1) People like to give you advice when you are pregnant. It's like your growing belly is a sign that expresses to the world, "I need advice...come give it to me!"
2) People give you conflicting advice. One person says "Oh my gosh...you NEED to have this product. It'll save your life." Then the very next day a friend rolls their eyes and tells you that this product is a waste of time and space. Ugh.
So when it came to choosing a diaper bag, I received all of the following advice:
"You'll never use it so don't even buy one."
"Buy one with tons of pockets cause you'll use every single one."
"Just buy an inexpensive bag...you won't use it for long."
"Invest in a good one...you'll be carrying it for a long time."
I decided to forget all the advice and just follow my gut. So the husband and I explored every store. I loved the Burberry Olympia Diaper Bag and the Marc by Marc Jacobs Eliz-a-Baby Bag options...but just felt as though they weren't quite right for me.
I ended up choosing the Michael Kors Large Hamilton Tote (whipped version). And no...this is not a traditional diaper bag. Here was my thought process...
1) Choose a bag that can easily double as a Diaper + Day Bag
I had the following on my requirement list when shopping:
- I only wanted to carry one bag (who needs to deal with more than that?!)
- It must have a shoulder strap (a must for me) and a magnetic closure
- The color must be suitable year-round
- It must be a bag that I can use even when I'm no longer changing diapers...
- High-quality + durable
Perhaps most importantly, I didn't want the bag to LOOK like a diaper bag.
I know, I know...I am weird. But this was my wish list so I wanted to see if I could make it happen.
2) Must be roomy enough for all the diaper essentials + my personal purse items
Diaper Essentials:
One
Holds the changing pad, wipes and ointments
Two
Three
Good for the environment!
Purse Essentials:
I am actually very low maintenance when it comes to purse essentials. I can fit everything I need into an evening clutch...the less I carry the happier I am!
- Lipstick/Chapstick
- iPhone
- Wallet
- Tissues
- Gum/Mints
So far this bag has worked great for me and lil' man! I've added a few more items to the bag (an extra outfit, a binky, etc.) but it all fits just fine.
So do you have a diaper bag?
Do you love it or wish you had something different?
I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!
xo - Marion
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38 comments:
Aah welcome to the world of conflicting advice. It is very annoying, but as long as you listen to your gut then you'll be fine! That bag you bought it just gorgeous, and definitely you'd get more use out of it. I have a diaper bag too (OiOi brand, mock snakeskin, with lots of pockets). I figured I might as well be stylish! I've been using it every day since my little man was born 7mths ago and the best thing is it doesn't look like a diaper bag. :)
Looove the Hamilton Tote, it's amazing!! <3
Happy Friday, Marion!
xx
I ended up investing in a Mia Bossi (I found it prior to even thinking about having a baby and knew that I had to have it). And I'm very happy with my decision. With diaper bags, as with pregnancy advice, I found that it was great to receive but I had to figure out what worked best for me. I love that you went with your gut on the diaper bag - it's gorgeous and you'll love it for years to come!
I hated diaper bags too, but be prepared to ruin that bag once you start carrying bottles, sippy cups, and snacks once the baby is a older/toddler. I ruined a beautiful MK leather bag by throwing a sippy in there and it leaked and i didnt know, huge stain that I cant get out.
Good investment! I've been eyeing up the same bag. I had a gazillion "diaper" bags and they are all in the trash now...
xo Lulu
simplylulustyle.com
I love the Aden and Anais blankets... I would hear so much about certain products and then convince myself they were awesome because everyone else loved them. Now when it comes to diapers and wipes I go with the cheapest.
cute bag but to be honest i dont think thats a great choice. we went with s traditional bla/gray diaper bag because i was trying to be cute with one like that but you quickly realize you need to carry way more then what you show, just wait till they get older and then juice spills sometimes and you dont want that in the nice purse lol you need some pockets for snacks and other little things. If the baby goes to daycare usually they will require a bigger diaper bag with zipper and i doubt you want to leave that nice bag at day care. for now it may work but im pretty sure by the time you little on hits 6 months and up you will see you need more room. we got one that is ok for my husband to carry and for me. i dont care what it looked like to be honest i stick it under the stroller half the time. i would buy a regular one just in case maybe for longer trips , the on e you have is cute if you just need to run to the store and do some short errands :)...just my opinion!
