The Gift That Transformed My Bag Chaos Into Calm
My bag used to be a black hole. No matter how often I cleaned it out, I’d still find a hair clip, a camera, numerous lip products, gum wrappers, chargers, and random receipts from who knows when. Allow me to be clear: I’m not messy. I just didn’t have a good system — and switching between totes, gym bags, and purses only made matters worse.
So when my boyfriend surprised me with Lexxola’s Jet-Setter case for my birthday, I was intrigued. I hadn’t asked for it. I didn’t even know that I needed it. But he noticed how often I misplaced things as I rotated between bags, and he knew how much I cared about keeping my sunglasses protected (I carry at least two pairs with me at all times). He thought I could use it — and he was right.
What I really didn’t expect was for this eyeglasses case designed for travel to become part of my everyday carry. Now, I keep all of my essentials — a few lip products, a card holder, a pen, hand cream, gum, two (sometimes three) pairs of sunglasses, a Tide pen, and more — in this trusty case and move it from bag to bag, so I no longer lose small items to the depths of a tote.
Lexxola is, first and foremost, an eyewear brand. Before being gifted this case, I had been familiar with the company’s sunglasses, and I appreciated their vintage twist on modern styles, such as the aviator or classic oval frame. This case is just as meticulously designed as the sunglasses themselves.
The Jet-Setter is not too big and not too small. At 9.6 inches long, 7.4 inches wide, and 2.4 inches tall, it’s about the same size as a paperback book. It’s made from vegan leather on the exterior and lined with a soft, suedelike fabric on its interior. It is the only travel case I’ve used that safely holds multiple pairs of sunglasses (up to three), preventing me from having to lug around bulky individual cases. The structured dividers keep everything from clanking together, and the lining keeps lenses smudge- and scratch-free. If you wear prescription glasses and blue-light glasses, for example, or if you always have a pair (or three) of sunglasses on hand, this feature alone makes this case worth the investment.
Those built-in eyewear compartments are also great for holding bulkier items, such as earbuds or even a small portable charger. In addition, the case has a secure pouch inside that’s perfect for smaller items. And unlike cloth pouches, its structured shell and internal pockets allow me to pack it full and then open it without having everything spill out — while still making sure that everything remains well protected.
The zipper is satisfyingly smooth as it opens and closes, which I deeply appreciate. It does not, however, go all the way around, so the travel case does not lie completely flat. That said, it opens wide enough for me to fully view both sides at once, and I’ve never had an issue packing or unpacking it.
And even though I’m constantly tossing it from one bag to another — and occasionally using it as a clutch for quick errands — it hasn’t lost its shape or shown any signs of wear in the five months I’ve owned it. The case even survived a particularly chaotic trip to New York City, where it bounced between Ubers, bags, the hotel room, and coffee shops without a single scuff. It still looks brand-new.
I switch out my bags regularly, between giant work totes, shoulder bags, and suitcases. So having this one grab-and-go system has made my life easier. It has helped me streamline what I carry and makes me feel more put-together. It fits in every medium to large bag I own, but it definitely doesn’t fit in small or mini bags, so if you typically carry bags of that size, this case may not be for you. Lexxola also makes a smaller case (the Mini Jet), if that is more your style, though we haven’t tested it.
The other downsides are its price and availability. At about $115, it is absolutely a want-to-have, not a need-to-have, though I’ve found that it is well worth the price. Its luxurious nature also makes it a great gift for the travelers and glasses-wearers in your life. (I’m giving it to my cousin who is graduating from high school at the end of the month.)
The Jet-Setter is not always in stock. Although four shades are available currently, once a shade runs out, Lexxola is not quick to restock. For example, my boyfriend gave me the cherry-red version — a bold and beautiful shade — and I haven’t seen it in stock since.
Its flaws aside, I have used the Jet-Setter every day since I got it. I didn’t ask for it, but now I can’t imagine leaving the house without it. And one thing’s for sure: If this case were to tragically vanish — left behind in an Uber or the seat pocket of an airplane — I’d buy a new one without hesitation.
This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
