When I am preparing for a trip, I try to acknowledge that working with a limited closet requires being cognizant of how separate garments will match and how they'll keep after living in luggage for extended periods of time. This applies to my accessories and bags as much as it does my outfits. Some items are automatically out of contention due to their impracticality or travel unfriendliness. For example heavier handbags, like this old favorite- the Marc Jacobs Stam hobo, have never left the city by plane.
Even when I've brought it with me on short journeys (to DC for example), it ended up getting very little use because of its heft.
For the last half dozen or so extended trips that involved plane rides, I've brought with me my two lightest and most versatile handbags to use during the days and evenings: Balencaiga Day and City. They're so easy to fold/roll, and take up such little carryon space.
The black and gray match just about everything I would bring with me. Making any additional bags, unnecessary. They're also very lightweight which is good when you're saddled with cameras, maps, scarves, bonus layers, and sundry souvenirs.
En route to my final destination, I pack the bbags into bags. I usually stuff one into my beloved, lightweight, sleek, and incredibly mobile (thanks to its inline skate wheels)
Heys XCase 20" Carry-On. This fits very easily into overhead bins AND in a pinch I've even stuffed it under my seat.
I bought two of them (in grey and black) for a song at the closing sale of Pittsburgh's now-deceased Filene's Basement.
The other purse goes with me into my durable
Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Folding Tote.
It has a secure zip closure and is so sturdy and lightweight, it is kind of ridiculous. I got the above one (which was a seasonal offering) from the Great Fall 2008 Saks Sale. This fits very easily underneath the seats. The heavy nylon keeps everything safe (since I am fussy about putting anything leather onto the floor). It also holds a TON of stuff. I fit my leather bag (with purse contents), laptop, spare pair of ballerina flats, quart bag of liquids, snacks, jewelry pouch, cosmetic pouch, pashmina scarf (to double as a blanket if I get cold on the plane), magazines, book, and a spare outfit, easily.
I've often considered bringing more formal looking or uniquely colored bags with me on my travels but I always force myself to reevaluate the impulse to overpack prior to departure of my home. I remind myself gently that the more I bring, the more I'll have to hulk around airport(s), onto mass transit, into taxis, etc. And the less space I'll have to bring home new, exciting finds!
How do you travel your belongings? Do you have a beloved duffle? A system of emergency Baggus? Do you go the Rachel Zoe route and Fed Ex everything to your hotel so you don't have to think about it? I'd love to know your strategy.
