We're always on the search for an excellent getaway bag — who knew we'd find it in an art and design studio?

Calgary designer and mastermind behind the EG Forge brand, Eric Goodwin makes beautiful and functional bags. Based out of a brick-walled studio in dowtown Calgary, Goodwin builds his pieces by hand using the finest materials. The Legacy Duffel ($365), made with waxed canvas and oil tanned leather, looks like it is up for the task on a last-minute trip to the mountains or as handsome carry-on for your guy.  —Kait Kucy

EG Forge Designs, 1007th Ave. SW, Suite 208, Calgary, 403-4571161, www.egforge.com

Those of us who are card carrying members of the Too Many Cards club need a wallet to accommodate all of our plastic.

The Serri wallet has 33 card slots, a zipped coin pocket, two expanding compartments for receipts, cell phones or maybe a lipgloss and an exterior pocket measured to fit a passport and airline boarding pass. All of that is wrapped in Napa leather in colours including fuschia, red, orange and chocolate. It tucks into a tote and converts to a purse with its chain strap.

Now our library cards can live in harmony with our Sephora Insider card. —Jaelyn Molyneux

$195 at Murmur, 111, 3411 20 St. S.W., Calgary, 403-685-8009, www.shopmurmur.com

Sometimes the best travel companion is the perfect bag.

Enter EG Forge’s messenger bags, duffels and backpacks designed by Eric Goodwin.

Designed to fit into airplane carry-on compartments and be comfortable when packed to the seams, Goodwin’s bags will help get your gear where you want to go. The well-worn patina of waxed canvas, oil-tanned leather strapping and brass clasps make each bag look like it has been hauled on more than a few adventures and lived to tell the tale. Choose a handmade bag from the studio walls or work with Goodwin to design a custom carrier.

Getting the bag puts you one step closer to giving in to your wanderlust desires. —Jaelyn Molyneux

EG Forge, Art Central, 100 7 Ave. S.W., Calgary, 403-457-1161, www.egforge.com

Between the mushy bananas, diapers and cookie crumbs, your life no longer fits into a clutch. But being a new mother need not mean lugging about a vinyl sac covered in ducks.

I’ve always been a fan of LeSportsac, especially since becoming a mum, but if you really want a bag designed with baby outings in mind, Rebecca Minkoff’s Bottled Up baby bag looks like something a sane and fashionable adult might buy.

It’s very similar to her classic Morning After bag only with baby-friendly pockets, a shoulder strap, changing pad and a waterproof liner.

When you’re sans baby no one will know you’re toting a diaper bag. Just switch the sippy cups for a bottle of Prosecco. —Athena Tsavliris

www.rebeccaminkoff.com

It’s time for the little ones to head back to school (secret sigh of relief). Let’s send them off in style!

We may have learned a thing or two from Halle Berry, like how to make a memorable beach entrance. But we also learned how to sport your kid’s lunch box with the same sass as your Gucci bag. That’s because said lunch box is by Beatrix NY, the cutest accessory line for kids. Featuring an array of adorable creatures like Dieter the Monkey, Esther the Bunny, Juju the Lady Bug and Alister the Dino, these little boxes will make their school lunch a stylin’ one.

Now about that Gucci bag…. —Anya Georgijevic

$38.99 at Hip Baby, 2110 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, 604-736-8020, www.hipbaby.com and www.raspberrykids.com