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Stylish overnight/hand luggage bag

60 replies

Swissmeringue · 21/03/2026 20:44

It's my 40th birthday this week and we're going on a family holiday to celebrate over the Easter school holidays. The holiday is my "big" present so to speak, but DH has asked if I'd like something to unwrap on the day and obviously I'm not going to say no! It's occurred to me that maybe it's time to retire the battered old changing bag I've been using as hand luggage for the last 8 years and get myself something a bit more stylish.

I'm thinking a large tote or small holdall in terms of size, the sort of thing I could pack full of snacks and coats for a day out or potentially would suffice just for me for an overnight trip. I don't have a particular budget in mind, probably no more than £300 but might go higher for something particularly nice so feel free to suggest fantasy purchases that I can't afford.

OP posts:
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weaselwords · 25/03/2026 10:02

I love my le Pliage. It seems to repel dirt and always looks smart. I want to reclaim them from the schoolkids!

Youspurnme · 25/03/2026 18:48

Popping back to say I also love Roka, I have a back pack I use for commuting. Quality is top notch.
I know some people like a shoulder strap with their Longchamp, personally I prefer not to have a bag on one shoulder as it ends up hurting my back. However the next size up has a shoulder strap and also expands if you need a bigger bag.
https://www.longchamp.com/gb/en/products/travel-bag-expandable-L1911089P68.html

Le Pliage Original Travel bag expandable Navy - Recycled canvas | Longchamp GB

Le Pliage Original Travel bag expandable.L1911089P68.Navy - Recycled canvas.Online purchase. Home delivery. Free in-store pickup.

https://www.longchamp.com/gb/en/products/travel-bag-expandable-L1911089P68.html

Swissmeringue · 25/03/2026 20:16

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-leandra-suede-tote-bag-chocolate/p113784045
Thanks for all the lovely suggestions. I've ordered this, hopefully it works out as I won't have time to get something else before we leave.

I've got a very long wishlist of bags now though.......

Whistles Leandra Suede Tote Bag, Chocolate

Buy Whistles Leandra Suede Tote Bag, Chocolate from our Handbags, Bags & Purses range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-leandra-suede-tote-bag-chocolate/p113784045

OP posts:
TheGlitterFairy · 25/03/2026 22:25

Swissmeringue · 22/03/2026 20:03

I love these!

I have one of these bought for a big birthday too and it’s brilliant! It’s been all over - holds loads and still looks new!

UnashamedLabelHo · 25/03/2026 22:37

Not for the OP but for anyone who isn’t having a birthday bag, but wants something aesthetically vaguely similar (I don’t know how to do links, sorry!)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255637006430?_skw=brown+suede+tote+bag&var=555571651397&itmmeta=01KMKJ5S2X4BPK4DMMFA40JR54&hash=item3b8527285e%3Ag%3APSMAAOSw%7Eaxi1pOZ&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xB7MTKpn3dZrPCREcWrHNBekmCV0oa4iUeIZEEqscYNtfiOPRETkMsENnWyxU9GDtFrMr54mnijIRWM1y8QdIyScs20EC4%2F6hrD4R8NCqvz660q55yJkT7Id%2FB87n3ICIB5ohvpUHGkSoWKc%2FOTdsOR%2Ft%2FWq7kN3JR9ZtuaPjq7OIjiDPKArNRTl1A%2BUNcuGrONNdEzuKWxQuhrzKl8dhUpzg4vydFPgWDiIVd%2F207xt5nkke2fBrH41dSnOcat4rEkT22iQY24C4Jbb5H9bAwvmx1%2BCmPlRjTLEUd5iCgDkw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8KRl_KkZw&LH_BIN=1&LH_ItemCondition=1000%7C1500

Women's Suede Real Leather Slouchy Tote Bag Daily Fashion Shoulder Bag | eBay UK

The magnetic snap stud full zip closure provides security while still giving you quick access to your bag’s contents. The tote is particularly versatile with its lightweight construction and neutral colors leather.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255637006430?LH_BIN=1&LH_ItemCondition=1000%7C1500&_skw=brown+suede+tote+bag&hash=item3b8527285e%3Ag%3APSMAAOSw%7Eaxi1pOZ&itmmeta=01KMKJ5S2X4BPK4DMMFA40JR54&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xB7MTKpn3dZrPCREcWrHNBekmCV0oa4iUeIZEEqscYNtfiOPRETkMsENnWyxU9GDtFrMr54mnijIRWM1y8QdIyScs20EC4%2F6hrD4R8NCqvz660q55yJkT7Id%2FB87n3ICIB5ohvpUHGkSoWKc%2FOTdsOR%2Ft%2FWq7kN3JR9ZtuaPjq7OIjiDPKArNRTl1A%2BUNcuGrONNdEzuKWxQuhrzKl8dhUpzg4vydFPgWDiIVd%2F207xt5nkke2fBrH41dSnOcat4rEkT22iQY24C4Jbb5H9bAwvmx1%2BCmPlRjTLEUd5iCgDkw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8KRl_KkZw&var=555571651397

Witknit · 29/03/2026 22:15

Ive tried loads, my favourite by far for one or 2 nights as lightweight travel (usually by train) is the biggest size of Roka rucksack. Really hard-wearing but a bit addictive: I now have 4 - 2 for travel, 1 for if i have to go into work, 1 as a knitting bag!

Witknit · 29/03/2026 22:16

Ive tried loads, my favourite by far for one or 2 nights as lightweight travel (usually by train) is the biggest size of Roka rucksack. Really hard-wearing but a bit addictive: I now have 4 - 2 for travel, 1 for if i have to go into work, 1 as a knitting bag!

Ladypartsproblem · 29/03/2026 22:22

A longchamp travel role is brill but I also bought my husband a gorgeous leather duffle bag from the coach outlet for under £300. It’s butter soft and very classic looking!

Honestyboxy · 29/03/2026 22:40

Ladypartsproblem · 29/03/2026 22:22

A longchamp travel role is brill but I also bought my husband a gorgeous leather duffle bag from the coach outlet for under £300. It’s butter soft and very classic looking!

Coach outlet you say? Where can I find that?!

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