Can anyone recommend a lightweight, attractive, crossbody bag that's roomy enough to hold necessities for the day, such as a water bottle, sunglasses, small umbrella, etc.?

I bought the Pacsafe Citysafe 100 from ebags.com. They also make a larger, messenger bag.

I like LeSports Sac brand.

The Overland Donner bag is what I have and it works great. Two small side pockets, one for water and one for umbrella if you like. Lots of compartments, lightweight, and just large enough to carry a guidebook. I bought mine at REI.

Me too on LeSportsac, it's my favorite for travel -- lightweight, lots of zippered compartments, one or two large enough for a 16 oz water bottle.

The beauty of LeSports Sac is they virtually have no weight of their own, compared to a traditional leather pocketbook or other safety travel purses which have metal cabled straps. If you don't want to use it for carry-on for the plane ride over, it folds up to nothing in your suitcase.

Thank you, ladies! I appreciate your responses. I'll check out all the suggestions!

If you are the thrifty type like me, try WalMart boys department for a messenger bag. You might find one you like for about $10. I found a nice dark green canvas messenger bag for about that.

From Suze: If you don't want to use it [LeSportsac]for carry-on for the plane ride over, it folds up to nothing in your suitcase.

That's exactly what I'm doing for my upcoming trip. I'm kind of spooked about my luggage not showing up so am packing one set of clothes in my carryon. I've folded my LeSportsac and packed it and then will use it throughout the trip.

Another thing I like about this brand is the variety of colors and patterns.

Many LeSportSac bags available on Zappos. Free shipping both ways and a very friendly return policy.

http://www.zappos.com/search/brand/2...LeSportsac%22/

Another vote for Le Sportsac. I use the everyday bag and have for years. I alos pack a duffel that takes up no room and holds dirty laundry and stuff on the way home, leaving lots of room for what I buy in my more protected luggage

I have this bag in black and the taupe. http://www.travelsmith.com/jump.jsp?...=1849&sortBy=0

I think this bag is great and holds everything I need at my fingertips. I put a water bottle on one side and either sunglasses or umbrella on the other side. They do make it in a larger size and also leather. Maybe not the most stylish but being practical wins over haute couture for me when sightseeing.

I can't find the leather version on the website but it is in the catalog. If you were interested you could call the customer service line.

Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone. There are a lot of good options out there.

I looked at the Zappos site and was surprised at the LeSportsac prices. I guess like everything else they've increased in the past few years.

I have a couple of the weekenders and three of the everyday bags, and a couple of totes -- all purchased at TJMaxx or Marshalls, probably discontinued colors.

I did see LeSportsacs at the duty free shop in Atlanta so the prices might be a bit less there.

I love Baggalini bags. The large 3 zipper bag is my favorite for travel. It's comfortable to wear cross-body and has a very convenient slash pocket in the back. I purchased all my Baggalinis from eBags.

I also have Le SportSac which I use in summer. I recently purchased this Tignanello bag http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/v...onvertible-Org
and have been using it daily. Lots of room for a water bottle and camera. Tig has another crossbody bag that is more narrow if you don't wish to carry as much.

I also us Le Sport Sac. Target carries a line of bags which look idential to Sports SAc at amuch lower price.

Thanks for the Target tip Suzanne. I love SportSac bags, but the prices are high.

Yes, I was a bit put off when I discovered the bags at Target at a lot less than what I paid for a Sports Sac at Macy's