https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:29:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1477917 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 02:58:22 +0000 Dee 1477917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a weekender bag with the strap that slides over the handle of my wheeled suitcase. I like it for longer trips because it can hold a ton, but it does get heavy to lug around once the other bag has been checked and is difficult to fit under the seat.</p> <p>More frequently, I end up taking my Le Pliage tote for all the reasons cited above. And in recent years, I usually just stick whatever my current handbag is in the Pliage for the flight and trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1477845 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:58:58 +0000 Eliza 1477845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My travel tote is currently the Briggs and Riley Baseline tote (large). I can fit a small to medium bag inside and it has tons of convenient compartments to keep things organized. For example, one exterior pocket has a bright interior making it easy to know that your boarding pass is there (other pocket interiors are gray). It also can slide over roller suitcase handle, even if you are using another pocket in the same area. Fits under the seat if not stuffed. </p> <p>Travel bags are so personal. I am happy with this one, which could also hold a simple weekend's wardrobe. It was an investment piece for me, but I actually prefer to spend more on carryons as all my checked bags seem to get damaged fairly quickly. It is comfortable on the shoulder. Sorry for not linking as I am on phone, but found it at Zappos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1477823 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:36:02 +0000 rachylou 1477823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it has to be a backpack with mesh pockets. It must carry a laptop, a magazine and book, water, and Frio bag for insulin. The mesh pockets are for the Frios, which work by evaporative cooling. It has to be a backpack for ergonomic reasons. Oh and a jersey dress and cosmetic bag of Bandaids and lip balm and flight cream to fight that dry air. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1477808 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:16:47 +0000 shiny 1477808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through all these considerations awhile back too! I wanted something stylish that could service as a laptop bag when I arrived at destination and hit the office. Leather was my preference but everything I saw was too heavy (without anything inside). Ultimately I went with a Briggs Reilly nylon tote with sleeve that fits over the handles of my suitcase. That one feature is totally worth it.&nbsp;</p> <p>The tote is otherwise pretty nondescript. It has two handles, zips closed. It has the sleeve on one side, and outer pocket on the other (which I use to keep my receipts). A padded compartment inside for laptop, and a couple of zippered compartments. Otherwise, it's one big empty space for toting stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here's what I fit in it on my latest trip:</p> <p>1. Eagle Creek pack-it pouch containing all my laptop and other electronic cords<br />2. Laptop<br />3. Ipad<br />4. Book<br />5. Eagle Creek pack-it pouch containing a leather coat and a leather clutch<br />6. Scarf<br />7. Umbrella<br />8. Power bars<br />9. Water bottle (after clearing security)<br />10. Socks<br />11. Cardigan</p> <p>... there was still room leftover...&nbsp;</p> <p>I like to carry it on. It fits under the seat. Then I can put my feet on it, cuz I've got short legs, and they dangle, even in airplane seats.</p> <p>As I mentioned on your other thread, this time I checked baggage, so for my second carry on I took the Minkoff white leather back pack. Can cram a lot of stuff in that too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476868 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:43:19 +0000 unfrumped 1476868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahh, the tyranny of choice! These are all so cool snd interesting in different ways. And mostly I've never heard of! I think that will be a fun project. I will want to mark this thread for references. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476861 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:21:22 +0000 Carla 1476861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You will see my LePliage (Longchamps) in all my airport posts, since it is my 'go to' accompaniment to a roll-aboard suitcase. I use it for short and long trips alike - for all,the reasons Diana and others point out. FWIW, I use the small suitcase (slightly smaller then regulation) even if we elect check through. That way I'm not schlepping overly heavy luggage around (we often use trains and other public transit). </p> <p>The only downside is DH will ask me if he can put his sunglasses in the bag...oh, and maybe his travel portfolio...and would I mind putting his jacket in there....? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476858 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:06:55 +0000 abc 1476858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Remember if you opt for pack mule route you need to keep in mind where in terms of boarding order you will fall. You may take everything to the gate w you and then wait for your turn to board and find overhead space is gone and end up checking anyway (free but still the hassle)</p> <p>I had to click on this thread as I am sitting in an airport now :)</p> <p>I travel w a cross body purse which tucks into my huge Swiss army backpack. I also usually have a rolling bag stuffed full as well. But that's me, ymmv </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476857 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 12:59:13 +0000 Olivegreen 1476857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, giddy success with linking, so here is a lovely deal on a travel tote for under thirty dollars, on 6pm.com. Comes in purple or a cinnamon brown. </p> <p><a href="http://www.6pm.com/lipault-paris-jpf-series-16-day-tote-purple" rel="nofollow">http://www.6pm.com/lipault-par.....ote-purple</a></p> <p>This brand has good quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476856 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 12:52:57 +0000 Olivegreen 1476856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Followed the links here to Nordstrom and found my ideal daypack, just ordered. Very light, three colours, works with the white, camel and navy have been gravitating towards.