by Renae Virata

I got a question from a Travelista about finding a bag that would go with any outfit bar-hopping but would also be appropriate for a semi-formal event.  Check out the bags we recommend!

Her question:

I need help finding the perfect accessory, and I am turning to you for some options.  I am looking for a satchel that I can use when I go out.  I want to be able to use it when I go bar hopping, or if I go to a semi-nice event. Also, the most important thing: It has to be able to hold my iPhone, small lip gloss, contacts case, small container of eye drops, bank card, and ID (I know, I’m weird, but I’m so anal about what I have on me).  I’m hoping to spend $30 or less, but am willing to pay more if it is the perfect one  Can you recommend some that fit this criteria?  I have searched high and low and have not been impressed with what I have found.

First, gals, you have to let go of the notion that a good bag for evening has to be metallic, sateen, or beaded.  Also, you can be a tad fancy when you bar hop, so you don’t have to carry around that beat up, giant bag that you use for work when you go out for a casual outting either.

A good bag that meets our dear friend’s criteria is tough but chic – not only able to withstand being thrown around in a casual setting (ugh – dontcha just hate those mysterious sticky spots on the bar?) but also look fabulous for a more formal event.  Here are some tips when looking for just such a bag:

• Texture – Snakeskin or some sort of stamped leather texture add enough whimsy for the bars but looks purposefully chic and dramatic for a nicer event.  Leather is preferable to cloth because it provides structure and captures prints, color and texture better.  Smooth leather with a slight crinkle looks funky but has enough shine for any occasion.
• Color – Select something neutral but don’t be afraid of doing something other than black or a metallic.  Taupe or snakeskin are great with touches of metallic.  A deep mulberry, aubergine, or even royal blue will go with most anything and be appropriate for both a casual or formal setting.
• Shape – You want to be able to fit bigger stuff when you go to the bars, right?  That doesn’t mean you can’t bring the same larger bag to a wedding or night bash.  Instead of a mini clutch where you end up asking your date to hold that tube of lipstick that just wouldn’t fit with all your other stuff, opt for more drama with an envelope clutch that also doubles as an easy-to-carry crossbody.  Convertibility is key when it comes to that go-with-it-all bag.

Remember, you can always dress up a casual outfit with something fancier and make a formal outfit more modern by picking just the kind of bags we recommend below – and they’re all mostly under $75!

Big Buddha Mina $52 – Wear this THREE different ways – a clutch, a shoulder bag, and a cross-body.  Metallic snakeskin looks great with everything and so roomy!

The Sak Iris demi clutch $47.20 – Comes in three colors, but we LOVE the multi-colored geometric stripes.  Smooth texture leather and a convertible strap!

Hobo International Zara $128 -The crackle look is perfect for a cool night out but adds dimension to a casual outfit.  Convertible strap, too!

Elliott Luca 3-Way Demi Bag $59.99 – We chose the black pintuck in this bag that comes in many textures and colors because the texture is so cool and modern in addition to the blingy shine of the leather.  Use it as a crossbody or a clutch!

Venice train station.

by Renae Virata

I have a seemingly strange connection to my weekend/carry-on bag.  It was an impulse purchase back in the day when I really couldn’t afford it.  But the crocodile green leather and spacious interior seemed to beg me to take it with me on my future adventures.  And so it was!  From road trips and solo excursions to places like Israel and across Europe, my trusty bag accompanied me through every kind of trip.  I recently replaced the zipper closure, that’s how much I love this bag.

The importance of the perfect weekend/carry-on bag cannot be stressed enough.  It should not only carry the essentials for a great trip or for when (God forbid!) the airline loses your checked luggage but also reflect your personal style as much as any other part of your outfit.  And it should be able to withstand the elements and physical beatings of a race through airports, train stations, and that occasional use as a pillow.

What to look for in a great weekender?

• Lots of room and depth.  It should open wide enough for you to be able to comfortably see everything in your bag.  I usually find that a bag that is at least 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep works well (unless it is a tote style that expands).
• Pockets both inside and outside.  The inside is more important than the outside, though having zippered compartments on the front and back make it easier for you to find your makeup, passport and tickets.
• Convertibility.  Whether it has an extra longer strap or wheels, having different options to tote your bag around will make it a great companion for a variety of travel occasions.
• Durability.  Metal zippers usually fair better than plastic ones.  Structured bags help protect your belongings but you can wrap important items (read: glass) in your shoes or clothing.
• Style!  Let it show off your personality through color, shape and design.

