The “Anti-Designer Bag” Selling Fast at Nordstrom Is Nearly $50 Off.

Nordstrom shoppers can currently purchase the viral leather sling bag for $69.99, down from its after-sale price of $119. That works out to a $49.01 saving, or approximately 41% off, during the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The discounted price is scheduled to remain available through August 9, although popular colors may disappear before the event ends.

We can understand the appeal immediately. The Tess Sling delivers the relaxed shape of a vintage hobo bag, the hands-free convenience of a crossbody, and the compact profile of a belt bag. It looks polished without appearing overly precious, making it an attractive alternative to designer handbags that demand more money and considerably more maintenance.

Why shoppers are calling it an “anti-designer bag”

The “anti-designer” label does not mean the Tess Sling lacks style. It means the bag rejects several habits associated with traditional luxury fashion.

There is no oversized logo covering the exterior. There is no rigid shape that must be protected from every accidental bump. There is no theatrical hardware competing for attention. Instead, we get soft leather, a curved silhouette, subtle metal details and an adjustable strap designed around movement.

That simplicity gives the bag an understated confidence. It does not announce how much its owner spent. It quietly completes an outfit while carrying the items needed for an ordinary day.

The approach also reflects a wider change in handbag preferences. Many shoppers are moving away from stiff statement bags and toward relaxed accessories that work with jeans, summer dresses, oversized shirts, sneakers and sandals. A bag that can handle grocery runs, coffee dates, airport terminals and evening plans has more practical value than one that looks impressive but becomes inconvenient after 20 minutes.

The $69.99 Nordstrom price makes the Tess Sling especially competitive.

At its $119 after-sale price, the Tess Sling sits within the affordable premium handbag category. At $69.99, it becomes much harder to overlook.

The discount matters because Nordstrom is not offering a synthetic imitation designed to resemble leather from a distance. The retailer describes the bag as being made with premium leather sourced from a Leather Working Group Gold-rated certified tannery. It also uses a REPREVE lining made with recycled materials, including plastic bottles.

The Sak’s own website lists some Tess Sling leather versions at $129. Its Mushroom Suede version has also appeared at a reduced price of $99, making Nordstrom’s $69.99 Anniversary Sale offer particularly aggressive when comparable materials and silhouettes are considered. Prices and inventory can vary by color and retailer.

The slouchy shape brings 1990s style into 2026

The Tess Sling feels familiar without looking like a costume from another decade. Its softly curved shape recalls the casual hobo bags that dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s, but the narrow profile keeps the design current.

Instead of hanging like a traditional rectangular crossbody, the bag follows the body. Its asymmetrical shape creates visual interest while allowing it to sit close against the torso, back or hip.

That body-skimming construction also explains why it works across several outfit styles. We can wear it with straight-leg jeans and a fitted tank for a simple weekend look. We can pair it with linen trousers and a button-down shirt for travel. We can also carry it with a casual dress when a formal shoulder bag would feel too structured.

The Mushroom Suede option leans into the earthy, vintage mood. Black provides the most versatile choice for year-round use, while Pyrite brings a brighter metallic-looking finish for shoppers who want the bag to stand out without relying on a visible designer monogram.

At 0.62 pounds, the Tess Sling starts surprisingly light.

Leather bags can become uncomfortable before we have even placed anything inside them. The Tess Sling avoids much of that problem by weighing only 0.62 pound when empty.

That lightweight starting point matters for anyone who plans to carry the bag for several hours. A heavy purse can pull on the neck and shoulder, especially after adding a phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, cosmetics and a portable charger.

The Tess Sling is not designed to replace a tote bag or carry an entire office. Its strength lies in helping us bring the essentials without encouraging unnecessary overpacking.

The narrow 2.625-inch depth reinforces that purpose. The interior offers enough flexibility for daily items, but the bag is unlikely to swallow large notebooks, tablets, oversized water bottles or bulky cosmetic cases.

The adjustable strap gives shoppers several ways to wear it.

The adjustable leather sling strap is one of the Tess Sling’s most important features. The bag has a listed 20-inch drop, allowing it to sit comfortably across the body or closer to the shoulder depending on the wearer’s preferred fit.

We can shorten the strap and wear the bag high across the chest for crowded events, public transportation or travel. We can lengthen it for a more traditional crossbody position. We can also shift it toward the back when walking or running errands.

This flexibility helps the bag work with different body shapes and clothing layers. A fixed strap may feel comfortable over a thin summer top but restrictive over a sweater or jacket. An adjustable design gives shoppers more control as seasons and outfits change.

