What's in a name?

For most, the word "fanny pack" conjures up some pretty strong associations. People around the World hear the word and either think of tourists, nerds, or the elderly. Just read some of the posts on our Twitter search feed, and you'll see what people around the World are saying.

Oh my!

For other non-American english speakers, the word "fanny" brings to mind something completely different: a woman's vulva! Yes, it's true! If you're talking about a fanny pack in Australia or England, be prepared for some very awkward looks!

It seems the fashion industry has tried to overturn the bad image of the fanny pack by calling it all sorts of things. From belt bag, to waist pouch, to bum bag, to hip pack... it's almost impossible to do a search on a fanny pack, and find more than just it's 80's predecessor. 

So what does that mean for the future of fanny pack? In order to rise above the sad reputation our thick, vinyl ancestors left us with, I wonder if a name change is in order, or just an image change? If it is a name change, wouldn't one name be sufficient?

To me "fanny pack" is what it all boils down to. As a marketer, I know how important branding is, and fanny packs have great brand recognition. It may be negative now, but this dynamic will shift as people start to see fanny packs in a new way. Plus, no one can deny their usefulness!

It's interesting how many designer lines are creating fanny packs these days -- although none of them go by the name. Just this weekend, I found one at Kate Spade (although, I must admit that besides the great gold chain detail on the belt, the pack itself is too reminiscent of our 80's predecessor). The merchandising was also very sad. It's summer. I expect to find a fanny pack--light, airy and perfect for warm weather and long walks--to be placed front and center. No: instead, it was in the back of the store, on a top shelf. I pointed it out immediately... but, my friend would have never spotted it. So sad!

My goal: within 2 years, anyone can walk into Nordstrom's and find just as many attractive fanny pack options, at clutch options!

My thoughts exactly!!!

{Chic???} Fanny Pack Finds

In doing a search online, the pickings are definitely weak. Here's some of my {chic-est} finds... although, none seem to be quit what I'm looking for.

You decide for yourself: chic or not?

Women's Osgoode Marley Slim Trapunto Waist Pack
Price: $83.95

{Chic} Attributes:

• Slim, rectangular design
• Soft, black leather
• Some stitch detailing

My vote: No go. The only color available is Brandy (sort of a brownish, red color)... not my style. Black, I would consider.

Foley + Corinna Lady Belt Bag
Price: $220

Colors: Black or Tawny

{Chic} Attributes:

• Gold buckel and zipper detail
• Soft leather and leather tassel
• Slim design

My Vote: LOVE IT! I'm a huge fan of tassels and gold hardware detail! Although, it seems a bit small?

Fanny Pack = Ultimate {city girl's} Accessory

Who said a fanny pack isn't cool! I say: they are the ultimate city girl accessory!

Me and my fanny!

Top 10 reasons all city girls need a fanny:

1. You never have to worry about a fanny pack constantly falling off your shoulder while you're trying to balance grocery bags for the long walk home -- a city girl's upper arm work out.
2. Without a fanny pack, your arms would not be free to carry said bags...
3. A fanny pack allows you to stand tall and sexy -- yes, I said sexy -- without the unattractive slump to whichever side is holding up your enormous, heavy bag. 
4. We all know, if you have a big bag, you will just find junk to make it look full... walking everywhere is so much easier without that weight on your shoulder.
5. A fanny pack never has to be placed on the back of a chair in a restaurant... or on the floor of a bathroom (yuck!).
6. A fanny pack allows you easy access to your metro card, credit card, and iPhone.
7. While standing on a crowded train, you don't have to worry about your fanny pack smacking the person behind you. And you certainly don't have to worry about moving your fanny pack out of the way to allow people to walk past you.
8. If you wear a fanny pack to go out dancing, you don't have to worry about where to stash it when you get up and dance!
9. If you wear a fanny pack to go out at night, you don't have to worry about your boyfriend losing all the necessities that you stuffed in his pockets.
10. Wearing a fanny is much more {chic} than stuffing your phone, keys and credit card in your pants. Plus, how many {chic} pants have pockets, much less pockets big enough to stuff all these things!

There you have it, my top ten reasons for city girls to wear a fanny pack.

Note: the fanny

Now, for the new {city} moms out there...

1. It's heavy enough wearing your baby out on walks or around the city... wouldn't a fanny pack be so much better than adding another 5-10 pounds on your shoulder! If it's a quick outing, you really don't need more than 1 emergency diaper and some wipes.