Spring Shopping: The Smaller Bag

By Amina Akhtar and Caragh Wilson 04/18/11 at 04:45 PM

Reed Krakoff's Tejus lizard-skin bag is tiny, chic, and can go with almost anything. Reed Krakoff mini shoulder bag (height: 5.9", width: 7.1", depth: 2.6"), $1,490; reedkrakoff.com
Organized types will be fans of all the compartments. We love the white and gold combination, great for summer. DKNY Ivory patent croc leather triple-pocket cross body (height: 4.125", width: 8.5", depth: 3.5"), $195; at select DKNY locations, 800-231-0884
Add a touch of the Southwestern trend we saw on the Fall runways to your outfit. This bag may be small, but it has a lot of personality. Gucci Snaffle Bit bag (height: 6.3", width: 7.2", depth: 2.5"), $1,880; gucci.com
Prada's stripes are the pattern of the season. This bag gives you the look without having to go head to toe. Prada Canapa Striped bag (height: 5.51", width: 7.87", depth: 1.97"), $795; prada.com
Offset your all-white look with a rose-hued bag. The zippered compartments offer storage for the basics. 3.1 Phillip Lim Fannie clutch (height: 6", width: 8.5", depth: 1.5"), $525; farfetch.com
Fendi's striped crocodile look is a small bag with big style, and a pricetag to match. Fendi nude leather and crocodile stripe shoulder bag, $2,900; available at Fendi, 677 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 212-759-4646.
A slightly larger alternative to the teeny tinies, this adorned bag with adjustable straps can go from the office to after hours. Marc Jacobs small leather bag (height: 8.6", width: 7.8", depth: 5.9"), $834; yoox.com
The woven and braided leather adds some rustic texture, and the bold orange hue is on trend with the tangerine-colored Spring runways. The Frye Company's Maddy Mini (height: 4.5", width: 6.25", depth: 3.25"), $158; thefryecompany.com
This is your Saturday afternoon bag: Small, cute, and made with woven straw, it's ideal for brunch or an all-day concert. Rebecca Minkoff Baby Belle bag (height: 6", width: 7", depth: 3"), $150; pre-order at rebeccaminkoff.com
Walk the line between form and function: This chic shoulder bag takes up little room but you can still fill it up. Nicoli small leather bag (height: 5.1", width: 7.8", depth: 1.6"), $175; yoox.com
Not every small bag has to be over-the-top cute. Topshop's satchel has a distinct tough-girl vibe. Topshop Black Leather Contrast Stitch Satchel (height: 7.08", width: 6.29"), $55; topshop.com

This season, bigger isn't better. At least, not where bags are concerned.

The Spring runways were full of mini pocketbooks, from metal coin purses at Ralph Lauren to the monogrammed disco ball at Louis Vuitton.

But for all the glitz and glamour, the tiny totes weren't exactly practical. Designers took note of the trend, however, and offered up some more wearable options. Toss down that 15-pound giant hobo and downsize with a wearable—yet oh-so-cute—small day bag.

Everyone from Topshop to 3.1 Phillip Lim to Prada have petite satchels, clutches, and shoulder bags that can carry your bare necessities. Lipstick, wallet, keys, and your phone are the true minimalist girl's luggage.

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