Below is a collection of weekend/carry-on bags that have both the fashion and function you need.  Hope you find the one that speaks to you!  Just click on an item to learn more about it and to shop it directly from eBags.com.

Bellino The Voyager $92.80

Briggs and Riley $104.25 (More colors!)

Clava $256 (More colors!)

Clava $232 (More colors!)

David King & Co. $176 (More colors!)

Diane Von Furstenberg $87.99 (More colors!)

Diane Von Furstenberg $99.99 (More colors!)

Diane Von Furstenberg $103.99 (More colors!)

Hadaki $120 (More colors!)

Jesselli Couture $73.60 (Also in orange)

Joe's Jeans $104 (More colors!)

Lug Life $131.99 (More colors!)

Lug Life $51.99 (More colors!)

Lug Life $131.99 (More colors!)

Pan Am $72 (More colors!

Rockland Luggage $31.99 (More colors!)

Saltbox $140 (More patterns!)

Saltbox $140 (More patterns!)

Siamod $192 (More colors!)

Sydney Love $55.99 (More patterns!)

Vera Bradley $80

rian $305.59

by Renae Virata

Crossbody bags are a must for travelers!  They are easy to carry, look loosely fashionable, and can help you organize all of your travel essentials.  Whether you are on an all-day site-seeing tour; shopping for the day; or on the plane, train or in the car, it can be a great accessory that makes life a little easier.Think of today’s new neutrals: Camel, muted yellow, even a fabulous orange crossbody bag look great on anyone and with most outfits.  You can even do a great evening bag that will make it easy to dance and hang out.

Click on an item to learn more.

Fossil $84

Ellington $159

B. Makowsky $104.99

Diesel $69.99

Etienne Aigner $69.99

Cole Haan $79.99

Fossil $118

Roxy $58

Whiting and Davis $70

Roxy $24

The Sak $64.99

BCBG $198

BCBG $198

Amici $28

When I used to travel for my last job or attend any number of conferences, I’d always have the highest hopes that those sexy but polished three-inch heels I was rocking would last me all day.  Big mistake!  I wasn’t about to abandon my favorite kicks to go with my favorite suit until about four hours later when I started to get that sensation of impending pain that comes with most hot heels and boots.But comfortable business travel shoes does not necessarily mean (heaven forbid!) clunky and rubber-soled.  Here are our picks for the coziest yet most stylish heels, flats, and boots to help you put your best foot forward for that next marathon business trip.

CARMA $278

Cole Haan

You can’t go wrong in a classic pair of Cole Haans.  This line of shoes was definitely made for walking without sacrificing good looks.  The supple leathers are a favorite for business travelers as well as the latent designs with comfort in mind.  The Carma Air Detailed Pump is a prime example.  In black, burnished gold, or royal purple, this shoe boasts NIKE AIR Technology “for maximum support.”  Comfort of a tennis shoe in a fabulous style?  We’re in.

GLADSTONE $69.00

Bass

Remember getting your Bass loafers for school way back when?  For years now, they’ve been offering stylish dress shoes for women but with an upgrade in styling.  Their Gladstone modified penny loafer has that Bass comfort with a memory foam padded sole but includes a modern stacked heel to keep it looking good from all angles.  It comes in black and what they call cocoa, but the fawn color (shown here) is a staple every woman should have in their business wardrobe.  And, hello! You can’t beat the price.

FOREST GROVE $90.00

Rockport

How many times have you walked by this store in the mall only to find that either hard-core walkers / hikers or older women seem to pervade the scene?  A thorough look inside the shop will reveal a number of flats and heels that cater more to the professional fashionista.  Their Forest Grove Casual Slip-On in a fabulous steel gray is one such shoe.  If you can get away with flats, this is one that will go with anything and give you an edge.  At $90, your feet stay dry from a day’s worth of sweat, the hidden rubber sole provides ultimate flexibility, and the patent leather adds a little fancy to your feet.  Imagine racing through the airport in these, too, and you have one great shoe to pack.

