Bag ladies, what's your favorite large tote for travel?

I asked in the fashion thread but got no responses so here I am.

I'd like a large tote or even backpack with pockets, something that has some closure, that Can also function as an overnight bag/pool bag. So, definitely utilitarian, but with some style.

I had seen some laminated canvas at C wonder (online) but they are pretty much gone (no ecommerce and stores are closing). The Orla Kiely colors don't really work for me. I haven't seen anything else on the sites I frequent. I'd prefer not leather, due to weight.

(I checked Lesportsac and baggallini and didn't see anything I liked.)

i swear by my longchamps for large travel tote (lightweight, durable, great colors and it squishes down to a very small size when i need to bring it with in my luggage)

For back pack (laptop city bag) i just bought a Knomo which i love love-- great pockets- light weight- stylish (for me)

I was thinking about longchamp but don't think they have a cross body strap and I find that much more comfortable for carrying a full bag.

Knomo is more conservative looking than I'd like, this is for vacation travel.

Vera Bradley has lots of travel totes. Here is a classic black one.
http://www.verabradley.com/product/grand-traveler/classic-black/1001910_179103.uts?parentCategoryId=1088&subCategoryId=1147

If you search on Etsy there are some nice bags. I use a bag from this shop for my diaper bag: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Kinies?section_id=all

Lots of pockets, a short shoulder strap as well as a cross-body strap. They have waxed canvas options too. My only complaint is that the light fabric on the inside is probably gonna get gross, but it's really well made. The bag itself isn't heavy, which makes a big difference when you're hauling a bunch of stuff around.

Have you looked at Timbuk2? They started with messenger bags, but they do totes too. I've gotten a couple at REI on Rt. 10 that I use for travel. Study fabric, not too heavy Elena when empty, useful pockets. I think you can also customize a bag via their website.

I have a Louis Vuitton tote that really does the trick but it doesn't have enough compartments for extras. I usually turn to my, and I kid you not, my old Kate Spade travel baby messenger bag. It's wide, can be cross strapped and has all the compartments that I need for tickets, passports, makeup and jewelry/camera that I don't want to check.

How about this - my blond spot came because you said a tote and I don't usually associate totes with overnight travel. More I would think stylish duffel. Here is one.

http://m.zappos.com/multiview/8255352/1892#autoplay

http://guestofaguest.com/new-york/fashion/7-stylish-overnight-bags-for-travel-season

I used to love the Vera Bradley bags. For travel, I had two "Miller" bags. They were also perfect for the baby bag (tons of pockets).

Not sure how chic Vera Bradley is any more but I did love those bags!

I found a fantastic large Kipling tote in London that has become my go-to carry on. Cross body strap, can hold everything, and although I got it in boring gray there are fun patterns. Seems indestructible so far.

This one is great - comes in other patterns. Expands dramatically.
http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/accessories/designer-handbags-wallets/getaway-travel-bag?pattern=elephant?s=alisongrant

Check on ebags.com and also LL.Bean--was just looking at totes with crossbody straps...

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/677?nav=bc&subrnd=0&page=tote-bags

I love MZWallace totes. They do make one that has a crossbody strap.

Love my Timbuktu bags.

I meant a large size tote that can function as a large pocketbook but also stash a bathing suit, coverup, etc. (Of course I'll have a larger carry on bag, but since I tend to overpack this will have to hold surplus.)

Vera Bradley is just not my thing. I'll look and see if I like any of the patterns and look at some of the other options.

Thinking about this for myself. I've seen it in person, very nice. Reversible, with long strap.http://www.freepeople.com/slouchy-vegan-tote/_/searchString/tote/QUERYID/54e8d0578570a33f9c00013e/CMCATEGORYID/683d4023-53f5-4900-b5ce-ecf465df31a9/SEARCHPOSITION/0/STYLEID/29096328/#BVRRWidgetID

shh said:

I
Vera Bradley is just not my thing. I'll look and see if I like any of the patterns and look at some of the other options.

I sooo don't see this.

purchased this for my daughter for christmas. she uses it for overnights and carry on:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=27953686&parentid=W_ACC_BAGS#/

eliz said:

shh said:

I
Vera Bradley is just not my thing. I'll look and see if I like any of the patterns and look at some of the other options.

I sooo don't see this.

What do you mean @eliz? I am a vera Bradley person?

@shh - no the opposite.

Ok, I thought you knew me! Most of the patterns are just too much for me, and I don't love the quilted fabric.

I just went through this tote purchase exercise with my mother. We discussed this--I kid you not--for xix months while we both looked (on different ends of the country) for a perfect bag. She ended up getting a fabulous non-leather tote bag at TUMI. Although it does not have a cross body strap, there are other models there that are cross bodies.

I have a Longchamp that I love. I've had it for years--it is light, carries a ton of stuff and has doubled as a beach bag and an overnight bag. It has received a lot of abuse and has held up really well. This bag doesn't have the cross body strap, but I have seen models at Longchamp that do offer that.

That would be six months although it did feel like xix months.

Tumi Voyageur yoga tote
http://www.tumi.com/na/p/yoga-tote-0484773DE

You can add a shoulder strap (which doesn't have to be the $75 Tumi one) from any sporting goods or luggage store.

Thanks all, this is helpful and I realize I may need to sacrifice some of what I want functionally to get the look I want, but have some ideas.

I have a similar one to this (on mine the front is leopard-print pony) and I use it as a carry-on/purse all the time. http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=85210&vid=1&pid=288484002

I also have a more structured Botkier (with a removable crossbody strap) that is vaguely similar to this, though mine is caramel. It's great as a carry-on but also looks nice enough to go out to a nice restaurant. http://www.shopbop.com/amorous-satchel-rebecca-minkoff/vp/v=1/1504040936.htm?folderID=2534374302055380&fm=other-viewall&colorId=69053

Tory Burch also has some good ones, I especially like this one: http://www.toryburch.com/robinson-perforated-dome-satchel/51149743.html?start=15&cgid=handbags-crossbody-bags&dwvar_51149743_color=010

This one is cute, and very beachy: http://www.toryburch.com/finley-satchel/51149699.html?start=53&cgid=handbags-crossbody-bags&dwvar_51149699_color=977

MichR said:

I love MZWallace totes. They do make one that has a crossbody strap.

Agree

How about Levenger?

http://levenger.com/Gift-Guide-351/CUSTOMER-FAVORITES-924/Bloomsbury-Bookbag-13169.aspx