Quitting drinking doesn’t mean quitting the accessory habit. It just changes what’s in your hand and what’s in your Stanley.

These days, if you show up somewhere without a tumbler, someone asks if you’re okay. The water bottle is the new black. It is the accessory people will notice if you don’t have it with you.

To make up for not drinking water during the 90s and early 00s, I’ve been carrying a drink with me everywhere for the last twenty years of my sober journey. And for a long time, the bag situation did not keep up.

So when WanderFull pitched their bags, I said yes before I finished reading the email. Big bags are dead. And by “dead,” I mean neatly organized in my closet, because, obviously, they might come back and I can’t get rid of them. What I actually carry now is a phone, keys, a card, a lip gloss, and 40 ounces of water I will defend with my life. Someone finally built a bag around that reality instead of pretending I still need room for a wallet the size of a novel and a backup pair of heels. Note, my heels are also collecting dust next to my oversized bags. Apparently, this is what 50 looks like. And ladies, it’s still cute and it’s comfortable.

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The Basics

WanderFull landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list not once but TWICE. We all know that is not a small stamp of approval.

It was founded by two Connecticut moms, Katie Hill and Lisa Watkins, who got tired of the same problem everyone has: designer water carriers cost thousands of dollars and have zero pockets, and everything else looks like it belongs on a hiking trail. So they built their own.

The bag wears two ways:

Crossbody, with a nylon strap and vegan leather trim
Over the shoulder, with WanderFull’s own Comfort Chain strap, which reads more like something you’d find at a contemporary boutique than a strap you’d find on a hydration accessory. The quality exceeds the price point, in my opinion.

The One I Have

Zebra print, currently in progress of being covered in purse charms, because if I’m carrying it every day, it should look like mine and not like a bag off a shelf. I’m also contemplating adding some fun animal-inspired pins and/or patches, because let me be clear. My style is always more is better.

I brought it to an event last month. I was the one with sparkling iced cold water in a chic little crossbody that paired perfectly with my denim-ruffled romper and designer sneakers, while everyone else juggled clutches and cocktails. Nobody asked if I was okay. They asked where I got the bag.

Worth Knowing

Kids’ collection exists and is genuinely cute, not an afterthought line. 13 yr old Alysse loves the Unicorn.
Clear bags are available and perfect for any venue running a clear-bag policy: stadiums, arenas, and certain venues. So chic and so smart.
Monogram option includes “Bride” and “Mrs.,” which makes this a real gift idea for a bachelorette weekend, not just a nice-to-have. Send this to your bestie who loves anything and everything monogrammed. You know you have one. (Dele Downs Kooley, I’m looking at you.)
Seasonal drops run spring, summer, fall, including an Americana line timed to the Fourth of July
Sample sale section on the site has genuinely discounted pieces, including ones shaped like little puffers that look like sleeping bags for your Stanley and I am HERE for it. #ADDTOCART

The Verdict

Pickleball, tennis, golf, dog walking or hiking, church basement (#iykyk), wedding weekend, girls weekend, stadium with a bag policy: there’s a version of this bag for it.

And if your version of “still carrying a drink everywhere” now involves electrolytes instead of a bar tab, WanderFull built the accessory for that life. Not the one you left. The one you’re actually living.

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