Once I switched to a crossbody handbag, my life forever changed and it remained a blissful world of between-the-boobs, hands-free mobile storage until I fell head over heels with satchels.

A frequently flapped and simple bag with a top handle and a compact, space efficient shape. They come in all styles, from the preppiest to the most laid back to glamorous to loud. But hanging that thing on my shoulder is a joke due to its aforementioned ample space, and I’m only a crook of the elbow purse wearer when I’m not racing through clearance racks at the speed of light – and you never know when you’ll find a good clearance rack.

My first crossbody satchel was from Zara (R.I.P.) and it made my life better. It carried all the things I needed it to carry, and I could carry it all in a stylish, hands-free way. I keep driving the hands-free because I have gigantic loads of things to carry from time to time and I’m not a mom. You see what I mean?

I found some crossbody satchels that really cranked up the cool as far as design and colors go. The most cool part, though, is the fact that they’re all under $50.

Cool Crossbody Satchels

Left side, top to bottom:

Catherine Catherine Malandrino Jennifer Hexagon Satchel, was $70 now $49
Topshop Tapestry Crossbody Bag, $50
French Connection So Fresh Saddle Bag, was $65 now $49.50
Jessica Simpson Carlyle Bag, was $88 now $34.46

Right side, top to bottom:

Neiman Marcus Faux Suede & Croc Duffle, was $85 now $42.50
Aldo Oviglio Top Handle Bag, was $60 now $35
Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Adrianna Satchel, was $100 now $39.15

leith metallic satchel

Leith Metal Plate Satchel$48
I also have a growing affinity for the smaller, more structural satchels that work well for evening. This one is giving me bedroom eyes with its metallic art deco details. (The black version is even more graphic.) Extra multitasker bonus: you can tuck the chain away and it leaves you with a clutch!

It’s amazing how much having both of your arms free changes pretty much your entire life experience. Trust me – it’s worth a try.

Probably watching Netflix.