Oh I love this purse!!! It is on my must have list. I totally agree about the diaper bag. Once you get pregnant everyone and their dog has an opinion. I got a great bag from Lululemon that will work as a workout bag later on. I wish I would have thought of the Michael Kors bag. It's perfect and yes you want something you can use again later on. Once your child stops pooping every few hours you can just take wipes and some diapers with you in your purse. And then you start the potty training and you get back to carrying the diaper bag with extra clothes in it, for accidents. Love your bag. I would love it if you would like my blog Vodka Infused Lemonade on facebook.
Thanks,
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
Oh I love this purse!!! It is on my must have list. I totally agree about the diaper bag. Once you get pregnant everyone and their dog has an opinion. I got a great bag from Lululemon that will work as a workout bag later on. I wish I would have thought of the Michael Kors bag. It's perfect and yes you want something you can use again later on. Once your child stops pooping every few hours you can just take wipes and some diapers with you in your purse. And then you start the potty training and you get back to carrying the diaper bag with extra clothes in it, for accidents. Love your bag. I would love it if you would like my blog Vodka Infused Lemonade on facebook.
Thanks,
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
Hi,
I used a bag just like yours and my son is a preschooler now and my bag is still perfect. I used ziplock bags for his snacks and thermos sippy cup for his drinks, so no accidents there. Also, those bag pouch/insert works great if you need more organizing space in your bag.
Happy Mothering.
Charlotte
I've gotten the same sort of advice. I knew I didn't want a diaper bag that looked like a diaper bag, but I wanted function (and style of course). So, I went on a search. I've ended up with two, so far:
The JP Lizzy Black Tea Cate Tote
and the one I really wanted: timi & leslie Dawn Convertible Diaper Bag in Taupe.
Even without baby I've used the JP Lizzy bag for work and I love it. But the timi& leslie tote will be my go-to as it's larger and more of a spring color for April when baby comes.
BTW Love your handbag choice. It's gorgeous! Cognac is so versatile.
I did the same thing and went with just a large tote and it worked great. I did get a laugh about how you only carry a few things in your bag - get ready for years of finding random kid things in your handbag well after the diaper bag stage! I find all kinds of oddities like trains, single socks (???), artwork, etc in my bags all the time. It's amazing the amount of stuff children help you accumulate!
Love the bag!!! And I SO wish I'd done that! I made my bag though so it was free, but now it just sits. I did carry it with me everywhere and just added a little clutch with my junk!
I had a cheap diaper bag and wasn't crazy about it. So I bought a skiphop bag. and I love it! Its sort of trendy and girly and I could easily use it as a gym bag. I personally love lots of pockets so everything has a spot. And it has straps so it clips to the stroller which is awesome!
I found you through Bouffe e Bambini, and I'm glad I did. Wise choice on the MK bag. It's lovely, and even when you no longer need a diaper bag, you'll still end up carrying snacks, toys, etc., and be quite stylish doing so.
Trust me I have two boys almost 10 and 13, and I still end up carrying stuff for them. LOL! Oh, I guess that's more of that advice you were talking about. Sorry. ;-)
@ everyone - Thanks so much for all the awesome comments today! I know that my choice may be unreasonable...and I guess worst case scenario is I have to go shopping again :) I will just "live and learn" what works for me and lil' man. We'll see!
And I love the idea of a LuluLemon bag!
Happy Friday everyone! xo
Marion
I love your diaper/day bag! I am in the same boat and want something that doesn't scream "diaper bag". I have ordered the Timi & Leslie Dawn in Taupe and I cannot wait to get it! If I get another one, I might go for the Petunia Picklebottom for a totally different look...
Great choice and a beautiful bag! Another great one to look at is the 'MZ Wallace' Kate bag. This would be a nice option to have for vacations or long weekend trips. It's nylon so it's cleans nicely..especially if you're out on rainy days!!
Wow, that's a gorgeous bag! My baby is five months old, and I am STILL on the quest to find the right bag for me. It's no easy task! ;)
That's a really lovely bag, and I can see you getting a lot of use of it in the future! My only thought is that if its a diaper bag, surely your husband will be carrying it around without you at some point, so it should be suitable for him, too (mostly I wouldn't want to give up a gorgeous bag like that for the day!).
I'm not sure if someone already mentioned this, but there's a brand called Timi and Leslie and I believe their bags were created out of the same necessity that you're looking for...a diaper bag that doesn't look like a diaper bag, and is large enough for all the necessities. Here is their website: http://www.timiandleslie.com/
LOOOOVEEE that bag. I've been eyeing it for a bit but I'm super cheap with purses and scared to buy designer. But I'm sure it's the most beautiful "diaper" bag on the market!
