We all have nightmares about the fanny packs of yore.  Worn usually with tube socks, long shorts and big bellies, fanny packs were the preferred accessory of the unfashionable tourist.  I’m sure that is a big reason as to why Europeans hate us.  It’s valid.   Hence, we were all thrilled and relieved when the fanny pack disappeared.  (Or rather, mostly disappeared; it can still be seen at theme parks and Walmarts across America.  Another reason to hate Walmart.)

Well, I’m here to tell you that  belt bags or hip bags (as they are called now) are back.  And they are HIP!   They have been spotted on fashion runways and celebrities like Brooke Shields, Tyra Banks and Rihanna.

And now, me.

During our time in L.A. this summer I found a hip bag at one of the hippest (and my all-time favorite) stores in L.A., Fred Segal.

I LOVE Fred Segal!  I always find something unique when I shop there.  I bought a few things over several visits–bracelet, shirt, leggings, jacket–but I kept coming back to this bag.  I didn’t want to impulse buy (it wasn’t cheap), so I let the idea marinate for a couple of weeks.  In the end I bought it as a birthday present.  Happy Birthday to me!

The leather is fantastic and will only look better with age.  The fringe sold me; I love fringe on everything (you know, it’s the hippie in me), but it also happens to be a fashion trend right now.  The bag is made by Rubyzaar and upon researching the company I am even more pleased with my purchase:

Rubyzaar is a fair trade business that works mainly with female artisans and crafts people from Southeast Asia. We have collaborated with these artists to bring together traditional and contemporary designs forming unique products, which are handmade from 100% natural fibers. It is in our interest to preserve the tradition and quality of these crafts. We personally travel throughout the region and handpick very specific items from select artisans, forming relationships so that we can share their culture and talent with you.

If that isn’t enough, the company contributes to Heifer International, an organization I donated to when we gave my son’s preschool teacher a goat one year.  (In case you are unfamiliar with the organization, we didn’t really give her a goat…Heifer International gave a goat to a family in the teacher’s name.  A goat would have been an odd addition to the classroom.  I’m pretty sure that there is a school regulation health code prohibiting that.)

I got a chance to wear my hip bag in NYC while at Blogher.  During my last day in NYC I had several hours to to explore before my flight.  I checked my luggage at the hotel, threw on my hip bag and walked around Central Park for 3 hours.  The bag was perfect for exploring.  It could comfortably hold my camera, lip gloss, iPhone and a small wallet with i.d., credit card and cash.  My hands were free and my back didn’t hurt from carrying a shoulder bag.

It was handy to wear at the airport too, although I don’t recommend wearing a jumpsuit and a hip bag at the same time.  Whenever I had to use the bathroom, I had to remove the bag and take down my jumpsuit…not very easy on an airplane!

Yeah, I’m loving my hip bag.  But it’s not for fashion scaredy-cats; you’ve got to be bold, you’ve got to own it.   If you’ve got the fashion chutzpa to wear a hip bag, I say go for it.  But remember these few rules:

• Do buy a luxurious bag.  A cheap bag will look like a fanny pack.  A luxurious bag will look like a  statement accessory.

• Do keep your clothing simple, straight lines and not much other adornment.

• Don’t wear it with gym shoes.  Converse or some other hip gym shoe may be okay.  But running shoes?  No.

• And the most important rule of all: Don’t wear it on your fanny.  It is to be worn on your hip.  Fanny = you’re a mark.  Hip = you’re hip.