Side Effect: Tom was reading my mind when he designed it.

[Janine]

I got my Side Effect on Friday and I love it. The size is just about perfect for a "wallet plus" - something that carries your cards, phone, cash, and a few small items that are part of your daily kit. Just right for running into a store or taking to a restaurant. Currently, mine is holding:

- cards and ID in a Clear Organizer Wallet
- Evo phone wrapped in an ultrasuede cloth
- 1.25 oz GoToob containing hand lotion
- small hand sanitizer
- tube of lip balm
- pack of gum
- small mirror
- cash and coins in the zippered pocket

and it should also contain a slender notebook and pen but I was too lazy to put them in there this morning.

I've tried carrying it two ways: crossbody with the shoulder strap extended most of the way, and as a clutch/over-the-arm bag by using a key strap for a handle. Here's a photo of the latter (on the stroller, of course):



Pay no attention to the child that is screaming. He just wanted momma to get the chariot rolling again.

See how cute the key strap handle is? I love being able to add a little splash of color that way, and to change which splash of color it gets. Fun! And I can clip both ends of the key strap to the same outer o-ring to carry it like a wristlet or run the strap through my belt loops if I need a hands-free option. Clever!

But wait, you say. There is a tuck-away waist strap already. Why not use it? Because a waist pack looks dorky on me. That method of carry doesn't suit anyone with hips.

Then why did you buy a Side Effect? Wouldn't a SCB have been a better choice? Perhaps, but the Side Effect is the same general shape as a Vera Bradley Wristlet, which is my wallet of choice and a shape I find very useful. The larger size, however, makes it much more functional than the VBW - in fact, it's almost my ideal small purse.

If I were able to order a customized Side Effect, I'd ask for just a few changes:

- add a full-width interior pocket made of ultrasuede on the side opposite the existing interior pockets for stashing a phone or iPod
- leave off the waist straps (the exterior pocket could remain the same, which would allow a belt to be run through the bag to make it function as a waist pack for those who prefer that method of carry)
- possibly move the o-rings to the other side of the interior, but I'm not sure about that.

I love how the two external o-rings allow me to use whatever strap option I prefer or clip it inside a larger bag. I love the size and shape and the color choices. I love the price, too. It's a great little bag for just $30. I know I'm going to get a lot of use out of it!

[backpack]

I would like "some people" to stop promoting, in a charming way, (even using babies), the -one- Tom Bihn Bag I have been able to resist without much difficulties, until now! ;) :D

Thank You for the lovely picture, Janine!

And no, I don't mean the SE but the beautiful babies. :D

[dorayme]

I agree(1,000+) With just about everything you said Janine. I too look dorky adding any additional bulk to my waist area so the straps are the part I would omit.
My "spezul" SE would be in black or another dark color Ultrasuede with the low profile seam TB label vs. the patch style as a limited run/edition. The US fabric is so luxurious. I think it would work so well as a dress bag and allow TB bags to cross over into more formal settings.

I got my SE thinking it would just be a handlebar bag for my bike, and have grown to love it and carry it more now than any other TB bag that I own.

Another great use is to grab and toss into any of the other bags as a purse organizer. This acts as a core for my purse so that the contents remain in tact and ready to go regardless if I carry the SE solo, or inside of one of the other bags.

@backpack, hush now, stop trying to fight it. You know you need one!

[marbenais]

If I were able to order a customized Side Effect, I'd ask for just a few changes:

- add a full-width interior pocket made of ultrasuede on the side opposite the existing interior pockets for stashing a phone or iPod
- leave off the waist straps (the exterior pocket could remain the same, which would allow a belt to be run through the bag to make it function as a waist pack for those who prefer that method of carry)
- possibly move the o-rings to the other side of the interior, but I'm not sure about that.

An Ultrasuede pocket would be EXCELLENT. Please?

The waist strap is somewhat useful for me when walking the dog, although we usually use the Small Cafe Bag for her walks, but I agree that it's not very flattering for women.

