Lightweight Handbags for Work and Travel
Conversations About Bags
I discovered several years ago that it can be a real challenge finding an ultra light-weight stylish bag for everyday. I was so tired of falling in love with beautiful leather bags online or in a store, only to discover their heaviness—which would be a killer on my body: shoulders, hands, back and hips. I kept asking myself, “why are leather bags so heavy?”
After years of research and experience, I concluded it comes down to the design and construction of the bag. The weight of the leather, the lining materials and hardware all play a key role in a handbag’s total weight. In 2013, I started exploring handbag patterns and ways to reduce a bag’s weight.
My fascination with product design and development evolved into starting my own handbag business, MONOLISA.
Conversations About Bags
I have ongoing discussions with people I meet around the world at my shows regarding handbag styles, materials and how they are handmade. Work, travel and comfortable fashion are frequent conversations. Below are some styling topics that come up during my many conversations about bags...
What Bag Styles Are Good for Traveling?
If you are traveling around town or boarding a plane, using a crossbody bag is ideal. It allows you to be hands free, move quickly and access those essentials quickly - drivers license, credit card and lipstick.
When Choosing a Travel Bag -
Ask Yourself These Questions
(These questions will help narrow down your handbag selection)
- How heavy is the bag?
- Does the bag feel good when I put it on my shoulders or carry it with my hands?
- How many outfits do I want to wear it with?
- Do I want an adjustable detachable strap feature?
- What color and shape speaks to my personal style?
- Is it easy to pack for traveling?
- Is it a style I see wearing for years to come?
- Do I want a handmade or mass produced bag?
- Do I want a bag made in the USA?
What are Limited Edition Bags?
If you are looking for a bag that is not mass produced you may want to consider a limited edition. A limited edition bag means only a small number are made. The bags below are samples of handmade limited edition leather bags made in the USA.
Handbag Designer, Lisa Ramos Featuring Italian Leather Croc Crossbody
The limited edition croc crossbody bags (above) with matching detachable straps are great style choices for someone on the go - ideal for carrying your cell phone and those small essentials. To add a touch of elegance, each bag has a closure featuring elegant crystals mounted in gold hardware. These crossbody bags are designed with a limited edition Italian vegetable tanned embossed croc leather - very classical high shine top finish, firm temper from vegetable tanning. Vegetable tanned leathers are more expensive because of the more skill set requirement and knowledge to tan the leather. This premium leather is handbag designer, Lisa's personal favorite leather to work with because of the limited edition leather and supreme quality.
________________________________________________________
Bold Bag Styles for Work
A bag with style, sophistication, light weightiness and storage space are just a few of those qualities that make a great work bag. A tote bag is a smart choice for work. If you are adventurous and like a pop of color go for bold, beautiful and sophisticated colors such as these blue and pink leather tote bags below. These lightweight bags are designed with an irresistible soft baby blue and pink colors. Floppy handbag straps no more. The bags comes with a matching removable strap holder that opens and shuts via snap. It is also designed with a double-sided leather bottom base to maintain beautiful bag structure and avoid the common sagging of bags.
________________________________________________________
Classic Style Bags for Work
For a timeless style on the go, rushing to a meeting or lunch with friends consider a bag with classic features, simple yet elegant. These Italian Leather Croc Tote bags below are a nice choice for classic bag styles. What makes this bag unique is not only how ultra lightweight it is, but the design. The body of this hand crafted tote bag is designed with a single piece of leather, resulting in a seamless and sophisticated style. Another great feature - floppy handbag straps no more. The bag comes with a matching removable strap holder that opens and shuts via snap. It is also designed with double-sided leather bottom base to maintain beautiful bag structure and avoid the common sagging of bags. The black leather croc tote style is handbag designer, Lisa's everyday go to bag.
The video below is handbag designer, Lisa Ramos discussing the features of the croc bag collection.
________________________________________________________
How do I lighten the Weight of My Bag?
If you want to avoid those soar body parts previously discussed, carry those bag essentials only. Leave the rest at home! The more you put in your bag, the heavier it gets. It doesn't take much adding weight to a bag. The Iphone 11 weighs 6.84 oz equalling 0.4275 lb weight. That is almost half of a pound. Carrying loose change, cosmetics, credit cards and keys - all of those items start quickly adding up. Think about storing bag essentials in a small pouch, because it gives you great options for the future. If you are going out to do a quick errand and you don't want to carry much having an essentials pouch - drivers license, credit card and keys gives you the freedom of grab and go while leaving the big bag home. Also, if you keep an essential items pouch, it gives you the flexibility of switching to a new bag quickly.
________________________________________________________
On the Go
Lara carries an Italian leather crossbody bag during the weekend and when she is traveling around the world for work. She is hands free and carrying only those bag essentials.
This blog post is written by California handbag and jewelry designer Lisa Ramos who has featured her handmade collection at fine juried shows throughout California. The brand's mission is to design beautifully handmade limited edition pieces that add a touch of elegance to any personal style.
Leave a comment