La "Fanny Pack" a.k.a "Fashion Waist Packs" are fashion's "comeback kid"! The styles that have made a huge upgrade from the 80s are not your grandmother's convenient waist purse for speed walking in the mall. I use to be one of the skeptics that heckled at people who wore fanny packs (i.e. tourists), but now that there are chic designs to choose from, I couldn't wait to own my 1st. The thought of being "hands free" without leaving my "on-the-go" essentials at home is intriguing. Personally, I prefer the styles that have a belt-style strap or a chain strap instead of the basic plastic buckle (a little tacky in my opinion, much like the original design, and it's also why I think there is a distinction between "fashion waist packs" to that of "bum packs" as dubbed by festival goers). The designs of these straps are what make the fanny pack ultra chic and not cheap looking giving the affect of having a small purse attached to your belt. And there are so many to choose from, a girl just can't have one!
LV, Gucci, MK...Kate Spade, Coach, Chanel...Prada, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, & Steve Madden...all have hopped on the bandwagon creating sleek edgy designs that compliment any outfit!
3 Ways to Wear
Blouse Tucked-In:
This look is great for work if you have to be on-the-go constantly for your job such as a PA (Personal Assistant) or if you have to pop into work real quick for a business meeting. The right fanny pack will enable you to look professional and avant-garde without coming across as tacky.
Fitted Dress/Romper:
A nice way to dress up your fanny pack for "date night"! This accessory is so perfect for when you're with your bae because it frees up your hands from worrying about your clutch (or carrying heavy straps to your oversized handbag); so you can freely frisk your boo (if PDA is your thing) or hold hands while you lovingly stroll to your next destination after dinner! Try a leather quilted fanny pack that has a chain or belt strap with your outfit for a more upscale look that screams “sexy fashionista”.
Crop Top Sweater & High-Waisted Jeans:
Perfect outfit for the weekend when your meeting up with the gang for Brunch or have errands to run, but you want to look cute while you do it! You can also swap the high-waisted jeans for "mom jeans" or this season's ever trending "wide-leg jeans/pants". Pair your outfit with funky sneakers, sharp flats, or peep-toe booties (depending on your destination or comfort level) to complete this look.
Personally, for my first fanny, I am starting with a simple black leather design because it will go with everything. When I purchase an item that I’m really digging that moment I like to wear it all the time!
History
There’s so much information online that it’s overwhelming! So I linked the best articles that thoroughly cover the extensive genesis of this infamously understated avant-garde accessory! Our neighbors, the Brits, call them “bum bags" and The 80s introduced this convenient carry-all pouch that got a lot of flack for its lack of style. Visit the sites below for more knowledge on this ever-evolving (more ways to carry it than one) bag!
Elle Magazine has a great article from January of this year on some of the hottest designer fanny packs:
3 places to purchase
Designers have enabled the fanny pack to become hip once again, but there are other designs out there that give off the same chic affect without breaking the bank. Checkout these online retailers who can hook you up asap; getting you hands free for the places you have to be seen this Spring/Summer!
Amazon.com has a great selection of affordable “fashion fanny packs for women" that range from 90s nostalgia see-through for the party goer to sleek leather for the chic city dweller. Most prices are well under $20.
Target.com is another great place where you can find the right fanny pack that suits your style. Checkout these screenshots of a couple of cute fanny packs available on their site that you can also purchase through Google Express!
(The fanny above has that plastic buckle I was talking about, but it's still cute for more casual days)
(This Lilac fanny is a great accessory for Spring. Try pairing this with matching blouse and pants/skirt or if that's too much for your taste then you can get your nails done the same hue)
http://www.fanny-packs.com/designerpack is the ultimate online fanny pack provider offering a wide selection to choose from (minimalist, eccentric, sporty, etc.).
Now, fellas...
You know I didn’t forget you though! I advise utilizing a “man fanny pack” for hiking trips, fishing, or coolly slung over your shoulder in lieu of your traditional “man bag” (when you don’t need to carry too much but there are a few essentials you want to take with you while on-the-go). I prefer the latter because it’s more becoming (fashion-wise) of a modern city man!
Here is a link to some fanny packs that may suit your style:
As well as a link to a man's perspective on the "history of the fanny pack for men(...)":
Hollywood hotshot, Matthew McConaughey, knows how to rock the fanny pack with confidence that doesn’t take away from his masculinity, but only adds to it! Checkout this article from Time Magazine for more: http://time.com/3149421/fanny-pack-matthew-mcconaughey/
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