eBags Blog

If you happen to live in Denver and were up yesterday for the 6:00 Morning News on CBS 4, you may have seen our very own eBagger Brad talking about holiday travel packing tips. Despite the early hour, Brad enthusiastically showcased some of eBags’ best selling bags including our packing cubes which are perfect for staying organized while traveling.

If you don’t live in Denver, or you’re like the rest of us and were asleep, you can watch it again in this video.

What do you think? Give us (and Brad) your feedback by leaving us comments on this post.

Have you ever found yourself at the baggage claim carousel, staring at the sea of black suitcases, wondering which one is yours? You bend down and move several bags to read the luggage tag only to find out it doesn’t belong to you. While many travelers these days prefer to carry on, this is still an all too common scenario. Afterall, it’s nearly impossible to use only carry-on luggage when you go on long vacations, ski trips, and family getaways.

Want to avoid this frustrating situation? Here are some ways you can help identify your luggage faster and easier the next time you check it.

1. Use colorful luggage. One of the easiest ways to identify your luggage at baggage claim is if it isn’t black. Black is one of the most common luggage colors. Even blue and gray these days are becoming just as common so avoid these as well. Consider something in green, orange or pink or, even better, take a look at what’s available in fashion luggage and designer luggage for something that truly stands out.

 



2. Attach different luggage tags. If you already have luggage in a common color and don’t want to buy a new set, then the next best thing to help you spot your luggage quickly is to use luggage tags. Luggage tags, as you know, are important for identifying luggage because of the information they contain. However, tags can also help you find your luggage if they are unique in some way - colorful, different shaped, patterned, etc. If your suitcase came with tags, chances are they match which means the tags will be just as difficult to notice as your luggage. The good news is that luggage tags are inexpensive, so pick yourself up a set that stand out.

 



3. Luggage handle wraps are also useful. Often luggage on the carousel ends up upside down or in an odd angle where one cannot see the luggage tags. Sure you can turn the bags around, but you can also save yourself the hassle by using a luggage handle wrap. Luggage handle wraps serve a dual purpose - they can help make gripping the luggage handle a little more comfortable and they can help you find your luggage. Luggage handle wraps are also relatively inexpensive so if you’re not looking to replace your luggage right away, consider picking up one of these handy accessories.

 



4. Luggage locators are the high tech solution. The most certain way to find your luggage, even up to 60 feet away, is with a luggage locator like the ETA Luggage Locator. A small electronic receiver attaches to your suitcase while you hold a remote. The remote activates a series of beeps and flashes that show you where your luggage is. A luggage locator is also great for letting you know your luggage arrived at its destination before you even see it (a relief for those of us who have had our luggage lost in the past).

Have your own way of finding your luggage quickly? We’d love to hear about it. Comment on this post with your ideas.

Packing cubes. You may have heard of these wonders, but do you know what packing cubes really are and what they can do for you? If not, read on.

Packing cubes are handy packing aids that help you maximize space and simplify packing your luggage. They’re basically zip up pouches that are designed to fit in your luggage and keep things from being jumbled around and generally disorganized. Some packing cubes, like those from eBags, come in a variety of colors and sizes and include features such as mesh top panels for ventilation and visibility.

There are many reasons why you would want to use packing cubes on your next trip. They…

• Separate dirty clothes from clean
• Keep outfits together and organized
• Help you stay organized and help you find items easily
• Keep different family members’ items together if you share bags

  Learn more about the various uses of packing cubes in the video below:

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I’ll admit it. I can’t live without my pursehook. I bought it after watching a video and I’m hooked!

What are purse hooks? Only the most handy, affordable bag savers in the world.

Ever found yourself in a restaurant wondering where to put your handbag? All of the seats are taken. The floor is filthy. The back of your chair is unsafe. Your lap and the table are out of the question. What do you do? With a purse hanger or purse hook, you can literally hang your bag from the table.

Unlike any ordinary hook, many purse hangers are stylish in and of themselves. For instance, the pursehooks from Je Marie are made from metal and feature materials such as crystals and natural stones. Je Marie Pursehooks are designed to hold at least 35 pounds which is more than enough capacity for most bags (unless you pack the kitchen sink). They also come with a black velour carry bag to store your hook when you’re not using it.

I mentioned the restaurant scenario above, but there are other instances when purse hangers are appropriate including:

• Use at weddings, holiday parties, and other formal dinners
• Stocking stuffers
• Gifts for fashionistas
• Wedding party gifts
• Hanging your laptop bag when not in use

Want to learn more about pursehooks, and specifically Je Marie Pursehooks? Watch this video.

Sure it’s only October, but it’s never too early to start shopping for your holiday party handbag this year. Afterall, if you see something you like now, you better snag it before it sells out.

Whether you want an elegant evening bag or a funky fun clutch, you can find a wide selection of party handbags at eBags. Consider the following before you make your purchase:

• How much are you willing to spend? Bags from brands like Whiting and Davis, Inge Christopher, and Bodhi are great investments if you plan to use your bag at many future occasions. If you’re on a budget, take a look at brands like Savanna, Coloriffics, Carlo Fellini, and Global Elements.



