eBags Blog

It’s Employee Picture Day at eBags! Don’t worry we have serious ones too but these are so much more fun don’t you think?

Summer is right around the corner and, with the warmer temperatures, our thoughts turn to fun in the sun. While the beach and the pool are popular destinations this time of year, many also flock to lakes, bays, and oceans for boating excursions and events or coastal towns for shopping and festivals. Whether you’re heading out for one of these adventures or just want to look like you are, there’s no better way to capture the spirit of the perfect day by the water than by carrying a nautical themed handbag or accessory.

Nautical handbags and accessories typically feature boating imagery like anchors and sails. However, even bags that have the iconic horizontal stripe pattern fall in this category.

To help you get started finding your perfect nautical handbag or accessory, check out our top 8 below:

Straw Studios Bar Harbor Large Satchel	Juicy Couture Leni Convertible Cross body	Apt. No 5 Anchor Charm Necklace	Magid Paper Straw Wide Stripe Beach Rope Tote
Sun N Sand Maritime	Vera Bradley Seashore Tote	M. Andonia Anchor’s Away Chic	Ashley M Sailor Skull Striped Tote Bag

Bag Shown: Tignanello Perfect 10 Studded Shopper

A handbag is like a woman’s sidekick. Whenever we need a little help in our daily lives, we reach to the handbag for help… to get some cash to buy some chocolate on a rainy day, or to grab some makeup when we are about to meet up with a cute guy. We have grown to need our handbags in our normal lives, and it is no surprise that we need to have a handbag on our travels as well.

When I travel, I generally need a place to put my money, little things like chapstick and a hair brush, a map and/or my iPhone, perhaps my camera and even a water bottle. But, what kind of handbag you choose probably depends on the type of travel you are partaking in.

The Daypack:

Most of the time, when I’m backpacking, I just use a daypack as a purse. I usually travel with the Pacsafe Slingsafe 300 GII because it is both small and secure. The famous Pacsafe features, such as the exomesh layer (that can’t be slashed easily), zipper clips and RFID pockets, make this bag one that you can wear on your back in a crowd without the worry of pickpockets having a go, or without getting swiped so easily at a cafe. That’s right, the strap can be locked around your chair or table for extra security.

The daypack usually works for me when I’m truly moving around a lot, am not in cities where fashion speaks louder than function, or when I need to have several items for my day out (like a jacket, scarf, swimsuit, etc.).

The Handbag:

The only times when I travel with a normal, fashionable handbag is when I’m going to another city in my home country. So, I might be partaking in shopping and dining out, but I will not need a place to securely store my passport. I also don’t foresee myself in very crowded, touristy areas where petty crime might be more common.

In this case, your normal handbag may be the way to go.

The Messenger Bag / Camera Handbag:

Now, if you’re the type of person that travels with a DSLR camera, then you may want to choose a bag that can double as your handbag. For example, you can choose a quality messenger bag and then include a camera bag insert in order to both compartmentalize the bag and offer protection to the camera. In that case, the bag no longer looks like a normal camera bag, and we all know that drawing less attention to yourself when traveling is a great idea.

The Wristlet / Wallet:

For those that will be doing a combination of backpacking and city sights, perhaps a wristlet or wallet handbag is the travel bag of choice. A wristlet is great because it can act as a simple wallet, tossed into your backpack or daypack while in transit. Or, it can be worn alone, when going out to dinner for example, looking cute in the process. You won’t be able to fit much into it, so camera phones on those occasions will likely need to suffice.

Pacsafe also makes a great little purse/wristlet with slashproof exomesh and RFID pocket worth considering.

Other ideas for including handbag on your packing lists involve buying one in your destination country that has true local flavor (also a great souvenir!) or packing one that is collapsible/stuffable in nature. Or, you can invest in some cargo travel pants and use the side pockets to store your money and cosmetics. I know, that’s not a very feminine look, but it gets the job done on those more off the beaten path travels.

Happy handbag shopping, but mostly, happy travels!

About the Author: Brooke Schoenman is the founder and editor of Her Packing List – a resource on packing and gear for female travelers. Brooke is a seasoned traveler, having acquired stamps in her passport from destinations such as Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Russia, Malaysia, and Guatemala to name a few. She blogs and writes for a living, and you can follow the Her Packing List related side of her life on Twitter, Facebookand Pinterest.

