I was initially attracted to this 26 inch expandable case for its beauty. I purchased it in Pomegranate Red Suede. Part of the Signature line, the suede model is sometimes referred to as "Private Jet." It is identical to the pictured case, with suede replacing the Signature fabric, and with a classy square-shaped hardware piece with "DVF" logo on the front, centered on ornamental intersecting stitched lines. It is easy to clean because it is made of canvas suede. It comes in red, navy, latte, black, and sage. The metallic Signature fabric is available in pewter, plum, and bronze.

It is terrifically roomy, although it looked a little squatty at first, and I was leery, since I have a tendency to pack everything but the kitchen sink. It appeared smaller than my previous 26 incher, but it is much deeper, although not quite as wide, which gives it extra maneuverability.

I first used it on a 4 day trip, on which it did very well. Although I didn't need all the space, it is so convenient to transport and use that it doesn't seem like overkill, and the expansion zippers, when kept closed, minimize the bulk.

It recently went with me on a 12-day trip, something I usually won't even contemplate because of separation anxiety in regards to the things I must leave behind. When I began laying out my items beside the case, I started to panic when I thought it wouldn't be able to hold seven-plus blouses, six pairs of pants, nightgown, robe, beach coverup and sweater, along with underthings and socks. So I began packing the things I absolutely could not do without. At the end, I put into the suitcase all the items that I had thought wouldn't fit and still had room for more. The expansion zipper helped me out in a crunch, while the two pockets on the front held a week's supply of unmentionables,two pairs of shoes, and an extra purse. They weren't full.

This bag is cleverly designed with many added extras and a woman's needs in mind. It has its own suede brush to keep it clean, and a lovely garment bag that can be snapped into the main unit or hung on a rack, as well as a shoe bag, both in the Signature pattern that also lines the interior. There are also two snap-in heavy vinyl bags for toiletries and what-not. All the hardware is beautiful, the zippers are sturdy, and the pull-up handle is meant for hard usage, keeping the bag on track with no problems. The wheels are sturdy as well, and are set in - none of that wobbly wheel stuff here.

I purchased two other items in this collection, the Beauty Case and the Large Tote. Between the three of them, I was able to carry in one trip into the hotels all of my clothing, medicines, curling irons, beauty products and whatnots for the 12 day period. I was ecstatic, because I often was too weak to handle even my previous 26" suitcase, as it was the type that teetered on four wobbly wheels with their own ideas, handled by only a pull-strap. It was always falling over on its side, and was nearly impossible to get up even over a curb, much less stairs. The DVF case has a convenient, sturdy handle on top as well as on one side, which aid in getting up curbs and stairs. It is somewhat of a problem on stairs, but I haven't found a large suitcase that wasn't.

I am so relieved to have this set, as my mother is elderly and I contemplate many hasty, last minute interstate trips on my own to care for her needs in the future. It used to exhaust me making all the trips in and out of her condo that I used to make to get all my gear inside. Now, I can zip it all inside in one trip, without any fatigue at all, since it is so easy to stack and handle the DVF items.

The ingenious double entry Beauty Case has plenty of room for a trifold toiletries bag, a makeup bag, a tall can of hair spray, several midsize round containers which fit into clever pockets in the interior, curling iron, 5" round mirror, travel size wet wipes, napkins, large shower cap, and medication dispensers. The beauty case sits neatly on top of the wheeled case, and fastens onto it with a strap that comes with the large case, so it can be wheeled about as one piece. The weight and size balance is excellent, and doesn't strain me, nor make the suitcase totter. The beauty case also has an excellent quality padded shoulder strap as well as sturdy handles for carrying on its own. I love the case, even though it gets a bit heavy with all the things I stuff into it. But that is not a problem when its placed on top of the suitcase, instead of being carried separately.

The final piece, the large Tote Bag, holds all my remaining odds and ends, including a mid-sized purse, water bottle, maps, books,glasses, and any odds and ends I don't want to leave in the car. When I visited my mom, it was raining cats and dogs, and I stopped and bought carry-out for supper. I was able to stuff the carry-out into the tote with the aforementioned gear *and* carry an umbrella as well - along with rolling the suitcase/beauty case combo at the same time! I slung the tote over my shoulder, and was on my way, with my wheeled miracle following behind me. Quite a feat for Miss Kitchen Sink!

Recommended: Yes