Travel in Style: Weekend Bags From Flirty to Sturdy

Oh, more than 8 weeks ago (I know, because that’s when I started pinning possibilities), a reader and twitter friend asked for some help in finding a weekend bag that wouldn’t break the bank. And while it’s well past her beginning-of-September deadline (forgive me?), it’s time I finally put up or shut up on the topic.

It is, after all, nearly the holiday season, when we all travel to see our families.

Yes, I just wrote that.

It’s also the Season of the Fall Weddings. Facebook, twitter, and Instagram are aglow with group shots of brides and grooms at leaf-adorned outdoor alters, group shots of college friends All Dressed Up, and even invites. So I know a few of you need something in which to stow that gear to get you from Friday night rehearsal dinner through nail appointments, the ceremony and reception, and finally the bleary-eyed wedding brunch The Day After.

The original requirements were a not-uncute weekend bag no more than $100. Easier said than done, of course, especially for this vintage-inspired-luggage addict who goes for the leather travel trunk every time. Gorgeous, but ridiculously impractical.

So I found a group of bags - some bigger, some smaller, most under $100 (but a couple of reaches, especially now that they’re on sale. Personally, if I can’t have leather, I want color.

Clockwise, from top left: Land's End Ella Vickers Medium Duffel (um, named after a woman who served as first mate on the America's Cup team? yes.), Dr. Koffer Fine Leather Accessories Chaucer Bag (see? leather. I told you), Urban Outfitters BDG Buckle Tote (the smallest of the bunch, but adorable and versatile), Lipault Plume Weekend Bag (a bit old school, comes in fun colors), Heritage Leather Co. Canvas Mason bag (love the leather and canvas mix for a mildly nautical twist), L.L. Bean Hardshell Rolling Pullman (the whole hardshell thing intrigues me, though I'm a canvas girl through-and-through, plus, well, rollerbag).

On a terribly practical note, I will say this: if you absolutely must have luggage that you need to depend on (and aren’t terribly concerned about the cute factor, though it’s perfectly presentable), go L.L. Bean or Land’s End every time.

After Mom-Mom bought me my first set of luggage for high school graduation (it’s what she did for all 17 grandkids), and my trusty royal blue canvas Land’s End set took me to my years in Austria and Germany (never mind other trips), I can’t say enough about the quality and customer service from each company. We now rely on an L.L. Bean rollerbag, complete with preptastic monogram. I can stuff a weekend’s worth of clothes for both Beans and me in it (though sometimes the shoes have to go in a separate bag). You can’t hurt either brand, but if something does happen to it, both have impeccably easy repair or exchange policies. They’re pricier than this request, but they’re oh, so worth it.

Just pick a color you’ll like - kinda like that tattoo you’re thankful you never got.

Style Dilemma: Trouser Jeans Defined

In response to Style Dilemma: Birthday in Freezing Cold NYC, Amanda posted:

I was wondering if you can post on your "trouser jeans" description. I have the worst judgement when it comes to buying jeans.

Amanda:

Brilliant question. Main reason? I think trouser jeans are one of the most wonderful fashion inventions ever. I wear my Citizens for Humanity Faye #003 low waist full leg stretch constantly. They were the first pair of "premium" jeans I bought, and for a long time, were the only pair of jeans I had. They got me back into jeans, when I hadn't worn them in years. Literally. Haven't even given them up as the bump's growing. Still using the rubber band.

Alright. Now that I've rambled, to your question.

Basically, what trouser jeans do for you is dress up the jean into something not jean-like (but you still get the comfort and "not dressy" part of denim). They tend to be more flattering to more women than other styles. Picture your favorite pair of work pants - how they fit, look professional, and cool all at the same time - and you've got trouser jeans. Easy way to spot them? Look for the pressed crease on the front of the leg.

zafu.com has a great little article on trouser jeans (try their jeans finder, too!). You no longer have to spend tons of money to get a pair (though they're certainly a great investment - I bought mine for $150 at least 3 years ago, and they still wear great). Land's End, Gap, and even Target (Isaac, of course) have versions. And if I could ever find a picture of them, I'd love to show you the Pair I Never Got this past season - Shagg Downtown's high-waisted trouser jean. It's what Kate Hepburn would wear if she had worn jeans.

Hope that helps, Amanda. Go forth and try - lots and lots of pairs. It's the only way to find them. That, and take along a friend - critical for the very, very important "rear view" decisions. And if you're willing to spend a little more money, go see the local experts at our own Denim Bar. Or, if you're willing to wait a little while, put the folks at the just-about-to-open-in-our-area National Jeans Company. (The Bethesda store opens March 19th - more to come on that later. And no, their website name has no connection to the local beverage - honk if you get my meaning - I know because I asked.) Not just jeans, but if they've got jeans in their name, they know what they're doing.

And don't forget to report back! We've all been where you are.