I think the o-rings would do better on the other side, too -- it's awkward trying to move the contents of the pockets out with anything clipped in, especially since that's the best place for the iPhone.

[TXGirl]

Thanks to Dorayme I too ordered the SE. I love it! I don't use the waist strap neither so I purchased the TB Handle Loop. During the work week, I place my SE inside my Ego & off to work I go.

Here's a few of the things I carry in my SE

Bose Ear buds
Breath Mints
Finger Nail File
EVO phone
Kiwi Organizer Wallet
Mini Solar pouch with all my change
Mini Ultraviolet pouch that has my iPod, USB drive, iPad/phone cleaning cloths
Purple Scrunchie to tie back my hair
Keys w/my TB Plum Key Strap

[moriond]

Heck, I knew I should have ordered my Side Effect in Plum. (Mine is in Steel, so as to play nicely with my other bag colors). Great looking keystraps and handle loops in these pictures. I also don't usually use this with waist strap.

moriond

[Janine]

I think the o-rings would do better on the other side, too -- it's awkward trying to move the contents of the pockets out with anything clipped in, especially since that's the best place for the iPhone.

What about one ring on each side? What about moving the ring locations to the side seams rather than the top? Thinking, thinking....

[joe99]

Wow, great idea attaching a long key strap Janine. I hadn't thought of that. I just put one on my SE and its great!

[Maria]

I will also order a handle loop soon for this bag. Hoping for a "dressier" more tailored version of the Side Effect. As follows:

- In Ultrasuede, with an interior Ultrasuede pocket on the opposite side
- moving to O-rings to the mid seam too
- removing the patch tag and use the smaller seam tag instead
- no waist strap (I was tempted to cut mine off, but thought I'd ruin it and the edges certainly wouldn't look "finished")
- wider shoulder strap

Still hoping for the SE 2!

[dorayme]

Yep, that's the one I NEED! I bet coco US would be nice for this one!

[Maria]

Me to! I have the coco ultrasuede organizer wallet...would love to see more in that colour and fabric. Coco is a beautiful shade. Neutral yet with substance!

[ElenTikvah]

I *love* my Side Effect, and as mentioned previously, it is probably my most used TB bag. I love it for carrying my essentials in hand, or throwing it in a bigger TB bag if needed. I'm currently using the handle loop with mine, but I've thought about getting a keystrap for over the shoulder, glad to see that it works!

Personally, I wish that the o-rings were in a different spot, I love the rings, but they make access to the slip pockets challenging at times. Also would love to see it in an ultrasuede with minimalist TB label & no patch for dressier occasions as others have mentioned.

When I first purchased the SE, I bought it because it had the waist band...but I can count on one hand the number of times that I've actually used it that way, and I think the idea of removing the band, but leaving the pocket for a belt is a good one.

I'll never cease to be amazed how much stuff I can get into the SideEffect, yet it is a nice clutch size, imo. Love it!

~Tik

[Just]

I'm currently using the handle loop with mine, but I've thought about getting a keystrap for over the shoulder, glad to see that it works!

Er, your Side Effect should have come with a very simple length-adjustable shoulder strap. Unless of course it's the color you were going for ;)

[Janine]

Er, your Side Effect should have come with a very simple length-adjustable shoulder strap. Unless of course it's the color you were going for ;)

The longer keystraps makes a tidier presentation than the provided strap adjusted to its smallest size. A keystrap can also be attached at both ends to the same o-ring, which is the same effect as using a handle loop. And of course it can provide, as you mentioned, a splash of color. :-)

[ElenTikvah]

The longer keystraps makes a tidier presentation than the provided strap adjusted to its smallest size. A keystrap can also be attached at both ends to the same o-ring, which is the same effect as using a handle loop. And of course it can provide, as you mentioned, a splash of color. :-)

Personally, I didn't like the extra "bulk" of the strap at its shortest length, so I thought a keystrap would work better for me, and by Janine's picture, I think it will! :)

~Tik