Through my many years obsessing over various designer bags from LV to Chanel, my most used “bag” by far was my Balenciaga Coin Purse. Why? It carried all my essentials — keys, phone, 1 credit card. I grew tired of lugging around totes and hobos stocked with “just in case” crap, i.e. cash/coins, umbrellas, books, ipads, cleansing towelettes, hand lotion, sunglasses…99% of the time in 99% of my day, I didn’t need anything except those 3 essentials. I needed to be able to go home & go to work (keys), communicate / browse web / check email (phone), and buy lunch / anything (1 credit card).

My coin purse grew dark and dirty from my over-use of it. I carried only that everywhere I went — grocery shopping, to work, out to lunch, shopping. One con: it wasn’t attached to me and it was small, so easily misplaced. I then tried wristlets, but I found my hand mobility hindered by a heavy thing dragging on my wrist.

Now, years later, I’ve found my new best friend:

Cross-body bags that were too big for the very small essentials I needed to carry (iPhone, keys, 1 card) made me not want to reach for them when heading out. I realized I needed a bag that’s basically a pouch to carry my phone. The other stuff just don’t take up that much space. This little pouch feels significantly different than a small normal cross-body bag, i.e. you basically don’t even feel it. The specific one above was from China so it’s likely not available in the US, but designers have taken notice of the increasing trend towards minimalism so there are quite a few great options available to you. Here are some of my picks!

Michael Kors Mini Hamilton Cross-Body Bag

Eeeek, how freakin’ adorable?? I can’t even stand it. I don’t know why but I just love miniatures and this one is super cute and so functional for carrying those essentials. Comes in most of the normal Michael Kors Hamilton colors I believe. Cognac is my favorite…well, maybe white. Or red. Oh let’s face it, I want them ALL! Get yours for $168 here. I think the price is a steal.

Prada Saffiano Leather Mini Flap Crossbody Bag

Very elegant but kind of rock at the same time, right? It fits the essentials perfectly.

 Get yours here for $1,390.

Tory Burch Robinson Smart Phone Crossbody Wallet Bag

Super cute when dressed up, but I can just as easily see this paired with a tee and jeans.

Versatile, minimalist, with just the right pop of gold hardware. Get yours here for $225.

Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Brandice Crossbody Phone Bag

This Kate Spade Phone Crossbody Phone Bag probably looks & feels the most like the white pouch I have now. It is the size and shape of a smartphone, with a bit of room to spare for other small essentials.

Feels like you’re not carrying a bag at all and the leather is very pebbly and soft. Love, love, love. Get yours here for $98.

Clava Bags Page Leather Mini Crossbody Bag

The description for this bag is spot on: “This sweet little bag is just right for a day of window shopping, sightseeing or wherever the day may take you. In gorgeous, soft top grain leather, this moon-shaped crossbody holds – and organizes – your essentials while looking oh, so adorable!” Comes in quite a few colors too!

 Get yours here for $140.

Saint Laurent Monogram Flap Crossbody Bag

There are no words for this one. Just love x 10000000. Get yours here for $1,390.

Brian Lichtenberg’s Homies Tee has become somewhat of a phenomenon. More so than any other tee with a simple, clever saying, this series of tees have been seen on celebs and bloggers alike, from Miley Cyrus to even Justin Bieber.

I have to admit, I too was drawn to it. I think I just like contradictions. The “homies” part is irreverent and so IDGAF, but made in gold screen — especially against white or black — makes it seem somewhat fancified. Then pair this laid-back gem with an actual girly skirt and heels and it looks like a walking contradiction. I also like that it’s a nod at the overly-expensive & iconic Hermes logo, so it’s somewhat of an inside joke among people who “get” the shirt and find it funny & irreverent.

I had a hard time choosing between black and white with gold screen. I ended up with black. Look how laid-back chic it looks like Christina Milian!

 The fit is loose and the material seems very comfortable and breathable.

 The screen printing also seems pretty high quality; doesn’t feel like it’ll fade or chip off with washing.

However, speaking of washing…this is the only thing I don’t love about this tee. It must be hand washed in cold water. I don’t recall the last time I hand washed anything. I’d like to try throwing this into the washer and see what happens, but I don’t want to risk it. Most likely not a problem for anyone else except lazy me =P Other than that minor issue, I love this tee and want to stock up in every style & color! White with gold would be especially cool.

Get yours here for $61.