<br /> This place is inspirational and a little dangerous to the pocketbook. But it will be a NICE pocketbook.<br /> ALL the suggestions on this thread were of interest, really appreciate the thoughtfulness and attention to material culture </p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/herschel-supply-co-city-backpack/3579933?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=Caramel%2F+Natural%2F+Navy&#038;resultback=256" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/he.....ltback=256</a></p> <p>My first time linking anything so hope it goes through. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476815 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 09:03:03 +0000 Astrid 1476815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the Fjällräven bag Gaylene mentioned and considered buying it in the past, but it was always a bit too expensive for me. I like the burgundy color especially. You see a lot of Fjällräven bags here in Berlin, mostly the Kanken but also this one. I have a ten year old spring jacket made out of G-1000 which still looks great after all these years.</p> <p>The last few times I always used a tiny black backpack, the Haglöf Tight in XS (<a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/de/haglofs-tight-xs-rucksack-10l-62410217?id_colour=106" rel="nofollow">http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com.....colour=106</a>). It's small enough to go into my first carryon item if necessary and I can normally get away with using it additionally. And it fits my DSLR, small water bottle, umbrella and personal stuff. And if I'm walking around a lot on holiday I like to have a backpack instead of a tote. It's not the most stylish look, but it's alright. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476753 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 02:42:20 +0000 Gaylene 1476753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been a dyed-in-the-wool Le Pilage fan until I bought my Fjallraven backpack tote. I get quizzed by flight attendants about it when they see me switch from a tote to a backpack in the boarding lineup because they want to know where they can buy one. The bag slides easily under a seat, is narrow enough to wear on my back when sitting in a subway seat, and holds enough for a weekend getaway. A medium packing cube fits nicely inside with room for an extra pair of shoes and a small make-up kit. The coated fabric is super tough and keeps my stuff dry even in a downpour. The leather handles make it easy to carry even when full, and the straps are just the right length to sling on my shoulder. And it comes in a host of colors. The video below gives a good overview of the bag's features:<br /> <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qVN1h_arbYI" rel="nofollow">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qVN1h_arbYI</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476740 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 01:14:25 +0000 unfrumped 1476740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may end up using an older zip travel bag, not really a tote, I can take time to look&amp; evaluate and not get everything " new" for this trip- since I invested in shoes and jackets. I'm very interested in looking up some of these suggestions for the long haul- hopefully more travel in my future. I may use the TJMaxx Baggalini hobo for my day bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476713 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 22:39:13 +0000 Carole 1476713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to use what I have for our upcoming trip....a Michael Kors tote which is a really nice size to carry as is or for travel days with my smaller crossbody Bagalini inside (which I will use for day trips etc.) as well as magazines books small makeup bag brush etc. These two pieces will take me anywhere I need to go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476542 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:39:16 +0000 rizamei 1476542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For a travel tote, my essentials are: top zip; pocket that unzips to slide over suitcase handle; easy-to-clean light material (usually nylon); size large enough to accommodate my 13" laptop. I generally want something fairly neutral, so it's not a challenge to coordinate it with a range of outfits and luggage.</p> <p>Bonus features are a laptop compartment; a few pockets to help organize essentials (including at least one outside one); key fob chain (I'm always worried about losing my house keys when traveling.&nbsp;</p> <p>My current bag is from Baggalini.</p> <p>I generally go for a mid-size travel tote rather than the largest ones, because schlepping a really big bag around airports makes my back hurt. I inevitably fill up the one I have, so I limit my tendency to try to take everything with me by having one that isn't gigantic. And I try to bring a smaller day bag in my suitcase for use at my destination, generally something squishable like a LeSportSac hobo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476539 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:29:34 +0000 Diana 1476539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found my Mia randomly at the Rack last year for around half price, but you just have to get lucky.&nbsp; I think it was probably a return - it was missing the little cosmetic pouch that's supposed to come with it, but I'll give that up for the 50% savings!&nbsp; MZ Wallace bags are great, but I agree they are kind of overpriced.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476536 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:24:05 +0000 dakotacheryl 1476536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tote Rambling Ann...the trim is leather, and the tote comes in many colors. Great reviews too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476525 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:10:39 +0000 Rambling Ann 1476525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just bought this Portagio tote. I looked on and off for years until I found the right one. I love it - minimal laptop sleeve, roller bag slider, top zip, shoulder strap and smaller handles, loads of colors, lightweight. I crammed a good selection of camera gear, laptop, books, etc. into it for the flight, then used it as my laptop bag during the conference. I would use it as a day bag for a shopping expedition on a trip too, for me it's just the right size.