Tote It, Carry It, Pack It :: The Season's Best Bags

In May's issue, I showed you how to pack your carry-on perfectly, giving you a single stylish suggestion for a cool bag and what best to put in it.

Now that the year's official travel season is upon us, it's time to expand upon that idea and upgrade what we carry.

This is the definitive guide to luggage, carryalls, messenger bags and even backpacks all "Marcellas approved."

Backpacks

Once supplanted by the messenger bag, the backpack had been relegated to high school students and gym bound jocks. Well it's back in chic versions that look cool and grown up with jeans or even a suit.

Splurge:
Mismo Canvas Backpack - This Italian canvas backpack by the Danish brand is a cult fave of those in the know. $525 to $550

Stylish Buy:
G-Star Matt Backpack - Super style in an amazing color at a great price! $100

Messenger Bags

No longer the provenance of bike messengers, messenger bags are the modern alternative to a briefcase for the hip and young. They're also the easiest way to stylishly tote your computer and paperwork to and from work.

Splurge:
Frank Clegg Courier Messenger Bag - A unisex bag in shrunken leather that bridges the gap between messenger and briefcase. $875

Stylish Buy:
Jack Spade Foundation Canvas Field Messenger - This messenger has space for everything with an interior tablet pocket and exterior magazine pocket. $175

Suitcases

As a traveler the suitcase is your most important accessory. Rolling luggage, hard sided, nylon high tech... It's all about choice and style. If you want to get in and out of the airport fast, you need to be able to quickly pick your bags out of the carousel melee!

Splurge:
Globe-Trotter Stabilist Suitcases -
Stylishly handcrafted in the U.K. from vulcanized fiberboard with box grain leather trim & chrome locks. $1350 - $7550

Stylish Buy:
Muji Hard Carry Travel Suitcase - Emphasizing design and durability, Muji is a cool Japanese brand with stores in N.Y. and S.F. $219.50

Carryalls

Sometimes called weekenders, carryalls are the easy, modern way to tote everything.

Splurge:
Wood & Faulk Northwesterner 20" - Made in Portland, Oregon these bags are hand-built for craftsmen yet make a chic carry all. $249

Stylish Buy:
Herschel Harvest Tote - A high-style minimalist tote with a fleece-lined padded laptop sleeve inside. $69.99

Dopp Kits

Dopp kits are an absolute necessity for travel since you need a place to put your toiletries that's waterproof, secure and discreet.

Splurge:
Jack Spade Swedish Cordura Dipped Kit - Made from extra-tough Cordura with a camouflage pattern trimmed in black or orange leather. $165

Stylish Buy:
Matt Singer Shave Kit - Matt began his hip, utilitarian and tightly curated line for men and women in 2009. $90

There it is, readers; my picks for the hottest bags of the season! Shop smart and remember, suitcases are like mattresses. Several times a year retailers put them on sale. Happy travels!