eBags Blog

Though I am not a seasoned vet when it comes to attending blog conferences, I have been able to make my way to a few. I attended Savvy Blogging last year in Colorado Springs, CO as well as the giant BlogHer in San Diego, CA. Being a blogger myself, attending and connecting with other like-minded people was amazing. Not to mention, it’s always fun to finally put faces with blogs and twitter handles, etc and meet in real life. I made many new friends of whom I keep in contact with on the regular.

I am planning on attending a few more conferences this year (Travel Blog Exchange, Reviewer’s Retreat, Savvy Blogging, more TBD), and I got to thinking about what I need to pack. Below, I’ve compiled some of what I’ve learned and how to be prepared for a blog conference.

Let’s start with packing and the luggage…

Pack a Good Travel Bag:

eBags Mother Lode TLS Junior 25″ Wheeled Duffel: $199.99

The 25″ Wheeled Duffel will have enough room for all the clothes and items I bring. Plus, there will be extra room for all the swag I bring home from the conference. Add the luxury of rolling capability, and I won’t have to worry about pulling my back lifting it up and down.

Keep Organized

eBags Packing Cubes - 3pc Set: $29.99

Packing Cubes can save you so much time and headache. Keeping all your clothes organized and knowing where everything is trumps just throwing things into a bag at random. Plus, they are sanitary and can go right from the suitcase to the hotel drawer. Let’s face it, we don’t know who used the room before us. In addition to travel ease, if you happen to bring an extra set, you can keep all the conference goodies you acquired organized.

Hygiene Essentials

eBags Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit: $29.99

Obviously, we need to remember to pack out soaps and toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc. What I really like about the eBags Pack-It-Flat is that it comes with a 5-bottle kit for convenience. Also, it’s flat, as opposed to bulky dap kits, so, when you’re finished packing, lay this on top of everything, and you’re good to go.

A Bag to Attend Sessions With

eBags Savvy Laptop Tote: $49.99

This one is more for the ladies than myself, but the Savvy laptop Tote is a great bag for a conference. It’s not at all bulky and carries basic necessities in style and comfort throughout the day. The inside business organizer panel is the perfect place for pens, cell phone, PDA or any business essential. Durable and colorful, this bag will go from the day sessions to drinks with other conference attendees at day’s end.

Another Great Bag for the Day

eBags TLS Workstation Laptop Backpack: $99.99

I’m a huge fan of this guy. Sometimes, when a company designs a backpack with features as vast as those of the Workstation, it ends up looking way too technical. I like the unassuming exterior, but then when you inspect closer, BAM! There’s more going on than meets the eye. Organization, space, laptop protection, pockets for pens and phones and all those business cards… This bag will see you through sessions with ease and on into the night.

And make sure you don’t forget these 10 items!

1. Business Cards - Make sure you have plenty and yours stand out!
2. Pens - Taking notes on the business cards you receive about the person that gave them to you will help you remember who you met, where you met them, and other details for later.
3. Water - Stay hydrated! That’s just common sense.
4. Comfortable shoes - You’ll be walking a great deal. Better to do this in comfortable shoes versus flashy heels or stiff dress shoes.
5. Laptop - Take notes, join the Twitter conversations, and connect with conference attendees in other sessions.
6. Cell phone - This is self-explanatory, or it should be.
7. Light jacket - Conference halls and session rooms can get chilly if they’re blasting the AC. Be ready with a light extra layer.
8. Camera - If your cell phone has one, then you might not need an additional camera. But if you want to save the memories in higher quality, bring along a small point and shoot.
9. Wifi Card / Mifi - most conferences will have Internet access available throughout the various rooms, but if you’re going somewhere else to get some work done, don’t gamble with whether or not the place has web access.
10. Headphones - Sometimes you just need a break from the sessions and conference on the whole. Unplug for 15 minutes with your favorite music and recharge your batteries.

Anything missing here? Sound off in the comments below!

Prices listed were good on 3/27/12 before coupons, promotions, tax, and shipping. Subject to change and availability.

Handbags with stripes are nothing new in the fashion world, but we’re seeing more and more stripes among the new arrivals in our handbags category - particularly from designer labels. That got us thinking, why should you carry a striped purse? With all the styles, colors, and patterns to choose from, why do stripes remain a popular design? So we put our heads together and came up with our top 4 reasons to carry striped handbags this season and beyond.

