If you have good taste in handbags... [Update in OP]

[v]

[If you're someone who loves practical shoes/clothes/etc. and isn't really concerned about what they look like, nothing to see here!!!]

I am looking for day bag for travel.  Are the possibilities I found okay?

Parameters:
 
1.  Must be able to hold all of these things at once: SLR, 1-2 guidebooks, 2 pairs of sunglasses in hard cases, wallet, phone, and I'd like to have room for a collapsable water bottle too.  Life would be easier if men carried stuff too!  But no, I carry everything when we travel.

2.  Must be very light.

3.  Must do a good job of staying on shoulders and cannot be otherwise annoying to carry.

4.  Must take up pretty much zero luggage space.

5.  Must be a purse -- not a messenger bag, and deeeefinitely not a backpack.  Must be normal and attractive enough to be able carried to dinner at reasonably nice but not fancy restaurant.  Or if that's asking too much, I at least don't want it to scream "frumpy American tourist!"

6.  Must be neutral in color so that it can be worn with pretty much everything I pack without looking weird.

Tall order, I know.  Also, I want it to be as cheap as possible

Currently I use my Longchamp medium Le Pliage when I travel, which does well on everything except 3 (it can slip around so I adjust the straps every 12 seconds).  Also, I am thinking that perhaps a crossbody might be nice for places where I want my bag to be a bit more hands off.

So I found these two bags:

1.  Baggalini Hobo Tote, Charcoal

2.  Baggalini Companion Tote, Charcoal/Fuscia

Be honest with me -- are these awful?  If that's the consensus, I'll stick with the Le Pliage.  

Also open to other suggestions!

Thanks!

Update: inspired by sfy, I ordered this bag from Old Navy



Looks like it has potential (for home and travel -- well, assuming it can get shoved and flattened to pack it) and the price was right?  I do wish they had tan as an option.  Oh well.

[spunkarella]

They both look very functional and a bit matronly. I would stick with the Le Pliage or keep looking.

[spunkarella]

How do you feel about faux leather?
shop.nordstrom.com/s/poverty-flats-by-rian-colorful-faux-leather-shopper/3616854?origin=category&BaseUrl=Totes

Or this is kind of similar to Le Pliage, but with a crossbody option. 
oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7374&vid=1&pid=173175002

[v]

MZ Wallace has some nice ones but I'm fairly certain my husband would murder me if I spent that much
'

[boiler717]

The MBMJ Natosha Q is pretty big but I don't know if I could fit all that in it.
My husband carries a Skagen messenger bag and I carry the Natasha.
Do you need to take the guidebooks out with you for sure? it would definitely hold all the rest.

[soso]

The Old Navy one is a better option because of price and double strap functionality. If you want to avoid the FUNCTIONAL look, avoid baggelini - they are fine but if you are concerned with style you can do better

[v]

Aug 31, 2015 18:28:54 GMT -5 @choco said:

What about Tumi?

www.neimanmarcus.com/Tumi-Mission-Iron-Bartlett-Leather-Crossbody/prod180800192_cat46580736__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat46580736%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D60%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod180800192&cmCat=product

Also in the "my husband will murder me" price range (this would be a bag JUST for travel) and probably wouldn't hold my SLR and sunglass cases without looking bizarre (too slim).

I recognize that I am probably looking for something that doesn't exist and should just stick with my Longchamp

[v]

Aug 31, 2015 18:30:03 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

The MBMJ Natosha Q is pretty big but I don't know if I could fit all that in it.
My husband carries a Skagen messenger bag and I carry the Natasha.
Do you need to take the guidebooks out with you for sure? it would definitely hold all the rest.

They are a must, although at least 1 of the 2 would be fairly slim.

[v]

Oh, and I should add that I also have a Madewell Transport Tote and a LV Neverfull that fit all of these criteria so if I can't find a crossbody that works I do have other big options. Just looking for something smaller and more pursey than those bags (if I can find something).  And I'd also like something with a zipper not because I'm scared of being mugged but because I have an irrational fear of things falling off of cliffs and I'll be on cliffs

[purplepenguin7]

This might be too basic but I love these Cuyana totes www.cuyana.com/leather-tote-short-caramel.html

They are pretty much in line with the Madewell/J Crew/Whipping Post totes but it was by far my favorite of the four. It's soft, light and easy to carry. Also comes in a bunch of neutral colors. I regularly carry my laptop in it plus several of the things you mentioned so I'm sure it would be fine.

I love MZ Wallace but I'm not happy with the way my last bag wore so I'm weary to buy another (personally).

ETA: I just saw you already have a Madwell tote. I know you said you aren't look to spend that much but I also love my LV Tottally. Great roomy bag with a zipper!

[boiler717]

Aug 31, 2015 18:42:19 GMT -5 v said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:30:03 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

The MBMJ Natosha Q is pretty big but I don't know if I could fit all that in it.
My husband carries a Skagen messenger bag and I carry the Natasha.
Do you need to take the guidebooks out with you for sure? it would definitely hold all the rest.

