es, we know, bags are meant to be convenient, really fashion-forward, and not just ‘trendy’. So we understand why you would think a colorful cross stitch purse is the last thing you need in your life. That’s fine. But here’s the deal: who died and made someone queen of sobering down accessories as you grow older? No one, that’s who. You can accessorize however you want, wherever you go.

And yes, wondering if a particular piece is work-appropriate or formal-event-appropriate is a real concern. But you have to remember the 5 W’s and 1 H of fashion. Where are you going? What is happening there? Why are you going? When are you going? Who will be there? And obviously, how will you wear it?

Firstly, any kind of statement piece has to do just that: make a statement. If you’re already making a statement with your outfit, a statement bag will just melt into the background unless that’s what you’re going for. Then, the nature of the event or excursion matters. If you work even in the most buttoned-up environment, you can still do that famous pop of color/design and get away with it. The time of day matters: maybe you won’t put a tote on your shoulder for a wedding in the evening. If it’s a professional event, you will need a larger piece of luggage to carry all your stuff around so might as well make it fun. If your very formal boss is going to be there, and you’re iffy, just give the statement piece a night in. But if you are dressing otherwise starkly, minimalistically, feel free to swing your cheerful purse around.

While this sounds like a real pitch for Bagabond, have you seen how cute these bags are? Ayesha, a textile design student, made a cross stitch bag for herself one year, and then discovered she had a real market for it.

“I am a textile freak,” says Ayesha, “I love handwork of all kinds, and i think the love runs through my blood; my nani amma designed for Teejay’s in the ‘90s.”

Ayesha says that whenever she opens orders, she receives an overwhelming response, and that one of her first orders came from graphic designer and illustrator Wasfa Kamal, a fact that thrilled Ayesha to no end.

Bagabond can either create bags using their own motifs, or customize them according to your tastes and favorite things! Which also means you can tone down any color choices, and go with patterns that appeal more to you. And if buying local was one of the things on your 2023 resolutions, definitely add Bagabond by Ayesha to the shopping list.

– Find Bagabond by Ayesha on Instagram.