Style over suitcase

My most recent sartorially-related dilemma was over which luggage I should take on holiday with me.

Should I take the red suitcase (Fig. 1), with its wheels and retractable handle? Or should I take the tan leather bag (Fig. 2) that looks good but is harder to carry? It's a case of Practicality vs Romance.

Other important points to consider:

• the suitcase is much bigger, thereby giving me more room for party dresses; however, the smaller size of the leather bag will prevent me from overpacking;
• the suitcase expands, creating space for holiday purchases, but this only gives me the excuse to buy things I don’t really need in a consumerist frenzy;
• any temptations crooked airport staff may feel at the sight of the two exterior pockets on the suitcase do not apply to the bag: its single opening is easily secured against tampering.

But the most important point of all is that the red suitcase has no character. It is undeniably ugly and unstylish.

The only thing lacking in my handsome leather bag is the patina of age and long use, something that should be remedied at the earliest opportunity. One day it will accompany me to Venice and Rome … to Paris … from Russia with love … and it will carry all its adventure stories in its creases and scuffs.

Romance wins.