
I spent the first half of the summer with my parents in Brooklyn, New York. And like most people during these strange times, my go-to look became a pair of easy leggings and a sporty workout top (a half-hearted attempt to stay motivated for my virtual pilates classes). Gone were the days where I experimented with fashion, but the more I sunk into my athleisure hole, the more I missed the fun of getting dressed.
As we entered the dog days of summer, however, a combination of factors, from the 89-degree weather to New York City cautiously re-opening, reinvigorated my fashion senses. I was ready to shed my workout attire for classic denim and bright accessories to pick up my style game. Though I remained true to my pre-quarantine look with pieces like classic denim and sneakers, one welcome change to my wardrobe was in my accessories. Now that my day-to-day no longer requires dashing around the city (just one of the benefits of WFH!), all I needed—whether it's a Monday walk by the East River or a Saturday night on a city rooftop—was a smart and small crossbody bag.
When it comes to bags, the crossbody is the definition of functional meets playful, and these days I’m turning to my Kate Spade New York's spade flower jacquard drum bag. The circular silhouette fits more than you’d think, and it’s the perfect size for all my essentials—from keys and sunglasses to my credit card holder and the necessary hand sanitizer. Inside, there are slots for your credit cards and IDs so you can forego carrying a wallet altogether. Genius.
Since the whimsical spade flower motif (created by joining together four spades of the brand's signature logo) and colors on the bag already make a statement, it dresses up all my plain summer outfits—from a tee and denim shorts to a white dress. I’ve worn this bag while I biked across the Williamsburg bridge and I’ve brought it along with me to picnics at the park. As fall approaches, I know this trusty bag will continue to carry me through the seasons with effortless style.
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covers celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducts original interviews with industry insiders.
-
The Cannes Film Festival 2022: The Best Red Carpet Looks
Here's what everyone wore for the festival's 75th year.
By Sara Holzman
-
Zosia Mamet Doesn’t Need Your Main Character Energy
The 'Flight Attendant' star has found success as an actor and passion as a writer, but the role she was born to play may just be the one of best friend.
By Neha Prakash
-
We Can Likely “Expect to See the Children as Well” in Sussex Docuseries, Expert Says
“You know, Netflix, they do want bang for their buck.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The 38 Best Summer Dresses of 2022
Say yes to the dress(es).
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The Spring 2022 Handbag Trends to Get Excited About
The humble bucket bag is back.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 12 Best Loafers for Women to Stay Comfy and Cool In
Loafers are the new pumps. There, we said it.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 6 Summer 2022 Handbag Trends to Get a Grip On
Logo designs, raffia fabrics, and Y2K silhouettes are front and center this season.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 13 Best Eyeglass Chains Out There
This isn't your grandmother's accessory.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 13 Best Jelly Sandals to Fall (Back) in Love With in 2022
Your childhood favorite got an upgrade.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
18 Luxury Mother's Day Gifts When She Deserves Something Really Special
These elevated finds speak for themselves.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 8 Best Beach Outfits for Long Days in the Sun
Ready to hit the sand in 3, 2, 1...
By Gabrielle Ulubay