Fanny packs/bum bags/belt pouches... a rose by any other name, it's still a glorified sporrin hanging around the arse area. Loathe them or love them, they're fierce handy. I've been sporting a tan "belt bag" for many years, the hubby calls it my Chewbacca bag. It ain't pretty, but it's functional.
Here we have a hawk at some of the nicer ones seen adorning the hips of celebrities. Firstly, lets get the horrors out the way. This is the "fanny pack" as most people remember it, as sported by Rosanna Arquette, Ellie Goulding, and Matthew McConaughey.
This is the bum bag in it's most perfunctory form. It's bulky, it's black (usually gortex in form), and it's got ZIPS. LOTS OF ZIIIIIPS.
At least Matthew seems quite aware of how his fannier looks, as he seems to be attempting to hide it behind a child here. Speaking of his preferred method of carrying his crap, Matthew said: "You gotta kind of put it to the side (behind a child) to make it look a little - not as nerdy. But still, practicality wins out. I've got so much gear in here that I don't want in my pockets."
Sure, "practicality" always wins, but that doesn't mean "style" has to hurl itself out the window. Look at Jared Leto's bum bag... OK, it's no better, in fact it's probably worse - especially since he's wearing it in the middle, and it's a multicoloured mesh... Just the fact that he's wearing one makes it cool. Let's face it, no one's looking past the arms. 
Back to the all important "style" meets "practicality" point. It seems to be the preferred choice of bag for celebrities going shopping with their kids (as showcased by Fergie in Chanel and Selma Blair in sequins) or charging around festivals (Kylie Jenner in studs).
Of course, if you've an excess of cash (unlikely given today's budget day) you may consider investing in one of these more high end fanny packs, as being peddled by Rihanna (Moschino),Kourtney Kardashian (Chanel), Cara Delevingne (DKNY)...
And - the overall winner - Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel. Got to hand it to her, she makes unfortunate films (SATC 3 has been confirmed *shudders*), but when it comes to accessories she always gets it spot on...
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So, tell us, what do you think of the humble bum bag? Should they all be burned in a ceremonial fanny pack cleansing session or is this yet space in the world for its practical ways? To the comments!
