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My collection of bags is large enough that I often switch up which one I use on any given day. Sometimes I choose one based on what I’m wearing, or because I’m in the mood for that particular look. But more often than not, I use something for extended periods of time because it holds everything I want to have with me.
That is the case with the Marauders Map crossbody purse that I’m using right now. I bought it a few months ago and it’s not like most of the other bags that I have, which is why I’ve been using it as often as I do. There are eight reasons why I love using it, so keep reading to learn why.
1. I Love Its Size
This particular bag is smaller than many of my other ones, and I can’t hold all that much in it, but that is actually a good thing most of the time. Sure, it’s nice to have something larger if I have a lot to carry, but most of the time all I need is my driver’s license, a credit card, and my keys. Not much more. There’s no need for anything larger than this on most days.
Even better, I can and do take this bag with me to the gym. I don’t feel like bringing a lock to keep it in a locker, so this is the perfect alternative. I either wear it while doing machines or set it on the ground. Mostly I wear it because I don’t notice it and only set it on the ground if it will get in the way of an exercise, which it rarely does.
The dimensions of the bag, not including the strap, are 10″L x 8″W. The depth will vary depending on what’s inside. Right now, the widest depth is 2″, and that’s at the bottom pocket where my keys are.
2. It Has Pockets On The Outside!
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE when my purses have lots of pockets or compartments to keep my things separated. It’s true that larger bags and mini backpacks have more space, but things tend to get all jumbled up, with small things falling to the bottom, making them hard to find. That drives me nuts! I’m a Ravenclaw, for those of you who are also in the Harry Potter fandom, and I want organization. That’s not a problem with this.
The bottom front pocket is where I keep my keys and nothing else.
The upper front pocket is where I keep a pen, lipstick, and two containers with various medications such as Tylenol and Advil. You never know when you might get a headache while out and about, so I’m prepared if that happens to me.
3. It’s Bigger On The Inside!
Okay, I admit that this isn’t a TARDIS so it isn’t really bigger on the inside, but the inside is larger than you might guess. It’s big enough to carry my wallet (a smaller one than what I use for my larger purses), the protective case for my glasses, and a few other misc. items.
I recently wrote about how I chose a new wallet. If you read that article, then you’ll notice that the wallet shown here isn’t the same. That’s because I don’t need everything in the larger wallet when I use this crossbody purse. This is the smaller wallet that I sometimes use.
4. It’s Thin
This is what the back looks like, which has nothing more than the fabric’s design and Loungefly’s logo. However, there is something far more important to the back than how it looks.
This is a thin purse, which means that the back is the part that leans against my body when I wear it. Because I am unable to carry too much inside, there are no uncomfortable lumpy spots that would bother me. Maybe this isn’t a concern for other people but I’m very sensitive to what touches me and I wouldn’t use this if it had large bumps.
That might sound a little strange, so I’ll rephrase it. The way this bag is made means that it sits smoothly against me when I use it as a crossbody.
5. It Has The Perfect Strap
This can be used as a regular purse that you wear on your shoulder but it’s intended to be a crossbody, which means it has a very long strap. Not only that, the 50″ strap is adjustable to go even longer. Or, if you prefer, it can be shortened to just the right length.
This isn’t something that I thought about until about six months ago. That’s when I bought a mini backpack that was adorable, but the straps were SO short that they pinched my armpits when I used it, even when the straps were fully extended. Ever since then I appreciate when straps offer ample room for being adjusted.
6. The Fabric Design Is Gorgeous
Anyone familiar with Harry Potter will instantly recognize the pattern used on this bag. It is, of course, based on the Marauder’s Map, the magical map created by James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew during their time as students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The pattern isn’t an exact replica of the map given to Harry Potter by Fred and George Weasley, but it uses elements of it, including:
- Tiny footprints
- The Hogwarts castle
- The two phrases used to activate and nullify the map – “I solemnly swear that I’m up to no good,” and “Mischief Managed”
- The names used by the map’s creators – Messers Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs
7. I Don’t Have To Take It Off When Driving
I recently got a new car and it doesn’t have a lot of room in the front for me to put my purse when I’m driving. This isn’t an issue if I’m alone because I can put it on the passenger’s seat. But if someone is with me then I struggle with where to place it.
Yes, I could put it in the back but I really don’t want to. There are many reasons why, but the biggest reason is that there are times when want to use something that’s in the bag while driving, such as applying more lipstick. I do NOT want to have to reach behind me and feel around until I touch my bag if it’s in the back.
I’ve learned that when I use this bag that I can simply leave it on. My seatbelt goes over it without any issues, and the strap, which I’ve already mentioned, is long enough that the seatbelt doesn’t pull on it so it doesn’t cut into my neck. I don’t even notice that I’ve still got it on.
8. It’s Machine Washable
This bag is made from fabric, not leather or faux leather. That means that I can wash it either by hand or in a washing machine if it gets dirty. So far it has remained pristine but it gives me peace of mind that it would be easy to clean if that changes.
So, there you have it. The eight reasons why I love my Marauder’s Map crossbody purse, and why it’s my go-to bag most of the time at the moment. Do you have this? If so, what do you love most about it? Tell me in the comments below.