I soooo love this thread! I've read each and every post, clicked on every link and researched just about every bag that was suggested. And more than a few that weren't, LOL.
I ended up ordering four of them...
1. Heys Travelmate: LOVED this bag. The zebra print is adorable, and perfect for someone like me, who dresses in some variation of black and white 90% of the time. And the fact that it was a steal at $12.95 from HSN made it even better. Unfortunately, I didn't factor in that I'd be carrying around DH's inflatable back pillow, and the Travelmate wasn't roomy enough for that. To add insult to injury, by the time I'd made that realization, the HSN return period had elapsed, so now I'm stuck with it. Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to use it another time.
2. Travelon Flap-Front Messenger: This might have been THE bag, if I hadn't found the one I'm ultimately going to use. The quilting dresses it up a bit and the zippered top was a big plus versus the usual flap that most messenger bags have. I also really liked the pretty, pale blue lining.
*I have this 'thing' about linings. Weird, I know.* There is no exterior bottle holder, but the interior was roomy enough to hold a regular bottle of water, no problem. I paid $31.99 on eBags for it (a 20% discount).
3. eBags Kayla Town Square: Great features, but man...this bag was HUGE! More like an airline carry-on than a park bag. Next time I'll pay more attention to the dimensions before I buy, LOL. This was $47.99...the most expensive of the four bags.
4. Baggalini Eco Messenger: After all I'd read about the Baggalini, figured I'd at least give it a look see. Ordered the Eco version, versus the rip stop or the crinkled nylon, because the price was right...$23.99. And I'm a basic black kinda gal, so the color selection didn't really bother me. It was a good size, definitely functional - although I wasn't crazy about that zippered phone pouch on the strap. I could see why it's popular, though.
I sent all of them back today. ('Cept for the Heys Travelmate, of course.)
It cracks me up that after hitting up every Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Target and Kohl's on Long Island, and scouring the internet for months, I ultimately found the PERFECT bag (for me, anyway) right under my nose...in my local Macy's.
Where I work!
*Go ahead and laugh. I'll wait.*
This is it. The
Nine West In The Bag Cross-Body Hobo. In black, of course.
The sale price was $36.75, but I paid a bit less, as an employee. Pockets galore, tons of room, comfy strap. And did I mention the lining is to die for!
*Couldn't find a pic of the lining, but the exterior of the second bag is what the interior of my bag looks like*
Sorry this was so long-winded. It's hard for me to contain myself when talking about a subject near and dear to my heart.
Happy shopping, everyone!