After my last couple of day trips, it is very clear to me that I need a rolling briefcase. I just carry too much stuff in my purse for it to be comfortable, especially for huge airports like DFW. Even though I’ve been talking about getting one for almost a year, it just hasn’t been high on my priority list (like, say, shoes). But I promise you, here and now, I will have a rolling briefcase, that I love, before the end of May. Part of this is spurred on by the fact that I have three conferences over the next three months—my poor shoulders can’t handle the weight of my purse. Of course, one of the reasons I haven’t gotten one yet (and I know this will shock those of you who have read my blog for a while) is that I’m just too darn picky! I want all the features I need, I want it to be cute, and I want it for a good price. Is that too much to ask??

Here are the features I want:

• Lots of space inside. Of course it will need to have room for my computer, files, and purse stuff. But it would also be great if it had room for me to stick a change of clothes in for overnight trips. I often feel silly bringing my normal suitcase on a trip when it’s only half full.
• Outside pockets. Internal space is important, but I need to have a pocket on the outside where I can stick things I need immediate access to—my keys, phone, boarding pass, and lipstick.
• Sturdy construction. While I love my existing purse and my suitcase, I am rough on them. They get stuffed to the brim, shoved in tight spaces, rained on, dragged, and dropped on occasion. I need something that will hold up to serious wear and tear. Also, because I will likely set stuff on top of it, I need something that is pretty square—not just a purse on wheels, like so many of the rolling briefcases marketed to women.

Here are two of the ones I’m considering:

This houndstooth rolling briefcase by JKM and Company  (pictured above) is really, really cute. It looks to have plenty of pockets for clothes, files, a computer, and purse stuff. It’s also nice and square, and has good reviews. Plus it’s under $100!

I also love this McKlein USA Willowbrook Detachable Wheeled Briefcase. It comes in six different colors, is leather, has two main pockets, and it’s detachable if you don’t need the wheels! It’s a little smaller than the houndstooth one, but I do love the turquoise… It’s available from eBags for $206 and Amazon for $158.

Readers, do you have a rolling briefcase? What brand? Do you love it?

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Technically it’s winter. Even though here in Texas lately it’s been in the high 70s and even 80 some days (sigh) the typical winter colors are everywhere—dark and somber grays, blacks, and other neutrals. I woke up needing a shot of something bright and happy, and not much makes me happier than looking at purses! Looking around, I found a bunch of amazing bags in cheerful colors and prints. I seem to be in a “pink” mood, as many of the ones that popped out are in the hot pink family. Here are my favorites!

LOVE this Mobile Edge pink and brown TSA checkpoint-friendly laptop bag. It’s great because of its cheery striped lining and multiple pockets, it will fit larger sized computers, and you don’t have to take your laptop out at security! Win. (On sale right now too!)

This Kailo Chic Pleated Laptop Tote is available in multiple colors, but I love this brown and turquoise version. It has a specific pocket for the laptop, plus additional pockets for all of your items. The lining is adorable, and it has gotten great reviews.

With spacious pockets, sturdy straps, many color options, and at 50% off for a few more hours, the McKlein USA W Series Briefcase has a lot going for it. The turquoise is my favorite, but the other colors are lovely.

The most interesting bag that caught my eye was this Maggie Bags seatbelt laptop bag. I can’t decide if I like it or not, but it sure is different!

Readers, have you seen any great bags lately?

This post contains affiliate links.

Today in Texas it is rainy, cold, and just kind of crappy in general, weather-wise. Tomorrow it will be colder here than in Chicago. Yes, I know we desperately need rain. I just wish it didn’t have to be so darn cold at the same time! All of this dreary grayness is making me long for warmer, prettier weather.  More spring-like weather. Spring is, after all, our reward for living through August. So here are a few things that help me remember that sunnier days lie ahead. And don’t forget, daylight savings starts this weekend!

Love this colorful, stripey dress from JC Penney. I saw it and immediately wanted to go on vacation to an exotic beach so I could wear it. When I showed it to the Home Warrior he said, “Wow, that would be great for a cruise!” Excellent idea, dear. Its silky feel, on-trend color blocking, maxi length, and dramatic colors all say, Pick me!! And the price doesn’t hurt.

I’ve been dreaming of bright green ballet flats for a while now. For some reason, they just sound so happy and colorful—the perfect way to banish the blahs. Finding a pair that matches up to my imagination, however, has been near impossible. This basic pair is inexpensive, and pretty close to what I’ve been searching for. They are also available in several other fun colors! And of course, flats are great for travel.