Liven up a solid color outfit: Whether it’s jeans and a solid color top, black slacks and a solid color shirt, or a solid color dress, nothing says “boring” like a handbag that matches exactly. Adding a handbag with bold color and a pattern can take any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. A stripe pattern is ideal for this purpose not only because stripes are highly noticeable, but because they allow you to carry multiple colors at once. For maximum pop, choose a bag with bright colored stripes like red or even rainbow that stand out from your clothing. If that’s a little too adventurous for your taste, choose a bag with stripes where at least one color matches your outfit (for example, a bag with white, red, and green stripes and the green matches your top).

Look Summery: Whether it’s summer or not, striped handbags always seem to evoke warmer weather. Maybe it’s because they are reminiscent of sailing, yachting, and all things nautical. Perhaps it’s their use of color. But regardless of why, carrying a purse with stripes is a great way to complete a summery look in spring and summer, while on vacation, or any time of year in warmer climates. Whether it’s a summer-specific bag like a beach tote or an everyday bag, you’ll look great when you pair stripes with your sandals.

Be Fun But Not Too “Cute”: There are many ways to add fun elements to an outfit, but it’s also really easy to stray so far into the “cute” realm that you end up looking juvenile. A striped handbag is the perfect way to add a bit of fun and even whimsy to your wardrobe and still remain chic and even sophisticated. These bags are visually interesting and when paired with structured style, high quality materials, and maybe even a designer name, you’ve got a bag that will never be mistaken for a child’s accessory.

Get Noticed: In the right crowd, a designer handbag will get you noticed. Certainly an unusual bag or a neon colored bag will too. However, if you’re looking for an everyday bag that’ll turn heads, a striped purse is a great way to go. Ever notice how easy it is to spot zebras, barber poles, and the American flag? Stripes really stand out particularly in a sea of similar colors.

Below are more of our favorite striped handbags available right now at eBags.com.

Kate Spade Barclay Street Parker Two-Tone Large Frame Satchel	Flote Collegiate Multi Stripe Barrel	Rebecca Minkoff Striped Diamond Tote
Jane Marvel Reversible Market Tote	Fossil Emory Stripe Satchel	Latico Leathers Eel-ectricity
Murval Woven Canvas Striped Tote	Sydney Love Stripe Bucket	Earth Axxessories Stripes Tote

Shopping for a handbag gift this holiday? Need something fashionable that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but not sure what to get? Use these tips below that’ll help you navigate through the sea of brands, colors, and styles to find truly trendy affordable handbags that your gift recipient is sure to love.

Shop Trendy But Less Spendy Brands: Trendy but less spendy is a phrase we like to use to describe fashion brands that offer bags that follow the latest trends but cost less than your average designer handbag. While designer brands will set you back $300+, “less spendy” brands offer beautiful styles in the $50 to $150 range. And while these brands may be priced lower, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting less. On the contrary, these brands are often well-made, designed in the hottest colors and shapes, and from recognizable labels. Trendy but less spendy brands include Jessica Simpson, Big Buddha, Tignanello, Fossil, Melie Bianco, JPK Paris, and Nine West.

Know The Trends: Regardless if you’re shopping by brand or not, it’s important to know what the latest trends are in order to find a bag that’s fashionable for the season. You can read about fall/winter 2011 handbag trends in detail on our trends page, but here is a basic overview of what you should be looking for. Popular silhouettes (or shapes) right now include flap bags (handbags with flap closures), messenger handbags (purses that resemble classic messenger bags), cross-body bags (bags with long straps that are typically worn with the strap across the body), and convertible satchels (structured bags with both top handles and a shoulder strap). Hot fall handbag colors include jewel tones like deep reds, evergreen tones, purple, and cognac which is a buttery tan shade. Other details to look for include rigid shapes (i.e. not floppy, slouchy bags) and animal prints (especially snake and lizard).

Look For Sales: Handbags on sale are typically at the marked down prices because stores need to make room for the next season’s inventory. But just because a bag is from last season doesn’t mean it’s not still trendy. If you know the trends, you can often find great deals by shopping sales. You’ll find bags on sale right now at eBags, but the best time to shop sales is between seasons (for example, right after Christmas).

