We’re approaching the dog days of summer, but there’s still time to squeeze in another road trip or three. For every other season, I love a good luxe handbag. Clutches, crossbodies, hobos, shoulder bags… I’m flexible! For summer though, I’m all about a big tote or straw bag. Something you can pile everything in, throw over your shoulder, and basically stick in the sand without care.

This summer, I’ve been primarily switching off between a few practical styles.

FOR PLAY…

I’ve taken the Carmen Sol Angelica Jelly tote with me on picnics, to the beach, to Palm Springs, and to Ojai. It still looks brand new – and has kept its rose scent. All the Carmen Sol accessories (adorable sandals!) are water-resistant, smell like faint roses, and are made in Italy. The baby yellow color makes me happy + I get stopped a lot by people asking where they can get one, too. Here’s WHERE.

FOR WORK…

For all of my work gear, I’ve been using a huge vegan leather toe by Be Brilliant Bags. First I’ll go on record and say that I’ve yet to find a vegan leather bag that goes the distance. My last favorite work bag was from Working Cute. It even had wheels. It was the perfect carry-on. And it lasted a year before starting to flake all over my shoulder and hands. RIP Working Cute bag. And company.

It hasn’t been a year, but my Be Brilliant bag has traveled well so far with a laptop, iPad, multiple cords, notebooks, shoes, makeup bags, and more. The inside is lined with moisture-wicking neoprene. Think: wetsuit material. It also has a special removable compartment to carry wet stuff. Awesome for a bathing suit, post-swim. I remain hopeful on its lifespan. Shop HERE.

FOR WHATEVER…

I love traveling with an extra bag on hand. I keep this perfect cotton canvas tote folded up in my purse to use for things I pick up along the way on a road trip, or carrying hiking shoes, bottles of wine, and shopping local farmer’s markets. The brand is known more for its letterpress stationary, but Sky of Blue Cards carries adorable gifts, too. Shop HERE.

And John Muir had it right… When the mountains do call, I’m outta here.

xo