Even though my black purse is awesome, and I love, love it, sometimes a girl just needs a brightly-colored purse. Exactly like this tangerine laptop bag from McKlein USA. It’s a good size, sturdy, has high reviews, and will give your outfit just the punch of color you’re looking for.

Finally, even though it’s not really travel related, I found these outdoor pillows at JC Penney and I love them. They just seem like spring on a pillow! So I bought a couple, and they are waiting for the day that I can sit outside with them.

Readers, what makes you think of spring? Are you ready, or are you still enjoying winter?

Building a Business Travel Wardrobe is a new series here on Road Warriorette. The focus will be on the key pieces a woman needs to build a wardrobe that is ideal for travel. Based on the “capsule” wardrobe model, each week will feature an item that is professional, stylish, and that travels well.

You guys didn’t think I was going to forget about bags and shoes, did you?

When shopping for a business travel capsule wardrobe, some of the hardest working pieces are your shoes and purse. During travel, you will be taking your shoes off and putting them back on, walking through miles of airport concourses, and then having to look polished during your actual work. Your bag will have to hold your laptop, files, and normal purse stuff, get stuffed into overhead bins or under plane seats, and still look professional. Is it any wonder that I get the most questions about shoes and purses for travel?

What to look for with shoes:

• Comfort. I know I say this every time, but it is especially important that your shoes are comfortable. I never travel in heels, because I know that I will have to be on my feet so much. Try adding gel insoles for additional comfort. This sounds like a no-brainer, but please don’t wear shoes for the first time during travel.
• Easy to take off/put on. Make sure that you can quickly and gracefully slide your shoes off and back on for airport security. I have seen people with shoes or boots that buckle or lace up, which definitely takes longer.
• Neutral color. Colored flats are one of the great joys in my life, but I had several pairs of black shoes before I branched out.  I strongly recommend that you start with cute, comfortable shoes that coordinate with your suit first. They don’t have to be the same color–for example, if your suit is taupe, you can wear black or brown shoes. If your suit is gray, I recommend black shoes.

What to look for in a travel purse:

• Size. Make sure it will hold everything you need for work and for your flight.
• Pockets. A divided interior is very helpful, and small pockets on the inside will help corral items such as keys and cell phone that could otherwise get lost. Exterior pockets are great for holding your boarding pass.
• Comfortable straps. Too-narrow straps will hurt your shoulder, so look for straps that are at least an inch wide. I also like double straps.
• Looks. It goes without saying, make sure your purse is durable enough for travel and professional enough for the office.

Great travel shoes are available in a variety of price ranges and locations, so shop around for the right pair. Here are a few of my favorites.

These Bruno Magli flats are gorgeous, professional, and, well, pricey. But wow! Love them.

Geox is an Italian brand that designs shoes specifically for travel. These Sheila wedges are lovely, and would work with pants or a skirt.

DSW has a bazillion pairs of shoes online and in their stores. These Rocket Dogs brown suede flats look comfortable, professional, and adorable.

Travel purses are a little harder to find, but department stores and eBags are great resources. Wherever you end up buying from, make sure you know their return policies. Sometimes what looks like a great travel purse can not even last one trip. Once I had different purses break  three trips in a row!

I did a review on Lo and Sons purses last week, so you guys know how great these bags are. Perfect first business travel bag.

Ebags has tons of purses that would work well for travel, but this is the first time I’ve seen this green Samsonite laptop tote. It’s adorable, and very well priced.

Now that I am in the market for a short suitcase, I find myself noticing them everywhere. On a flight this week to DFW, the woman next to me had a fabulous white leather short suitcase. In the security line in the San Jose airport, the man in front of me had a very cool red Samsonite spinner short suitcase. They are everywhere!

Researching my options, I have realized that there are two types of short suitcases. The “rolling briefcase” and the “rolling tote bag”. While a rolling briefcase may be great for some, that is not what I want. I have a great briefcase-like bag (that I will be reviewing soon for all of you!) that I love, and no need for one that rolls. What I do need is simply a small suitcase, preferably a cute one, hopefully with spinner wheels.

Here are a few I found on eBags that I like. Decisions, decisions!

The Atlantic Infinity Elite 16″ Wheeled Carryon Tote is functional, has a large compartment, and multiple good-size pockets. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and it’s priced right at $101.99.

My favorite thing about the Victorinox Avolve Wheeled Companion Tote is, of course, the spinner wheels. It also looks like it will hold a lot of stuff and it’s very well priced for Victorinox. The colors aren’t that exciting, but hey, it’s a suitcase.

