Christopher Kon 187 Weekender

Are you reveling in the cooler weather like I am? Truth be told, I’m not a summer person, really. I mean, I like a pair of cute sandals as much as the next girl, but I’m not into sweating. At least, not on purpose. There are times when it’s ok. At the gym, for instance. Or, you know, working out at home. Oh, get your minds out of the gutter! I’m talking about, well, ok, you got me. You know what I’m talking about. Heh. But just walking outside and instantly being sweaty? Not attractive, and not fun. So I’m staying right where I am for now, enjoying the cold fronts and the necessity of longer sleeves. But it occurs to me some of you out there might be resisting. You might be holding onto warm weather with a white-knuckled grip, trying to squeeze every degree out of the thermometer you can. So don’t fight it—take a weekend and go somewhere where it’s still warm. Heck, do you even need an excuse for a weekend getaway? I didn’t think so. But a weekend getaway is a fantastic excuse to get an awesome weekender bag like the Christopher Kon 187.

Just big enough for a weekend’s worth of clothes, but small enough to easily fit in the trunk or an overhead compartment, this bag is made for two-day jaunts. You can even make it a three-day weekend if you call in “sick” on a Friday or Monday. Just don’t say I said you could. I’ll totally deny it. Unless you bring me back a souvenir. Then I’ll think about covering for you. Maybe. Anyway, the oh-so-imaginatively-named 187 is made from smooth leather in a rich, dark tobacco color. It’s lined with plainweave fabric that’s almost like lightweight denim, so it can stand up to whatever you throw in it. The top zips securely closed, and the dual handles give it a seven-inch drop. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying. Best part? It’s on sale. Normally $425, you can get this bag right now for just $233.75 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Yeah, the 187 is a nice bag, but I gotta be honest with you. I like the Tepper Jackson Weekender a lot more. Not only is it a better fit for the budget, I like its shape and its color. This one is called wine, but it also comes in linen and white. It’s 19 inches wide, 11 inches high, and 12 inches deep, giving you plenty of space for a few outfits, a couple of pairs of shoes, your cosmetics, and don’t forget a negligee if you’re going away for the weekend with your sweetie. And if you’re traveling alone, forget the negligee to leave room for other, um, accessories, shall we say? The outside of the bag is synthetic material, but has the rich look of leather, and features a large zip pocket. A bold, geometric print fabric lines the interior. Dual handles give the bag an eight-inch drop, but there’s also a detachable shoulder strap, which is just hideous. It doesn’t match the bag at all. The linen and white bags have shoulder straps that match the color of the bag, so why the wine colored one has to have a cheap ass, rainbow striped, fabric strap, I just don’t understand. I’d leave it off and just use the dual handles. Take your pick for $148 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

If you want something a little more colorful, fun, and casual, then check out the LeSportsac large weekender bag. The coolest thing about this bag is that it comes in 16 different colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste and personality. It’s made from nylon with canvas trim, so it’s durable and has a lot of give to hold anything you need to pack. The dual handles give it a four-inch drop, while the detachable and adjustable shoulder strap has a drop of 22 inches. On the front and side you’ll find zip pockets for extra storage space, and the interior is fully lined. It also comes with a small, matching accessory bag that would make a great makeup bag, or even double as a purse while you’re away. The platform bottom keeps the bag stable for packing and unpacking. Find your favorite color or print for only $112 at Zappos.com.