LOVE the bag! Great idea :)
I think you made the right choice, although I am not a mom I can understand why you wouldn't want it to actually look like a diaper bag. They're not very attractive! I love my MK Hamilton, I use it for school, so using it as a diaper bag is just as good of a reason & best part is, is that it's just a handbag down the road!! :)
XO
AnnaElizabeth
annaelizabethlifestyle.blogspot.com
This looks like the perfect diaper bag! I want it for myself even though I have no kids and no diapers to put in it :)
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So true!!!! Every single time I meet friends who have kids or even strangers think that I'm 12 years old and they give me an advice! It's getting so annoying! The bag you choose looks great and very stylish! Now I know exactly that I'm not going to buy a traditional diaper bag!!!
Elena
http://dcinstyle.com/
So true!!!! Every single time I meet friends who have kids or even strangers think that I'm 12 years old and they give me an advice! It's getting so annoying! The bag you choose looks great and very stylish! Now I know exactly that I'm not going to buy a traditional diaper bag!!!
Elena
http://dcinstyle.com/
Argh! I think you will go through several "diaper"bags in your lifetime. Don't sweat it. This bag is great for now. But I agree with others: what is your husband going to carry? What are yu going to leave at daycare? What are you going to give to your sitter? Do you really want to put that bag down on the floor in a public restroom (not that you think you will now, but it will ? What are you going to take to the each/park/zoo? Anyway, this is the fun part, so enjoy it. I don't even remember all the bags I've had. I can't wait until my youngest is potty trained and then I'm buying an LV neverfull.
Great choice! I did not want a "diaper bag" either & went with a large Coach tote. Loved it & could fit tons in it while still being stylish (have 3 kids & all their stuff fit!) Wish mine would have had a cross-body strap like yours! Now that my youngest is 4, I use a smaller cross-body. Never had an issue about what my husband used or what to leave at daycare since I considered the bag my purse as well. Used a separate, cheap tote for daycare/husband.
Great choice. I wish I had done the same. I spent a small fortune on a Kate Spade (expensive 10 years ago) diaper bag. Carried it for a few months....then I was done with it. Buying a great tote that you can use after diaper bag is needed is a wise choice!!!!
That bag is gorgeous! I totally agree with buying a high quality bag that doesn't look like a diaper bag. I mean, who doesn't want another fabulous bag. You'll use this one forever! ~Sarah
Pretty bag. My little guy is due in two weeks and I went the petunia pickle bottoms route. I guess having a traditional looking diaper bag doesn't bother me plus I knew I wanted something nylon that was durable and easy to wipe off. I guess we will see how I end up liking it. I swear all of my friends carry everything under the sun n their diaper bags, so I'm wondering if mine will even be big enough. Good thing is I didn't spend my money on the bag, it was a gift, so if I need something else i won't feel too bad! PS- don't you just allow the advice even from total strangers? I find it odd, personally, owell :)
Oooof course you would have a totally stylish and amazing diaper bag ;) Great choice, I think...it looks roomy enough and well-made enough to carry what you need and last for a long time. Plus it's really chic, so it looks nice!
<3 Cambria
jupefashion.blogspot.com
I am definitely not buying a diaper bag(the traditional ones are so ugly)..I am in search for a good tote too...will check this one out!
Glad you listened to your gut to purchase a diaper bag that you could use beyond diaper years. My hubby refused to carry a diaper bag so we ended up getting a backpack. Since I hated the backpack, my hubby carried all the time.
And when he was not with me, I just used one of my large tote to carry everything.
Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
You are too cute Marion. I was going to say I am so old I do not even remember diaper bags, but that is not true. I am not an accessory person (i.e., I do not like to haul around a lot of stuff). I never even used a "real" stroller... I hated lugging them in and out of the car. When the boys got older, umbrella strollers were my best friend. As far as diaper bags, I did the same thing as you and got a big purse with compartments so when there was an emergency (wipes, QUICK!) I knew where it was in my handbag. We did, however, have a traditional (masculine) diaper bag which Michael lugged around for years. Whenever we were all together, he was in charge of the diaper bag and I didn't want him to have to carry my purse all the time :). At the time, Lands End made a pretty decent masculine bag. We always had two fully stocked "diaper bags." I can't wait to see more pics of the babe!
Great choice, Marion!!
I too am hunting down the perfect diaper bag...and I'm totally with you, I don't want the bag that I will use everyday to look like a diaper bag...it's just not who I am.
I actually saw a couple Tory Burch tote options that were roomy enough to carry essentials and my own stuff. I'll have to let you know what I decide on.
XOXO
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