Happy 4th of July everyone!

From us here at Cross Body Purses, here’s a patriotic collection of 7 red, white and blue cross body bags to help get in the spirit of independence:

DadGear Americana Satchel, $115.70. Can you believe this is a diaper bag for dads?!?

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Medium 122, $89.95. A classic bag from a trusted brand.

Littlearth MVP Jersey Tote Bag/Columbus Blue Jackets, $28.00 (was $35.00). There are plenty more of these with other teams on it.

Littlearth NHL Capitols Petite Purse, $30.40 (was $38.00). Show your team spirit with this bag!

Roxy Limited Edition Arena Rock Crossbody, $55.80 (was $62.00). My personal favorite out of the bunch – the white is nice but the black might be easier to wear.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Spot, $158.00. Why isn’t Marc Jacobs making more stuff with this adorable print?

Vera Bradley Rosie Posie Hipster, $44.00. Check out this bag’s other colors – Vera Bradley prints are amazing!

Looks like the Balenciaga City Bag and Chloe Paddington have to move over because there’s a new “IT” bag in town – the Proenza Schouler PS1.

I’m featuring it today not because it’s an IT bag, but more because it a crossbody. This one is another piece for you junkies to fall over.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Bag

(photo from LaGarconne.com)

Unlike the Balenciaga, which gained instant stardom upon its release, the PS1’s rise to popularity was actually slow. It was first spotted on Mary Kate Olsen, but got overshadowed by the Paddington and the Arena. Eventually, the PS1 received some (and then more) attention and voila! A new IT bag was discovered!

Of course, being toted around by celebrities like Mary Kate Olsen and Nicky Hilton more than helped fuel its claim to fame.

Mary Kate Olsen and her PS1

Nicky Hilton and her PS1

If we were to omit the colorful adjectives, the PS1 is basically a glorified messenger bag. There’s a top flap with pull-tab straps and a center buckle which folds and locks the flap in place. It comes with a compartment at the front, a top handle, and a zippered compartment at the back.

Other views of the PS1

(photos from LaGarconne.com)

But we understand why it’s hot. Apart from being a  Proenza Schouler, it’s a useful and versatile piece. Women can use it as a laptop bag and as a handbag; it’s like getting two for the price of one. Not to mention it’s easy to carry (being a crossbody and all).

Being a designer piece, the PS1 comes at a certain price, and it isn’t cheap. The large one costs US$1995 while the medium runs at U$1595. If you’re a crossbody fanatic and a designer junkie, then you will probably feel like acquiring this bag is a must (visit Barneys or LaGarconne if you wish to purchase the PS1).

But if you can’t afford it, why force it? You can get the same look without the hefty price tag from other noteworthy pieces. Try these for starters:

TUMI Lardeo Leather Large Messenger, US$495

Affliction Ashrah Hobo, US$142

Ben Sherman Basic Strapped Messenger, on sale for US$79 (Zappos.com)

Father’s Day is coming up soon (it’s on June 20^th), have you figured out what gift to give  your Dad or hubby (or any dad who’s a member of your family for that matter)?

Well, if he happens to be a business traveler, we have some ideas for you. Like a man’s wallet, watch, and shoes, a man’s laptop bag or luggage bag also represents his status. In other words, the bag, much like the shoes, watch, and wallet, makes the man. So if your Dad or hubby is often in the boardroom, then he still has to look his best even when he’s off it; like when he’s traveling for business for instance.

We have pooled five classy and luxurious luggage and laptop bags that you can possibly give him this Father’s Day. These are guaranteed to suit his expensive taste and keep him looking classy as well.

Cole Haan Duffel, US$695

This Cole Haan Duffel is the classic embodiment of understated elegance

Bric’s U.S.A. Urban Safari 22″, US$395

A great piece with lots of character that will suit his classic but luxurious taste

TUMI Sundance Ballistic Albaquerque EW Messenger, US$275

The perfect bag to wear for when the dress code calls for business casual

Kenneth Cole “Out of the Bag” Expandable Top Zip Computer Case, US$200

A laptop bag and more that will give him that million dollar look without the million dollar price tag

TUMI Laredo Leather Lardedo Large Brief, US$US$545

There’s nothing better than a multi-pocketed classic black large briefcase made with the finest material