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

Argh. I want the function (pockets, etc) of more of a work type bag but the look of a resort bag.

It's not easy to find one that has both.

You can always try a pockets insert

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189963962/purse-organizer-tilt-and-twirl-7-pockets?ref=related-6

Or this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Periea-Handbag-Organizer-Insert-Pockets/dp/B009HWH8KM/ref=pd_sim_a_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0NGBY0RE90V3MVRZ7J29

There are lots of them out there.

I like Kipling and Baggalini for travel, but I also saw a brand called Lug that looked like it could be durable, functional AND cute for travel.

Oh I forgot, I also love Sherpani.

take a look at some really nice diaper bags. seriously. lots of compartments.

Agree about the diaper bags! Rebecca Minkoff makes a great one - http://m.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/rebecca-minkoff-knocked-up-diaper-bag?ID=662473&CategoryID=1001244

I was thinking last night, if I found a tote I loved I'd just use ziplocks or vacuum bags to keep items organized, but some of those purse organizers are great.

http://www.henribendel.com/miss-bendel-baby-bag-25983518700193.html?gdftrk=gdfV29615_a_7c3306_a_7c10512_a_7c25983518700193&gclid=CjwKEAiAmaanBRCIt4364e2d6yUSJAA9VXTUpdL6NfXTU-cb-xnZWkviRtvB7Qb9bIAoH_uO3CzpWBoCBKPw_wcB

the longchamp la pliage convertible hobo. lots of colors, very deep, adjustable web strap, outside phone pocket, secure zipper. good every day bag as well as for travel:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longchamp-le-pliage-convertible-hobo/3446638

shh said:

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.

Well I know you, and the thought of you toting around a Vera Bradley bag simply cracks me up.

Been after a Garden Party bag in a certain red for ctrzwife since I let one go by three years ago. Yes, stupidly expensive, and probably not what youre after cost-wise, but they do come up on the secondary market from time to time. Three sizes, the largest huge, and I think all with a strap. She wants one for all the reasons you do,

http://m.usa.hermes.com/leather/bags-and-luggage/for-day/garden-party-bag-3.html

Anyhoo, carry on.

Yea, a bit more than I wanted to spend.

Lol, I just looked them up and realized I had a replica (don't shoot me, my MIL gave it to me) of a huge one exactly like that in red leather that I used to death and destroyed.

shh said:

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

Yes. I have not purchased a vera bradley in over 10 years. I do , however, appreciate the function of the Miller bag.

Have anyone seen the Scout bags? I have one that I use for the beach. (sorry, I'm in beach mode right now. LOL)

http://www.scoutbags.com/

There is no perfect bag, which is why we must spend so much time looking for one and why we must buy so many to try them out.

True!

BaseballMom said:

There is no perfect bag, which is why we must spend so much time looking for one and why we must buy so many to try them out.

^ THIS ^

As an infrequent flyer I decided to check size requirements. Some of the larger totes I was looking at would not fit the "personal item" size limits.

All I know is when you find this effing bag please post it so I can get one.

kibbegirl said:

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.

Second on this one! I have one like this one in black and white. Remove the changing pad and you have a great duffel/hobo bag.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=kate+spade+baby+bag&tbm=shop&spd=5185067123562329972

Mineworks as a beach bag, travel bag and has many pockets inside and out. Great for travel! It has a strap for the stroller but I often use it to hang it as a cross body as well.

boomie said:

All I know is when you find this effing bag please post it so I can get one.

Haha.

shh said:

As an infrequent flyer I decided to check size requirements. Some of the larger totes I was looking at would not fit the "personal item" size limits.

BTW, I used to travel all the time for work and no once have I been asked about the size of the personal item. I do get asked about the size of the carry on though...

pmartinezv said:

shh said:

As an infrequent flyer I decided to check size requirements. Some of the larger totes I was looking at would not fit the "personal item" size limits.

BTW, I used to travel all the time for work and no once have I been asked about the size of the personal item. I do get asked about the size of the carry on though...

True. If the bag will squish under the seat in front of you, you're good to go.

Ok, that's good because some of the proportions are much different.

So..l'm so stuck, you'd think I was researching for a Nobel Prize. There is a cool Lonchamp with a racing stripe but no crossbody strap. Anything else I've been wowed by is unavailable. It seems like there are less and less funky but still classic nylon notes, especially anything with some detail that makes it fun but not cheap looking or juvenile.
I looked at everything above, lots of great suggestions, but it don't want a totally open top and would LOVE a cross body, and don't want it to look too office-y. I've resigned myself to the fact that I can always get an organizer insert.

boomie said:

All I know is when you find this effing bag please post it so I can get one.

Oh my God me too!

I'm impossible. I overthink this crap. I bought houses with less deliberation.

I'm with you! I need a diaper bag, but don't want a diaper bag. I thought a tote of some sort, that looks more "large purse" than "diaper bag." Haven't found anything that fits the bill yet.

Not sure if I'd do the ecru but sure looks pretty.

There is definitely a market for a make-your-own-tote seller
I know what I want and cannot find it