultimately prepared. within in the shortyLOVE collection, the arcade belt bag is larger and holds more than the shorthand phone crossbody bag but smaller in capacity than the amuse crossbody bag.
hands-free is the only way to be!
shortyLOVE arcade owners never cease to amaze me with the ways they choose to wear their bags. they’re all so clever! they tell me they wear the arcade for dog walks (great for tucking poo bags into), for visiting the farmer’s market and grocery store (hands-free shopping), for bike rides and hikes (you need your hands!), for daytrips around their own city or someplace they’re visiting (bonus: easy to pack into your luggage), while gardening so their phone is on them (listen to your podcast), for concerts and music festivals (perfect for dancing + keeping your valuables close to you), and for meetups with friends at a restaurant or club (dine/drink hands-free). some like to strap on the arcade for air travel so their credentials and credit card are easily accessible (perfect for wearing as your wallet). and several have told me they bought the black arcade specifically for formal dress occasions so they’d never leave their bag behind again, unlike a shoulder bag they tend to take off and set on a chair. see, smart!
wear it two ways
so many fanny packs are only intended to go around your waist. but i love bags that give me options, don’t you? the arcade is a convertible belt bag, meaning you’re not locked into wearing it just one way. you can wear it as a belt bag (around your waist) or as a sporty crossbody sling bag (bandalero style). some arcade owners tell me they like to sling it on with the pockets in front and others prefer to sling it on with the pockets in back, out of their way.
if you’re wandering the shops or taking the subway, you might want the pockets in front where you can unzip and grab your wallet or lip balm easily. but if you’re on a bike ride, maybe you want the pockets behind you, backpack style. it’s up to you and whatever’s going on with your day! i designed the adjustable webbing belt strap to extend to a generous 23.5”, so you can cinch for a comfortable fit around your waist or across your torso. the silky soft, woven nylon was selected to be easy on your clothing, not dig into your hip or shoulder, and to be kind to your sweaters and clothing that can pull or pill. for me, comfort is key, whether you’re wearing the arcade with a t-shirt or at a dressy evening outfit.
two zippered pockets!
unlike most belt bags, the arcade is designed with two separate compartments to keep your stuff accessible and organized. after all, even in a smaller bag you don’t want to have to dig to find what you’re looking for. the compartments consist of two exterior zip pockets, one in front and one close to the body. ideal for keeping just the essentials handy, the arcade holds smaller items like your phone, wallet, train pass, earbuds and lip gloss at the ready. the zippered compartments measure a generous 13” across. when i strap on my arcade i’m still always surprised at how much actually fits in there!
better materials
want to know how to create a better, more sophisticated belt bag? start with the materials that go into creating it, and make them better and more sophisticated. hardware is an important, statement-making detail, so i made sure that the buckle that clasps the belt ends of the arcade around you is a real head-turner — substantial without being clunky, with a high-end polish that makes it stand out.
i added sturdy, oversized metal zippers on the pockets and finished them off with stylish, waxed cotton cord pulls. our water-resistant nylon twill is fabricated to look and feel like the high-end italian fabrics used in big-name designer brands: durable but with a wearable, soft drape and feminine aesthetic. and because one of my pet peeves is having to dig for things at the bottom of my bag, i crafted the lining using a luxurious, silky to the touch blush nylon — selected because a lighter shade interior allows you to quickly spot what you’re looking for in your arcade.
made for real life
the body of the arcade is not just attractive but soft and plush. it molds itself to your body. i’ve seen too many unforgiving canvas "athleisure" fanny packs, too many stiff, boxy leather belt bags and faux leather bum bags, too many hip packs made of cheap, flimsy ripstop. the arcade is crafted of high-quality nylon with structured internal padding to hold the shape and add to the soft, plush, almost quilted feel. i want it to be a joy, not a chore, to throw on your arcade and head out! shortyLOVE bags are not the kind of women’s handbags that need to be babied. i designed my the arcade belt bag to be comfortably worn all day every day, by real people who live real lives and long for practicality combined with style.
