A ridiculously fashionable laptop bag may sound like an oxymoron, but when I threw the Life Cocco Cartella red mock croc-skin bag from the high-end luggage maker Bric over my shoulder and joined the security line at the airport, my self-image as dork extraordinaire evaporated. Well, maybe not completely. But the classy, leather-detailed shoulder bag definitely added an instant air of confidence to my stride. Plus, it's full of organized compartments that ease the tension of shuffling between passport, boarding pass, laptop removal, and the other now-essential security gymnastics.

One of the two main sections is geared to hold a laptop—along with plenty of protective padding that actually accommodates both the anorexic and beefy, older-school models. The other section contains space for papers, magazines, and books, plus smaller pockets for your accessories. Simply put, there's a pocket for everything. Another perk—a back flap slides over your rolling luggage handle, making a quick dash through the tarmac a much easier endeavor.

The texture of the bag is soft and smooth, much like suede, but the fabric is actually waterproof PVC, which means that not only will you be toting a stylish travel bag, but it'll also stand up to whatever elements you encounter while flying, whether it's a pre-departure snow storm, a clumsy mid-flight neighbor, or post-flight rainfall. $325; www.brics.it