Have you ever found yourself in this situation: you need to pack for an upcoming trip only to discover your luggage is either too large or too small? You have two choices at this point - go out and buy new luggage in the size you need or somehow make what you have work either by paying the checked bag fee if your luggage is too large or pack a lot less if you luggage is too small.

There’s an easy way to avoid this situation altogether. Buy yourself a luggage set now and use only the pieces you need for each of your upcoming trips. Luggage sets not only save you the time and hassle of finding bags large or small enough for each of your trips, they also save you money. Instead of buying each piece individually, you save by buying them all at once in a set. Larger luggage sets can even be divided amongst family members, saving the cost of having the buy suitcases for each adult and child.

My go-to luggage set size is the 3-piece set. Depending on which style you choose, a 3 piece set can include 3 uprights of various sizes (usually a small carry-on, a medium case, and a large case) or 2 uprights and a small tote for carrying a few items on board your flight. The 3 piece set is truly the perfect blend of value and flexibility. For example, for a quick business trip, I usually use just the carry-on piece. However, for longer vacations, I often use the carry-on piece and the medium sized case as my checked luggage. All 3 pieces come in handy for international trips or if I am traveling with my husband (we’ll share one case or he’ll use one piece exclusively).

Of course luggage sets come in all sizes from 2 to 8 pieces and the more bags they have, the more flexibility they offer. And it doesn’t hurt that when you buy luggage in a set, you ensure that all pieces match - making for easy identification at baggage claim.

We’re introducing the Trina Turk Collection for M-Edge, where fashion embraces function. Wrap your device in chic, colorful Trina Turk signature prints and industry-leading designs.

Trina is both inspired by and represents the lifestyle of California: optimistic, progressive, accessible, effortless, colorful and confident. Her creations are influenced by her love of vintage apparel, jewelry and accessories from the 1960s and ‘70s modernist and graphic arts and mid-century modern architecture. Trina is widely known for her usage of dynamic colors and signature prints, from bright florals to bold graphics to vintage-inspired Jacquards.

Shop bright and colorful cases for your iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire and laptop now.

Kaboo The Tina iPad Tote in Rustic Saddle

Happy Monday Everyone! We’re so sad to see this awesome giveaway come to an end from our friends over at Kaboo!

To win this weeks giveaway the Kaboo The Tina iPad Tote in Rustic Saddle (pictured above) simpy leave a comment below and tell us how your mom makes you feel special! The most creative, thoughtful comment will win a new Kaboo Handbag! We will announce a winner each Friday.  Also, you can earn extra entries by tweeting, pinning, facebooking or blogging this giveaway (please leave a separate comment below for each instance with a link to where else you’ve shared it!).

Good Luck and we can’t wait to read your comments and make sure to stop by every Monday until Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th.

*Bracelet shown: MINU Jewels

*U.S.A. Residents Only

*Must be 18+ to enter

*One Entry Per Person

Click Here to learn more about Kaboo

Kaboo (kah-boo) bags are the fashionable choice to protect your technology. Whether you carry a tablet, iPad, netbook, or other portable device, if you’re looking for a stylish bag that looks more like a handbag than a conservative storage solution, you’re sure to find it in Kaboo’s colorful collection.

More than just designer accessories, these bags are feature-rich, crafted to give you peace of mind knowing your technology is well-protected. Each style includes the trademark Kaboo™ Tech Pouch - a shock absorbing cradle tailored to protect your portable device. Inspired by a Kangaroo’s pouch, this Tech Pouch is reinforced with an impact resistant core between two layers of foam padding.

April showers bring May flowers, so the saying goes. But in Colorado, and many other parts of the country, all May has given us is more snow. Banish the bad-weather blahs with a bright new bag! Bold colored accessories lend a psychological boost: the bolder the color, the better the mood. The neon trend has been around for a few seasons now, and the Juicy Couture Baby Tote Bag in Passion Pink keeps you on-trend, while organizing the gear you need. Coordinate with saturated-color accessories and intensely hued baby gear. The pops of color should put a smile on your face, and a little more “Spring” in your step.

Clockwise from Top Left…

(1) Kipling Creativity Basic Pouch in Beach Print

Sometimes, the time you leave the house is dictated less by your appointments, and more by your little one. Keeping a stash of makeup in your diaper bag allows you to take advantage of those precious stop light moments.

