It’s Time For A New Travel bag – And Kooba Is Rocking My World Right Now
I need a new travel bag. You know what I mean by a travel bag, right? Something big and fabulous. Something that screams style and sophistication. Something that can hold all of your tickets and trinkets and trashy mags. Of course you could use this bag every day if you wanted to, but it is something that also serves a very specific purpose when you are on the go.
If you are like me, you don’t have a ton of time to spend on this mission. And of course we want to find a bargain. For times like this, I turn to Bluefly. You can find some serious treasures on that site if you know what you are looking for. You definitely need to be on a mission for a certain item, or else you run the risk of spending many hours and even more Benjamins. But if you are on a targeted search, you can SCORE.
Here’s what I’m looking for in a travel bag:
- Roomy. This puppy needs to hold it ALL, and more. We’re talking snacks, books, makeup, lanyards, a wallet, sunglasses, and at least one brick.
- Thick and/or double straps – I really hate it when my shoulder starts to fall off. (I KNOW – maybe I should carry fewer bricks. Leave me alone.)
- Well made. I subscribe to the notion that you should buy REALLY NICE bags. They just last so much longer, and they get better with age instead of falling apart. I have so many friends who buy their bags at Target or Ross every few months, and really, they end up spending the same amount they would have spent if they just bought a nice bag every couple of years.
When I shop at Bluefly, I tend to start with Kooba because they’re my fave. Turns out they are ROCKING IT right now. Here’s what I’m eyeing…
First up is a Light Gold Metallic Leather “Zoey” Bag. Awesome! This bag is roomy, it’s got a wide strap on top so you can avoid the problem of your shoulder falling off, and it also features several zippered pockets, both inside and out. Perfect for traveling (easy access to tickets, etc. so you don’t have to go digging through your bag, which is not a glamorous or practical look under any circumstance). Price: $218.
If you like a less blingy look the Zoey also comes in black, but it will cost you. $319.
Next up we have a light gold foiled leather ‘Mason’ flap front shoulder bag. Another great style – you could fit an ipad, a computer, some trashy mags, water, snacks, your wallet and your makeup bag in here with room to spare. $218.
The mason also comes in a ‘chalk’ color. $319.
Then we’ve got this delicious chocolate leather ‘Campbell’ convertible bag. Yummy. This bag is not necessarily my style, but I just love a good bag so I am including it anyway. $203.
Finally, I could not resist including this black leather ‘Troi’ shoulder bag. $289.
So there you have it. Thanks, Kooba!
If you are planning to do any shopping on Bluefly, follow these steps to save a bunch of cash:
- Start at TopCashBack to save 8% on your purchase (my link – thanks for using it!)
- Use code MORE40 to get $40 off your purchase of $200 or more
- Use code MORE30 to get $30 off your purchase of $150 or more
- If above codes have expired, check here for current codes.
And of course, let us know if you find anything fabulous.
The whole travel accessory thing is one that has never been completely settled at our house. We use one product for awhile and are never quite happy with it. My husband fell in love with a $300 carry on our last trip to Portland but couldn’t let go of the money.
As for me, I’ve got a wide-strapped over the shoulder carry on luggage bag for all the stuff needed on the flight including snacks, meds, Kindle, etc. And INSIDE of that I also carry a very small flat purse that will have a long strap to go across my chest and over my shoulder and is hands free.
It’s for the destination and will only hold cash, credit cards, comb, lipstick and possible small map. I fell in love with these small purses (have 3 now, in different colors, of course) because my hands are free while I’m sightseeing and my shoulder and neck aren’t being dragged down for eight solid hours. It also works great with kids at an amusement park. Absolutely love ’em.
Anne – Wait, you have to tell us what brand these are and what they look like so we can get some, too!
No particular brand for the small purses. I see them everywhere purses are sold. I think I bought my first one at J. C. Penney’s, another one in Montreal and then one at an airport shop!!!!!! ( Hey, there’s cool stuff everywhere. ;0 )
Picture the body being about the size and shape of a book, but quite flat. The strap is a tad longer than other bags because you wear it across your body instead of over one shoulder.
I hope my description helps. I swear you’ll love them for travel.
Anne – Yes, I totally know what you are talking about. That is a great idea – better than a clutch or a wallet and not as big as a brick bag.
Hi! I happen to be falling in love with a woman who also happens to carry bricks in her purse. She’s kind of an old school rocker (think Chrissie Hynde with blond hair and 33). she doesn’t really have anything nice/new and I want to get her a really great bag that she’ll love for years. Any suggestions for where/how should I look for something that can blend in with her style of well worn biker jackets, jeans, and high tops?
I’m totally with you on the constant hunt for the perfect travel bag. For me I need something roomy, with pockets but I also like having a crossbody so that my hands are free. For day to day at home I’m currently using a cute little Louis but on the road I want something less flashy but still with some style. My go-to right now is a purple PacSafe citysafe 100 gii. It’s a bit plain but all the safety features just give me a little peace of mind in a new location. I have a Roots bag that I use as my airplane bag, which is bigger and can hold all my plane essentials.
Melissa – Oooh, I love Roots bags! Talk about a bag getting better with age. I’m going to check out the PacSafe line – haven’t heard of them yet.
Peter – Wow, how great for you to be falling in love 🙂
That is the sweetest idea – to get your rocker chick a great bag. I’m going to suggest that you browse Piperlime and Bluefly and Polyvore. All 3 sites have a really wide variety of bags so you can browse and find one that really fits her style and personality. I would also suggest ebay, but with caution, because you have to really know what you are doing so you don’t end up with a knockoff/fake item.
I really wish you and your sweetie all the best. Yay for falling in love!
I’ll take the Campbell convertible please!