I'm off to DC today. I've been trying to push aside my ever-growing wanderlust, but it's not going away anytime soon I think! While my trip to DC will be very much welcomed, it's going to be quick. As in working on the train down in the afternoon and then working on the train again first thing in the morning. (I spent all of my senior year spending every second possible in the city, and now here I am missing the District!)
Quick trips are the hardest to pack for. You can't really justify bringing a large bag. And, no matter how many days you're gone for, there's always a "fixed" amount of things you need. (As in, even if you're spending a week away or just one night, you'll need all your toiletries and pajamas and at least two outfits (right?), plus like... two pairs of shoes. Minimum. Okay, so maybe that's just me....
Finding the right bag is key. I'm the kind of person who needs restrictive space, because otherwise I overpack ridiculously. It's bad. Plus, I like to keep my bag with me (as opposed to checking it if I'm on a flight) and so I have to be able to carry it easily. Throwing a strap over my shoulder is the best.
Oh, and nine times out of ten, I have my laptop with me. ABC = Always Bring Computer.
I rounded up ten of the cutest and most versatile bags out there. Feel free to add your favorites in a comment!
What are your quick trip packing tips? What's your go-to weekender bag?
xoxo
LOVE my Vera Bradley weekender. It's the perfect size for overnight trips and I got it on a nice sale!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever looked into Jon Hart bags? They are my absolute favorite- and they last F O R E V E R. Check them out! I love using the Burleson bag for quick trips home on the weekends. http://www.jonhartdesign.com
ReplyDeleteI have that exact Vera Bradley weekender! Unfortunately, I'm a compulsive over-packer so I only use it if I'm sleeping over a friend's house because it doesn't hold enough for me to use that for a whole weekend away. Normally I use a giant Coach weekender tote I got a few years ago :)
ReplyDeletei love the longchamp bag! haha at the abc
ReplyDeletexx
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
Love the Longchamp one, I've had my eye on that bag for a while! :)
ReplyDeleteAKB
asouthernbrunette.blogspot.com
I'm a sucker for the Longchamp...as always!
ReplyDeletehave you seen the Lo & Sons OG (or OMG) bag? I'm dying to own one! they look super useful and versatile and still really chic. alas, they are also way out of my budget...
ReplyDeleteVera was perfect, took it to Mexico. Fits under the seat, roomy. It had plenty of pockets, flexible, lightweight. Lots of compliments on its looks. looks good with my adidas short polo and I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteLands End has some really nice bags as well. For weekend trips (and longer) I borrow my mother's bag from there that's over 15 years old but stil holds up and works like a charm. And it's monogramed so that doesn't hurt!
ReplyDeleteI actually have the Vera Bradley large duffle bag.... It looks a lot bigger than it actually is, but it's perfect for long weekends!
ReplyDeleteI always use my longchamp but that crew cuts duffel is calling my name! I'll have to check out how big it is! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJessie Holmes Springer
jessieholmesspringer.com
love the Longchamp bag!
ReplyDeletePS: the new Kate Spade Saturday weekender looks promising!
ReplyDeleteSee you tonight!!
ReplyDeleteI just purchased the Longchamp travel bag for an upcoming spring break trip and can't wait to use it!
ReplyDelete-Melissa
classygirlingreen.blogspot.com
Longchamp all the way, although I must say the monogrammed J. McLaughlin is adorable too! Might have to look into that :)
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Vina
theprettyinprep.blogspot.com
I agree - Longchamp for life! haha! I love how it; I have one very similar and carry it everywhere with me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!!
xx
Nicole
www.nicoleandtrentnyc.blogspot.com
I love my llbean boat and tote and my LV for a quick trip. Truth is I love a vaca but HATE to pack and unpack. Ugh! I am crushing on the J.McLaughin.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week,
tikaa
www.totallytikaa.com
I absolutely LOVE the J. McLaughlin Sailcloth Duffle! The monogram definitely adds the perfect touch to it. However, I'm not a fan of two of the things - the fact that the majority of it is white (knowing me, I'll somehow get stains on it!) and the price (a little expensive for my age!). I'll look into it though, because I could definitely put it to great use!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in DC!
xo,
Ashley
privateschoolprepster.blogspot.com
I love my Longchamps weekend bag... use it every time! Have a fabulous time in DC!
ReplyDeletexo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
www.stephanieziajka.blogspot.com
Well you have my bag on the list! For a quick get away by car or train I say LeSportsac. Definitely. As far as planes are concerned, however, I have an awful habit of always checking a suitcase even for a weekend trip. I guess this is mainly bc checking bags on Delta is free for me. Even if it is small enough for the overhead, I check it. I could definitely pack better. I am an "ABC" girl too as you say, but lately my iPad has become a great substitute for a heavier laptop. Takes up far less space too. My carryon bag is a Neverfull and the computer gets pretty heavy on one shoulder when trekking through the airport. I would love to see what your carry-on bag looks like when you fly! Should do a post on packing that :)
ReplyDeleteLove my LeSportsac and my Longchamp. I recommend either for a weekend or to always pack one on a long trip for a bigger bag with souveniers on the way home. They fold up quite nicely and can be slid in the front pocket of your suitcase.
