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?

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