i got my start designing women’s handbags at marc jacobs. from shoulder bags to crossbody bags, from tote bag to hobo bags, from satchels to backpacks, from travel bags to messenger bags, over the years, i learned that durability is a must when it comes to designing bags for women for use on a daily basis. most of us want to invest in something that lasts when shopping for a handbag — including me. that’s why i thought it was essential to add a circular stitch detail at the pressure points for more strength where the strap meets the body of the bag. those are the spots where wear and tear happens the most when it comes to your typical belt bag. happy i could finally solve that for you!
upkeep is another thing i insist on simplifying when it comes to handbags. nobody wants a bag that’s impossible to keep clean — including me. keeping the arcade looking fresh and cute is easy: just spot clean with mild detergent and water, then air dry. let’s keep it simple.
where did the name come from?
the backstory of the arcade’s name is one of nostalgia. summers on the jersey shore were all about riding our bikes to the penny arcade when i was growing up. inside, the boss would be blaring in the background. the rows of videogame machines chiming and dinging and making their own deafening, musical ruckus. and at the center of it all was the change man dispensing the coins you needed to play the games from the money belt around his waist. i still think of those times fondly. hence, the arcade!
— xo sloane
most backpacks look like they belong in middle school and function like they still have a lot to learn. my goal with the boxer backpack was to design for those of us who’ve graduated from basic and want so much more from a backpack. we’re adults now and life is too busy — and too short — for a backpack that doesn’t meet our needs!
is a backpack right for you?
love the practicality of a backpack but hate what you’re finding out there? are they too juvenile? too sporty? too techy? too bulky? not professional enough? are you finding large backpacks to be a bit too much and trendy minibackpacks too useless and cutesy? then you’ve come to the right place!
gone are the days of needing to lug multiple work bags around. one boxer backpack is enough to hold everything you need for the day and will take you from commute to work to workout with ease while keeping you organized and hands-free, all with a sophisticated city vibe.
sized just right
when hunting for a larger capacity bag within in the shortyLOVE collection, i find that most people choose between the wonder crossbody bag, the tillie tote bag and the boxer backpack. completely different styles, they each carry differently and help you to be more organized, offering instant accessibility but in different ways. the boxer is a classic backpack style with adjustable straps designed to allow you to carry a lot without putting too much pressure on your back and shoulders.
in general, the wonder crossbody holds less than the tillie tote, and the tillie holds a less than the boxer. if you’re still not sure which is right for you, i recommend reading the reviews for each — shortyLOVE bag owners not only tell it like it is, they have great ideas for how to use our bags!
take it all, hands-free!
measuring 19.5" h x 12.25" l x 8.75" d, the boxer backpack — our largest bag — carries everything you need for the day, an overnight or a multi-day trip, from gym clothes and lunch to sundress and flats. i designed the boxer with thoughtful details, luxe design cues and plenty of pockets inside and out, because… well… we unashamedly love pockets and need more of them in our lives! just take a look:
easy to load
- constructed to stand up on its own even while empty to simplify loading
- top zip closure opens wide to the main compartment for easy top-loading and so you can see what’s inside
clever zippered pockets and compartments
- bottom front zip compartment is large enough for a change of shoes
- front zip compartment holds items you might need to grab quickly on a plane or on a commute — wallet, headphones, charger, etc.
- back pocket tucks in folders, magazines or even a tennis racquet
- two side water-bottle pockets, because you need to hydrate!
- concealed, zipped and padded laptop compartment on the back holds up to a 15 inch laptop — no laptop sleeve necessary - the padded back panel has you covered
- inner red patch pocket holds your cell phone, valuables or other small items you might want to grab quickly
- side pockets hold water bottles perfect for all day hydration
- matching zipped, detachable pouch secures cosmetics, travel toiletries, face masks, emergency chocolate, whatever
travel-ready
- bonus: back clip strap attaches to handle of rolling luggage to make getting around the airport easier!
it’s a bag for everyone
more and more women tell me they may never carry a handbag again. the boxer backpack does everything they need it to (better than your typical handbag) while relieving the pressure their former bag put on their back, and without tying up their hands. liberating in so many ways! but while the boxer’s style is classic chic backpack, it’s also truly unisex — everybody can carry it. the boxer is not designed to be a backpack purse or a hiking backpack meant for backcountry trekking. it’s a true backpack/travel bag with both function and style.
