The holidays have come to a close, which means it’s back to the grind for most… unless you’ve got a weekend getaway planned. We’ve already given you some inspirational ideas for epic cabin getaways (not to mention epic travel selfies), so now it’s time to think about your luggage. Compact and practical, organized and adorable, the aptly named weekender bag is just the ticket for two or three days worth of outfits. So leave the big suitcase in the closet and check out our favorite weekender styles.
1. Kate Spade Saturday Weekender Bag ($180): This bag is the holy grail of weekender bags. It has a zippered bottom compartment for shoes, a removable phone and trinkets sleeve, two interior drawstring pockets and it’s cute to boot. Especially if you design your own.
2. A Feel for Zeal Weekender Bag ($70): This canvas bag lets you play with pattern while still rocking grown-up colors.
3. BAGGU Weekend Bag ($72): Are you a “toss it all in and iron when you get there” type of packer? The 26″ BAGGU gives you plenty of room in a bright poppy hue.
4. Madewell Transport Weekender Bag ($298): Looking for a leather carryall that’s big enough to pack your knee-high boots? Just try to resist the supple leather of this 24.5” case.
5. Rolling Hills Weekender ($395): This bag was built for a color blocking queen, from its cotton canvas and leather body to the candy striper lining. As an added plus, it’s all handmade in the USA.
6. Celestial Weekender ($90): Well, hellooooo, vegan leather. The faux suede upper and croc bottom of this bag will add some major “rawr” to your already impeccable travel style.
7. Everlane Twill Weekender Bag ($95): We say unisex bags FTW. These bags come in chic, neutral shades, including Marsala.
8. Cork and Denim Weekender Bag ($189+): There are statement pieces, and then there are STATEMENT pieces. Wear your maker status wherever you go with this very unique and very sustainable bag, made of real cork and denim.
9. Amalfi Weekender ($185): You know how we feel about tassels. This bag is celebratory, festive and fun, all of which you should be feeling on your mini vacation.
10. Cleobella Greta Weekender ($199): Suddenly have the urge to book a flight to Costa Rica? It probably has something to do with this tangerine color and animal-inspired print.
11. LeSportsac Large Weekender ($81+): You can never go wrong with stripes, as this taffy-colored nylon weekender proves. And for those who like to wear their hearts on their sleeves, the Happy Hearts print is available at full price.
12. Jack Wills Talford Duffel ($64): We’re swooning over this bag, which has offers chic polka dots at such a low price. Excuse us while we book a getaway, just to show off this “fabulously British” luggage.
What’s it gonna be — polka dots, zig zags or luscious leather? Share your favorite weekender styles in the comments.
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.