Hunt for the perfect travel bag-vote! UPDATE

[redredwine]

I've been on the hunt for a great multipurpose travel bag, mostly for work travel. I'm tired of buying cheap bags that end up falling apart, so I'm budgeting a little more and don't want to spend more than $250/300. 

I saw this on IG this morning and fell in love with it. While it is technically a backpack, I can't imagine I'd ever use it like that (even though Taylor can totally pull it off) but maybe in situations where I really need my hands free/juggling lots of luggage? Not too worried since the straps come off or convert to a crossbody

Here are my requirements for what I'm looking for:

I travel a decent amount of work and sometimes it's long international travel, so I want ALL The things in my carryon handbag. Sometimes it's travel where I hop off a plane and am walking around all day before I go to the hotel, so I need space for shopping purchases, light jacket, etc. 
-ROOMY-I may throw my work laptop in there. AND I always travel with my large camera and always on my carryon. 
-Crossbody for reasons mentioned above and I"m often taking photos while out and about, I like hands free & weight off my arms. 
-versatile style that can go with most outfits
-classic style that won't go out of style any time soon
-durable for weather/travel lugging around
-Ideally under $200, but willing to go up to $250/300 TOPS.

I feel like this meets all of those AND this one is on sale at Henri Bendel!  

*Also, does anyone know about their warranty policy? I can't find anything online and want to make sure my handbag holds up!

Help me choose my poll!

BLACK





Grey



Cream/Black (with tan underneath the black pulls/flap)

[captainmel]

The bag is super cute but I feel like it would just be a big cavern that I would never be able to find anything inside of. I would personally recommended the Lo and Sons OG bag. The pocket design is flawless and it has the slider pocket so it goes over my carry on suitcase and I don't have to worry about it falling off. It is at the top end of your budget but I seriously adore it.

[aak0517]

I actually think it's really pretty. I don't love the lock on it, but otherwise really like it. I'd say Charcoal or black, for travel and what you described, I'd steer clear of light colored bags.

[redredwine]

Mar 11, 2015 13:07:42 GMT -5 captainmel said:

The bag is super cute but I feel like it would just be a big cavern that I would never be able to find anything inside of. I would personally recommended the Lo and Sons OG bag. The pocket design is flawless and it has the slider pocket so it goes over my carry on suitcase and I don't have to worry about it falling off. It is at the top end of your budget but I seriously adore it.

I feel like that bag is a little TOO travel-y if you know what I mean? Like, I'd like a handbag that doubles as a cute handbag bag & versatile enough to double as a travel bag if that makes sense? 

[bimbi284]

Mar 11, 2015 13:13:51 GMT -5 redredwine said:

Mar 11, 2015 13:07:42 GMT -5 captainmel said:

The bag is super cute but I feel like it would just be a big cavern that I would never be able to find anything inside of. I would personally recommended the Lo and Sons OG bag. The pocket design is flawless and it has the slider pocket so it goes over my carry on suitcase and I don't have to worry about it falling off. It is at the top end of your budget but I seriously adore it.

I feel like that bag is a little TOO travel-y if you know what I mean? Like, I'd like a handbag that doubles as a cute handbag bag & versatile enough to double as a travel bag if that makes sense? 

Lo&Sons is also currently doing 20% off until March 20th

I do like the HB bag, and would do black for your purposes, though it may look odd being so big on your back when stuffed full like you plan to carry it for travel.

ETA: After looking it up and looking at the dimensions, I think it may be too small for your needs.

[redredwine]

Mar 11, 2015 13:27:31 GMT -5 mryrcn said:

I love my Longchamp bag. I can fit everything in there.

I go back and forth with liking Longchamp (assuming you mean the Le Pliage) and also I want a shoulder strap so I can use it as a cross body. 

[captainmel]

Mar 11, 2015 13:13:51 GMT -5 redredwine said:

Mar 11, 2015 13:07:42 GMT -5 captainmel said:

The bag is super cute but I feel like it would just be a big cavern that I would never be able to find anything inside of. I would personally recommended the Lo and Sons OG bag. The pocket design is flawless and it has the slider pocket so it goes over my carry on suitcase and I don't have to worry about it falling off. It is at the top end of your budget but I seriously adore it.

I feel like that bag is a little TOO travel-y if you know what I mean? Like, I'd like a handbag that doubles as a cute handbag bag & versatile enough to double as a travel bag if that makes sense? 

Fair, I use mine as a school bag all the time when I'm not traveling. It is just so practical I can get over the fact that it isn't quite as stylish as other choices.

[gringachef]

Cute bag but I think it's far too small for your needs.

I have this Longchamp travel ag that can be worn crossbody and is super roomy. I use it with packing cubes to stay organized. www.ebags.com/product/ebags/slim-packing-cubes-3pc-set/107842?productid=1283919

While I don't have one, my sister has the Lo & Sons OG & uses it for overnight travel & a carry-on bag. She loves that thing.

[redredwine]

Mar 11, 2015 13:47:04 GMT -5 gringachef said:

Cute bag but I think it's far too small for your needs.

I have this Longchamp travel ag that can be worn crossbody and is super roomy. I use it with packing cubes to stay organized. www.ebags.com/product/ebags/slim-packing-cubes-3pc-set/107842?productid=1283919

While I don't have one, my sister has the Lo & Sons OG & uses it for overnight travel & a carry-on bag. She loves that thing.

I wouldn't use it for my clothes or toiletries or anything-just a giant handbag to travel with where i can put my ipad/camera/sweater/bottle of water/maybe a small shopping purchase if I'm out. Like, I'd still have a suitcase, even if it's a short trip, that I may or may not carry onto the plane depending on how long travel will be. I'd probably get it to test it out by putting my typical travel things in it to see how roomy it is. 

Lol..i'm FAR too unorganized for travel cubes. I'd get them and then just still throw everything into my bag. 

[redredwine]

UPDATE! I bought the Henri Bendel bag, but gringachef was right-I got it and it was too small, so I returned it.

I kept looking and just got this Kate Spade bag in black at their most recent sale...got it yesterday and I love it! It's absolutely perfect and just what I was looking for. IT has a shoulder strap, can be a handbag or travel bag, secure opening, plenty of room for a laptop, sweater, camera, whatever...Yay!
 

[whiskeytails]

May 28, 2015 18:01:18 GMT -5 redredwine said:

UPDATE! I bought the Henri Bendel bag, but gringachef was right-I got it and it was too small, so I returned it.

I kept looking and just got this Kate Spade bag in black at their most recent sale...got it yesterday and I love it! 

Your Kate Spade link doesn't work Can you please share?

[redredwine]

www.katespade.com/highland-place-travel-leslie/WKRU2979,en_US,pd.html

Looks like it's out of stock now