• What do you need to carry in the bag? If you plan to bring a lot of necessities, make sure you purchase a larger clutch or evening bag and perhaps one with a little organization. Plan to bring only a few items? Consider a coin purse, small wristlet, or even a minaudiere.
• How dressy is the occasion? Is it a black tie event? You’ll definitely want to look for something elegant and sophisticated. Perhaps even understated. For slightly less formal events, you might consider something a little more fun. Perhaps a brighter color or something with unique styling.
• What color is your outfit? Don’t feel that your bag has to match your outfit but color definitely needs to be taken into consideration. If you plan to wear black, perhaps add some color with your bag. You might pick a bag that matches your other accessories such as jewelry. Deep colors and metallics look nice with black.
• What type of party are you attending? Will you be meeting a lot of people and doing a lot of mingling? Then a small shoulder bag might work well. That way you can easily shake hands and hold your champagne glass. Will you be seated at a table for a formal dinner? Consider taking along a pursehook to keep your bag off the floor, protected, and out of the way.

Party handbags that are on my wishlist:

Inge Christopher Madrid Silk Clutch With Jewelled Brooch

Savanna Rhinestone Frame Clutch

Seonie Parc New York Lucky Bag

Global Elements Velvet Clutch

Ever wonder what the most popular handbags on eBags are? Use this link to find out at any time. eBags Popular Handbags.

Why is knowing what’s hot important?

1. Every blog claims to know what’s hot. That’s right, I said it. Read enough blogs and you may (and I stress may) get a sense of what’s popular. Chances are, though, you’ll be more confused than ever and that’s certainly not helpful when you’re looking to change your style up. Sure, you can always fall back on your favorites, but what if you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone and get something different than you’re used to? Picking from popular handbags is a great way to ensure that your next bag, while it may be something you’re not used to, is something that others will compliment you on.
2. You want to be the center of attention. When its a best seller, you know that others think your bag is stylish. So why not carry that bag too and rake in the head turns and compliments? Be the envy of every woman that walks by.



3. Popular brands are often “better”. This doesn’t always hold true, but when you see a brand show up multiple times in a best seller list, you can bet that the customers buying these bags know something. The brand may be high quality. Maybe it’s a hot designer brand. Maybe these popular handbags are exclusive designs available for a limited time only. Whatever the case may be, sometimes the popular opinion is good advice.
4. You don’t always want what’s popular. Say you know you want a leather handbag, you know what you like, you’re trying to choose between a few bags, and you don’t want the same bag that your coworker has. A great way to make sure the bag you buy is more unique is to look at a list of best selling handbags and make sure your choice doesn’t show up there. Of course there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a popular handbag. Afterall like I said before, if everyone loves it, then you’re sure to turn heads when you carry yours too.

Sure, Earth Day has come and gone until next year. But The Holidays are coming up and there’s no more perfect time to be green and live green. And no I don’t mean because green is one of the traditional colors of the season. I’m talking about repurposing, recycling, and reusing.

According to National Geographic, between Thanksgiving and New Years, Americans throw away an extra million tons of garbage each week. This additional trash includes holiday wrapping, packaging, cards, food, paper plates and napkins, party decorations, bottles and cans, and more. Help cut down on the trash during The Holidays and the rest of the year with these simple eco-friendly tips:

Recycle Your Tree: Instead of taking up space in a landfill, recycled trees can be ground up into wood chips which an be used as mulch.

Low-Energy Lights: Love to deck the halls with lights? Look for lights made with LEDs which are 90 percent more efficient than traditional lights.

Send e-Cards or Eco-Friendly Cards: Sending eCards this holiday season won’t waste a single tree. If you still want to send a physical card, look for cards printed on 100% recycled paper or tree-free cards.

Travel Eco-Friendly: If you are going to fly for the holidays, you could consider purchasing carbon offsets. Alternatively, if you plan to take a vacation during The Holidays, consider eco-tourism.

Party Green: Avoid disposable products when entertaining guests. If you have to use disposable plates and napkins, consider products from recycled materials.

Make Your Own Decorations: Make eco-friendly decorations such as strung popcorn, decorations made of pine cones, homemade candles, and wreaths made from evergreens and other natural materials.

Give Green: Give eco-friendly gifts this holiday. There are tons of options from eco-friendly handbags to earth-friendly backpacks at eBags.

