Practical Bags for Traveling

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to travel. 

Weekend getaways, traveling across the country, trips across the globe.. you name it, I'm in. 

Over the years, I have narrowed my list of "favorite travel bags" down to my top 4, and I thought I'd share them with you. 

Here they are:

1. The North Face Borealis Women's Backpack- This is easily the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. There is a place for my laptop, ample padding on the back, and a crazy-big front pocket. This is the backpack that I use for school, but also find it to be a great bag to travel with because no matter how many items I stuff inside, it is still incredibly comfortable to carry. 

2. Vera Bradley Large Duffle- I can't say enough good things about this bag. No matter how many times I travel with this duffle, I still can't wrap my mind around how so many things can fit inside. I recently went on a trip and fit 6 outfits, 3 pairs of shoes, two huge cosmetic bags, my ipad, 5 cardigans, a sweatshirt and enough food/water bottles to last me a week. The best part- this bag is surprisingly comfortable to carry, even with all of the things I put inside. 

3. Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote- This always has been and always will be my go-to traveling purse. I have the medium size, and used it in college to lug my books back and forth from class to class (and let me tell you, the straps are not as flimsy as they look). What I love about this bag is that the sides can be cinched on days when you don't have as much to carry, or just want a different look. The classic Louis Vuitton Monogram goes with everything, and I find myself reaching for this bag more than any other bag I own. 

4. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote- I currently own 2 of these bags- the medium size with long handles without the zipper closure, and the large size with long handles with the zipper closure (of course both are monogrammed)- and I absolutely love them both. The large size is great for traveling (think weekend trip), while the medium size is perfect for school or as a carry on. These bags are literally indestructible, but if something does happen to your bag, L.L. Bean will take care of it at no cost to you, no questions asked. 

What are your favorite bags to travel with? 

xo, That Boston Girl

What's in my Purse: 9-5 Edition

I am the queen of overpacking. 

I don't care if I'm going on a weekend trip, or a trip to the drugstore- you name it, I have it on me. While I'll admit that I can do without most of the things I carry in my purse on weekends, weekdays are an entirely different story. I work a 9-5 desk job (although lately it's been more of a 9-7),  and I thought I would share what I've deemed as my "essentials" that I bring with me on a daily basis:

Let me start of my saying that I've tried carrying a billion different bags with me to work over the years, and I've found that my Longchamp Le Pliage (the large size) is by far my favorite. It holds everything I need and more without being bulky, and can even carry an extra sweater or rain coat on days when I'm not willing to gamble with Boston's unpredictable weather. 

What do you keep in your everyday/work bag? 

xoxo, That Boston Girl

Pretty & Practical: The City Shoe Edition

While I am a huge fan of heels, walking around a big city in sky-high pumps every day just isn't practical (believe me- I've tried.. I even have the blisters to show for it). 

Working (and of course shopping) in Boston comes with a whole lot of walking, and I've put together a list of a few pairs of my go-to shoes that I've found myself reaching for the most while living in the city:

Tory Burch, Reva flats- I cannot say enough good things about these shoes. I bough my first pair my freshman year of college, and still wear Reva's to work almost daily. They're a little pricey, but so worth it in my opinion. 

Jack Rogers, Navajo Flats- My go-to summer sandal for 4 years now. Practical, versatile, and comfortable. 

Rainbow flip-flops- My summer beach staple- and they sure beat those plastic beach flips!

Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes- Every preppy girl must own a pair of these (or three). 

Converse, Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers- Nothing says Boston like a pair of white Chucks. These are perfect for a shopping trip or a casual lunch on Newbury. 

What are your favorite summer shoes? 

xoxo, That Boston Girl

Just a Girl in a Big City

Welcome to the ramblings of a northern girl with a love for city lights.

xoxo, 

That Boston Girl