The 5 Essential Handbags Every Woman Needs
With this list, there will be no more purses squashed in your closet, no more impulse bag buys, no more hoarding of freebie totes.
By Amber Kallor
The Weekend-Escape Carryall
For a short getaway or gym visit, a bag made of heavy-duty nylon or canvas won't rip (even when tossed into the underbelly of an airplane or bus) but is soft enough to stuff into a locker. A flexible fabric (like this lightweight nylon LeSportsac duffle) can be folded and stashed in a bigger suitcase on longer trips and opened up later to bring home souvenirs, says Glassman. Look for a version with both a top handle for holding just sneakers and a change of clothes, and a long, detachable strap that can be worn across the body to balance heavier loads when you're schlepping through an airport.
The right size: An overnighter roomy enough to hold an extra outfit, pajamas, toiletries and a pair of shoes. (Most airlines limit your carry-on to 45 linear inches—meaning your bag should be no bigger than 22" x 14" x 9").
The most common mistake: Buying a bag that's heavy when empty. Thick leathers stand up to being stuffed into the overhead compartment, but they add extra weight.
One to try: A striped style is easier to spot on the luggage carousel, and everyone from Tory Burch to Donna Karan sent stripes down their spring runways.
Next: Packing secrets from travel pros
The right size: An overnighter roomy enough to hold an extra outfit, pajamas, toiletries and a pair of shoes. (Most airlines limit your carry-on to 45 linear inches—meaning your bag should be no bigger than 22" x 14" x 9").
The most common mistake: Buying a bag that's heavy when empty. Thick leathers stand up to being stuffed into the overhead compartment, but they add extra weight.
One to try: A striped style is easier to spot on the luggage carousel, and everyone from Tory Burch to Donna Karan sent stripes down their spring runways.
Next: Packing secrets from travel pros
Published 03/30/2012