They are a must, although at least 1 of the 2 would be fairly slim.

I will try it out, I am actually thinking it might work. It holds a ton; more than it looks like

[boiler717]

It depends on the size of your collapsable water bottle but mine fit the DSLR, two books, wallet, sunglasses case (although it has a sunglasses pocket too), and cell phone. Still very light weight but the magnets don't line up perfectly.
Edit: nevermind, I was able to adjust so the magnets held. They are super strong.

[cosmowife]

I would get the other version of the le pliage that comes with the crossbody strap. I think it is called neo or something? The handles are the same color as the nylon. You can't beat le pliage for travel.

[v]

Aug 31, 2015 18:53:52 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:42:19 GMT -5 v said:

They are a must, although at least 1 of the 2 would be fairly slim.

I will try it out, I am actually thinking it might work. It holds a ton; more than it looks like

I have a leather crossbody MBMJ bag very similar in size to that.  It weighs 900 pounds and would take up much more luggage space than I'm willing to give up, so it will be staying home

[tacom]

Aug 31, 2015 18:24:34 GMT -5 v said:

MZ Wallace has some nice ones but I'm fairly certain my husband would murder me if I spent that much
'

I was just about to link this! place a secret order?? (kidding!)

I like the longchamp much better than the baggallinis and think you should stick with what you've got.

[boiler717]

Aug 31, 2015 19:18:27 GMT -5 v said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:53:52 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

I will try it out, I am actually thinking it might work. It holds a ton; more than it looks like

I have a leather crossbody MBMJ bag very similar in size to that.  It weighs 900 pounds and would take up much more luggage space than I'm willing to give up, so it will be staying home

Mine is nylon!

[ESF]

I have had a couple Baggalinis over the years. I don't love them but after spending an insane amount of time researching and browsing in connection with a couple vacations, they are always what I come back to. They are the least fugly option of the under $100 super utilitarian bag world. I don't like to spend more because I'm usually looking because I plan to use them in a setting where I might go from outdoorsy activity to indoors one, and no way am I spending major cash on something that will come into the woods with me.

I am going to bookmark this thread for better ideas.

[les]

I have bag #1 in charcoal and used it on a recent trip to Europe. While it's not the most stylish bag, it exceeded my expectations. It's easy to keep clean, lightweight, has a comfortable strap, holds a ton of items, and is full of compartments that I actually used. I took many pictures with it and don't think it looks distracting or ugly.

[Deleted]

Aug 31, 2015 18:41:34 GMT -5 v said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:28:54 GMT -5 @choco said:

What about Tumi?

www.neimanmarcus.com/Tumi-Mission-Iron-Bartlett-Leather-Crossbody/prod180800192_cat46580736__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat46580736%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D60%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod180800192&cmCat=product

Also in the "my husband will murder me" price range (this would be a bag JUST for travel) and probably wouldn't hold my SLR and sunglass cases without looking bizarre (too slim).

I recognize that I am probably looking for something that doesn't exist and should just stick with my Longchamp

Ha, that's so funny, I just spent over an hour in Macy's the other day pretty much looking for exactly what you describe. I ended up getting a coach bag as they were having a 30% off sale and I just got paid, so I thought I'd be not MM and get my first "nice" bag. It does fit my dslr and will be good for my trip this week, but it's definitely more purse like than what I had originally thought I'd go for. I wish it had more compartments.

Anyway, have you checked out the Kelly Moore bags? kellymoorebag.com/

I was going to get one until I realized that the one I was looking at wasn't leather and I didn't want to pay $200 for something that wasn't leather, so I passed. But there might be some good options for you. 

[chicago]

Maybe look at LeSportsac bags? They are definitely light and easily pack able. I have the one below (might be too messenger bag like for you) and it would hold all those things. The patterns are not my style. Mine is solid back.

www.amazon.com/LeSportsac-Deluxe-Everyday-Handbag-Fashion/dp/B006M3TSES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441072747&sr=8-1&keywords=lesportsac+deluxe+everyday

[v]

Aug 31, 2015 20:54:14 GMT -5 @wandering said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:41:34 GMT -5 v said:

Also in the "my husband will murder me" price range (this would be a bag JUST for travel) and probably wouldn't hold my SLR and sunglass cases without looking bizarre (too slim).

I recognize that I am probably looking for something that doesn't exist and should just stick with my Longchamp

Anyway, have you checked out the Kelly Moore bags? kellymoorebag.com/

I was going to get one until I realized that the one I was looking at wasn't leather and I didn't want to pay $200 for something that wasn't leather, so I passed. But there might be some good options for you. 

I'm actually not a fan of camera bags/inserts/etc.  I have a a Crumpler and a few types of inserts but they always stay home (or in the case of the inserts, they stay in my suitcase in the hotel) because they're all so bulky and leave so little room for the 900 other things I need/want to carry!  I guess that's the price of protection. So I live dangerously and just throw the camera unpadded in a normal bag with my other stuff.

