Hello, Darlings!
Today in the series Wardrobe Basics Handbags & Luggage. Do you have what you need for your new midlife/empty-nester lifestyle? Do you need to do a wardrobe check on your handbags and luggage?
Wardrobe Basics Hangbags & Luggage
***This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my website (at no additional cost to you), so thank you!
Handbags are very personal, whether it is how much you spend on a handbag, your preferred style, how many you have in your closet. So today we are just going to talk about basics.
Have you updated your handbags lately? You may need to add some handbag styles to your closet according to your new midlife style. Do you plan to travel, go to weddings/events, go back to work? Or maybe your handbag is getting worn out?
Handbags make EXCELLENT Christmas gifts. I have a new one picked out and ready to add to my Christmas list.
Picking Handbags According To Your Body Type
The size, shape, and style do matter when you talk about handbags and flattering your figure. For petite women, choose a small to medium-sized bags that are not too bulky. Long shoulder straps will make you look even shorter. Plus size women should avoid small bags and those with large prints.
Pick The Most Flattering Handbag Style According To Your Body Type
For pear-shaped women look for a bag that ends right above the hip. Look for adjustable straps.
The curvy women look for medium size bad that ends at your waist.
Women who are straight body type can wear about any handbag that hits at your natural waist to create curves.
Carrot shaped women look for a shoulder bag with longer straps. Bags like cross-body and messenger are great options.
Apple-shaped women should pick a tall, rectangular handbag that ends around the hip area, such as a longer strap shoulder bag or an oversized tote.
Picking Handbags For Lifestyle
Do you travel, go to concerts or sporting events, weddings and social events, or just love the great outdoors? You will want to have a variety of handbags in your closet for function.
Clutch bags/Wristlets for weddings and social events
That big ole purse doesn’t quite go with that nice dress. A clutch bag is an answer. I have a great collection of clutch bags, many that were given to me by my grandmother. Perfect for just the bare basics- keys, cell phone, driver’s license, and lipstick.
Crossbody/Belt Bag/ Or Backpack
If you are going to be a tourist for the day, the last thing you want to do is lug about a huge purse. Hands-free is the way to go- cross body bags, belt bags, or backpacks are what you need. It is all personal preference. So bags have RFID blocking technology.
Clear Bag
Most sporting games, concerts, and even festivals will no longer allow you to carry a handbag unless it is a clear one. The rule states: Each fan may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC no larger than 12” by x 6” x 12” or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). … Small cameras and cell phones are permitted if carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag.
Tote Bag
Do you work outside the home that you need to bring your computer/Ipad with you? Or do you need a bag for professional reasons that looks stylish and is functional for papers/binders? Tote bags are your answer. Large/oversized and boxy, these bags are perfect for your computer but still stylish. Some have multiple pockets, others just large oversized open compartment.
RFID Blocking For Travel
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. Today they are found in passports and credit cards as wafer-thin chips to help speed up transactions. … Identity theft via RFID readers is growing especially for travelers abroad. Without an RFID-blocking wallet, thieves can steal your credit card information just by standing next to you.
RFID blocking sleeves are an inexpensive way to protect your information
Now maybe a good time to update your wallet or your husband’s wallet to the new RFID blocking technology, especially if you travel abroad. You can find attractive passport covers with the same technology.
Time To Update Your Luggage?
The Weekender Bag
Whether you going on a girl’s weekend or a quick trip to the lake, the weekender bag will be your style of choice. Easy to just throw in the car and go.
