The Best Purses for Travel

When it comes to packing for travel or studying abroad selecting the right shoes and purses is definitely the most challenging part. You want to pack as few as possible while ensuring you have what you need for all possible occasions. You're also trying to find bags and shoes that will look stylish but also be comfortable and practical. Like I said, challenging!

Before you select your perfect purse for travel you need to think about your travel plans and what you will want or need to have with you on a daily basis. I encourage people to carry as little as possible to avoid back pain or having an annoyingly-large bag to drag around. This amount, of course, is different for everyone. Some people can get away with just their cell phone, keys, and wallet, while others need a mini first aid kit, makeup, DSLR camera, and extra sweater (#guilty).

If you only need a small or medium size purse, I highly recommend a cross-body bag. A convertible cross-body that can be both a shoulder bag and cross-body, like this one, is ever better. Cross-body bags free your hands and are more comfortable for long days of sightseeing. If you're the type of person that likes to carry everything but the kitchen sink, you will want to skip the cross body and opt for a large, but lightweight, tote. For security reasons, make sure what ever you select zips completely.

In addition to size and shape, you also want to consider the bag's material. Nylon is great because it is lightweight and durable. I also like coated canvas and Saffiano leather because both are more resistant to scratches and staining. Finally, make sure you select a practical color or pattern that goes with what you have packed.

Here are some of my favorite purses for travel:

THE MINIMALIST
Avery Crossbody // Britton Crossbody // Dagne Dover Tiny Tote // Jet Set Crossbody // Metropolis Mini Crossbody

THE PICTURE LOVER
Mini Avery Tote // Nylon Small Devin // Saddle Crossbody // Stacy Drawstring Shoulder Bag // Flemming Convertible Bag

THE HOARDER
Dagne Dover 13" Tote // Large Le Piliage // Cedar Street Tote

Now, you might have noticed that there are two Dagne Dover bags listed in my favorite purses for travel. That's because they really are the perfect bags! The larger totes have compartments for everything to keep you organized and protect your electronics. This is a lifesaver at the airport. My Tiny Tote, however, is one of my favorites for sightseeing. This little guy has traveled to Budapest, Salzburg, Paris, Venice, London, and all over Italy! To celebrate my love of Dagne Dover totes, they are offering 20% off to History in High Heels readers from now until December 25th with code - HistoryinHighHeels20.


FOR THE STUDY ABROAD STUDENT:
If you are studying abroad you will need a couple different types of bags. First you will need an everyday school bag. This should be something you can easily carry your books and lap top in to and from class (remember class can be on the other side of the city). I suggest a backpack (but beware of theft) or something like the Longchamp Large Le Piliage (which is perfect because it folds up).

You will also want to pack a small and/or medium sized cross-body bag for excursions and travel. Speaking of travel, make sure you bring a weekender bag or small carry-on for weekend travel. Just make sure that your travel bag is small enough to comply with budget airline restrictions (or you will be forced to check it)!

One final tip - Invest in your travel purses and bags and avoid traveling with cheap or poorly made ones. There is nothing worse than having your bag's seam tear or strap rip in the middle of the airport or a foreign city.


I hope this helps you find your perfect travel purse!

Outfit: A Stroll Through Montmartre

coat (on sale!) // dress (old, some sizes still available here, similar here, here, and here) // petite beret (last seen here) // scarf (also here) // tights // shoes // sunnies


After two days of chilly temps, gusting wind, and lots of rain, Britt and I were delighted to find that Sunday's weather forecast in Paris called for clear skies (although still very chilly). We decided to make the most of the nice weather and spend our day strolling the adorable streets of Montmartre.

Montmartre is a district of Paris that sits on a hill north of the city's historic center. Before the eighteenth century, this area sat outside the city limits of Paris and was largely agricultural, devoted mainly to the production of wine. By the twentieth century, however, the area had become a hotspot for artists. The cheap wine, affordable housing, and stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside attracted the likes of Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

Today, Montmartre is still a trendy and lively neighborhood of Paris. Britt and I started our day with a walking tour to learn more about the history and art of the area (we love Paris-Walks). Afterwards, we visited the stunning Basilica of the Sacré Cœur before warming up with some traditional hot wine (Britt's favorite). We spent the rest of our morning and early afternoon wandering all of the gorgeous little streets (check out Britt's blogger strut above) and sampling delights at the bakery that won the award for the world's best baguette in 2015 -- Le Grenier a Pain. Montmartre is known for having the best baguettes and pastries... and yes, it was amazing!

