The Best Travel Purse

The first time I took it to high school.

You know those bags that change your life? Or am I crazy? There has to be one bag/purse in your life that has changed you (for better or worse). I've had a lot, but I'm a purse lover - they are my accessory of choice. Some women have shoe collections, my goal is a bag collection.  HISTORY: When I was in high school I discovered the Longchamp brand, with its classic Le Pliage bag. I fell in love. It was nylon, it could travel because it was collapsible and it came in every color. I wanted 800 of them but I settled for one. Because of who I am I did tons of research into the purse and decided I would purchase one when I visited Paris for my 16th birthday. My grandmama took me to the Longchamp store in the Galeries Lafayette, we waited patiently and then it was time to choose. All of my research flew out my head and I was standing there confused and stressed. 

Peep the bag behind my leg. Yes, it did match
 with my umbrella...who cares?

But I got my stuff together and decided I wanted top-handles (this might be the only thing I regret) and I wanted a color that would go with anything but that was unique. I looked through the brighter colors but I kept being drawn to this darker than kelly, green. I also picked the medium size because I didn't want it to be too big (I do not need an excuse to carry more than necessary) but the small wouldn't fit a book (an essential for me). The closest color to the one that I have can be found here (I've included more options at the bottom of the post).  Now, what does any of this have to do with the best travel bag, aside from the fact I bought it while traveling? Well, let me explain. The first few years I owned my Longchamp I only brought it out for special occasions. I didn't want it to get dirty and I didn't want to overuse it - this was the most money I had spent on...almost anything...so it had to last. But then I decided to study abroad in London and I knew this was the time for the Le Pliage to shine. 

See it next to me on that bench? Classic.

WHY: is this the best travel bag? Because I used the heck out of it when I went to London. This sucker fit: an umbrella, a water bottle, a wallet, an Oystercard, a cell phone, a paperback book, a sandwich, a bag of chips, a pack of gum, headphones, a pen and a Luna Bar. Plus, any receipts or other things I needed to shove in there. Basically, this medium sized bag held everything I could ever need while working on my articles for class or heading off to work or when I wanted to go sightseeing. It was perfect. Since then, I've taken it on countless trips and it always does the job. Also, if it rains this bag is fine, if I get a stain on the bag, it's f i n e. Nylon is the best fabric to put up with trains, baked beans for breakfast and muddy horse races. Seriously, this bag is my go-to now. I adore it and I would highly recommend you look into a Le Pliage for yourself. What bag do you travel with? Or are you as obsessed with Longchamp's classic as I am? - xoxo darling, Hayden.