Get started shopping trendy affordable bags with these suggestions below.

Jessica Simpson Lola Bow	Urban Expressions Hayden	Koret Handbags Cornered Saddle Bag
Big Buddha Sweetheart	Nine West Belted Small Top Zip Crossbody	JPK Paris Shopper - Zebra

Whether you’re attending a holiday party, wedding, prom, or any other formal event, an evening bag is a must-have accessory to hold your essentials. Choosing the right evening bag for your next event should involve balancing fashion and function, complementing without overdoing. It might sound complicated, but if you follow these tips below, you should have no problem finding a bag that will complete your elegant look.

Color: The color of your bag depends on the color of your outfit, but perhaps not in the way you might think. Your evening bag should complement the color of your outfit, but not match exactly because that can lead to a boring overall look. For example, if you are wearing a little black dress, don’t carry a little black bag because it’ll blend too well and make your entire ensemble seem plain. Instead, opt for a bright and bold color like red, green, blue, or gold to make your outfit come alive. If your outfit is a bright color, on the other hand, a more toned down bag in a muted metallic or black is an ideal choice because it will complete your elegant look without overpowering. Finally, if your outfit features a multi-color pattern, avoid carrying a bag with the same pattern. Instead, choose a bag in a color that is found in that pattern because it will pair nicely with your dress without taking away from its eye-catching design.

Textures and materials: Considering the textures and materials of your next evening bag is again all about style without overdoing one theme. It’s appropriate to choose bags in materials that are also in your outfit so long as they aren’t the dominant material. For example, if your dress has a sequin trim, it’s ok to carry a bag that is covered in sequins. However, if your dress is predominantly covered in sequins, you shouldn’t carry a sequined bag because it’s too overwhelming.

You should also consider material when looking at a bag’s details. If you plan to wear silver jewelry to the event, choose a bag with silver hardware and a silver chain handle to go with your other accessories.

Size: The common characteristic of all evening bags is that they are small. Typical totes and satchels are great for everyday, but are generally not appropriate at formal events. So when considering the size of your next evening bag, you’ll need to think about what size you need to hold just the essentials. If you only need room for a few key makeup items and ID, a beautiful minaudiere will work well. However, for a bag that can hold keys, lip gloss, a compact, your cell phone, and a few cards and cash, opt for a slightly larger clutch or evening shoulder bag and perhaps something with an interior pocket. Rectangular and boxy bags are common shapes in evening bags, but circular bags tend to offer more room.

Straps or no straps: The decision to go with a bag that has straps or one without all depends on how you plan to carry your bag during the event. Clutch bags without straps can be carried under the arm when traveling to the event but can be left at the table when hitting the dance floor. If you prefer to keep your bag close at all times but want your hands free for drinks, food, and greeting others, a shoulder bag is an ideal choice. Wristlets are an in-between choice that can also be great for evening events. Like clutches, they can be carried easily and left at the table if needed, but the wrist strap allows you to wear it when you need to.

Price: Like their everyday counterparts, evening bags are available in all price ranges depending on the materials used, quality of construction, and brand name. You can find evening bags as low as under $25. However, if you attend many formal events throughout the year, consider investing in a bag that’s maybe a little more expensive, but also designed to last for more than one night. As the saying goes, you generally get what you pay for and if you’re looking for an evening bag that you can reuse, look for something that’s not at the low end of price spectrum. If you still want to save money, shop for sale evening bags which are often bags marked down to make room for the new season’s styles.

When in doubt, personalize a bag: When you can’t find a bag that meets all your needs, get crafty! Choose a plain bag and add rhinestones, sequins, and other embellishments to match your outfit. If your dress was recently altered, you can take some of that extra material and incorporate it into your bag perhaps as a bow to tie the material of your dress to elements on your evening bag.

Got other evening bag tips? Comment on this post and share with us how you would choose the perfect evening bag.

The other day I was talking about messenger bags when my boss pointed out the top handle on his bag. He said that the top handle was something he never thought to look for before, but he now realized it was the most handy feature of his bag. I knew instantly that he had hit upon something. Afterall, how often do we think about bag handles? Yet they are arguably the most important feature of any bag whether it’s a piece of luggage, a designer handbag, or a work bag.

