The days of sexy stewardesses, hot meals, and cocktails may have all but vanished from the friendly skies, but the very essence of travel (even if you’re a drifter hitching a ride in a sleeper car) remains glamorous to me because it signifies freedom.

One of my favorite things about living in Los Angeles is how I can drive to the beach, the mountains or the desert in three hours or less—and how restorative and relaxing it can be to get away without having to much more than throw some things in a bag.

For me, choosing which bag to pack is part of the fun. That’s why I was happy to stumble upon this gorgeous Nicole Weekender bag, which I discovered on Toms’ new online marketplace. It’s made from organic cotton and natural dyes by a village of women in Laos and every bag purchased helps provide financial opportunity for women in Southeast Asia. In line with the shoe brand’s “buy a pair, give a pair” ethos, marketplace sales also supports the artistic and cultural tradition of textile weaving. But the bag isn’t just a feel-good buy. It’s incredibly spacious with a super soft ultra-suede lining. I love the beige and black woven pattern and I can see it coming with me on exotic travels to Marfa, Texas (where I’ve been), Kauai, Hawaii (where I’m headed soon), or even the beaches of Vietnam (a girl can dream). I also love that it’s unisex. I steal my husband’s sweaters and he steals my weekend bags—this one feels appropriate for a dude or a dudette.

One more note on supporting women: I was at the Shop For Success Holiday Pop-Up Shop in Westwood last night, and they have great stuff like J Brand Jeans for $50, Cosabella thongs being sold at 3 for $5 and cute tops from French Connection and Joie. All proceeds from the fly-by event will benefit Dress For Success West, a fabulous organization that empowers underprivileged women through career counseling and fashion.