The interior organization is simple but useful.

The Tess Sling includes a main zipper closure, one interior back zippered pocket and one interior slip pocket. It has no exterior pockets.

The zippered compartment provides a protected place for cash, cards, medication or other small valuables. The slip pocket can hold items that need to remain easy to reach, such as a phone, lip balm or transit card.

The lack of exterior storage creates a cleaner silhouette, although it may divide shoppers. Anyone who prefers a dedicated outside phone pocket could find the design less convenient. Others may appreciate that every item remains secured behind the main zipper.

The bag’s curved shape also means its carrying capacity depends on how items are arranged. Slim wallets, small pouches and compact accessories should fit more naturally than rigid or boxy objects.

The materials help the affordable bag feel more elevated.

The leather construction gives the Tess Sling a richer appearance than a typical nylon belt bag. The soft surface creates natural folds instead of holding a hard geometric shape, helping the bag look relaxed rather than cheap.

Material details differ by color. The Whiskey version uses 100% cowhide leather with a waxy two-tone finish, leather trim and antique brass-tone hardware. The Mushroom Suede version uses genuine suede, leather trim, antique silver-tone hardware and a recycled REPREVE lining.

The Sak also identifies the leather as responsibly sourced through Leather Working Group-certified facilities. The organization evaluates leather manufacturers using environmental criteria that include water use, energy management, chemical controls and waste practices. Nordstrom specifically describes the sale version as using leather from a Gold-rated certified tannery.

These details do not transform a $69.99 bag into a heritage luxury product, but they do help explain why the Tess Sling feels more substantial than many similarly priced trend-driven accessories.

Potential drawbacks shoppers should consider

The discounted price is strong, but the Tess Sling will not suit every routine.

Its compact width limits what can fit inside. The absence of an exterior pocket may frustrate anyone who wants instant phone access. The unusual curved silhouette may also make rigid items more difficult to organize.

Suede versions require additional care. The Sak warns that color transfer, sometimes called crocking, may occur with genuine suede. The brand recommends cleaning the Mushroom Suede version gently with a dry cloth rather than using standard leather products.

Smooth leather versions have different maintenance requirements. The Sak recommends a water-based leather cleaner and moisturizer for the Whiskey leather option, followed by natural air drying.

We should also check the selected seller and return terms before purchasing. Nordstrom notes that the current listing is sold and shipped by The Sak and can be returned by mail or to a Nordstrom store within 90 days of shipment when the bag remains in new condition with its tags attached.

Who should buy The Sak Tess Sling Leather Bag?

The Tess Sling is a strong choice for shoppers who want a lightweight leather bag for daily essentials. It is particularly suitable for anyone who values hands-free convenience, adjustable wear and an understated design.

It may also appeal to shoppers who like the relaxed look of designer hobo bags but do not want to spend several hundred dollars on a trend that may eventually change.

The bag is less suitable for heavy packers, commuters carrying work equipment, parents who need space for children’s items or anyone who strongly prefers multiple exterior compartments.

At $69.99, however, the Tess Sling does not need to replace every bag in the closet. It can serve a specific purpose as the easy accessory we reach for when a tote feels excessive and a tiny evening bag feels impractical.

When does the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale end?

The public portion of the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale runs from July 18 through August 9. Prices on Anniversary Sale merchandise are scheduled to increase on August 10.

Nordstrom cardmembers received earlier access based on their Nordy Club status:

• Icon members: July 14 through July 17
• Ambassador members: July 15 through July 17
• Influencer members: July 16 through July 17
• General public: July 18 through August 9

The sale is now open to everyone, so shoppers do not need a Nordstrom credit card or Nordy Club status to purchase the Tess Sling at its current Anniversary Sale price.

Is The Sak Tess Sling Leather Bag worth buying at $69.99?

At the current Nordstrom price, the Tess Sling offers an appealing balance of material quality, comfort and everyday usefulness.

We get genuine leather, an adjustable strap, a secure zipper closure, two interior pockets, a lightweight body and a silhouette that works across seasons. The $49.01 markdown brings the cost below many synthetic fashion bags while preserving a more elevated look.

The strongest reason to purchase it is not TikTok attention or the “anti-designer” label. The strongest reason is that the bag appears designed for real life. It sits close to the body, carries the essentials, leaves both hands free and avoids the visual clutter of excessive branding.

That combination makes The Sak Tess Sling Leather Bag one of the most practical handbag deals in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The sale price is scheduled to last through August 9, but shoppers interested in a specific color may not want to assume it will remain available until the final day.