Lo & Sons’ Aoyama Bag Is the Best Travel Purse

I’ve always been a purse girl. I’ve collected them for decades, and the better part of my closet is dedicated to the stash I’ve amassed. The only time my prized collection becomes a double-edged sword is when I travel. There are so many I love that it seems impossible to pack just one or two for a single trip. 

Recently, however, I had the chance to go on a two-week trip to South Africa, on which the only purse I brought was the Lo & Sons Aoyama Bag, which is marketed as the ultimate travel accessory. With the ability to morph into four chic, functional, and distinct styles, it’s just like packing several different purses without sacrificing precious luggage space. I almost can’t believe I’m typing this, but I don’t think I’ll ever travel with any other bag after experiencing the convenience this one affords me without sacrificing style. 

Lo & Sons Aoyama Bag

At $228, this beautiful, crescent-shaped purse is a splurge, but it’s one I feel is worth every penny for its quality and versatility. Crafted from lightweight and buttery-soft sheepskin leather, the bag added practically no weight (just over .5 pounds) to my luggage, nor strain on my shoulder when I was wearing it. Available in six neutral colorways, the extra-wide fabric strap adds to its comfort, too.

Speaking of the strap, that’s where the bag’s real magic is. It can be adjusted to variable lengths between 15 and 24 inches, giving you multiple looks. Wear it fully extended like a crossbody bag, or slung over one shoulder like a long shoulder bag. Detach part of the strap via the push-lock clasps, and you have a shorter handle for a closer-fitting shoulder bag. The fourth look is my personal favorite. You can remove the strap entirely and clip the two ends of the purse together to create an adorable clutch, complete with a small handle. 

Lo & Sons Aoyama Bag

On my trip to South Africa, I wore the bag as a crossbody on active day trips while exploring Table Mountain and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. For shopping trips and winery visits, I slung it comfortably over one shoulder as a short shoulder bag. And for fancy dinners, I carried the bag as a clutch. However I wore it, I always had plenty of room for my iPhone, passport, sunglasses, keys, a small cosmetics case, and a small water bottle. 

The interior is surprisingly spacious, with lots of pockets and organizational features to spare. The exterior zip pocket is perfect for quickly accessing essentials, like a phone or passport. The interior mesh and zip pockets kept other belongings organized, too. But I particularly appreciated the three credit card slots that are safely tucked behind a zippered pocket for added security; those allowed me to travel without a bulky wallet.

Lo & Sons Aoyama Bag

The last big selling point for me was its durability. If I’m investing in a pricier bag, I want to know I’ll get many years of use out of it. My Aoyama has survived multiple safaris, the TSA conveyor belt, and even the unforgiving grasp of a two-year-old who borrowed it for playtime and threw it down on the pavement. Even then, I haven’t seen a bit of wear and tear on this. I've already told my travel-loving friends to try it out and I would recommend this bag to anyone who wants function, versatility, and style in a single long-lasting item — but if you prefer a more budget-friendly bag or a funkier design like blue snakeskin, check out five more convertible travel purses below. 

More Convertible Travel Purses: 

Yfgbcz Crescent Purse

Hobo Darcy Convertible Leather Crossbody Bag

Senreve Mini 5-way Convertible Handbag

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