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I’ve grown fond of crossbody bags. They are the perfect hands-off solution for the mobile age as we now need both hands for our smartphones. I still like the oversized handbags that I gravitated to a few years ago but find them less useful on weekends.
I praised the design of the larger Signature Gallery Tote in an earlier review and think the details translated well when scaled down in size. It is slightly unforgivable that the “mini” is also missing east-west zippers on the top but I plan to jury rig a solution (when I do, I’ll be sure to update you all).
Quality is what you’d expect from a $98 bag (60% off today with code ANN60). It’s sturdy and though the straps look thin, they do the job adequately. While I would’ve preferred a chain/faux leather strap to the one that Ann Taylor ended up using, the alternative isn’t unacceptable. The pebbled faux leather material will likely polarize Ann Taylor’s target demographic but I am mostly indifferent.
The bag is 9 inches tall, the base about 10 inches wide but the top expands to roughly 16″ wide when the gussets are fully unzipped.
There is only one zippered pocket on the inside which is fine for the size but some online reviewers find it inconceivable that it doesn’t have a phone pouch.
As you can see below, the bag is fairly spacious for its size. I don’t find myself wishing that it were larger or smaller. It fits the “essentials” and nothing more.
The bag can be worn in the crook of your arm (handheld straps have a 4″ drop), on the shoulder, and as a crossbody. I almost always wear mine as a crossbody because the straps are nonadjustable (42″ in total length) and slightly too long when I–5’2–wear it on the shoulder.
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All styles are 60% off today at Ann Taylor with code ANN60.
My picks: Cable Turtleneck Sweater (worn here), Ombre Plaid Coat (worn here), Cozy Pocket Sweater, Cropped Snowflake Sweater, Cable Trim Sweater, Cropped Cable Sweater (worn here), Faux Leather Paneled Sweater, Jewel Neck Sweater, Cashmere Cable Sweater, Coby Zip Up Leather Boots, and Pebbled Signature Tote (reviewed here).
Additional picks: Wide Stripe Perfect Shirt, Chunky Knit Gator, Iconic Leather Wrap Bracelet, Striped Knit Top, Cozy Pocket Sweater, Elliana Strappy Leather Heels, Striped Mock Neck Sweater, Sweater Jersey Wrap Top, Side Button Sweater Jersey Top, Faux Leather Pleated Skirt, Embroidered Lace Front Sweatshirt, Textured Tweed Jacket, and Cascade Ruffle Front Top.
Happy shopping!