Rolling luggage is only as good as it’s handling and while wheels and overall construction are important, it’s the luggage handle that really counts when you’re navigating the airport. A poorly constructed handle could fall apart at a crucial moment or a flimsy handle could simply be ineffective in keeping your bag from tipping over. Quality luggage makers spend countless hours perfecting the design of their luggage handles to prevent such baggage mishaps.

Luggage handles not only include the main handle that extends and allows you to roll your bag, but also sometimes a bottom grab handle which is an overlooked feature that is absolutely crucial in carry-on luggage. As anyone who has ever carried luggage onto a plane can tell you, lifting a bag into the overhead compartment is no easy task especially when you have a bag that’s close to the size limits. A bottom grab handle gives you an easy way to grab your luggage from the top and bottom and lift it into the bin with more finesse.

And speaking of finesse, one of the most important reasons to consider the handles on your handbag is that carrying a handbag is all about how you look with it. A handbag that is awkward to carry only makes you look awkward while carrying it. So it’s important to consider how you will be using your handbag and look for the appropriate type of handle: adjustable shoulder strap, top carry handles, wrist strap, etc.

One of the most popular handbag silhouettes of the season offers the most versatile handle options of any bag. The convertible satchel features double handles: a shoulder strap for carrying the bag over the shoulder and a set of top carry handles for carrying the bag by hand. It’s a great shape for everyday when you may find yourself in situations where you want to carry your bag by hand or over the shoulder keeping your hands free for shopping, greeting people, etc.

Another everyday bag where handles are an important consideration is the backpack. While a backpack is designed to be worn by the straps, a top carry handle or loop is perfect for picking the bag up and moving it quickly without having to strap it on. These handles are also ideal for hanging the pack from a hook whether it is in a locker, dorm room, or home.

The same is true for messenger bag handles as well. When you want to move your messenger bag quickly, maneuver it to reach inside, or you simply don’t want to wear it over your shoulder, a top carry handle is a valuable feature. This is the point my boss was trying to make. Of course a messenger bag also needs a shoulder strap and making sure yours is adjustable and padded is crucial for comfortable carrying.

What is your experience with bag handles? Do you have any tips or stories to share about handles on bags we didn’t mention? Comment on this post below.

Leopard prints are a great addition to any women’s wardrobe of any age when done right, the added pattern will add just the right amount of pop to your look.  I’ve selected a few of my favorite leopard bags and wardrobe inspirations that will dare you to take a little walk on the wild side!  {Helpful tip: When shopping for leopard prints think of it as a neutral}

Vincent Camuto Jewell Leopard Trim Suede Satchel

Jessica Simpson Prima Donna Framed Satchel-Camel Leopard

Ashley M Leopard Print Messenger Bag

While messenger bags have a rich history as the preferred bag type for bicycle messengers and couriers, they have evolved over time to be everything from men’s business cases to school bags to fashion accessories. What was once called a courier bag is far from just for bicyclists today. So with the variety of messenger bags out there today, how do you know what to look for? Well, it depends on how you plan to use the bag.

The Business Messenger Bag

As anyone in today’s corporate world will tell you, gone are the days of your dad’s boxy briefcase. Today’s professionals carry everything from fashionable totes to sleek laptop shoulder bags. Messenger bags, however, are particularly popular with professional men. That’s because many offer just the right balance between professional and casual style.

When shopping for a messenger bag for business use, you’ll want to look for several features. First, if you carry a laptop, make sure your messenger bag has a dedicated laptop compartment - preferably a padded area. This will help you protect your computer from occasional bumps and scrapes while you’re commuting or just on the go. Some of today’s messenger bags are being made in smaller sizes which is perfect for accommodating smaller devices like tablets and iPads.

Pay attention to material. Leather offers the most sleek and sophisticated look although it might not be the best choice if you live in a rainy climate. Distressed leather is great for a more casual look while full-grain leathers are perfect for completing that polished look. Looking to save a little money? Choose a messenger bag in canvas or cordura.

