I don’t think it is too big. You want everything handy while traveling.

i use a bitter smaller at home for everyday but when I travel I always take something that I can slip my ipad into along with other essentials.

Are you petite?

It looks big to me, I'm petite. But, some can carry this off. Are you asking because it is larger than what you usually carry?

Oh I like it very much and think it will fit the bill for your travel needs. Lovely!

Great deal! But looks bigger than I would want to carry. If you don't have it filled, does it get flatter?

I’m 5’7”

It’s very flat with my usual stuff in it.

It's gorgeous. And now I am off to check out Nordstrom Rack ...

Another Nordstrom photo.

Compared to my usual size bag.

I have the bag above (Marc Jacobs) in black and find it too small, but useful for some occasions.

This bag has a place for everything. It’s buttery soft enough to roll up. The straps feel good either crossbody or on the shoulder. As a crossbody, it isn’t bulky because it’s so narrow at the top. The width is at the bottom. My MacBook fits in it, but I’m not taking it.

My 30-something DIL’s carry purses this size.

I think the real conundrum is that I wouldn’t carry this around my home town on a daily basis. But, at that deal....but, I’m not wanting to buy yet another purse for around town.

Yikes! I don’t know what to do. I don’t have another purse that will hold my iPad.

A “first world” conundrum.

I bought my first "large" purse for precisely your reason: it had an inside pocket that fit my iPad. Then I bought a largish Baggellini for travel because it has outside pockets that can hold a water bottle and a small umbrella. I have become dependent on both of these purses. When I've tried to go back to a smaller one I've felt restricted. DH has even commented on the Baggallini when I tuck the umbrella in one pocket and water bottle in the other: "That's a very useful handbag!" Yes, it is. Keep your purse.

Well, I wouldn’t have to carry my Paris groceries in a separate bag!

Going to check out Baggalini. Have a conference coming up and I also like to carry my iPad to take notes and use the conference app. But that Nordstrom bag is awesome.

I like it. When I traveled a lot I used a tote type bag that was lightweight leather. Your statement that you could fit a change of clothes in the bag would seal the deal for me. I always carried a clean T-shirt and undies at minimum in a tote bag along with makeup and hairbrush. And iPad of course. And I would tuck in a small cross body in my large bag for a day or night on the street when I didn’t need a big bag.

If you were tiny, I'd say no. But I think you are tall enough for a big bag.

I would never carry a heavy bag when I travel, i try to travel with bags that are light when empty.

But it is clear that is sparks joy for you! Keep in and enjoy it. Work around it if you have to. When I really love something, practical considerations are moot.

It's a good size. I like how flat it gets. That shrinks it considerably. Keep it.

Try as I might to get with the cross body smaller sleeker handbag, I am just too used to having everything with me. I have been looking for a long time and finally just bought a huge bag last weekend. I am in love. So I guess I am the wrong one to ask if that bag is too big- and I think it's stunning and no not too big. (here's the one I bought--- and now it follows me all over facebook LoL.)Aimee Kestenberg Sicily Shopper Nylon

I love it and with your height it is a perfect size!

You'll look smashing! Of course wear it, no doubt.

Nice bag. I would shorten the strap , looking at the first picture. Looks like it is adjustable. Paris is a conundrum. On one hand you want a bag that is practical for travel but also stylish because after all, you’re in Paris. Same goes for shoes. That looks like the perfect solution.

Long day --- long story

I drove to another city to meet up with a friend from California who was available today only.

Along the way, I stopped at the Saks Off5th Outlet and found.....a Longchamp, soft, lamb leather handbag in black!

This is similar to the nylon Pilage bags, but the interior has an inside zip pocket, an open cell phone slip pocket and a place for pens.

It also rolls up and snaps. It will pack well since I use a carry-on while on board the plane.

The only downside that I see to this smaller purse is that it's so incredibly soft, there's no structure to the bottom. If that bothers me, I'll cut some cardboard and stick in there.

That said, it holds everything I need for it to hold, it doesn't overwhelm, it's lighter weight and packable.

It was discounted to $369. Not the incredible deal of the large bag, but discounted from $495.

Here's a Nordstrom link with reviews.

The online Saksoff5th has some of these bags discounted.

My DIL's birthday was Wednesday and I was going to bring her something back from Paris or Italy -- but, I called my son and asked him about the large bag for her meetings, etc. (I noticed when she came home for a week in Boston, her back was overstuffed).

He told me I was fulfilling her number one gift wish! So, I'm taking the large bag over to her this evening.

I'm off to see my grandkids and gift the other bag to my DIL!

Merci mes amis!

Sounds like a good plan! Sometimes I wish I lived closer to Europe, as the flights from L.A. are about five hours longer than the ones from the East Coast.

I'm sure you'll have a great time in Paris and Italy, especially since you will be seeing friends. I'm anxious to go back to Italy myself but won't be taking any more long trips this year.

I have the feeling that younger women like larger bags.

Both bags are lovely. Isn't it wonderful when things fall into place? Have a wonderful trip.

My DIL was thrilled with the bag! She went on and on about how she'd been telling my son that's what she wanted. He said now he has to come up with another idea! He was joking, and happy that I'd gotten her one. He was at a loss about what to get/how to shop for a bag. Her MacBook fits in the outside flat zippered pocket; her cell phone under the front flap; and her business cards have a special slot on the outside of the front flap. She's a doctor and said she had wanted something really nice to take to meetings.

Love that last bag! Great choice and looks. I am sure your DIL will be ecstatic with your gift.