BENEFIT $59.99

Aerosoles

Another unlikely candidate for fashionable heels, Aerosoles has been coming up with some pretty sweet dress shoes in recent years.  No one would ever guess that the Benefit shoe, with its sleek lines and kitschy but cute striped bow styling also includes the signature Aerosoles comfort promise.  They also come in black with the striped bow or not, but we couldn’t resist this go-with-it-all rich brown color.

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!

ROWALLAN BAG TO GARMENT BAG - $149.99

by Renae Virata

C’mon, ladies, we know you have one – that carry-all into which you stuff basically every travel doc, electronic, spare sweater, and personal accessory that you will need for your trip but that mimics a black hole when you actually need to find something.  Well, here’s our mini-guide to the most stylish carry-on bags that will make life a lot easier on your next trip.What to Look for:

VERA BRADLEY - OVERNIGHTER - $75!

•   Consider your personal traveling style. Are you just fine with your purse and a magazine, or do you like to pack a made-for-a-woman baby bag to keep the stuff you think you might need on your flight?  Either way, it is important to know that when choosing a bag.  Simple passengers may only need a good purse or simple tote.  A multi-pocketed duffle or bowler may be just the thing for a woman with more accoutrements.

•   Structure and organization. Don’t you just hate looking into your bag to find crumpled papers, tangled cords, and…where IS that darned gloss?!    A structured bag can help reduce the amount of shifting in your bag by keeping things contained.  Look for those with lots of dividers and pockets on the outside to keep everything organized.

EBAGS.COM ACE GENE TRIFOLD - $249.99

•   Closure. Not the kind after you break up, but how your bag closes.  Opt for fitted flap-over bags with strong clasps or one that completely zips closed.  It will help against pickpockets of the possibility of anything accidentally slipping out.

•   Texture. More for aesthetics than anything else, bags with a tough exterior texture to the fabric will help you feel more put-together when it comes to your carry-on.  Textured bags tend to show less wear, also, as the more three-dimensional effect will hide scratches, scrapes, and worn-out areas.

•   Color. Don’t be afraid to experiment with “color” neutrals!  Black and brown are THE classics, but why not opt for a dark green number, a deep burgundy, or a pattern that says ‘you’?

•   Material. Tough but smooth leather is always a stylish option that can only look better the more you use it.  But fabrics like microfiber and thick nylon tweeds are also great choices to get you through many trips.   Plus, texture will already be built in, so you can rest assured you’ve got both areas covered.

•   Shape. Sizeable bowlers not only look great but can help you fit your necessities.  A mini-duffel of the none-gym-bag variety are also perfect to carry by hand or over your shoulder.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ROLLING BAG - $110

•   Roll or carry? Why choose?  Sometimes it’s just easier to carry something (not to mention more comforting), but when you have a heavier load than usual, wheels can be of huge benefit.  Find both in one bag and never have to worry about how to carry your essentials around.

•   Matching not required. Don’t worry about coordinating all of your bags together and with your clothes. Unless you want to start a carry-on bag collection, a couple of reliable pieces that speak to your style and mode of travel will let you choose one to suit your mood.

More tips

•    Pack an extra flat-folding, thinner tote or mini-duffle for those possible impromptu airport shopping sprees.

EAGLE CREEK 20" PACKING FOLDER - $27.50

•    If your favorite bag lacks pockets, organize all of your items in separate cases or folders.  Make it more fun with coordinating patterns.

BAAEKGAARD MATCHING SET - $36

•    Try not to overstuff your bag.  Many are tough and roomy, but you’ll end up compromising the bag’s closure, your things, and probably your sanity, if you must dig through everything to find anything.

•   Cute luggage tags are a must! Express yourself with luggage tags from .

BOYT MACH5 MULTIPKT - $159.99

WILSON'S LEATHER - LEADERS IN LEATHER DUFFLE - $225

KORCHMAR LEATHER EXPANDABLE DUFFLE - $500

•   TSA Restrictions | What you can’t bring with you on the plane.

•   Airline Carry-On Luggage Requirements | Scroll down this page to find out general restrictions on number, size, and weight of your carry-on bags.

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!