Finally, think about what you will be carrying in your bag besides your laptop. Do you like to carry a water bottle? Do you need to keep your cell phone handy? Look for bags that offer extra pockets. Organizer panels are essential for keeping pens organized while document compartments and sleeves are ideal for keeping papers neat and secure.

The School Messenger Bag

Like a business bag, a school messenger bag should have functional features to keep your items secure and organized. Unlike business bags, however, a school messenger can often be more colorful, expressive, and downright cool. Many top brands including Timbuk2, DAKINE, and JanSport offer great styles perfect for high school and college students alike and they remain a popular alternative to the traditional backpack.

Features you’ll need in a school messenger bag aren’t that much different than what a professional would look for. College students will want a dedicated laptop area - again, preferably padded. Organizer panels for pens and additional pockets for items like cell phones, water bottles, and keys are great to have. One must-have in a school messenger bag is lots of room. While messenger bags are available in all sizes from extra small to extra large, a bag intended for students needs to be large enough to hold textbooks and notebooks.

Finally, while they aren’t necessities for school, some messenger bags have features that make them just that much better for students - especially college students. Some offer pockets or even holders in the shoulder strap perfect for MP3 players and iPods while others like some Timbuk2 bags include a bottle opener.

The Fashion Messenger Bag

Fall marks the beginning of a new season in fashion but also the rise in popularity of the handbag messenger bag. While this is not the first time messenger bags have been designed for women, it is one of the first times we’ve seen designer brands and fashion brands jump on the messenger bandwagon. Brands like Fossil, Lucky Brand, and Nine West are offering their stylish take on the classic flapover bag this season and the style has been featured in all the top fashion magazines.

Unlike previously mentioned types, fashion messenger bags are all about the look. While some offer similar functionality like additional pockets, fashion messengers tend to be smaller in size because they are intended to be used as handbags or everyday bags rather than work or school bags.

When shopping for fashion messenger bags, personal style is key. You’ll find messengers this season from a variety of brands, in a number of materials, and in a seemingly endless amount of colors and patterns. While there are certain colors this season that are hot (purples, greens, tans, jewel tones), the reality is that what you choose in a messenger bag comes down to what you like. If you’re a designer diva, look for bags from famous labels in top quality materials like leather. For a fashion look without the designer price tag, check out some of our trendy but less spendy brands like The Sak, Melie Bianco, Nine West, and Fossil.

The Bicycle Messenger Bag

Even though we’ve outlined several non-bicycle types of messenger bags above, you can still find a wide range of bags perfect for the casual rider, the commuter, and the courier. Timbuk2 continues to offer their classic messenger bags which remain popular among bicycle messengers plus bags that offer features specific for riders such as reflective stripes and exterior loops for attaching a blinky light.

As a bicyclist, you know what you need in a bag. Something that doesn’t get in the way yet can hold everything you need to take with you. If you might find yourself riding in rainy weather, look for messenger bags made from weatherproof or weather-resistant materials (or with weather-resistant interiors). Again, as we mentioned above, if you ride at night, look for features that help you be seen easier like reflective materials and light attachments.

Bicycle messenger bags aren’t just for bicycle riders. Motorcyclists and Vespa riders also like these bags because they are often lower profile and can be worn with the shoulder strap across the body and the bag slung over the back, keeping everything secure and out of the way.

How do you use your messenger bag? What features do you need? Comment on this post and tell us if we’ve left something out.

A backpack as comfortable on campus as it is on the trail is not only versatile, but also invaluable. Such is the JanSport Agave. This pack is full of features you’ll find useful for days at work or school and weekends on the trail.

The first feature that’s hard to miss in the JanSport Agave backpack is the presence of two main compartments. This means you not only have room for your books, but also your binders and folders when on campus and clothing, hiking, and camping gear when you’re out for a day or overnight hike.

An internal sleeve can be used to hold your laptop (fits many 15″ laptops) or a 3 liter hydration bladder. Dual side water bottle pockets will help you stay hydrated no matter where you take your pack and a front utility pocket has an organizer to keep your pens, pencils, cell phone, medications, and other small items handy.