Since we were already in northern Paris, we decided to hop on the metro before sunset and head southwest to the area of Paris just across the river from the Eiffel Tower. Most people go to the green area (the Champs de Mars) that surrounds the tower to capture their pics. And while you most certainly should snap some pics of Paris's most iconic architecture from the Champs de Mars, I also like to take pictures from across the river. Two of the best places are the Trocadèro (no secret there) and the Avenue Camoëns (which is still kind of a secret).

Despite the sunshine, it was still a very chilly day and I was so happy to have my yellow J.Crew wool peacoat and giant plaid blanket scarf... and what is in outfit in Paris without my all-time favorite accessory, my petite beret!

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Outfit: Parisian Plaid

dress (also love this one) // sweater (similar) // coat // scarf // tights // shoes // bag // sunnies

After a cold and rainy first day in Paris, Britt and I were excited to get a little reprieve from the rain on our second day in the city. It was still a very cold morning, but at least the rain didn’t arrive until the afternoon. 

We started our day with breakfast at Laduree and then took advantage of the dry weather and headed to my favorite bridge, Ponte Alexandre III. After snapping some photos we strolled down Rue Saint-Dominique, which gives a great view of the Eiffel tower. We walked all the way to the Champ de Mars before the rain and wind struck. 

For the occasion, I wore my new plaid dress from Brooks Brothers that my friend Kelly was kind enough to hem and bring to Florence for me. I wasn’t exactly prepared for the last minute cold snap, but fortunately Kelly also brought me my yellow J.Crew peacoat, which kept me nice and toasty. I love the bright yellow color of the coat paired with this navy and black plaid dress.

To escape the cold and ridiculous wind that arrived that afternoon, Britt and I scurried to the Musèe d’Orsay, which not only has an amazing collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, but also was exhibiting a special show on nineteenth century prostitution in Paris. The show was fascinating to say the least and I highly recommend it. 

After a long and cold day, Britt and I warmed ourselves with some hot wine and yummy falafels (I am obsessed with the falafel in Paris) before collapsing in our hotel room.

On another note, I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving yesterday. I have to say it was weird going to work. Fortunately, Jen hosted a wonderful dinner at her house complete with turkey and stuffing! I am sad I am missing all the great shopping today (my yellow coat is on super sale), but it is probably for the best!

PS - The Preppy Printshop is have its own Black Friday special, buy one 8X10" print and get one FREE! Click here for more information.

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Where to Find the Best Parisian Doors

It is no secret that I love the bright and colorful doors of Paris. And I am not the only one, just a couple weeks ago I stumbled across dozens of Parisian door pins on Pinterest as I was researching for this trip. Probably the most prolific pin or image of a Parisian door is this amazing set of pink doors.

Yet for all of my door stalking in Paris, I had never managed to find this particular door. Not one to give up, I spent hours one night studying and researching the image (I was definitely avoiding doing something productive). It was clearly number 64 and with enough internet sleuthing, I was able to identify one of the companies listed on the name plate. That plus the street number led me straight to the actual address - 64 Rue de Turenne.

Thanks to Google street view, I didn’t have to wait until I arrived in Paris, I could confirm the location right then and there. I was so sad when I realized these doors are actually blue! And on top of that, this is what they looked like when we strolled by them a couple days ago:

But that is ok, there are plenty of gorgeous and brightly colored doors in Paris! Many of theses doors, however, are hidden away on little side streets. So to help you find them, I made a map of all of my favorite doors! Of course, there are many more than what I have mapped, but this should get you started if you ever find yourself in Paris and want to admire these gorgeous gems. If you remember the location of your favorite Parisian door (or doors) please comment below with the address and I will add it to the map!

You can access the map here.

Happy door hunting!

Outfit: Fall in Paris

jacket (old, this year’s version) // dress (Max & Co.) // bag // tights // shoes // sunnies

Rain can certainly dampen your travel plans, but at the end of the day, a rainy day in Paris is still better than a sunny day anywhere else! Our first two days in Paris the city had an air of sadness and the gloomy sky and constant drizzle seemed to reflect the somber mood of the city. Despite the horrible terrorist attacks the week before, however, Parisians seemed to be carrying on. I was surprised at how many people I saw out and about Thursday evening strolling the streets and drinking and eating at outdoor cafes.

Brittany and I spent our first morning in the city in my favorite square and garden - the Palais Royal. We grabbed a coffee from Kitsune (so good!) and braved the drizzle to snap some pics in the garden and under the beautiful architecture. We then headed across the river for lunch at one of my favorite little Brasseries, Au Petit Suisse (near the Luxembourg gardens). After lunch we refueled with some Starbucks and met up for our French Revolution walking tour with Paris-Walks. Yes, we are huge history nerds and the tour was so interesting. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité!

