it was bound to happen…a reader question that had me completely and totally stumped.
Is there such a thing as a “cool” fanny pack? Something that can be worn for a runner/jogger or traveling? I was thinking about this the other day and of course, you came to mind. A friend of mine has a cute LeSportsac one, but I don’t really know how “cool” it really is and who can really pull something like that off. ~ A
hmm.
well…i said i’d answer any and all reader questions, and i meant it, darn it.
so, before we get into the fashion faux-pas issue, i don’t think a fanny pack when used for running has to be “cool” – i think it’s pretty much all about function at that point, and i’d hit up my local REI – you only want the necessities with you, and anything too heavy is going to cause chafing, which is definitely a fashion don’t. though, for me, i think this arm band pocket by nike would be much less annoying than a waist pack if i was actually running…no jostling, and no risk of the aforementioned chafing.
for travel, that’s another matter entirely. i’ve never been an advocate of “travel wear”, unless you’re wading through a jungle. when i travel, one of my favorite pasttimes is pointing out the tourists – white tennis shoes, hawaiian shirt (regardless of climate), pockets stuffed with maps, cameras, and brochures from various museums…and a fanny pack (or one of those travel neck wallet things, possibly even worse than the fanny pack!). so, i’d start by saying i think a fanny pack puts you at greater risk of being mugged, etc. than a regular purse, because it effectively plants a big “i’m a tourist” sign on your back.
besides the goofy tourist factor, i don’t know about you, but i’m not looking to add bulk to my midsection…and nothing accomplishes that like strapping a bag full of your daily necessities around your waist.
soapbox aside, i did manage to find a few non-heinous options, if you’re willing to suffer through the aforementioned challenges. first off is the now-famous gucci belt bag, whose resurgence in popularity a few years back is due to an appearance on sex and the city, being sported by the lovely sarah jessica parker. at $495, you need to love it – but at least you’re on trend while wearing the fanny pack, which is tough to manage. and that silver is actually sort of cool, i must admit. then, there’s also this posh turnlock belt bag from marc by marc jacobs, but it’s also pricey at $228 – and i’d much rather see you spend $250 on a handbag you’ll love than a waist pack you’ll constantly question.
in terms of bang for your proverbial buck, the lovely writers of bunnyshop reminded me that there was one option i found long ago that i think is the closest to “cool” i’ve ever seen for a waist pack. etsy seller bonspiel creations is a longtime favorite of mine, and they make several cute-as-a-button options, in two different sizes ($64 and $32), that i think one could actually manage to pull off without slapping that “tourist” sign between your shoulderblades.
does anyone have any other ideas for our darling reader?
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Marc Jacobs or not I can’t even begin to imagine wearing something called a fanny pack — darn you for finding some totally adorable ones on etsy!
For running, by far the best brand is Fuel Belt. They do come in a range of styles and colors, but are far from stylish! Camelbak also makes a few styles specifically for running now, too.
I just don’t know about a fanny pack…this one from American Apparel is inexpensive if you feel you must try the fanny pack route: http://store.americanapparel.net/rsapv501.html
As far as travel, why not just go with a cute purse with a cross strap like Rebecca Minkoff suggested:
http://www.shoppingsmycardio.com/2008/07/10/smc-interviews-and-collection-preview-rebecca-minkoff/
Who would have thunk it? I actually thought some were cute.
I have the arm band from nike in gunmetal! It’s awesome!
Well, I wouldn’t call this a fanny pack. But it is hands-free and great for traveling or going out. Check out http://www.bucklette.com.
Pingback: Cross Body Bags & Fanny Packs Part Deux
Time to resurrect this post! So many options these days! What do you think?
Sarah – You’re right! There is a whole new crop of options, for sure. This one’s probably the best around these days: http://www.shoppingsmycardio.com/2014/10/17/the-chic-fanny-pack/