iLust: Briefcase bags

A full article on the latest handbag trend reminds me of my favorite bags. I love briefcase bags because they are wide enough to hold books and papers without folding (academic), stuff clothing and toiletries for 1-2 days (travel), or carry a laptop and files (work). A few years ago I began lusting even more for vertical briefcase bags, especially for laptops, because they seem to distribute weight better and makes inevitable airport treks easier on the back. In this article I love Rachel Bilson's simple vertical case, and a version of the Olsen twin's can be purchased very inexpensively in many stores.

When buying into this trend you want to either invest or go trendy. An investment is a strong, structured version, usually leather or suede, that will hold up to the ages (trust me, you'll pull this out many times in a year to reduce your cost-per-wear). A leather Coach is, of course, a great way to go. Canvas material is structured and trendy: keep a needle and thread handy for the rips that occur with use and you also have a long lasting bag. Go trendy with less structure and/or a less sturdy material, that you understand may not last long. I purchased a great looking tote via mail order that was even featured on Grey's Anatomy, but without the structure I have to be very careful about how heavy my load gets. In fact, it's a perfect prop: I'm sure Izzie Stevens wasn't carrying much in hers!

• Urban Outfitters Folio Briefcase Bag: in tan for the classic style
• Gap Buckle-flap over the shoulder saddle bag: saddle bags are equivalent to horizontal briefcase bags
• Gap Laptop bag: on sale as of this post date for an even better deal
  

http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/accessory-report-briefcase-bags/

Gender neutral luggage

A male friend asked to borrow luggage for a trip. I willingly obliged but was told, "Never mind, your luggage is kinda girly." I thought about it and thought, "Yes, it is kinda feminine," matter of fact most of my luggage has some kind of detail that makes it stand out. But do these details make them feminine? The most gender neutral piece I own is tan with brown leather sides and handles which I find quite durable but was deemed "too small". I had to wonder would a man carry even this piece or is generic black and blue all men are allowed?

Large bag trend: how large is too large?

I was out with The Gentlemen and A Friend and was teased about the size of my purse: a wonderful woven white tote that holds a week's worth of supplies and paper. Originally intended for travel I couldn't resist using it for everyday. And true fashionistas know how hard it is to score trendy white bags. Now I admit that I'm always prepared so when we needed hand wipes I had some, when we needed Chapstick I had an assortment of lip glosses, and friends know I always have eye drops, so an oversized bag helps keep everything in one place. But by the end of the week my bag is noticeably heavier...time to clean it out.

Is it better to downsize and sort or always be prepared? When I try to downsize I inevitably need something that I conscientiously left behind. But when I take a smaller bag I manage just fine with bare essentials. My solution is to bring both: the small comes with me, the large stays in the car just in case.

My Largest Bags:

• white woven beauty by Guess, was on sale on their website and they also have luggage
  
• blue & gold custom canvas tote bag made by Zoras of St. Thomas, purchased on vacation and never regretted!
• black graphic image luggage tote and matching rolling carry-on from The Limited, purchased 10 years ago and still in service (Express occasionally sells luggage also)
  
• black graphic image baby bag by Nine West, which provides a great laptop pocket (Kohl's sells Nine West luggate regularly)
  

Have you seen the $10 Gift Store? Bijoux Terner

Bijoux Terner is a company with stores in airports only. I first encountered this mecca in Europe many moons agains, then most recently in Puerto Rico: before I reached my destination I had bought 4 purses to match a number of formal outfits. On my return I picked up a few more to make sure I always have a matching bag. At $10 I felt they were a bargain because the styles were "influenced" by high end designs and large enough to hold my essentials. I was recently complimented on one of these gems, which is the litmus test.

The company is great about changing the merchandise to match with current fashion trends, and they sell accessories from scarves to sunglasses, and men's accessories now also.

So while traveling be on the lookout for this great concept store! Or check out their locations before you travel...maybe you can schedule a stopover...it's totally worth it! Just make sure you have enough packing room to bring home all your purchases.

The house is finally done!

So the house is finally done and we finally get to indulge in some serious decorating cravings! I've missed opportunities to purchase great items (furniture, decor, tchotchkes) because of lack of storage while the house was in progress, but something new always comes along and that's the best part! Then again the design aesthetic of the color scheme (brown and Frost and modern) and the space limitations of an older home renovated with the same footprint (small rooms) means I'm going to have to reduce possessions, contain clutter, and keep it streamlined...that's what the house is asking for!