Because I am constantly on the go and usually trying to multi-task in the process I have a new love and affection for cross body bags.  And I am constantly in search of the perfect and versatile cross body (that will be the subject of a separate post).   Today is about the functional tote.  I already have a tendency to carry large bags, shoppers mostly, because I usually have papers and files or folders with client notes and information in them.  I schlep around on Capitol Hill for hours at a time so I also NEED functional bags.  I have never been willing to sacrifice form over function and all of my bags MUST be enviable.  One of my staples is a woven leather Christian Dior shopper.  It is super sturdy with chain link and leather handles that have become quite worn.  The good news is Dior will replace them for me and my go to bag will be right back in rotation.  It is super stylish and looks good with anything I pair it will.  The down side is that it is a true shopper and thus has limited internal or external pockets and compartments. So while this bag is awesome for daytime running it is less accommodating for travel which I have had to do quite a bit of lately at which point I turn to my very faithful Jessica Simpson leather tote.  It is simply awesome and I constantly get compliments on it.  This bag has traveled with me at least twice to Africa and is almost always under the seat in front of my on the plane for any domestic flight.  It can hold ANYTHING – a blessing and a curse.  It is made of high quality leather, fabric lined, has two external pockets for must reach items when traveling, a top zipper and is just truly cavernous.  I can carry just about everything I need to have accessible on a transatlantic flight.  One of the best investments I have ever made.  But since I do bore easily, and just honestly believe a girl can never have too many handbags, I am always in search of that multi-tasking bag that can withstand the pain and suffering to which I will subject it.  Today I think I found a new cavernous carryall for my future escapades around the globe.  Gilt.com had the most wonderful Nanette Lepore bags today and they were gobbled up in no time!  And I too was in on the feeding frenzy.  I got not one but two bags – what I hope will be that perfect and versatile cross body that I referenced earlier, and another tote that will carry all of my travel necessities with style and class.  They look interesting  and unique.  I am hoping the quality of the leather is high yet sturdy, and that these bags will take me on a chic ride into spring creating bag envy all along the way!  Stay tuned.