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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
