A few days ago, I wrote about the IT Bag of the Moment, the PS1 (click here to read article). It looks like the PS1 has a worthy contender and it’s also a crossbody – the Mulberry Alexa.

Mulberry Alexa

The Mulberry Alexa was developed and named after model, style icon, and designer Alexa Chung. Here are pictures of Alexa using different versions of the bag:

Alexa Chung and her Mulberry Alexa Bags

It’s funny how the PS1 and the Mulberry Alexa look so much alike. Price wise however, the PS1 is a little more expensive (by a few hundreds), although the PS1 is also slightly larger (an inch to an inch and a half).

Mulberry Alexa vs. Proenza Schouler PS1

The Alexa is actually a cross between Mulberry’s iconic Bayswater Tote (as seen below) and its men’s brief case. It comes in two sizes – a medium and a large, just like the PS1.  And it also comes in a clutch version (Mulberry Alexa Clutch), the same way that the PS1 has a clutch. Like I said – rivals.

Mulberry Bayswater Tote in Cheetah Hair Calf, US$2650 (Shopbop.com)

If you’re interested, the Mulberry Alexa Shiny Leopard Tote (Medium) and the Mulberry Alexa Shiny Leopard Clutch are both available at Shopbop.com.

Mulberry Alexa Shiny Leopard Tote, US$1250

Mulberry Alexa Shiny Leopard Clutch, US$695

You can get the plain version from either La Garconne or Net-A-Porter

Well wouldn’t you know it. KAVU Bags, a brand which we’ve featured time and again here on Cross Body Purses, is the best-selling messenger bag brand on Zappos.com.

Aside from being reasonably priced, customers who have bought bags from KAVU love that they’re functional, have a lot of compartments, and are just the right size (enough room to carry essentials without becoming bulky and heavy). I’d also like to add “come in nice prints and colors” to that list – KAVU bags come in practically every color of the rainbow and their basic designs allow their bags to become unisex depending on what color you choose.

So without further ado, here is KAVU’s and Zappos.com‘s best-selling messenger bag, the Keeper and it’s new perfect-for-the-summer colors:

The KAVU Keeper‘s new colors (clockwise from top left): Sunset Petals, Blue Floral, Mauve Floral, Dawn Petals and Pink Majestic

These new bright and summery colors are $36.00 each. For those who want simpler designs, the KAVU Keeper is also available in plain colors such as black, khaki and natural. The plain ones go for $41.00 a piece.

What’s your everyday go-to bag for this summer?

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)