Get Ready For Air Travel
New Regulations For Carry On Luggage
| Airline | Size in Inches | Size in Centimeters | Weight |
| AeroMexico | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | 22 lbs. |
| Air Canada | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 | 54 x 39 x 22 | 22 lbs. |
| Air France | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 | 55 x 35 x 25 | 22 lbs. |
| Air New Zealand | 46.5 total linear | 118 total linear | 15 lbs. |
| AirTran Airways | 24 x 16 x 10 | 60 x 40 x 25 | — |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | — |
| Alitalia | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 | 55 x 35 x 25 | 17.6 lbs. |
| Allegiant Air | 16 x 15 x 7 | 40 x 38 x 18 | — |
| All Nippon Airways | 22 x 16 x 10 | 55 x 40 x 25 | 22 lbs. |
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | — |
| Delta Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | — |
| El Al | 21.2 x 17.7 x 9.8 | 53 x 44 x 24 | 15.4 lbs. |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | 60 x 40 x 25 | 35 lbs. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | 25 lbs. |
| IATA | 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 | 54 x 34 x 19 | — |
| Icelandair | 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 | 54 x 39 x 19 | — |
| Japan Airlines | 22 x 16 x 10 | 55 x 40 x 25 | 22 lbs. |
| JetBlue Airways | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | — |
| KLM | 21.5 x 13.5 x 10 | 54 x 34 x 25 | 26 lbs. |
| Korean Air | 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 | 54 x 39 x 19 | 25 lbs. |
| Lufthansa | 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 | 54 x 39 x 22 | 17 lbs. |
| Norwegian Air | 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 | 55 x 40 x 23 | 22-33 lbs. total |
| Philippine Airlines | 45 total linear | 114 total linear | 15 lbs. |
| Qantas Airways | 45 total linear | 114 total linear | 15 lbs. |
| Saudi Arabian Airlines | 45 total linear | 114 total linear | 19.8 lbs. |
| Scandinavian Airlines | 22 x 16 x 9 | 55 x 40 x 22 | 18 lbs. |
| Singapore Airlines | 45 total linear | 114 total linear | 15 lbs. |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | 60 x 40 x 25 | — |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 x 18 x 10 | 55 x 45 x 25 | — |
| Sun Country Airlines | 24 x 16 x 11 | 60 x 40 x 27 | 35 lbs. |
| Thai Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 | 55 x 45 x 25 | 15 lbs. |
| United Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | — |
| Virgin Atlantic | 22 x 14 x 9 | 55 x 35 x 22 | 22 lbs. |
To be sure your bag is accepted on all carriers, you’ll want to get a suitcase that stands at 21” or less. It’s especially important to look into luggage size restrictions when you’re flying with smaller, regional airlines outside of the U.S. as each is able to set its own limits.
If you do check-in bags, many airlines have a weight limit of 50 lbs. This handy luggage scale can keep you from having to dump out items from your luggage (while everyone in line gives you the evil eye)or pay up.
20/21 Inch Spinner Style Carry On Luggage
Hardshell or soft, it is your choice for checked or carry on luggage. Luggage size that is best for carrying on the plane is 21 inches and many have the spinner style which makes them easier to transport in the airport and beyond. If air travel is in your future, you can find great deals on luggage sets which will give you options. Luggage now comes in more than “basics black”.
Make Sure Your Luggage Is TSA Friendly
Most of the newer luggage also comes with TSA friendly locks. Never put anything in a checked bag that is valuable. Computers/jewelry/important papers/cash all need to be with you at all times. TSA will check and open bags if needed. If you have a lock that is not TSA friendly, they will cut it off.
**Newest warning is about putting your home address on your bag. But your name and contact cell number instead. Also, it is recommended that you take a pic of the inside of your suitcase in case it gets lost or stolen so you can identify the items in it.
Pick Quality Luggage That Will Last
My luggage is from Samsonite. It has been to Italy, England, Scotland, and all points in between. The luggage looks as good as the day I bought it on sale at Kohls.
Make Good Use Of Your Personal Item For Flying On A Plane
When flying most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item. Some airlines have size restrictions, but the most important thing is that it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Lo & Son’s OG/ OG 2 Carry-On Bag
Packing Cubes
With new luggage restrictions, efficiency in packing is a must. Packing cubes, packing bags, and even 2-gallon ziplock bags are great tools to make the most of every space in your suitcase.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
You can get travel blankets and travel pillows, but for me, the BEST thing I bought for my trips is noise-canceling headphones. Nothing is worse than a long overseas flight and you need to sleep but all you hear is screaming babies and loud talkers. Or even worse, every sound the engine makes. Let’s just block that out and listen to music or watch the inflight movie.
for Samsung/Andriod
Start evaluating your closet. Your lifestyle may have changes, new adventures ahead. Now is a great time to make a list of the handbags and luggage needs you may foresee in the future. Add those items to your Christmas list or grab them now for parties and travel. Things are changing quickly and you need to be ready to adapt so you are not stressed and frustrated. It is easy with a little thinking ahead of time.
Do you have the shoes you need for your next trip? How about a raincoat/trench coat for unexpected rainy weather?
Check out the following post to help you get ready