Despite the rain, it was the fantastic fall day in Paris, and I thought this dress was perfect for the occasion. The warm colors remind me of fall and the material is a scuba-type fabric, which is perfect for travel. And of course I wore my favorite travel shoes, my plastic Melissa flats.

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Friends in Florence

This week has been amazing because I have been able to see two of my closest friends from home. Kelly and her husband came to Florence for a 3-day visit and I am spending the next couple days with Britt in Paris. I have missed my squad enormously and it is so wonderful to be able to spend time with each of them in my favorite cities.

Although we only had three days together, and I had to work as well, Kelly, Chris and I made the most of our three days together. Neither Kelly nor Chris had been to Florence, so we hit the ground running to see as much as possible (we averaged about 12 miles each day!). We managed to hit all of the major sites--the Duomo, Uffizi, Bardini and Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, the David, Mercato Centrale, and Ponte Vecchio--and eat in all of my favorite restaurants--Osteria Santo Spirito, Bocca Negra, Il Giova, Trattoria Sergio Gozzi, Giacosa, and Gusta Pizza.

Don’t worry, we still managed to have a blast and give our ab muscles a workout from laughing despite our fast-paced schedule. It was hard to say goodbye after such a short trip, but I am so thankful I got to see them and share my home away from home, Florence.

PS - If you haven’t checked out Kelly’s amazing line of tees and sweatshirts, you really should! I live in my Tres Chic sweatshirt.

Don’t Be Terrorized

Following last week’s attacks in Paris, the city of Florence draped the copy of Michelangelo’s David, a symbol of strength, with the French flag in solidarity.


Last Friday evening I was getting ready for bed when my cell phone began buzzing with texts, calls, and Whats App messages. It was friends and family checking to see if I was ok. They informed me that there had been an attack in Paris. Shocked, I opened up my laptop to see what was going on.

Like everyone else, I was stunned and sadden as I read about the brutal terrorist attacks in Paris. Terrorism does exactly what it is meant to do; it terrorizes. You feel helpless, heartbroken for those who lost their lives or were injured and their families, and you think about how easily it could have been you.

The following day, as news coverage continued, I couldn’t help but think of my own impending trip to Paris, scheduled for just 6 days after the attack. Of course, I felt fear and thought about all of the horrible what ifs. But mostly, I felt defiant. I don’t want to a live a life in which hatred, fear, and violence win. I refuse to let terrorism win!

I think Rick Steves shared some really good points on Facebook last week. He posted a brief article about appropriate responses to terrorism. My Facebook was also full of debates and articles about terrorism around the world, which criticized the “west’s” outrage over Paris but not for places like Beruit. I think these are also fruitful conversations, but for now I wanted to highlight some points that Rick Steves made.

Steves said, "I believe we owe it to the victims of this act not to let the terrorist win by being terrorized. That’s exactly the response they are hoping for.” Steves went on to make a point about gun violence in the US, highlighting the fact that almost 100 people a day are killed by gun violence. Am I really safer at home in the US (especially since I am from Florida)?

Furthermore, you can’t fight hatred and violence with hate and violence. Let’s not create the next generation of terrorists by turning our backs on those in need, or lock ourselves away from the world and become ignorant to its complexities. Like Rick Steves, I believe that we need to keep traveling, not only to honor those who lost their lives and the amazing city and culture that is Paris, but to stand up against hate and terror.

For these reasons I am boarding my flight to Paris today with a sad but full heart. My best friend and I will spend the next six days celebrating the city of Paris (its culture, history, and people) to honor those who are no longer able to.

Outfit: Sunday Funday

plaid shirt (old, similar) // bow // jacket (old, obsessed with this one) // skirt (similar) // thigh-high socks (similar) // shoes (old, similar) // bag

Every Sunday that I am in town, Anna and I like to have what we call a “Sunday Funday.” It usually involves strolls through the city, visiting our favorite restaurants (or trying new ones), and doing something cultural. This Sunday we wandered through the Oltrarno (one of my favorite neighborhoods in Florence). We visited the Sunday market in Piazza Santo Spirito, the gorgeous cloister of the Church of Santo Spirito, and made new friends as we sipped wine and gorged ourselves at our favorite restaurant in town, Osteria Santo Spirito (yes, everything has Santo Spirito in the name of this square lol).

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