By Samantha Angelo
Good News! The changing tides of fashion have officially relieved our once weighed down shoulders with a new, lighter and more carefree approach to how we carry our belongings. Introducing the micro mini cross body, minaudières and flat clutches.
These mini bags have a sneaky way of making your entire outfit more playful while at the same time it conjures a bit of mystery by bringing a sort of theatrical magic - you become the magician pulling a “rabbit” (phone) out of the proverbial “hat" (clutch.)
First, follow these steps:
1. Ditch the wallet. It is time your credit card, photo ID and business cards went commando.
2. Trade you cumbersome pack of gum for a slim pocketpak of listerine strips; it saves you the chewing as well.
3. Your phone should be able to fit into most mini handbags. However, the need for the big screen means it will definitely not fit inside every minaudière and clutch. This is when you need to draft in the pocketed skirt, dress or jumpsuit.
4. As far as beauty and hygiene essentials that are ergonomically designed to fit into your new mini go: I highly recommend PopBeauty products, not only are they created with multifunctional use and smart packaging, they also contain nourishing oils and vitamins. PopBeauty’s Plump Pout Liquid Lipstick Stain (£10.50) is everything you need in one flat tube of gloss, it stains for extra long wear, plumps, gives a high gloss finish AND is about the size of a credit card! It will fit easily into the flattest of clutches.
Another essential is the No Show Camouflage Fix, which corrects dark circles, redness and complexion imperfections in a tiny flat circle and conveniently has a mirror on the back. No applicator necessary.
For keeping your makeup intact, I advise Urban Decay’s All Nighter to spray on you face before heading out into the world, it locks your makeup on, however from day to night foundation can get creasy and eye makeup can begin to run, regardless of your efforts. That is where the Micro Beauty Blender comes into play. This tiny tear drop shaped sponge is an all-in-one makeup fixing tool that essentially takes up no space.
The final tool that is worth carrying in every bag: A single flosser-flosser and toothpick in one-a true and tiny lifesaver wherever life takes you.
5. Last but not least … the age old dilemma of what to do with the keys. You have three options 1) Show them off! Clip your keys on the outside of your mini along with a Fendi bug or decorative key chain to add your own personal touch. 2) Employ your plus one to carry them for you. 3) Purchase a key connecter that will hold your most important key or two on one side and the rest of the keys that you do not use all of the time on the other.
[Image: ASOS lock and eyes key ring]
Once you can accomplish these steps then you move on to the perfect bag. Almost every designer is doing their own version on the mini bag, so the decision should be pretty simple if you are loyal to a particular brand. Yet with all of the options it is important to find a bag that is aligned and versatile to your unique lifestyle.
The Mini “IT” bags of the moment:
The Micro Fendi Peek-A-Boo
The Mini Lady Dior bag.
It’s simply perfect.
The Mini Diorama bag
Saint Laurent Mini Sac Du Jour
Valentino Rockstud Lock Flap Mini Bag
Celine Nano
[Image: Purseblog.com]
Balenciaga Micro City Bag
The Mini’s no one else has:
Givenchy Micro Pandora Box
Mark Cross Small Grace Trunk Box
Balenciaga Maillon Mini
Very sleek, clean and structured. It is also on the larger side of mini bags if you’re looking for a bit more space.
Patricia Chang French Mouse Bag
Minaudieres:
Edie Parker
(Mirror on the inside of the clutch!)
Les Petits Joueurs - Andy Mondrian
Charlotte Olympia
Charlotte Olympia
Flat Clutches:
Anya Hindmarch
Charlotte Olympia
The look for less:
Another bag that caught my eye is the Celine Pocket Flapbag, it does not come in a mini size by Celine, however Rafe NY makes a very similar mini version of this bag which is very cute!
Victoria Beckham does a great clutch, but her price tags are a serious statement. The same style can be found by Christian Siriano.
This mini push-lock cambridge satchel is a pretty good alternative to the Balenciaga Maillon Mini.
This Faith winged mini cross-body is only £29!
Topshop mini V tote - £36
Monki Renee slim bag - £20
If you want some perspex in your life, this Johnny Loves Rosie blue Bea Box Clutch is a great option, and SkinnyDip has some too.
Paper Thinks recycled leather pouch - really chic and only £13