I am beginning the process of editing for the one-month trip to Europe. We leave in early October, and will be there the entire month. My wardrobe will be rather simple: black, white, and gray with colorful (fall colors) silk scarves. My one dress is black with touches of red. I am bringing a day to day crossbody bag that is a sort of taupe, so cool toned. I need to pack an evening bag, which I think will just be a simple black clutch. The airplane carry-on is a black (or gray, tbd) Longchamp.

So here is my question: For the big handbag on the plane, the one I will also carry on trains, and possibly some days when I need to carry more than my cross body can hold, I have two options: 1. A practical gray tote. Holds a lot. Is very light. Long handles. Attractive enough, but far from my most attractive bag. But oh so comfy. 2. A gorgeous red bag. Large enough to hold everything, but just. Much heavier. Short handles (meant to be a ladylike handbag, though it has a detachable shoulder strap). During the trip, I would be more likely to turn to it and use it when we are going out to dinner, drinks, etc., because it is so gorgeous. Would obviate the need for the black clutch, I think. Most of the time, either handbag would hang from the handle of my wheelchair, or sit on my lap.

Is it worth it to take handbag 2 because I would get more use out of it during the trip, whereas handbag 1 I would only use on travel days?

Now that I write it out, I am leaning toward handbag 2. I think. What say you?