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476523 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:08:27 +0000 unfrumped 1476523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dakotacheryl, I liked a Victorinox tote that had the handle sleeve.<br /> UmmLila, funny! Maybe I should take the plunge? I need a new work tote that is wide enough for few folders, and in the past would have targeted leather, but now may prefer light weight and versatility -- closet minimalism!<br /> The Mia looks gorgeous but the price is.... Pricey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476506 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:14:15 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1476506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got a Longchamp Pliage bag (because of Diana's recommendation) and have used it as an auxiliary bag on my last two trips. Well, I tried to use it on the last one but I was traveling with my sister and she mooched it away from me. I think she's going to buy her own now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476504 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:11:22 +0000 unfrumped 1476504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you very much! Diana, I think I will do similarly, pack a nylon- type day bag in the tote bag. </p> <p>Now DH is thinking he wants to check bags I as not to have to schlep them through Chicago and New York. Hmm. I would not use that as reason to size up my suitcase , but it would mean I would be less concerned about someone " inspecting" and being one inch overstuffed, I guess. </p> <p>Unexpectedly, I found myself ctmritical of the " style" aspect of some totes I was considering. I found some Baggelini's on sale, for example. Then I found a Steve Madden tote in navy + black, seemingly just a work tote, and I think just faux leather, but it had handles plus an actual wide, very adjustable and comfortable shoulder strap and it looked , well , nice! You know, just one of those things where you aren't even looking for that brand ( or color, even) and somehow it just appeals. It is more " normal" size than really large, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476501 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:56:52 +0000 kkards 1476501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>for my carry on tote, i prefer an tote that will work open so that its easy to get stuff in an out. i'm flexible on the&nbsp;length&nbsp;and type of handle, as long as it&nbsp;fits&nbsp;easily&nbsp;easily on my shoulder, with and without, a winter coat. i&nbsp;generally&nbsp;use the same bag i use to haul shoes, bag and lunch for work. when i traveled to italy last fall with my mom, i also took a backpack, which was useful coming home, as our connection in rome was very short, and i ended up carry some of my mom's stuff as we zipped thru the airport. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476498 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:40:30 +0000 dakotacheryl 1476498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My carry on tote does have the sleeve that fits over the handle on my roller bag...I find that I LOVE that feature.&nbsp;<br />Also, I like a larger size so I can fit a lot of items in it, including a smaller handbag, iPad, Shawl, water bottle, usually a few notebooks with work items etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476489 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:29:16 +0000 Diana 1476489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mostly just use my big Longchamp Planetes tote.&nbsp; It is just one big compartment but the truth about me is that I never use all the pockets in bags anyway, I just chuck everything in the main compartment and whine about how my bag is a bottomless pit.&nbsp; For traveling, I usually stick my smaller nylon crossbody inside so that can work to hold things like my wallet and phone.&nbsp; </p> <p>Top zip, shoulder strap, lightweight, water-resistant are my essentials (for all my bags, not just travel ones).&nbsp; I do use the Longchamp as a laptop (plus everything else) bag for work; it's one of my most used bags.&nbsp; </p> <p>The MZ Wallace crossbody below is my day bag for traveling, as well as for errands and weekend casual things.&nbsp; I love it.&nbsp; It's actually fairly roomy (just fits an ipad if that gives you an idea of scale) but they do make similar smaller ones. The strap is adjustable to be either crossbody or shoulder length which is key for me when sightseeing etc (b/c I get tired carrying it only one way all day and it's nice to switch).</p> <p>ETA: the longchamp also takes up very little room in luggage (especially if you get the Pliage, which is softer) so sometimes I'll bring it just in case if I'm traveling with, say, only a backpack or something.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476480 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:14:00 +0000 crutcher 1476480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I travel with a bigger carry on in which I put my cross over purse, my water bottle, my pashmina for warmth, my electronic stuff..phone, ipod, etc..something to read...I usually select a carry on that will hold my stuff as well as looking well...good...With the carry on and my bag, I really don't have any more bags...Does this help?... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talking-travel-totes#post-1476473 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:01:05 +0000 unfrumped 1476473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I might get a new tote for air travel for my trip, vs. Use something I have.<br /> For your " extra" bag in the plane, do you try to maximize size, to serve as almost- luggage, or use sizes you'd carry anywhere? Or insist on water bottle pockets and open side pockets? Top zip seems a must. Wide shoulder strap vs tote handles? Special bags that are made to slide on carrying handle? Lightweight nylon vs more structured? Also I don't think this would be my " day bag" because I do think that should be smaller &amp; maybe waterproof nylon , lightweight. Add any comments you'd likd about day bags. I'm torn between sizing up for the mantras of " just stuff your jacket in your bag" approach vs fear of looking/ feeling like a pack mule so would stick with a medium sized bag just for usual items and maybe room to stuff a scarf or hat in. </p>