I've never purchased luggage in my life.  I've always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.

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A few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy's.  Merry Christmas!

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Bah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designer with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing, and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.

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With my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I'm sure you agree.

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Of course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one's things.  I wasn't about to add wear and tear to their personal belongings.

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At 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shopped for my own damn luggage.

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HOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!

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Mom and Dad, if I didn't thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!

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The sticker shock isn't the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!

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Ultimately, I my decision by narrowing the choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I'm going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want my luggage to look pretty.  Yes, I am a shallow luggage buyer.

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