I have traveled extensively (and almost weekly) for work for the past 13 years, meaning I have racked up my share of airline, hotel and rental car rewards and a considerable amount of jet lag! But I have also learned that as a frequent flyer you have to invest in durable and reliable travel accessories and luggage.
Let me introduce you to Cargo by Cynthia Bailey. Yes, THAT Cynthia Bailey … the iconic fashion model and star of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. I’m friends with Cynthia and know the team behind Cargo personally. So, I’ve had the privilege of watching from behind the scenes the painstaking attention to detail that has gone into every design. Just recently, the team asked me to review the beautiful and well-crafted large duffle bag in Indigo Blue.
From the moment I received the bag, I was sold. It’s gorgeous. The color is beautiful and the leather material is soft and supple. I really like that it is lightweight and an ideal size for carry-on luggage, both major pluses in my opinion. And it is spacious, perfect to hold my travel essentials: blanket, neck pillow, headphones, iPod, laptop, power cords, flat shoes, a water bottle, a couple of magazines and at least one change of clothes just in case my checked luggage is lost (side-eyeing Delta and Frontier Airlines). The shoulder strap is comfortable and the top handles make the bag easy to grab. I only wish it had more pocket space inside, perhaps a deep interior pocket with zipper that could allow for better separation of your goods.
Oh and did I mention that the bag is quite stylish? I like this indigo blue color a lot as it can easily be paired with just about anything. I am usually pretty casual when I travel — jeans, a long sleeved shirt, a shawl and comfortable shoes — and this Cargo bag adds a little glam, especially when I tied my this colorful scarf around it.
The bags are available at Cargo by Cynthia Bailey. They are a bit pricey at $399. But as I always say, you get what you pay for. And I just happen to think the bags’ sturdy composition, ideal size, genuine leather material and beautiful aesthetic make it well worth the price.
I paired it with a custom denim outfit by independent designer Adrienne Nixon Designs in Birmingham, Alabama. Isn’t it perfect? I saw a similar outfit on the Neiman Marcus website that I loved, but because it didn’t come in my size, I had to find someone to replicate it for me. I knew Adrienne could make it happen. She is a fabulous designer!
As always, thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out both Cargo by Cynthia Bailey and Adrienne Nixon Designs.
As always, thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out both Cargo by Cynthia Bailey and Adrienne Nixon Designs.
All photos by Markus Moore for BigTime Images.