The Perfect Bags and Totes

Apart from the Longchamp "Le Pliage" fashion bag collection, the search for the perfect computer tote, briefcase, and handbag selection for the professional womantraveler reminds me of the Three Bears story -- not to heavy, not too ugly, and, in fact, just right. But what is "just right" in this context? I could hold a profitable yard sale with my closet full of wrong choices. Thankfully women's travel bags have finally become a focal point of the accessories trade and certainly there is no dearth of choices in colors and fabrics this season. Keep in mind these perennial criteria:

• Necks, shoulders, and backs
• Versatility
• Portability with other carry-on bags
• Style

After much digging through options, here are my hot picks:

• Longchamp's "Le Pliage" bags -- in multicolors, multisizes. I put this ingenious discovery in competition for the Eighth Wonder of the World. As you can see above, they fold small and open large. I carry at least two on all trips -- an extra large tote in a color and a small discreet version (in black) for day-to-evening. To get through airport check-in, I put the small as a pocket book inside the large one as a tote, plus everything else I want to carry on. Purchased in Paris but available in fine handbag stores anywhere or online.
• Computer bags -- Dell offers a terrific range of options in black, red, pink, and more. My favorite is the Liberator Executive in black fabric because I can carry it on one shoulder with my computer/office gear and another microfiber tote from Magellans on the other shoulder as my handbag. The combination of the two, plus detachable smaller bags that come with them is unbelievable. I went to Europe and back, plus several US destinations on business, with everything I needed except my checked luggage in these two bags. Alternatively, I use my Tumi wheeled computer cart/overnighter for trips that require carrying more files and papers.
• Briefcases -- My Lodis briefcase-style shoulder bag has been my number one sidekick for several years for a combination portfolio/handbag, and professional daytime to evening conversion. It's big enough to hold a legal pad, a few files, a magazine, and small accessories, yet slim and sleek. Tumi has also gone all out this year with great bags to satisfy the same need.
• Business totes -- The leathers in Levenger's colorful collection coordinate with the smartest range of organizer materials -- this year in peacock blue, citrus yellow, coral red, black and more. What fun and at the same time impeccably business chic.
• Handbags -- With all of the above options, handbags now are delightful jewelry. So I pack handbags into my luggage for after-hours fun. One can only schlepp so much at once.

Comments

[Alyson Wilson]

Great bag roundup! I am always buying commuter bags that somehow end up being "wrong"... I have a closet full of them. I'm currently sliding an "incase" laptop case into a pink terry cloth diaper bag (because it's really padded and all plasticy and waterproof inside) to celebrate summer. But pink terry will not fly come fall! Thanks for the sage advice.
-Alyson, thisnext.com/blog