What do you look for in the perfect travel purse? For me, I like high quality leather, beautiful craftsmanship, eco-friendly materials, plenty of space to haul things (I'm a mom!), and zippers - the more the merrier, to deter trouble. So for my recent trip to Turkey with Turkish Airlines, I was so pleased to work with the renowned British company Maxwell Scott Bags to review a travel handbag. After hours of perusal on their site (deliciousness warning: so many choices! so many beautiful bags! I covet them all!), I chose the Athena bag, for it had exactly the qualities I was looking for.

Let me tell you about my travels with Maxwell Scott's Athena tote. I took it out for a test spin at the London Grill in downtown Kalamazoo (where else to take a British purse?). It hung perfectly off the chair, held a few books I was bringing for a friend, and garnered compliments from the waitstaff and our neighboring table. Then again, anyone at a British pub will recognize high quality British design and goodness. 

Yes, that's my Athena, pondering a pint or a dram...

Now on to Turkey. Here's one thing I love about the Athena bag - I always felt that my passport was safe in a zippered pocket, that my money was safe (in a different zippered pocket), and that the bag was sturdy, well-designed, and beautiful...for there's nothing like looking good when we travel! My purse held, at various times on the trip (in addition to the regular contents): #lovefromturkey signs, flyers, books, Turkish delight, a sandwich, a swimsuit, cords and adapters, souvenirs, evil eyes, cameras, and pages of itineraries. Now, Jessie, I hear you saying, ALL THAT? Why, yes. Once a mom, always a mom - somehow, we carry things for others. I love this bag. It not only holds just about anything you can throw at it, but it shows up looking gorgeous, classy, and just my style. Highly recommended!

Photo: Turkish Airlines (see all those signs my Athena tote held?)

Here's the true test, though: I've ditched my regular Coach bag for the Maxwell Scott Athena - it's so much easier to use, the leather is more durable, the design fits me better, and the functionality of the bag fits me to a T. Thank you, Maxwell Scott Bags!

You know me, all about the backstory. And does Maxwell Scott have a GREAT backstory! We were lucky enough to catch up with Judy Featherby, from Maxwell Scott Bags, to learn more about the brand, inspiration, craftsmanship, and more. Here's what she had to say...

Please tell us about Maxwell Scott Bags...

Maxwell Scott Bags is a family run business fusing together British design with Italian style, materials and craftsmanship. The label was created with the philosophy of providing the finest quality luxury briefcases, handbags, luggage and accessories to suit today's demanding requirements.

With my Maxwell Scott Athena bag at Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge, Istanbul 

What inspired the creation of this eco-friendly company, and the gorgeous bags you create?

Founded in 2002 by William Forshaw, Maxwell Scott Bags began life supplying briefcases to corporate clients in London. After noticing that many of his colleagues brought plastic bags to work instead of business cases, William saw a gap in the market for high quality, professional briefcases in the workplace. After a family trip to Italy sparked an interest in the traditional craftsmanship of Italian leather, William began looking for the highest quality tannery to begin producing the leather for his bags. A highly esteemed factory in Tuscany was chosen, and the business was able to take flight.

My Maxwell Scott bag enjoying a convivial gathering at sunset on a balcony in Kusadasi

I'm impressed with the craftsmanship of the bags - can you please share about the process, from choosing the leather to finishing each bag?

We take immense pride in our leather. We only source the finest, premium quality leather. The leather produced in the tannery comes from premium quality full grain hides that are tanned using completely natural processes, reducing the impact on the environment and giving the leather unique qualities. Marks and scratches can be buffed out and the leather develops a beautiful patina over time, meaning that our products only improve with age. Our products are handmade using traditional manufacturing  methods that have been passed down through generations for over 200 years.

What might people be surprised to learn about Maxwell Scott Bags?

All our products come with a market leading 25 year guarantee.

My Maxwell Scott bag enjoying the view in Sirince (note that it is particularly full at the moment. Books. I'm an educator, I can't help myself)

What's up next for you?

We are constantly introducing new leather products to respond to customer demand and trends. We are currently in the phase of introducing mock-croc leather to our range. We are also thinking about introducing different colours as well as branching out to canvas and leather luggage bags. Our mission is to become the most loved British bag company in the world. (Publisher's note: Done!)

My Maxwell Scott Athena bag at Hagia Sofia, Istanbul. Really, we could have sat there all day watching the Bosphorus. Don't worry, there are snacks in there!

Where will we go next? Wherever it is, I've found the perfect travel purse for the journey.