There are additional organizational elements in the JanSport Agave pack including an ice axe loop, daisy chain quick clip points, and a V-loft pocket. With all these features you’d think this pack would weigh you down. However, AirCore shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and side compression straps all keep the pack close to the body and distribute the weight for a more comfortable fit. A breathable mesh back panel also helps you stay dry no matter if you’re trekking in the wilderness, rushing for train or bus, or running from class to class.

The JanSport Agave backpack is available on eBags.com in 4 colors and, for a limited time, one discontinued color. Customers agree that the pack has many handy features and they love the size. Read more of what customers are saying and more information about this pack on the site.

When shopping for luggage, there are many things you should consider. The most obvious factors are size and use. If you’re shopping for carry-on luggage, you’ll want to make sure the suitcases you are looking at meet airline carry-on requirements (generally 22″ x 14″ x 9″ or 45″ total height + width + length). If you’re a frequent flyer for business, you’re probably searching for something durable and easy to roll with a built-in garment bag. However, no matter what type of traveler you are and regardless of whether you plan to carry-on or check your baggage, there are some universal features you should look for.

Lightweight: Check the weight before you buy. A bag that weighs less empty means you can pack more without being charged a fee by the airline. Be sure to check your specific airline’s guidelines for their luggage weight restrictions. The rules vary by airline.

Expandable: You’ll want this option for the unexpected times when you need more packing space on the fly. Keep in mind, however, that by using the expandability, you may be exceeding the luggage size limits for carry-on luggage. Always check your airline’s specific luggage size rules and measure your luggage (packed and expanded) to ensure you won’t be asked to check your suitcase.

Grab Handle: Look for grab handles on the top and/or sides. These are a must for safe lifting of a heavy bag - particularly into overhead compartments.

Add-a-Bag Strap: Add-a-bag straps are a lifesaver when you’re carrying too much. They allow you to attach your backpack, briefcase, or tote to your rolling luggage to keep the entire load more stable when wheeling it through the airport.

Internal Organization: You’ll want to look for internal organizational features, such as tie-down compression straps and mesh pockets, to help secure your clothing. Internal pockets, pouches, shelves, garment bags, and toiletry bags are perfect for keeping your items organized, secure, and easy to find when you arrive at your destination.

Don’t forget that eBags carries the largest selection of bags and luggage online. We’ve got all the top brands including Samsonite, American Tourister, Tumi, Victorinox, Delsey, Travelpro, and even our own top-rated eBags brand luggage. See all our luggage here.

A quick “how to” guide to help you choose the right school backpack

You might think there’s not much to shopping for school backpacks, but you’d be wrong. As anyone who’s stared at rows of bags wondering “How do I pick the best school backpack?” will tell you, today’s packs not only vary greatly in price, quality, and appearance, but also in features. And while price, quality, and appearance are important, it’s the right features that will help you get through the school day easier, more comfortably, and more organized.

So what should you look for in school backpacks? Here are the top 5 features:

Laptop Sleeve: If you’re going to be carrying a laptop, netbook, or iPad, look for either a utility pocket that will fit your laptop or a fully padded laptop compartment for the best protection. Many backpacks have built-in padded laptop sleeves designed to hold your device in place and protect it from occasional bumps. Use our Laptop Bag Finder to narrow your search to only backpacks in which your specific computer or tablet will fit. The Laptop Bag Finder can be found in the upper right corner of any laptop category.

Grab Handle: Watch for a grab handle on the top of your pack. This handle is a convenient way to lift a heavy bag and move it without stressing the shoulder straps.

Organizer Panel: Look for an organizer panel or pocket inside the pack. It will help you organize smaller items that you need to find quickly and easily: phone, pens, cables, calculators, keys, etc.

Accessory Pocket: Be sure to check for an accessory pocket for the small things you want to keep close at hand. Examples of items you can stash in an accessory pocket include sunglasses, iPod, and phone.

Water Bottle Pocket: Everyone needs water on the go. Look for a convenient, dedicated pocket for your water bottle. Some backpacks have a mesh pocket on the side designed to hold reusable bottles. Need a good water bottle? Check out our selection from brands like CamelBak.

Don’t forget that eBags is your home for Back to School backpacks and bags. We’ve got the largest selection of backpacks online from top brands like JanSport, High Sierra, The North Face, OGIO, Under Armour, and Nike. See all our school backpacks here.