Smart & Chic Travel - Part I The Sophisticated Carryall

I love to travel, and try to do so whenever I can, as life is short.  I have learned that one essential is a versatile bag.  It needs to be comfortable to carry, hold everything you need for sightseeing and exploring during the day, but  sophisticated enough to accompany you for dinner into the night.  I have also found that having a travel bag that is constructed of some type of fabric is great, as after exploring the world, it will most likely need a good wash. I had not found such a universal item, until recently. There, shining through the clutter of pedestrian duffle bags, gym backs and school backpacks was this gem.

Travel bag by Aimee Kestenberg $49.99 at Winners

A black nylon travel backpack by Aimee Kestenberg that was larger than a typical purse, but not too big.  It had stylish zippers, and plenty of them. I find safety is often an issue with many backpacks, so a zipper closure is always a must.  However, having a zipper does not make a bag automatically secure. The placement of the zipper is very important.  This one has the main zipper towards the handles, with an additional smaller security zipper on the backside of the bag, that goes against one's back.  It has padded straps, which is awesome in helping to relieve pressure, front size zippers that can hold anything from water bottles, to sandals, and a small front pocket for things like lip gloss, wipes, sanitizer, etc.  The inside is roomy enough to use as an overnight bag.  It can easily carry your wallet, sunglasses, sunscreen, an extra scarf, essentials for the kids, wipes, meds, a few t-shirts, chargers, a laptop and will even have room for some souvenirs.   Its fabric design is sophisticated enough go from day to night, alleviating the need for you to pack an extra purse. 

I decided to put this chic bag to the test to see how many things I can comfortably fit in it...

I was easily able to place all these items in it, with room left for a makeup pouch, or a small bag of souvenirs.  The backpack itself measures roughly 15"x12"x6".  I am looking forward to seeing how it holds up this summer and beyond. Happy sophisticated travels!