(2) Vans Classic Slip-On

Neon slip-ons work for miss or mister, and add a sunny pop to baby steps.

(3) Skip Hop Dunck in Pink/Orange

Bath toys in the diaper bag? These colorful ducks are a favorite for scooping sand, stacking on a table, and “swimming” across the carpet.

(4) Milly Kiera Leather Multi Clutch

Mommyhood often means your diaper bag becomes your everyday bag. A clutch tucked inside, to hold your essential cards, keys, and ID, means its a quick switch when you get to go out shopping sans bebe.

(5) Band-Aid Adhesive Bandages in Neon

Boo-boos have never looked cooler. Stock some neon bandages in your bag for an accidental owie, or use them like stickers when all else fails for a goof-proof distraction.

(6) Sassy Wonder Wheel

Entertain your mini lunch date for the time it takes to sip your latte. Stick the suction cupped base on the table, and never again worry about toys dropped on restaurant floors.

(7) kate spade new york Hello iPhone Case

Face it: you are going to be stuck playing telephone with your toddler over and over anyway. Might as well have your iphone case join you in the “Hello?” game.

(8) Old Navy Denim Jacket

Spring days can go from sunny to chilly in a snap. A neon yellow denim jacket can cover up that floral dress or striped tee to warm up your wee one.

(9) Kid O Go Car Blue

The ingenious, ergonomic top handle on this toy car makes it a kid favorite, the electric blue hue makes it a fashion favorite, and the petite frame makes it a diaper bag favorite. Perfect.

(10) Nine West Handbags Bright Lights iPad Sleeve

Never grab the iPad of your play group mate again when its sporting a shocking lime sleeve. The subtle python texture adds to its allure.

(11) Boogie Wipes Original Fresh Scent

Why is it every time you need a wipe, it is the hardest thing to find in your bag? Bright green and bold orange helps you locate the tool to tackle sticky messes in a flash.

(12) CamelBak eddy Water Bottle

Milk for the baby, toys to entertain the toddler, snacks for the preschooler… don’t forget that a long afternoon out commands a water bottle for momma. This one won’t leak when it is tossed in your bag, and is hard for little hands to spill.

Janine Gelsinger blogs about mom and tot style as the Editor of COUTUREcolorado Baby. When not writing, shopping, researching, or producing photo shoots, Janine can be found putting together puzzles and singing silly songs with her daughter Vivienne Grey. But you won’t catch her wearing yoga pants. You can read more about her favorite trends on the blog, see her stylish toddler’s outfits of the day on Instagram, peruse her inspired baby style finds on Pinterest, and get a peek into the nurseries and closets of chic Colorado moms on Facebook.

Boho Chic is usually 60’s and 70’s inspired. Colors commonly associated with this look are earth tones, delicate jewelry and of course natural florals. This style is all about being effortless, comfortable and being a free spirit. A great look to wear to Summer music festivals, running errands on the weekends and lunch with friends!

Items Shown:

1. Piazza Torino Backpack in Terra Cotta

2. Vera Bradley Claudette Sunnies

3. Silvana K Designs Good Karma Adjustable Ring

4. Silvana K Designs Amber Necklace

Taking a walk around the eBags HQ at lunch today, I couldn’t help but notice all the green grass, sunshine, and birds. I even snapped this picture of some flowers. Unfortunately, we’re expecting another round of cold temperatures and snow tonight through tomorrow. Regardless of this impending unseasonable Colorado weather, I know that summer is just right around the corner. It’s even hit some areas like California early. That got me thinking about bags and accessories that are perfect for summer.

Some of our bags just scream summer. Like these summery handbags below. You just can’t help but think of warm days by the beach or pool when you see these.

Juicy Couture Wave Print Clutch

Sun N Sand Flip Flop Shore

Milly Sun Print Tote

Life is good Latitude Tote

Of course, bags aren’t the only accessories that evoke images of summer. Summer accessories are not only functional, but can also be stylish reminders that warmer weather is on its way.

Sunglasses

Hats

Picnic Time Gardener Folding Chair with Tools

Picnic Time BBQ Apron Tote

What reminds you of summer? Is it warm where you are? Comment and share your thoughts about summer with us.