Clockwise from top left: Tim & Leslie Charlie; Nest Grommet; Tim & Leslie Dawn; Storksak Jess Red Label Army
I’m on the hunt for a cool diaper bag — something practical, affordable and stylish that’ll allow me to comfortably tote dirty dipes and leaky baby bottles without causing a mess or making me feel like I’ve given up on life.
I haven’t picked one yet because I’m obsessive and neurotic and I’d prefer to scour the corners of the earth before making any kind of solid decision. But you can benefit from that! Without further ado, here are some of my fave finds so far:
The Tim & Leslie Rachel bag
Sexy, affordable, non-diaper-y diaper bags — Oh Timi & Leslie, how do you do it? When I saw the Charlie ($150), I was convinced it was the diaper bag for me… until I realized the bag itself was huge enough to smuggle an entire preschool class into an R rated movie. Now I’m leaning toward the Rachel ($150), pictured at right. Look at all the extra shish it comes with — changing pad, insulated bottle tote, stroller-friendly extenda-strap, mini credit card and key purse — I just wish I could see the bag in person to evaluate the PVC-free faux leather, cause sometimes that stuff looks just like the real thing and sometimes it looks like you spun it yourself out of lanyard and SaranWrap.
The Jess Red Label bag in Navy
Storksak’s stuff has some style… although a lot of their bags are spendier than I can justify (I’m looking at YOU, Sophia bag in tan leather!) Still, I think the Jess Red Label ($158; pictured above in army green and at left in navy) could make for a sporty, cute, low-key choice for everyday.
Moop is not a diaper bag line, which is precisely why their slouchy, chic, handmade bags don’t look like they’re full of crap. I think their Messenger bag ($131; pictured below in tan) would serve as a great diaper bag alternative, as long as you’re not too particular about a bag having pockets specifically designed for carting binkies, or lovies, or schmoopies or whatever wet, sticky, infantalizing-ly named child pacifying device you’re lugging around in there. They’re made of water-resistant cordura, which is apparently why this girl is considering using hers to grow houseplants.
Moop Messenger in Tan
The Sailor Tote Bag from Banyan Hippo
Sailor Tote Bag from Banyan Hippo
As I mentioned, I’m a commitment-phobe when it comes to actually biting the bullet and making a purchase — especially if said purchase costs more than, say, $50. Inevitably in these situations I fall on an old rule of thumb: “When in doubt — stall.” At $35, this sweet striped Sailor Tote Bag from Banyan Hippo on Etsy is cheap enough to lure me into slapping down my credit card, and will buy me some time to observe how I actually use and abuse my diaper bag in the real world before I invest in something pricier.
Now on the other hand… if price is no object, then feast your eyes on these dreamy designer diaper bags — super fabulous but in my humble opinion, way too much money to shell out for something you’re planning to fill with poop.
Nest bags left to right: Hudson, Elliot & Grommett
Apparently Heidi Klum carries a bag from Nest. I love the Hudson ($280), the Elliott ($340) and the Grommet ($324).
Finally, while I find the rest of the Petunia Picklebottom line a little too twee, I must admit, I drool over the Cake bag in Buttercream. And then I choke on the price ($349).
Petunia Picklebottom Cake bag in Buttercream
Tags: diaper bags, mom fashion, style
You crack me up. Laughed out loud (dangerous at work) when I read this one. Yes, Moop Messenger girl does seem to have landscaping ambitions for her bag. I think the Storksak is the cutest of them all… in my humble opinion, I say go big and order one… if you order a “starter” Etsy version it’ll just add $50 to whatever you finally purchase… though I suppose you can use it for something else, like groceries. You can always order one and send it back if you’re unimpressed by its pockets.
My wife was drooling over these the other day, which makes me a bit nervous. (We’re happy DINKs.)
Uh oh. Happy DINKs are at serious risk of this condition. One minute you’re a happy DINK browsing blogs and casually admiring diaper bags, the next minute you’re puking into the toilet wearing wearing jeans with a spandex waist, wondering wether to spend your tax return on a bouncy seat or a jogging stroller. It’s a slippery slope, I’ll tell ya.
Loving the “given up on life” link. Too funny, Eliza Jane.
Storksak bags are great, I’ve been checking them out for a few months now. I ended up going with a Storksak Suzi since it was wipeable, though – the Jessie is not. I also own a Moop bag for work. They are AWESOME. I’m currently using their Letter Bag, which is a lot less annoying to use. The messenger has these snap/loop closures and when you need something in a hurry and only have one arm available, they are a total PITA in terms of accessibility. The Letter Bag is 2X more mom friendly (though maybe not as secure as the messenger for travel, or if you use it as a camera bag). I’ve owned a Bayan Hippo bag too, and let me tell you that although her bags are cute, they are not nearly as durable (or as well organized) as Moop bags. Way worth the extra money!
Wow Lily Anne, you sure know your bags! Thanks for the tips. I think I’m going to go with the Tim & Leslie Rachel bag… I need to find out if it’s easy to clean the inside though. I’ll check out the Moop letter bag!
Wow I am glad I read this because it was hilarious. Never in a million years would I imagine putting so much thought into the purchase of a diaper bag. I probably ((undoubtedly) put much less thought into the purchase of my house!
Anyway, as usual, I stand in absolute amazement of you!