
Places to go, people to see — you know the drill. If there’s one bag silhouette self-proclaimed busy girls everywhere will be flocking to this fall, it’s a versatile camera bag that always hits the mark. And did we mention they require zero effort? Toss ‘em on with boyfriend jeans, a pinafore dress or even a ball gown come wedding season for a look that demands attention. Going hand-in-hand with the other it-bag of the season (mini bucket bags, we’re looking at you!), it won’t be long before you’re just as smitten with the classic camera bag’s boxy shape and cross-body strap. As you usher in a rotation of flawless fall outfit formulas, be sure to invest in one (or three) of these 20 camera bags today.
1. Rebecca Minkoff Sofia Box Cross Body Bag ($245): Be still our hearts: It looks like playful tassels are still having a moment after all. Incorporate some post-festival season flair into your fall wardrobe with this blogger-approved Rebecca Minkoff cross-body bag that has major street style bait potential. Run, don’t walk, to snag it before it’s gone.
2. Kenzo Neoprene Camera Bag ($355): This fluorescent green neoprene camera bag is making us want to run out and invest in ALL the athleisure things. Don’t hesitate to team this bad boy with an off-duty hoodie, leather joggers and monochromatic kicks for a contemporary street-inspired look.
3. BAGGU Mini Crossbody Bag ($120): Don’t fall into the trap of only wearing neutrals this fall — a little pop of color via your #BOTD (bag of the day) will go a long way. Toss this minty green cross-body bag on alongside your chunky knits and riding boots for a weekend spent out and about.
4. & Other Stories Braided Shoulder Bag ($125): Snoozy bucket bag? Not on our watch. This structured camera bag featuring a braided design was made to be tossed on with a lazy girl-approved pullover and denim button-front skirt for a getup that screams effortless style.
5. Cynthia Rowley Felix Cross Body Bag ($95): Can you count the ways to channel a grown-up prep school look this fall? While your collegiate days may be over, this navy and pink striped bag is begging to be teamed with a varsity bomber jacket, cropped flares and Stan Smiths. Come date night, an ultra-femme drop-waist dress and metallic loafers will have you looking something fierce.
6. Marc Jacobs Snapshot Small Camera Bag ($295): You won’t have to worry about toting around too much bulk when it comes to this slim color-block cross-body number. The goldenrod trim and architectural accent on the front will lend just the right amount of visual interest to your fall outfit game.
7. Mango Engraved Message Bag ($40): Cue the rock ‘n’ roll vibes with this statement-making bag that will help you reach street MVP status like that. For a tough-girl ‘tude, team it alongside a swishy metallic pleat skirt and ankle booties, or a bomber jacket and leather pants. Trust us: There will never be a dull style moment when you’re parading around this wardrobe workhorse.
8. Rag & Bone Flight Camera Leather Shoulder Bag ($395): Take a back-to-basics approach with this stunning cobalt camera bag that can be sported on- and off-duty. Style it with a black jumpsuit and power pumps for a networking function, or pair it alongside a leather moto jacket and Chelsea boots for an Oktoberfest street fair.
9. Henri Bendel Jetsetter Camera Crossbody ($148): Connecting flights and airport queues are about to get a whole lot more simplified thanks to this easy-to-wear nylon camera bag that serves double-duty as a cross-body sac and shoulder bag. Use it to stow your passport, mini camera and beauty essentials for hassle-free travels. AKA, you have free reign to Snapchat while simultaneously grabbing a cup of joe.
10. Forever 21 Faux Leather Crossbody ($18): Between Taco Tuesday and routine weekend errands, a hands-free camera bag with this much around-the-clock appeal is practically a no-brainer. Not only will the cognac leather match everything in your closet (a win-win for your fall capsule wardrobe), but at just under $20, this bag will more than pay for itself.
11. GiGi New York Madison Crossbody in Marigold Pebble Grain ($225): Timeless and classic, this marigold pebble grain cross-body bag will never steer you wrong. Not only will you reach for it time and time again, but the rich autumnal hue calls to mind the season’s changing fall foliage. A monogram of your initials isn’t required, but definitely recommended for fellow prepsters.
12. MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Brooklyn Leather Camera Bag ($398): It won’t be long now before waxed field jackets and leather riding boots start dominating your #OOTD rotation. For a getup that doubles for work and play, don’t hesitate to throw this structured leather camera bag on alongside a ruffled maxi dress and a herringbone blazer. Being a repeat outfit offender may not be such a bad thing after all — at least not when your bag’s this DDG.
13. Express Leopard Cross Body Camera Bag ($40): Leopard print is a neutral — don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Because it’s not enough to stock your fall wardrobe with this so-right-meow print, a leather camera bag with this much panache is guaranteed to add a little extra somethin’ somethin’ to your favorite LBD or wooly knit sweater — especially with lace-up ghillies and modern-day hoop earrings in tow.
14. Frances Valentine Lucy Metallic Leather Crossbody ($445): Upcoming fall soiree? Ditch the minaudiere for this metallic snake print cross-body bag that will leave you free to sip rosé in one hand and balance a plate of hors d’oeuvres in the other. #Priorities
15. Vince Signature Camera Bag ($265): Who needs all the bells and whistles when you have a camera bag this sleek and sophisticated on standby? Besides the obvious — you can’t go wrong with black — it’ll fit right in with your athleisure sensibilities. Go edgy with distressed black jeans and a pocket tee, or glam it up with a jersey scoop-back dress and sneakers. Your move.
16. Frances Valentine Lucy Wool Crossbody ($395): As you switch out your summer wardrobe for cozy knits and velvet everything, you’ll need to update your accessories accordingly. Introducing the plaid wool camera bag that will inspire you to pull out your most snuggly cocoon coat and fisherman sweaters. Major bonus: Come the holidays, you’ll look festive AF.
17. Zara Quilted Crossbody Bag ($36): So. Much. YAS. This season, we’re partial to luxe accessories that lend just the right amount of shimmer and shine to every impeccably styled #OOTD. Not just restricted to swanky dinner parties, this quilted stunner with a chain strap can even be paired with a vintage tee and mom jeans for a decidedly chic off-the-clock look.
18. Marc Jacobs Small Shutter Leather Camera Bag ($325): Is it a cross-body bag? Is it a smart clutch in disguise? It’s actually both. For girls who like to work hard and play harder, this pint-sized sky blue camera bag will accompany you wherever you go — be it date night, game day at your alma mater or post-work drinks.
19. J.Crew Signet Bag in Italian Leather ($128): As far as bag swag goes, customization is everything this season. Make this J.Crew Signet bag yours by adding your own personal touch a la attachable coin purses, leather key fobs or a fun monogram. Count us in, please.
20. Whistles Leather Baxter Mini Chain Camera Bag in Black ($154): Don’t let the small size fool ya — this chic mini camera bag is perfect for carrying around just the essentials (think: smartphone, lipgloss and credit cards), whether your itinerary includes bar hopping or pumpkin picking.
Will you sport a hands-free camera bag this season? Follow us on Pinterest for more colorful style inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
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Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
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You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures