<p>Amesie,</p>
<p>If you are open on the print you’d like, then I’d say it’s worth the trip. The prices are good. But I’d call ahead to make sure they have style you are looking for in stock.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. If D would express a real preference for the Vera Bradley, I’d have no problem getting it, but VB would be “fine” but so would LL Bean (she has a very large LL Bean duffel that she’s had since her first week at girl scout camp, when she was in kindergarten, but it is way too big for weekend trips). </p>
<p>I think I will head to the VB outlet some evening next week (not brave enough to do it on a Saturday). I have spent enough time on the VB site that H jokes I want one now, and he might not be wrong . . . </p>
<p>If the small duffel is not too small, perhaps I will get her the small VB duffel for true one or two day trips and a larger LL bean duffel to use as a carryon.</p>
<p>And I hope this is not blasphemous, but I have looked at the Longchamp site and I can’t say that I “get” the totes. For one thing, the straps seem kind of short. But perhaps I need to see them in person.</p>
<p>Amesie, no, it was not blasphemous at all! I did not “get” Longchamp totes until I got to use mine. I thought that the rolled handles would not stay put on my shoulder, but I was happy to find out that I was wrong. I hope that your trip to the outlet was very productive. I hate to drive 40 min to the local outlet mall with a specific goal in mind and come back empty-handed.</p>
<p>I found a LeSportsac weekender bag at TJ Maxx deeply discounted and it’s been great for my D. I personally can’t see the point of luggage that is not water resistant, and nylon bags are a good deal lighter than quilted cotton, which makes a difference when you’re schlepping around Manhattan or trying to get your bag on the luggage rack in the train. I have a LeSportsac large black totebag that I bought about ten years ago and I still use it every time I have to travel overnight for work; it still looks brand new.</p>
<p>Love that Nankeen link! I bought a blue and white length of cloth in that fabric style in the Beijing friendship store back in 1981. It became my day to day tablecloth for many, many years. The site is quite informative.</p>
<p>Love TJ Maxx. I bought a this season Lily Bloom bag (nice and big for traveling) for $25. Same thing at Belk’s – $52!</p>
<p>Amesie, </p>
<p>Many women use a Longchamp bag daily as sort of a tote/handbag combination. I find it too lightweight for this purpose, and I prefer a more substantial leather handbag. I use the Longchamp bag as a carryon when I travel, or as a gym bag if I change right after working out. I put my regular handbag along with all my other assorted travel items in the Longchamp bag - consolidates everything and keeps my leather bag clean on trips. I also tuck an empty folded up tote in my luggage to carry additional purchases back home. They are an attractive, convenient and stylish alternative to a bulky tote or a flimsy shopping bag.</p>
VB bags used to be good when made in the USA. Now they are made in China and the quality is poor. Broken zippers, seams ripping, colors running.this is from me & my friends something to think about.
Please use old threads for reference only and start new threads to discuss and solicit current information on any given topic. Often times, the OP is no longer around to respond.