And really, because I have bags overflowing in my apartment already (like, there are 6 bags on the dining table right now) and have a few non-crossbodies that would work fine if I didn't want a crossbody, for these purposes I really can only get something cheap and super small to store.  I'll save money and storage space for something that I really like for more general purposes

[aurora]

I voted for the "bad taste" option but I think they're both fine, which probably means they're horrible to most.

I really like Sherpani bags, though, so maybe a new idea to check out.

[thedutchgirl]

Well, they are certainly functional!

The Le Pliage Neo mentioned above seems somehow better. No pleating, I think. But the pricing is a lot more.
shop.nordstrom.com/s/longchamp-le-pliage-neo-crossbody-bag/3926159?origin=keywordsearch

This is that nylon MBMJ. The picture of what it purports to hold seems to indicate it would meet your requirements. And it isn't hideous. More expensive than the ones you posted, though.
shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-preppy-legend-natasha-nylon-crossbody-bag/3972091?origin=category&BaseUrl=Crossbody+Bags

[insominac]

I don't care at all what my bags look like (I'm all about the function) and I have not one, but two, baggalinis.

If that doesn't tell you something, then I guess nothing will. lol

[Mrs.Rad888]

Aug 31, 2015 21:53:21 GMT -5 aurora said:

I voted for the "bad taste" option but I think they're both fine, which probably means they're horrible to most.

I really like Sherpani bags, though, so maybe a new idea to check out.

I'm going to ditto the Sherpani bag. I have a purse that's great. I have had a couple of Baggalini bags that I loved the look of, but the nylon straps would keep sliding off my shoulder. If you're going to use it as a crossbody, that's not going to be an issue, but I mostly used them as a regular purse, and it was very frustrating. 

[mrsukyankee]

Aug 31, 2015 20:54:14 GMT -5 @wandering said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:41:34 GMT -5 v said:

Ha, that's so funny, I just spent over an hour in Macy's the other day pretty much looking for exactly what you describe. I ended up getting a coach bag as they were having a 30% off sale and I just got paid, so I thought I'd be not MM and get my first "nice" bag. It does fit my dslr and will be good for my trip this week, but it's definitely more purse like than what I had originally thought I'd go for. I wish it had more compartments.

Anyway, have you checked out the Kelly Moore bags? kellymoorebag.com/

I was going to get one until I realized that the one I was looking at wasn't leather and I didn't want to pay $200 for something that wasn't leather, so I passed. But there might be some good options for you. 

I got an insert for my coach bag.  Something similar to this:
 

Best inexpensive purchase ever.

[v]

Sept 1, 2015 2:57:47 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

Aug 31, 2015 20:54:14 GMT -5 @wandering said:

Ha, that's so funny, I just spent over an hour in Macy's the other day pretty much looking for exactly what you describe. I ended up getting a coach bag as they were having a 30% off sale and I just got paid, so I thought I'd be not MM and get my first "nice" bag. It does fit my dslr and will be good for my trip this week, but it's definitely more purse like than what I had originally thought I'd go for. I wish it had more compartments.

Anyway, have you checked out the Kelly Moore bags? kellymoorebag.com/

I was going to get one until I realized that the one I was looking at wasn't leather and I didn't want to pay $200 for something that wasn't leather, so I passed. But there might be some good options for you. 

I got an insert for my coach bag.  Something similar to this:
 

Best inexpensive purchase ever.

I will say, I clicked into the link and wow that does seem like a great deal for what it is.

Something like that is for a way more organized person than I am! (Also, that's for a WAAAAAY bigger bag than I want to carry).  One of my biggest complaints about my Lo & Sons bags is that they have too many pockets for things to get lost in -- I do much better sifting through the main area of a bag than I do having to look through all sorts of pockets

I have a (fairly nice-looking) camera bag and several padded insert thingies to carry my camera in.  One of the padded insert thingies will come in my suitcase to protect my camera and lenses on the flight.  But even just the inserts are way too bulky to carry around all day.  I don't want to carry a bag that is big enough to fit them plus my other stuff.

I am starting to think this is hopeless (at least at my low price point -- I do really like the MZ Wallace) and that I'll just stick with the Le Pliage!

[orval]

I have two Baggalini's as well. They are really the best for a functional bag. they are lightweight too so they don't drag on your body. Recently our TJ Maxx had some Baggalini's with a neutral pattern which were more fashionable than the plain ones. They also always have the best prices ($20 usually). I just used mine in Spain and a friend did in France.

[SJ]

Blech. I don't like the fabric/look of those Baggallinis at all.

I just bought this Target tote to try for travel

www.target.com/p/women-s-stripe-print-tote-handbag-with-snap-closure/-/A-17436439

I usually use my Longchamp for travel, but I have the huge one.

[sfy]

What about a crossbody drawstring bag? The bucket shaped style? Those tend to be roomier. I would definitely go with the Longchamp over the ones in the OP, but I also prefer a CB...pretty much always, but especially while traveling.