ReplyDeleteBoth hold up well. I have the patent black LeSportSac (actually also about to purchase their new cheetah print) and black longchamp. Goes with everything, never looks lazy, HOLDS EVERYTHING.
I would also suggest adding the large LL Bean totes to the list! They are super-practical, hold up to a lot, and can also be monogrammed.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to meet you tonight at GWU!
Sarah
taste-and-tact.blogspot.com
Such a great roundup! I need a new weekend bag, so this is perfect timing!
ReplyDeleteLuci’s Morsels – fashion. food. frivolity.
My mother owns this classy and chic blue weekender bag, that I believe she either bought it from TJ Maxx or Macy's.
ReplyDeleteMy quick trip tips are always check the weather before you go somewhere, which will help on minizing what you need to bring. Just bring the necessity when it comes to skin and body care, and have them in a functional beauty bag like this one from Target: http://www.target.com/p/contents-tutti-fruity-hanging-clutch-cosmetic-bag/-/A-13937675#prodSlot=medium_1_32&term=beauty+bag
Hanny
I love a classic LL Bean boat and tote or Lands End canvas tote! Monogrammed of course!!
ReplyDeleteThat expandable Longchamp is seriously my dream weekender and has been ever since a friend brought it with her on our trip to Italy. Just seeing everything she could fit in there sealed the deal for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be one of my first purchases once I get a big girl job!
I've never seen that expendable Longchamp before, but it looks all sorts of awesome. My best packing tip is to keep a hard copy of "always pack every time" things like jeans, toothbrush, jammies, etc" and then write down a supplementary list of outfits.
ReplyDeleteThis post was such perfect timing for me. I'm looking for a new weekend bag since mine is slowly falling apart and I LOVE your choices!
ReplyDeletei love the little crewcuts one! it would be perfect for my trip this weekend but i don't think it will be here in time. i am always the person that overpacks. gone for one night, i need 2-3 pairs of shoes and 2-3 outfits because i never know what i might want to wear the next day! but then again, i've packed enough times that i can fit 5 days worth of clothes and everything into a backpack. and a week and a half into a tiny rolling carry on.
ReplyDeleteI just spent one evening away from home (I wasn't even gone 24 hours!). I packed two outfits, pajamas, and workout clothes, plus brought two pairs of shoes and toiletries. I use a backpack to pack for quick trips because of the restrictiveness, but I would like something more fun to carry (thanks for the bag recommendations!). I keep a checklist on my computer of what to pack so I always have something to reference. It cuts down on the risk of forgetting to pack something.
ReplyDeleteLove the J Crew Canvas overnight bag, it's adorable. I am horrible at packing for the weekends, I usually pack my vera bradley duffel (large) and still find myself wishing I had more space!
ReplyDeleteThe Longchamp and the Vera Bradley bag are perfect! Love both of them! <3
ReplyDeletexo,
Emily
http://lifesn0tebook.blogspot.com/
I'm in the market for a good weekend bag and all of these are amazing!
ReplyDeletexxEmily
pastelsandpolkadots.com
Big fan of the vera weekender!
ReplyDeletexo
affordablebyamanda.blogspot.com
I LOVE my Vera Weekender! It's large enough to fit the essentials, and is super cute and versatile.
ReplyDeleteXOXO-Lydia
preppychictheblog.blogspot.com
I LOVE (!!!) the J. Mc Laughlin weekender! It's so classic and I love anything monogrammed! I have a Vera Bradley duffle and most of the time it's either too big (weekend with friends) or too small (weekend home from college). I feel like the J. Mc Laughlin duffle would force me to pack much more conservatively so I could stick with it's clean classic lines :)
ReplyDeleteleopardspot-theblog.blogspot.com
You can get a replica of the J.Crew Crew Cuts bag at H&M! I can't find it on the website though.
ReplyDeletepreppybutnotperfect.blogspot.com
Has anybody ever had any experience with a Cinda B travel bag? I've been eyeballing them for a while.
ReplyDeletehttp://cindab.com/lifestyle/travel-bags.html
Also the Ame and Lulu?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ameandlulu.com/expediter-p-147.html
Has anybody ever had any experience with a Cinda B travel bag? I've been eyeballing them for a while.
ReplyDeletehttp://cindab.com/lifestyle/travel-bags.html
I have a Lilly duffel I use for short trips or a huge LL Bean bag. However, I'm guilty of bringing my entire carry on even when it's not necessary!
ReplyDeleteUh, these are all so cute! I refuse to pay extra for checked baggage if I'm not going for more than four or five days, and I have a little (polka dotted!) suitcase that I usually use which is super handy. I've just booked a flight (foolishly!) with an airline that has different size restrictions, so now I'm on the hunt for a little bag to help me out...thanks for all the pointers!
ReplyDeleteLove the polka dot bag - it's so cute!
ReplyDeleteKate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
I have a black Lululemon bag, which I've had forever and love. It has pockets for absolutely EVERYTHING!
ReplyDelete