When I started designing the Luna Crossbody, I wanted to create a simple bag with a slim profile that could hold the bare essentials: cards, money, my phone, keys, and my go-to combo of chapstick and lipstick. When I’m out running around town, I don’t want to be weighed down with a lot of extra stuff. And listen, I know we all say we’ll keep our purses organized, but the larger the purse, the more things we can fit into it. And the more awkward moments we have at the checkout digging around for our wallet through crumpled receipts, notes, pens, phone chargers, headphones, fabric samples, and granola crumbs. And the more moments of rage when we can’t find our keys. What I’m saying is, I like a place for everything and everything in it’s place, easy to find. And for me, it’s best when that place is small.

I’m also the kind of person that likes a bag that goes with everything (I’m the same way with shoes). It’s not that I don’t love handbags (and shoes), but I am prone to analysis paralysis and purse-switch-induced F.O.L.S.O. (Fear Of Leaving Something Out). When you make your own bag, you can make it in any color or finish you desire, a.k.a. the most complimentary to your personal style (and you can make several, if that’s your thang, too). Win, win!

Here is my roundup of styles to inspire your Luna Crossbody!

Pops of Color (and Colorblocking!)

I know I just said that I like a bag that goes with everything, but hear me out: pops of color can behave like neutrals and give even your most basic outfit a surge of style. I made my first Luna out of a fantastic sunny yellow canvas and it’s the best accessory decision I’ve maybe ever made, in my humble opinion. There are several opportunities to colorblock with this bag, too! Add a neon strap, play with color on the piping (this is on my todo list), or punch up your exterior pocket. You’ll feel like a fashion insider, promise.

Pattern Play

Ah, prints! From bold geometrics to flirty, feminine florals there are so many opportunities to let your personal style shine. Maybe you have some beautiful woven fabric that you bought on vacation, or you want to try your hand at painting abstract shapes onto canvas. This little half-circle bag is the perfect vehicle for showing off your print savvy (and your personality—isn’t it great how pattern can do that?).

Classic Neutrals

Everyone needs that bag that is truly a multi-outfit wonder. I present to you this stunning array of classic neutrals. Canvas and leather are the stars here. The nice thing about creating something with a neutral palette is that you have endless sources for your materials (seriously, you’ll have very little trouble finding fabrics in black, white, and brown), AND you can really focus on the stitch details and hardware selection if you want to take your construction skills to the next level.

Embellishments

I have several images in my head of a beautifully simple Luna with a flourish of embellishment: solid canvas with a gorgeous spot embroidery on the exterior pocket; fringe in place of the piping on the bag perimeter; block printed fabrics (oooh, and pattern mixing!). Y’all. Make my dreams come true! I have an entire [collection of] board(s) on Pinterest dedicated to all of these slow-craft DIY techniques, if you need further inspiration (hint, hint, wink, wink).

I could go on! But I will stop there. Now that you have a few ideas brewing for the design of your Luna, you are ready to start sourcing your materials. In the next few posts, I’ll be sharing what to look for and where to find it when it comes to selecting your materials and supplies.