	Shop for eco-friendly handbags including the Global Elements Recycled ‘Plastic Bags’ Handbag pictured here.
	Picnic baskets make wonderful gifts and now Picnic Plus offers a collection of eco-friendly picnic baskets made from 100% all natural and renewable resources.
	Giving someone a cell phone or iPod this year? Why not also give them a way to charge those electronics while on the go. Solar backpacks and bags harness the power of the sun to charge cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, and laptops and are perfect for city or mountain use.
	New parents can also get in on the eco-friendly scene with earth-friendly diaper bags. The Fleurville Re-Run Messenger - Ogo pictured here is made from recycled plastic bottles.
	You can’t carry a laptop easily without a laptop bag. So if you’re giving someone a laptop this year, give them an eco-friendly laptop bag like this one from Acme Made.
	Whether you give it away as a gift or you take it along on your eco-friendly holiday vacation, earth-friendly luggage is perfect during The Holidays. This 2 piece set from Traveler’s Choice is made from hemp canvas.
	Don’t leave the kids out. Here’s an eco-friendly backpack for kids from ecogear & ecotech. Or give them the ecogear & ecotech Kid’s Gorilla Eco-pack Messenger.

Sources: NationalGeographic.com, EarthShare.org.

If you love handbags, you may have heard the term minaudière. But what does it mean exactly?

A minaudiere (pronounced mee-no-dyair) is a small ornamental case carried as a handbag or clutch. Originally inspired by ornate jewelry boxes, minaudieres are often decorated with exquisite materials and can come in a variety of unique shapes. Sometimes minaudières are called minaudiers or box clutches.

Minaudières are perfect for your most formal occasions and they are wonderful conversation pieces. Carrying one is like carrying a piece of art on your arm and everyone will want to know where you got it.

Notable makers of these exquisite little purses include La Regale, Whiting and Davis, and Judith Leiber.

See some more of our most beautiful minaudières below:

Inge Christopher Bubbles Lambskin Crystal Minaudier

La Regale Satin Bow Minaudiere w/Rhinestones

Whiting and Davis Mesh Minaudiere

La Regale La Mode

La Regale Heart Shaped Clutch

Vanessa Austrian Crystal Evening Box

The hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage debate has been long standing throughout the travel world. While the travel industry certainly seems to have strayed toward soft-sided luggage, there is still a good proportion of hard sided luggage users out there. Most simply prefer the durability of a hard plastic shell, as well as the reassurance of knowing their fragile items are going to stay safe and sound. I’m going to take a more in-depth look at both sides and see if we can conclude which is truly the superior luggage.

Hard Sided Luggage – If there was ever one compelling stat to convince me that I should buy hard luggage, it is this: Airline baggage handlers either damage or break 7.34 out of every 1000 pieces of luggage they handle. Now, that is less than 1%, but it still doesn’t sound like a risk I want to take. Additionally, hard-sided luggage is stain resistant and waterproof as well. Because of all these durability factors, if you often travel with expensive electronics or fragile items, a hard sided suitcase is really the only surefire way to protect your things. However, really hard hits or drops can, in fact, crack the siding. Unfortunately, once this happens the suitcase is ruined. Additionally, hard sided suitcases are not as “packing friendly” as their soft sided counterparts. What I mean is, hard sided suitcases are not as flexible, and therefore give you more limited packing space. While you may be able to stuff that extra beach towel into your soft luggage, hard sided luggage is not so forgiving. The most common misconception about hard sided luggage is that it weights more than its soft sided counter parts. While this may be true if you compare it to a duffel bag, the reality is that with such advanced polymers and plastics, soft and hard sided luggage weight relatively the same amount. That is good news now that airlines are charging between $15 and $25 a bag.

Soft Sided Luggage – Soft sided luggage appears to be the clear favorite coming into this debate. The selection for soft sided luggage far outweighs that of hard sided luggage. So if you are looking for a certain style, soft sided may be a better choice. Soft sided luggage is also much more “packing friendly” in two ways. One, like I said in the hard sided section, it offer more packing flexibility, so you can cram more stuff into little nooks and crannies. Secondly, soft sided suitcases usually offer a number of different pockets and compartments. This help to keep things organized. Also, soft sided luggage cannot break in the sense of cracking or shattering. It will absorb impact far better than its hard sided counter parts. However, it does not protect its content as well. Also, soft sided luggage can be prone to rips and broken zippers. Over long periods of time, soft sided luggage will also show its age faster. This is due to its ability to pickup stains and dirt.

The Verdict – Although everyone has their own opinions, I think that for most recreational travelers, soft sided luggage is still the winner. Its versatility and “packing friendliness” make it the best option for most travelers. However, if you would consider yourself a professional traveler, or travel with fragile items, then hard sided luggage is more appropriate due to its longevity and durability.

Sure keeping the outside of a handbag in good condition is important, but what about the inside? A lip gloss or lotion can do just as much damage to your favorite bags as anything else! Cosmetics bags are the most convenient and logical way to prevent these mini disasters. Plus, they make finding your make-up easy in your day carry-all.

While you’re at it, coin purses and glasses cases are great for keeping you organized (and your glasses safe)! On a normal day, I carry everything I need, or could possibly need. So, keeping everything well organized is a must. By compartmentalizing everything I carry, I can easily navigate my purse to quickly answer a phone call, or find my keys.