What is the best style of purse for travel? Well, girls going to the beach on Maui will have a different answer than women slumming around on the Paris Metro. A straw tote is perfectly adequate for beach chic, but a gal, on the go, will need a zippered cross body shoulder bag that leaves one hand free for dragging her suitcase, and her other hand free for carrying a ticket, an umbrella, or a cup of coffee.
Crossbody Bag for Travel
The best cross body bag (with the strap across the chest) has a strap that is not too long, or has a strap that is adjustable, so the purse can also function as a regular shoulder bag. And, when shopping for mid-priced shoulder bags, a single strap usually hangs better on the shoulder than a double strap.
A great travel bag must have a zip top. Totes or flap-top purses, with magnetic snaps, just don’t cut it. No lady wants the contents of her bag spilled across the floor, when a quick-witted taxi driver slams on the breaks to back up on a busy one-way street, or the Vaporetto rolls on a huge wake in Venice. Drawstring tops close tightly, but are too much of a hassle because a satchel must be set down to open or close properly.
Leather Handbag Purse
For the best look, a bag either needs to be good-quality leather, or obviously man made, out of something like:
- Nylon
- Microfiber
- Cotton
- Denim
- Canvas
Most faux, synthetic leather is deadly dull unless there is some texture or weaving to fool the eye. A wonderfully beat up old leather bag is almost always much better than most fake leather. There is one exception to this, and that is with a sharply ship-shape nautical leather or canvas, which really should look new or well cared for.
Best Leather Bag
A great handbag is made of:
- Nice supple leather that hangs right.
- Leather of a rich color that will age well.
Not all “genuine leather” is “good leather”. However, many second-class leathers are:
- Good enough
- More stain resistant
- Reasonably priced
The one good thing about fake leather is that it can be lightweight compared to real leather. Baby Boomers with neck or back problems, from too many spills on the moguls (skiing reference not casting reference), may prefer a nice synthetic leather with a groovy texture.
LeSportsac Crossbody
Some hipster Boomer Chicks can get away with a cute printed LeSportsac Madison, or something similar, but most LeSportsac crossbody purses are best for younger girls. LeSportsac travel bags and totes are fine for all ages, and their men’s duffle bags are great for women.
Nylon Shoulder Bag
An inexpensive and lightweight, but more grown-up look, is a Dooney & Bourke
- Nylon Crossbody Pouchette.
- Nylon N/S Triple Zip.
- Nylon E/W Triple Zip.
- Nylon Letter Carrier.
For a boost in price, the Dooney & Bourke Calf Letter Carrier or New Leather Letter Carrier is a good value for decent leather.
All of these Dooney & Bourke purses have a nice flat sillhouette, which is great because they don’t add bulk like so many handbags. These flat bags all look smart and organized, and can be used for many styles:
- Sporty
- Preppy
- Nautical
- Artsy (with the right color)
Leather Shoulder Bag
Here are some great shoulder handbags to check out for reference:
- Dooney & Bourke: Dillen Juliette Hobo. This bag is not as flat and sleek, but it comes in a nice size and is halfway between sporty and boho. It’s a very versatile look.
- Dooney & Bourke: Dillen Tear Drop Hobo. This is not too large, not too small, and has a strap that can be worn cross body on some girls.
- Here is a nice Dooney & Bourke handbag for travel.
Nylon Hobo Bag
Orvis.com: Laurel Hobo Bag. This is a lightweight grooving hobo. And, while it might not outlast a good leather handbag, this sweet little thing is only $69.
Nordstrom.com: MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Pretty Nylon Slingy' Hobo Bag. Trendy chicks may prefer a nylon bag by Marc Jacobs or Kate Spade.
There are lots of great travel purse options out there. Just play around online and find something "you can rock".
More Articles:
Extra Large Leather Handbags Worn by Chic Parisian Women
Women's Travel Cruise Wear Online: Over 40 & 50
Cute Women's Packable Raincoat, Trench or Jacket
Best Sites for Women's Travel Wear
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
Join the Conversation