Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

First, let me say that I've always been a Travelon-Girl and have never owned a Baggelini until now. I carried the same exact Travelon purse for 8 years - even had it stitched up a few times at the shoe repair store because I loved the bag and Travelon stopped making it. This year, when I finally had to ditch my favorite purse, I've enjoyed buying several purses that I do like, but they still never have compared to my favorite, dearly departed discontinued Travelon. A couple weeks ago, I went out to lunch with my sister and absolutely loved her new purse. I had to try it out - zip and unzip and visualize my belongings in it. My heart was racing and I got really excited to see that many of those favored features were designed into her purse, the Criss Cross Baggalini and I wondered hmmm.. She had ordered hers in the Mushroom color (I really liked it) and lo and behold, she surprised me and ordered one for me in black! I couldn't wait to try and put all my belongings into it to see if it would work! I don't really carry much, but what I do carry has to be arranged just "so". One thing I love about Travelon bags is their whole premise is that you can do everything with one hand, and without looking. I refuse to be one of these ladies who are digging and searching through their purses - or better yet, have to take things out to find them! Why would anybody do that when you don't have to??! So, first let me tell you that the material is nice - light weight and easily wiped clean. The hardware is substantial and feels good in your hand - not flimsy and cheap. The zippers move nicely; and the shoulder strap is nice and thick to wear comfortably and not dig into your shoulders. The outside appearance appears 'small' to some. My hairdresser commented that she wouldn't be able to fit "anything" in that tiny purse but yet here's what I have in mine: 1) In the front zipper, I have only my lip balm - though there's room for much more 2) In the first zippered compartment, I have a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square compact mirror, business cards, an ID holder that carries two cards; coins in the zipper pouch, some dental floss (yeah, I know) and in the internal zipper, I have a travel sized thing for Advil/Aleve, and a pair of tweezers. The zipper zips completely all the way around to open up all the way. 3) In the first large zippered section, I have a full size wallet with pictures; a pen in the pen loop and there is room for more as there is both a pocket and another internal zippered section. The zipper goes all the way to the bottom on one side so that once again, you have full view and accessibility to your items. Never is your hand being squished when you reach for anything. 4) In the middle section that is open, I have my cell phone, my big key ring with plenty of keys on it; my work badge; and a 6" slim flashlight. That section is magnetized but even without it, the design as you wear it, seems to keep that area closed, so I don't worry about anything flying out of it. This was the one thing I loved about my favorite Travelon bag. I like to be able to have one section of my purse that is open or has a flap so I can easily grab keys, phone, or flashlight without having to unzip anything. This is perfect. 5) In the last main zippered compartment, I have TWO eyeglasses cases - and they are full sized, AND they are the hard cases! I also have my pocket calendar/planner/phone book, and another pen. 6) The very last area of the purse is an open, magnetized pocket, and I have dummy bank deposits and blank envelopes; store receipts and a shopping list. My purse doesn't look stuffed, and in fact, still looks flat; and you would never guess I have all that in it! But I wanted to show you how much it carries and that's largely due to the great design of this bag with it's all around zippering, light material, and open center. I am truly amazed and thrilled to see that essentially, my ol' favorite bag has been reincarnated in this Criss Cross Baggalini. Oh, be sure to check the prices on this style regularly as they change all the time. The price depends on the color you choose and there are plenty of colors to choose from! They all look great. The dimensions are posted, so I don't know how anyone can misinterpret the size. I think you will be surprised with this bag and love it more than you thought.