Back from holidays, I need to improve my luggage!

I'm just back from a 15 days trip and I'm so exhausted. It's been 8 years I travel with just a yoga bag. Yes, you read it right. Even for international destinations, I squeeze all my clothes, shoes and toiletries in a 30L yoga duffle bag. It was fine for most of the times but in this last trip I had an extra tote bag with presents from family and I just can't do this anymore, my shoulder was hurting from the bag straps and carrying the extra tote bag was super inconvenient. It's time to invest in something better before I break my back. 

I know I want to keep it small and I prefer something that fits under the airplane seat, so I don't need to pay for extra fees on budget airlines. Also I just hate when you buy a carry on item and people at the gate say there is no room on the overboard compartment. No way! My bag stays with me all times, no matter what. 

So although I was dreaming about the Travel Pro Platinum Elite Carry-On, I realized that's way too large to be considered an "under seat". So now I'm divided between getting a backpack or a tiny luggage with wheels. It's hard to decide what is better!

Luggage

For a luggage piece, the best option I found was the Air Canada Fusion Underseater 18" Luggage. 

Advantages: 

• Wheels! No weight on my shoulders!
• If I have an extra tote bag I can combine the volumes and carry less on my shoulders 
• Great free space inside and nice outside pockets
• It's soft, so it's easy to compress or expand a little if necessary
• $169.99

Disadvantages: 

• Depth is 20cm/7.8", but some budget airlines have a maximum depth of 15cm/6" for a personal item. Not sure if I would have problems.
• Not my favorite design and I don't like the idea of being a walking advertise for Air Canada
• Hard to carry in rough terrain like sand, snow or old brick roads
• Just 2 wheels = less maneuverability than a 4 wheels spinner
• Capacity 26L
• 2.27kg

Backpack

For a backpack, the best option I found is the PeakDesign Travel Backpack 30L. 

Advantages: 

• Easy check in even if expanded, usually nobody checks the size of the backpacks  
• Great maneuverability, I can walk in any terrain, also easy to get a subway, bus or even a boat 
• Great free space and outside pockets, also I love the fact I can tuck in the straps (I hate when the straps get tangled everywhere)
• Could be useful when invited for hiking trips 
• Capacity 27L to 33L (if expanded)
• 1.44kg

Disadvantages:

• Weight is still on my shoulders (but at least in 2 shoulders, not just one) 
• Backpacks usually don't go well with my lady like style (although this one is quite minimalist and urban)
• Still would feel overwhelmed if I had to carry an extra tote bag for any reason
• $299.95!

So that's where I'm now. I'm slightly more inclined to get the backpack, it seems like a good upgrade from my duffle bag but still, I'm not sure. It's quite an investment right?

Speaking about investment, I've never used packing cubes before and this company has some cool ones. I got very tempted. This is the set of 3

They are compressible, lightweight and I could squeeze much more stuff when travelling. The set of 3 costs $85.37. I just wish I had a less tight budget. 

How about you? Do you keep it to the minimum or do you check in bags? Let me know in the comments!

A quick Uniqlo update

I went to the supermarket and decided to check for clothes in the mall beside it. First I visited The Bay but I didn't find anything I wanted. It's Bay Days this week, I hoped to find some dresses with a good discount but it was not my day there. I was leaving when I remembered I wanted some jogger pants and decided to check at Uniqlo. I got these ones: 

They are very comfortable and look great! I'm so glad I can go to gym with pants that are not leggings. And they are gray, not black! So I'm very happy! Good style and good price, just CAD$39. [link]

But the best was what I found close to the fitting room, the last lost piece on sale... a gorgeous floral rayon dress by Ines de la Fressange. It's beautiful, flows wonderfully and it was my size! Just CAD$69! [link]

When I got home I counted my hangers, I have 20 hangers for blouses or dresses but I have only 4 dresses now. I want to substitute most blouses for dresses, it will be amazing if I have 20 dresses that I use all the time! my life will be so much easier and I'll look way more stylish. 

The start! Fall wardrobe dreams

Hi! I decided to open a blog to share some personal stuff, especially fashion and décor ideas. Today I'm a bit obsessed about 3 things: a new carry on bag, a cashmere cardigan and some Chelsea boots. 

The bag is this one, the Platinum Elite Carry-On. I like specially the coffee colour. Ok, it's not the most beautiful bag in the world but I saw amazing reviews about this brand and the most important thing: it fits as a carry on not only in North America but also Europe and South America domestic flights. It's just added to my dream list, price: CAD 449 [link]

Regular price

The cashmere is this unbelievable long pine green from Brora. The price is completely out of my reach: CAD 920! But how gorgeous is this? It would go perfectly with my fall and winter wardrobe! [link]

 

And last obsession is this Chelsea boots from See by Chloe. I don't usually like very heavy shoes but the scallop detail and the leather colour make this model feminine and cute! I can see myself wearing this with all types of skirts and dresses, what is actually very important for me. Price? Out of range as well! USD 445! [link]

Now we can cry together as we can't afford any of those gorgeous things. Best of luck trying to find a cheaper version! Thanks for stopping by and see you later!