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I’m not as much of a purse girl as my mom, who owns probably over 100 different handbags and clutches. I prefer one bag that can do it all, which is what I wore on our most recent weeklong trip.
The Lo & Sons Aoyama 2 is the very best travel purse because it’s actually three bags in one. I flew with mine as my personal item, and it stowed neatly under the seat during takeoff. I then wore it as a clutch, shoulder bag, and crossbody throughout the week.
It was tough being in the Florida sun for only a brief stint, but it gave me a peek at how useful my Aoyama 2 is going to be this summer. Here’s why I think the $288 is a worthy investment ahead of peak travel season.
What’s new about the Aoyama 2
Honestly, there’s only two noticeable changes to the Aoyama’s design. First, there’s the strap — it still buckles, but there’s no logo. Secondly: the key leash is elasticated, so now I can reach my lock without having to unclip them.
The branded strap was one of the main gripes shared by myself and many others who loved the Aoyama. I review clothing and shoes professionally, so it’s nice to see a design team hear their people out. You can see my review of the original Aoyama in our guide to the best crossbody bags.
Otherwise, this sheepskin leather bag still feels pliable and lightweight as I remember. Overall, I love the new version for the same reasons I loved the old one: it’s convertible, spacious, and sophisticated.
It matches a week’s worth of vacation outfits
I wore the Aoyama 2 to a wedding rehearsal dinner in downtown Tampa, and later on a hike with my mom through the wetlands. I’d call the style elegant yet understated, which gives you the freedom to style it accordingly. It’s comfortable to wear for hours at a time, as the wide strap prevents any painful digging.
Travel writer Maria Yagoda tested out the Aoyama 2 on her trip to the Maldives. She recently wore it on a 19-hour flight (the longest direct flight in the world). “It’s lightweight and really comfortable to wear,” she writes. “The Aoyama 2 is an imperceptible 2 ounces heavier than the original Aoyama. It still feels like air on my shoulder, even when I’ve crammed it full of my Nintendo Switch 2 and other random debris I accumulate throughout a vacation.”
It fits a ton and keeps your phone in a clever spot
One of my favorite features is the vertical zippered pocket, which lets me reach my phone without rummaging around inside the bag. I can even take it out while the bag is still on my shoulder, which is a major advantage any time I’m in a crowded subway car.
The Aoyama 2 can fit an entire hardcover book and still has room for my everyday essentials. It also has interior mesh pockets, so you can see the bag’s contents more easily instead of blindly digging around for lip balm, keys, or AirPods.
Don’t be tempted by the Ivory leather colorway
I learned the hard way not to choose the Ivory leather again. My last Aoyama got discolored because last summer I carried it with me everywhere, like a toddler with a teddy bear. This time I chose Cognac, which has gold hardware that looks more elevated than your typical nylon travel purse.
The bottom line
The Aoyama 2 is not only my favorite crossbody I’ve ever worn — it’s my favorite shoulder bag and clutch, too. I’m also not too proud to admit this is my choice bag when going to the movies. It can fit a box of Cheez-Its and a tallboy, is all I’ll say.