if you’re looking for an un-patterned, straight-forward exterior that goes with everything, choose black or navy. interested in something a bit more adventurous? go bold and graphic with our green camo or grey camo — both looks are incredibly street-smart and among our bestsellers. you’d be surprised the number of outfits you can pair with camo!
boxer owners tell me they love that they’ve finally found a softer, smarter, more organized backpack — one they feel proud to take to the office, the yoga studio or on a trip. i've found that my boxer helps me look, and actually be, more pulled together, even as my schedule pulls me in every direction. look at how much you can pack into this beauty. who knew such a practical bag could look this sleek and stylish? from commutes to cardio, the boxer makes being a grownup so much easier!
where to next?
you can tell by its sleek, well-thought-out design that the boxer is a great commute and work bag. but it’s also much more than that. so many shortyLOVE boxer backpack owners tell me they keep their bag ready to go at a moment’s notice — so smart! they keep it pre-packed for tennis, workouts, bike rides, trips to the beach. they can literally just grab it and go without missing a beat.
i made sure it’s the perfect laptop backpack, because i take my device almost everywhere and i need to know it’s protected and that the bag doesn’t add a ton of weight. but i’ve also been told by shortyLOVERS that the boxer is the perfect overnighter bag, weekender bag or daypack. taking flight? it’s an extremely light, roomy yet organized carry-on, travel backpack that can slide easily under a seat. new moms tell me they came to the boxer as a more stylish diaper bag. experienced moms say its easy access front pockets make it great for holding toddler toys, a change of clothes and other necessities. whatever you have planned, the boxer is always up for adventure. it’s freedom in a light, organized bag!
wear or carry
did you know it’s possible to design a backpack that you don’t always have to carry on your back? it’s true! because i like to have options, i designed the boxer to be a convertible backpack. you can wear it as a backpack, absolutely, but you can also take it along as a shoulder bag. the padded backpackstraps easily tuck out of the way into the back slide pocket and a webbed, nylon strap functions as a shoulder strap. convenient!
better materials
want to know how to create a better, more grownup backpack? start with the materials that go into creating it, and make them better and more sophisticated. hardware is an important, statement-making detail, so i added sturdy, oversized metal zippers to the top of the bag, on the exterior pockets and the shoe compartment, finishing them off with stylish, waxed cotton cord pulls.
our water-resistant nylon twill is fabricated to look and feel like the high-end italian fabrics used in big-name designer brands: durable but with a wearable, soft drape and casual aesthetic. and because one of my pet peeves is having to dig for things at the bottom of my bag, i crafted the lining using a luxurious, silky to the touch blush nylon — selected because a lighter shade interior allows you to quickly spot what you’re looking for in your boxer. this nylon backpack is an upgrade from backpacks of yore in so many ways!
made for real life
top to bottom, the body of the boxer is not just attractive but soft and plush, because you’re going to be wearing it and it should feel good! it molds itself to your body. i want it to be a joy, not a chore, to throw on your boxer and head out for the day!
like you, i’ve tried on too many overly heavy backpacks, too many impossible to keep pristine leather backpacks and faux leatherbackpacks, too many insubstantial backpacks made of cheap, flimsy ripstop. the boxer is crafted of high-quality nylon with structured internal padding to hold the shape and add to the soft, plush, almost quilted feel.
upkeep is another thing i insist on simplifying when it comes to maintaining a stylish backpack. no matter which shortyLOVE bag you’re eyeing, just know that every bag in the collection was designed to be sensible — not babied. i created the boxer to be comfortably worn all day every day, by real people who live real lives and long for practicality combined with style. nobody wants a bag that’s impossible to keep clean — including me. keeping the boxer looking fresh and cute is easy: just spot clean with mild detergent and water, then air dry. let’s keep it simple.
i got my start designing women’s handbags at marc jacobs. from shoulder bags to crossbody bags, from tote bag to hobo bags, from satchels to backpacks, from hip belts or bucket bags to messenger bags, over the years, i learned that durability is a must when it comes to designing bags for women for use on a daily basis. most of us want to invest in something that lasts when shopping for a bag — including me. that’s why i thought it was essential to add a circular stitch detail at the pressure points for more strength where the strap meets the body of the bag. those are the spots where wear and tear happens the most when it comes to your typical backpack. happy i could finally solve that for you!
