I spent weeks looking at potential beach bags online.....comparing features and reviews, critiquing style and quality. I found many bags that were more stylish or fashionable than this one, but they lacked features that I absolutely required. I demanded a zipper top so my stuff doesnt fall out when I set it down and pickpockets cant just reach their hand in. I also wanted some level of waterproofing.....nothing hardcore, but I didn't want the bag itself to be ruined by some ocean spray on a powerboat. The adorable straw bags that I really wanted would probably fall apart if wet. Lastly, I wanted something colorfast that would not bleed on my clothing.....Ive had several bags in the past, both low and high end, that have done this! While I have not actually tested this aspect yet, its hard to imagine how this plastic-coated fabric could bleed.

I bought the black and white stripe version for a classic look that will work in both Caribbean and European environments. The stripes do not line up on one side, which is the only flaw I can find so far. Im going to make some brightly colored pompoms and tassels to hang from the handles to punch it up a bit. All in all, cant wait to take it to the Bahamas next month.