I really like this Briggs & Riley Transcend Rolling Cabin Bag. The Briggs & Riley brand is a great one, the red is a fun color, and the compartment is large and opens fully. It is at the top of my price range, but I am seriously considering it.

Readers, do you have a short suitcase? What brand do you have, and do you love it or hate it?

Recently, my friend L wrote me an email about the search for a great travel tote.

I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a large tote to use when traveling. I’m looking for something that can do double duty: hold a laptop, small purse, make-up, book for when I travel for work, but also serve as a quasi overnight bag for when I fly for fun (holding a small purse, book, make-up, toiletries, maybe a few pieces of clothing).

The most recommended option I’ve found is the Vera Bradley Miller Bag. While I love VB items, I’m not sure there’s a “professional” pattern I can use when traveling for work—should this even be an issue? One friend swears by her Longchamp tote, but the lack of structure (it pretty much crumples up if there’s nothing in it, not idea for a laptop) and the price tag makes me wary.

So let’s see if I can figure this out. You need a professional-looking, structured bag that will work for business travel as your personal item, but also work as a fun trip overnight bag. And it needs to be affordable. We can do this!!

I turned to my trusty favorite, eBags, in search of the perfect bag. I may have gone just a teensy bit overboard, but I swear it’s not my fault. Great bags that fit the criteria just kept leaping out at me! Before I knew it I had a list of more than ten bags that I had to trim. Oh bags, how I love thee.

I had some criteria, in addition to what’s listed above.

Size. Obviously, this is important. A big bag is great, but it can’t be so big that it overwhelms you. And what’s the point of a personal item if it won’t fit under the seat in front of you while flying?

Material. I like purses a lot. I like luggage okay. I do not want my purses to look like luggage. Therefor, finding a great purse for travel that works like a piece of luggage but doesn’t look like one is key. It also doesn’t feel super professional to walk into the office carrying your Samsonite!

Pockets. Pockets are very important! Inside and out, and internal compartments are great too.

Balance. The best purse is one you can sit on top of your rollaboard to simplify walking through the airport. Unfortunately, that’s something that you can’t really judge by seeing a bag; you have to use it to know how well it balances.

Straps. Two straps are better, and if there is an extra long one, even better.

If you’ve been around Road Warriorette for any length of time, you may have noticed that I like color. If I have an option, I will always go for the colors over black or brown. But I get that people like neutrals too, so I have tried to show a variety.

The very practical yet classically lovely Bellino Stefan Satchel is a more traditional duffel bag. It’s size ensures it will hold whatever you need it to, and it’s shape will allow it to fit under the seat in front of you. It is also well priced, and will be perfect for when you need a conservative bag.

Bric’s Metro Shopper is a more modern take. While there aren’t any obvious external pockets, the inside has several compartments. It is also very roomy, has a zip top, and will also work when a conservative look is needed.

Although we are looking more for  structured bags, I felt I had to mention this Tumi Just In Case Shopper. It folds up into a tiny pouch, but will open up to hold an amazing amount of stuff. Specifically designed to sit on top of a rollaboard, it has a strap across the back to hold it in place. Plus it comes in some fun colors.

These two bags from Piel are lovely large purses. They both has plenty of exterior pockets, roomy interiors, and a come in a variety of colors. The Laptop Tote is a little smaller, but has a specific compartment for your computer. The Large Business Tote will hold more items but lacks a laptop compartment.

The JJ Cole Technique Bag is my favorite. I love the retro shape, the lining, and the fun colors. It has double straps, plenty of room, and multiple exterior pockets. Definitely the bag for you if you’re looking to make a statement!

Okay, okay. Just for fun, here is a completely unsuitable but completely fabulous bag from Latico. Swoon!

Readers, do you have a favorite travel bag? What characteristics do you look for?

In case you haven’t noticed, I am super excited that spring is here. Shedding the dark colors and heavy fabrics of winter in favor of dresses and tops in breezy brights and pastels is a warm-weather treat. And of course, that extends to purses! Time to put away my dark brown bag and get out my DrikaB canvas turquoise tote. Here are a few of my favorite travel-ready purses for the new season:

Yes, this Ann Klein bag from eBags is leather, but the bright colors and fun lining make it a great bag for spring. It has plenty of pockets and compartments for files, laptops, and other travel necessities. And the price isn’t bad, either.

I have this DrikaB bag in turquoise and orange, and I LOVE it. I abuse it, throwing stuff in it, filling it up, and carrying around my laptop. This purse just takes everything I give it and sits there looking cute. I get so many compliments everywhere I go, and the inside pocket and compartments make room for everything.

Hooray for spring!! Now go outside and enjoy yourself.