where did the name come from?
my ultimate goal was to create a backpack that works hard, stays strong and performs under pressure while being agile and light on its toes — much like a fighter in the ring. turns out the boxer is a lightweight champ. i couldn’t get through my work week without it.
if you stop to think about it, you lug a ton in your everyday life... day after day. week after week. year after year after year. to work, to run errands, to meet up with friends, to travel. does your go-to bag ever start to drag you down after a few hours? get in your way? does it chafe your shoulder or your neck? does it bruise your hip? can you find what you need quickly or do you find yourself digging endlessly?
i designed the wonder messenger bag to be better than that, because we deserve better. i designed a messenger bag that can hold it all while also being extremely light, easy to wear and cleverly organized inside and out. function and style. i need this bag in my life, and so do you. let me show you why…
designed to hold it all!
in my early sketches for the wonder, my overall intention was to improve on the classic messenger bag — which is so ubiquitous on the sidewalks of new york city that it seems like everyone from actual messengers to students to daily commuters carries one. after all, it makes sense. the messenger bag is the practical, utilitarian solution to a crossbody work bag, which is why you see so many nondescript laptop messenger bags out there. from canvas messenger bags to leather messenger bags, they all start to look alike after a while. so why not take the best characteristics of your basic messenger bag, make them better and add some style?
i started with the shape. the wonder’s silhouette is less rectangular than your typical laptop messenger bag but that’s just one feature that sets it apart. its silky, water-resistant exterior and plush feel help to make it both more refined and more relaxed. measuring a generous 15.5” h x 14” l x 5.5” d — slightly deeper than wide, the wonder is roomy enough for most needs without fear of it becoming more bag than you need. also, it has no flap to add unnecessary weight and bulk. honestly, i prefer the clean, simple, modern aesthetic of a more streamlined, pared back messenger bag. to my mind, the best messenger bag looks exactly like the wonder!
within the shortyLOVE collection, the wonder is larger than the amuse crossbody bag but smaller than the boxer backpack — and you can load it up with just about everything you need for the day.
how best to use it?
i pack my wonder for everyday use - pilates, the office, the airport — look how much it holds! unlike a smaller messenger bag, the roomy main compartment provides ample space for a water bottle, shoes, devices, chargers, other valuables and even a change of clothes, which is why i often rely on the wonder as my gym bag and my tennis bag. throw it on and go! [pro tip: i keep my wonder pre-packed with my workout gear, so I can go at a moment’s notice before i start making excuses not to. it pays to know yourself — excuses are too easy!]
the wonder also features a convenient, padded laptop pocket with an adjustable closure that fits up to a 13 inch laptop or macbook — also ideal for your iPad, tablet or e-book. my wonder has accompanied me on flights many times, so i can report from experience that it’s the perfect travel bag. it’s light and keeps my technology close to me while offering exterior pockets that keep my credentials and a credit card handy in airport security and coffee shop lines. easy access is everything when your hands are full and your flight number was just called!
from work to workout to weekender, you can begin to see how a bag like the wonder can adapt itself to many different situations. it’s also designed to adapt to your situation by offering you options.
wear or carry? both!
we humans may be creatures of habit most of the time but we want choices every now and then! if that sounds like you, good news: i designed choice into the wonder. it’s a convertible bag, meaning you can decide the best way to take it with you when you head out. you can wear it as a crossbody messenger bag, a shoulder bag, or remove the adjustable strap made of soft, woven nylon and take it with you as a top-handle carry bag. it’s really like having three bags in one! i designed the crossbody strap to wear comfortably over the shoulder without digging in or always sliding off. i usually take my wonder with me as a crossbody style, but sometimes i do want to carry it by the handle. my mantra is ‘you do you’ in the moment!
because it’s so light, the wonder is comfortable to wear even when it’s full. from weekdays to weekends, it never slows me down. when i wear it as a crossbody messenger to free my hands, i sometimes forget it’s even on. if only i could forget my to-do list as easily! bonus: the wonder lays flat when empty, so you can easily tuck it into a drawer or a suitcase, and you can also nest smaller shortyLOVE bags inside it and zip them away [if you’re tight on space, this is a real plus].
