I’ve long admired and envied women who get through their day and their lives needing to carry only a small bag.

Throughout my life, I’ve felt the need to anticipate and pack for every possible daily eventuality. But now a torn rotator cuff and a request to review the Essential Traveler bag has led me to lighten my load, and to my surprise, I’m getting along just fine with what I can fit into my beautiful new little leather purse. Actually, I can fit a lot into this handy purse!

The Essential Traveler

The purse itself is a high-quality gorgeous Wine colored leather with five exterior compartments, four of which have zippers. The central interior part of the purse also has a zippered closure. The bag measures 7″ by 8.5″ by .5″ and has an adjustable shoulder strap. The front zippered pouch compartment comfortably fits my RFID wallet. My ring of fifteen keys neatly stores in the compartment directly above and behind the front pouch without bulging. The top front zippered compartment is a great place for coupons in that it is more than seven inches deep. I keep my checkbook in the back zippered compartment and a pack of tissues plus and a pack of mints in the open compartment.

The Essential Traveler

That leaves the entire interior to hold a comb, compact, lipstick, glasses case, and whatever else a particular trip might require, such as a magnifying glass, which is an essential for weekend excursions.

Why a magnifying glass, you ask?

I’m now enjoying the bag daily, but one day of the week it has become irreplaceable – going to estate sales on Saturdays! Both my hands are now free to examine jewelry with a magnifying glass and to be able to hold the piece securely with the other hand.

The Essential Traveler

One more thing I like about this purse is that it easily fits under a jacket or coat for those occasions when one might like an extra measure of security, such as walking to and from a parking garage. And once you arrive in the office, you can show off your beautiful bag all day long!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4m8yEHaQTc[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.