Everlane Weekender Bag | Review

OVERVIEW:

The Everlane Weekender is a sturdy yet lightweight travel bag that is a perfect size to pack necessities for a weekend getaway or to use as a carry-on to supplement your luggage for a longer trip. This functional, minimalistic, stylish bag is sold on the Everlane site for $95 and measures 22" length x 12" height x 8.5" width with a 12" shoulder drop. It has one large compartment, a small zippered pocket inside, and one exterior open side pocket.

The $95 canvas weekender is available in 6 different color varieties; there are also $135 suede weekenders in 3 color choices.  I bought the "Reverse Denim" weekender and absolutely love the style.

PROs:

- Lightweight

- Durable canvas exterior
- Lined interior

- Structured base

- Long enough to wear over shoulder, short enough to carry without dragging (for me; I'm 5'4'')

- Shoulder straps are a good width

- Variety of colors available

- Unisex (in my opinion); color/style is appropriate for both males/females

- Carry-on appropriate (fits in overhead compartments)

CONs:
- No option to wear it across the body. It'd be nice if there was a removable shoulder sling.

- Leather straps are not lined (will wear & tear lead to fraying? TBD.)

If interested: My Everlane T-Shirt Review Post

More Photos:

The bag is shipped folded like this. I didn't have issues with creasing.

I love the look/texture of the reverse denim in contrast to the brown leather straps.

Zipper detail.

Details of the leather straps.

Underside of the leather straps.

Exterior side pocket (only on one side).

Interior zippered pocket (measures 10" x 9").

Some clothes packed in the Everlane Weekender bag.

When looking to buy a travel bag, I also considered the Cuyana Weekender ($120) and Cuyana Overnight bag ($165). In the end, I chose the Everlane Reverse Denim Weekender because of the price and the style/color.

** This is my first impressions review of the bag. I will have to give it a few uses before I can come back with an update on how sturdy the bag is and how the leather straps hold up. I have a few trips in the horizon, so stay tuned!

Which bag do you carry and love for overnight/weekend trips?

  If interested: My Everlane T-Shirt Review Post

 My Everlane Short Sleeve Sweatshirt Review

 

How to Style Harem Pants

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Money saving tip: Ebates cashback program offers from 3-10% cash back for a lot of retailers I buy my clothes/shoes from, including Forever21.com (2-5% cash back if you shop through ebates). This is a simple way to keep some extra cash in your pocket.  If you don't already have an Ebates account, you can sign up free here -- they have so many different retailers! I have used them for years to save a lot of $$$ via cash back.

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Harem pants (aka harem trousers or woven joggers) are baggy at the hip/thigh but taper and become fitted at the ankle. I used to think this style was horrendous, but the more subtle "harem" styles have really grown on me. These pants are available in various different styles, prints, and materials. Forever 21 sells harem pants in various styles/prints for an affordable price; check out their harem pants stock here. 

I think a simple solid black pair of harem pants can offer so much versatility -- ranging from casual comfortable to classy & chic. I own two pairs that I really love: a $6.99 pair from eBay (shown on the left) and a $15 pair I found on sale at TJMaxx (shown on the right). 
* side note: the eBay pants (left) are a bit sheer so I wear thin cotton biker shorts underneath.

There are 4 main aspects I look for when searching for the perfect versatile harem pant:

(1) Bagginess: For a clean, chic fit: look for pants that are loose around the thigh area, but not too baggy at the crotch or butt.  The taper should start at the knee and continue down to the ankle. 

(2) Material: I try to avoid any material that makes the pants look like sweatpants or pajamas; so I generally look for materials that have a bit of a sheen (polyester, rayon, etc). It's also nice to have a blend of spandex or elastane for a more stretchy/comfortable fit. 

(3) Waist: I am definitely a fan of the high waisted fit for these types of pants. I try to avoid a drawstring waist as it gives off a sweatpants/pajama feel. Look for a plain elastic waist. Belt loops are a plus.

(4) Pockets: I prefer my harem pants to have pockets at the hips for that extra detail. I really like the look of draped pockets.

Here is the YouTube video I put together with some outfit ideas:

OUTFIT 1: Polka Dotted Button Down

polka dot chiffon button down (Forever 21, old) similar here

gold collar necklace (Forever 21, past season) similar here

nude belt w/ gold bow detail (F21, past season) similar here

dusty pink cross body (F21, past season) similar here

rose gold watch (Michael Kors) see here

harem style pants (eBay, $6.99)

black ankle cuff pumps (BCBG, past season) similar here & here

OUTFIT 2: Patterned Peplum

 

patterned peplum top (F21, past season) other peplums here 
dainty black triangle necklace (F21, past season) similar here
white quilted clutch/cross body (F21, old) similar
rose gold watch (Michael Kors)
harem style pants (eBay, $6.99)

black ankle cuff pumps (BCBG, past season) similar here, here & here

also shown: 

black/cream handbag (Kate Spade 'Laurel') see here

OUTFIT 3: All Black Everything

black chiffon pintucked sleeve top (F21, $11.80)

nude belt w/ gold bow detail (F21, old) similar
gold spiked necklace (local Burlington Coat Factory)

black/gold pyramid stud bag (F21, past season)

rose gold watch (Michael Kors)

harem style pants (eBay, $6.99)black ankle cuff pumps (BCBG, past season) similar, here & here

aviator sunglasses (D&G)

OUTFIT 4: Comfy Cardigan

beige lace back cardigan (local Burlington Coat Factory)dusty purple jersey top (H&M, $5.95) 

long faux stone pendant necklace (F21, old) similar: http://bit.ly/1gZCwpq

black faux leather satchel bag (H&M, old) similar: http://bit.ly/Oc6j1c
rose gold watch (Michael Kors)
harem style pants (eBay, $6.99)

'Coreline' Suede Booties (Guess) http://amzn.to/1pFGjJQ

OUTFIT 5: Comfy Casual

dusty pink loose t-shirt (F21, past season) similar
long gold charm cluster necklace (F21, old) similar: http://bit.ly/1on9Cn5

aviator sunglasses (D&G)

dusty pink cross body (F21, past season) similar
rose gold watch (Michael Kors)
harem style pants (eBay, $6.99)

nude braided sandals (Forever 21, $12.80)

What's your favorite way to style harem pants?