pockets pockets pockets
you can’t design a bag with a large capacity and not consider organization, so i made sure the wonder offers plenty of storage options to keep you organized on the go. on the exterior: a front zippered pocket gives you quick access to your wallet, earbuds, charging cables, keys and whatnot. on the back, a slide pocket with snap closure secures notebooks, magazines, paperwork or even a tennis racquet. inside the wonder, a pop-red patch pocket holds a cell phone and a pop-red zippered pocket secures smaller items. perhaps handiest of all, the top zipper opens extra wide so you can easily find what you’re looking for in your bag — i believe none of us should never have to dig for what we need ever again!
better materials
i love a bag that offers practicality but freely admit that i also want it to be stylish. there’s no shame in that! that led me to spend a lot of time sourcing the materials that went into my bags, including our bestselling wonder. when it comes to hardware, I really wanted to make a statement. that’s why you’ll find sturdy, oversized metal zippers on the exterior pocket and at the top. i think the waxed cotton cord pulls are the perfect finishing touch. our high-quality, water-resistant nylon twill is fabricated to look and feel like the high-end italian fabrics used in big-name designer brands: durable but with a wearable, soft drape and feminine aesthetic. i didn’t scrimp when it came to the inside. the lining i chose is a luxurious, silky to the touch blush nylon — selected because a lighter shade interior allows you to quickly spot what you’re looking for. so even though it looks fabulous, there’s a practical reason for it!
made for real life
do you have room in your busy life for a precious handbag you have to worry over every time you take it out? while i can appreciate the craft that goes into collector’s items, i don’t have the time or the energy to baby those kind of bags. they’re too needy! shortyLOVE bags are not precious women’s handbags. i designed them to be worn all day every day, by real people who live real lives and long for practicality combined with style.
unlike a stiff, awkward canvas bag, the body of the wonder is not just attractive but soft and plush. when was canvas ever soft? never! not to mention canvas shows every mark. unlike genuine leather or even faux leather, the smooth nylon wonder molds itself to your body and has the advantage of soft, slightly rounded corners that won’t dig into your hip — extra important when you carry a laptop with you. it’s crafted with structured internal padding to hold the shape and add to the soft, plush, almost quilted feel. i want it to be a joy, not a chore, to throw on your wonder and head out for the day!
i got my start designing women’s handbags at marc jacobs in new york. from shoulder bags to crossbody bags, from tote bag to hobo bags, from satchels to backpacks, from bucket bags to messenger bags, over the years I learned that durability is essential when it comes to designing bags for use on a daily basis. most of us want to invest in something that lasts when shopping for a handbag — including me. that’s why i thought it was a must to add a circular stitch detail at the pressure points for more strength where the strap meets the body of the bag. those are the spots where wear and tear occurs the most when it comes to your typical shoulder bag or crossbody bag. problem solved!
upkeep is another thing i insist on simplifying when it comes to redesigning the classic messenger bag. nobody wants a bag that’s impossible to keep clean — including me. keeping the wonder looking fresh and sophisticated is easy: just spot clean with mild detergent and water, then air dry. let’s keep it simple.
something i never expected!
i love reading the reviews shortyLOVE bag owners leave for me and i’ve learned from wonder owners something i could never have predicted: moms in particular love this bag! they love the size. they love the organization. they even love something as simple as the removable and adjustable shoulder strap. new moms tell me they love the wonder as a more chic diaper bag. and moms with toddlers report tell me they love being able to cart their kid’s stuff around in addition to their own — the snacks, the toys, the inevitable wipes. heck, i have high schoolers and i still carry things for them in my wonder when i attend their games!
that said, the wonder is not strictly a women’s messenger bag. the look is designed to be classic, stylish, unisex, never trendy. men and women are buying this bag and i'm pretty proud of that. our two camo patterns, grey and green, are especially popular with both.
where did the name come from?
i’ve spent a lot of time going to and from work on the sidewalks of new york city. people-watching just comes with the territory in manhattan. the people i pass are always so chic (they make it look effortless), always look like they’re on a mission (no distractions), and always in a hurry (city life!). where are they headed? i wonder. what’s in their bag? i wonder. i designed this bag for them.
— xo sloane
