Quality leather tote bags online UK shopping
4 min readLuxury check in luggage shopping with Penshop UK: Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel opened shop in Paris in 1910. The era’s most famous Parisienne actresses flocked to her designs. Coco designed up until her death at 87. With bags such as the Classic Flap, the diamond quilting is synonymous with the maison. The 2.55 Bag: Named for its creation date (February, 1955), this quilted luxury handbag introduced a leather-and-chain shoulder strap that allows the bag to be carried hands-free. Classic Flap: This updated take on the 2.55 bag showcases two Chanel signatures: diamond quilting and the CC logo. Guccio Gucci admired the ritzy hotel guests he catered for. This led to a worldwide powerhouse of fashion and luxury goods. Gucci purses are often recognizable thanks to the signature Interlocking G motif. The Jackie Bag: The first hobo bag, originally called the Fifties Constance, was renamed when a certain First Lady (Jackie Kennedy) developed an enduring fondness for it. The GG Marmont: Two bags in one, thanks to its sliding chain strap, it can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody. The bag features signature the Double G hardware. Find additional details at https://www.penshop.co.uk/pens/leather-bags/leather-weekend-bags.
If you’re open to spending a bit more on luxury luggage, the Rimowa Original Cabin is a stellar choice. Though it’s not expandable, this suitcase has a solid capacity while still meeting carry-on size requirements for most airlines. We used it for a four-day trip and easily fit several outfits and multiple pairs of shoes inside. An interior zippered compartment would be nice, but we like how the dividers help keep everything in place. Our favorite thing about the Original Cabin is its sleek, futuristic design. But, despite the high-end appearance, you could probably drop it out of a second-story window without worrying about damage, and any natural dents and scrapes are a badge of honor for frequent travelers. Thanks to the smooth wheels, we had no problem rolling this suitcase over floors, pavement, and even cobblestone. It’s not the lightest carry-on, but it’s also not as heavy as the aluminum shell makes it look — and we could easily hoist it into an overhead bin when packed full. Lastly, Rimowa backs each purchase with a lifetime guarantee — just make sure you register your suitcase as soon as you receive it.
Gucci’s Horsebit bag was first released in 1955, and is today one of the house’s most popular styles. This version comes with both a classic leather and a colourful canvas strap, giving you even more versatility. This classic Chanel handbag is a truly great investment that will never go out of style. Need we say more? While you can of course always buy new, there are plenty of great vintage finds to be discovered. The Cleo bag takes influence from archival Prada pieces. With its sleek and streamlined appearance, it is not hard to see why it has been such a huge hit with fashion editors and influencers worldwide. Paco Rabanne’s 1969 bag is one which has undoubtedly stood the test of time, still just as popular today as it was when it first launched. Truly a handbag icon, this is one for your after-dark wardrobe.
Leatherology makes our favorite luxury weekender. The Kessler Duffel is surprisingly spacious, with a large main compartment, a few interior pockets, and one pocket on the outside. We easily fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. There are two grab handles, plus a longer shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is adjustable, but you can’t really move the pad, so unfortunately, it may not be as comfortable for short people to carry. The buttery-smooth leather might be the best thing about this weekender. It has a high-end look and feel, and like most leather duffels, it’s durable, holding up well during our drop test. The Kessler comes in six neutral colors from cognac to navy, with the option to personalize it with debossed, handpainted, or trapunto lettering. If you’re giving this leather duffel as a gift, you’ll appreciate that it comes in a fabric dust bag inside a wrappable box as well.
Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On is a solid choice for international trips, thanks to its size (the correct size for most overheard bins across a number of international airlines), great storage capacity and reasonable price. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since 1910, and its spinner is compact but expandable by one inch when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it. “I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,” says a member of our testing panel. “As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.”