Let's talk bags

[jillywilly]

My MIL is already rooting around for gift ideas for Christmas, so H and I are working on updating our Amazon wish lists. I love my diaper bag, but it's super big and bulky for dragging around for a few quick errands or something. And my purse isn't quite big enough to fit a sippy cup, snacks, a diaper or two, and my enormous wallet. So I've been wanting kind of an in-between bag - something in between the two. What are you all using when taking the kiddo(s) just out for a quick shopping trip or something? Why do you love it? Or, are there just any super cute bags out there I should know about? Must be a shoulder bag. The more compartments, the better, and bonus points for bright colors and/or fun patterns (though I'd prefer for it to not scream "diaper bag!").

Ready, set, virtual shop!

[islandgirl14]

When DS1 was about this age, I also wanted an "in between" for the very reasons you listed. I ended up buying the Vera Bradley "Cargo Sling Crossbody", which was a good in between, seemed to be about the right size, etc. However, since then, and as both kids have gotten older, I ended up buying a backpack from REI and find that so much more useful. I love having it on my back and out of the way. It's light enough that if I only need a few things, it's no big deal throwing it on. However, I can also still use it to pack things in for when we are gone longer (food, change of clothes for the kids, extra coat, etc), but still throw it on my back instead of lugging around a separate diaper bag.

Just my two cents! But I did really like the VB bag for when I wanted something more like a purse!

[jillywilly]

Oct 3, 2016 14:43:45 GMT -5 @scoop said:

So are you looking for a purse or a diaper bag or a catch all?

price range?

Kind of a catch all, I guess. My purse that I use for work/sans-baby outings is big enough to hold an extra diaper and a travel-sized thing of wipes for emergencies, but if I add in a sippy and/or snack container with Cheerios or whatever, it starts to bulge and doesn't really work. This is my current diaper bag: 


www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/petunia-pickle-bottom-reg-downtown-tote-in-relaxing-in-rimini/1043827671?Keyword=petunia+pickle+bottom

Which I actually love for longer outings - if we're spending the day at the zoo or someone's house where I want to lug more stuff, but it's too big and cumbersome to happily drag through stores or whatever if we're just out for a bit. So I guess I need a big purse, or small diaper bag. 

Price range - I'm adding this to my Christmas wish list, I honestly don't see myself pulling the trigger before then on one since it's really a want right now, and not a super-pressing need. So... $150? My birthday's in January, so even if I don't get it for Christmas, I like keeping an Amazon gift list that my mom and MIL know exist and they can kind of use as they want. 

[jillywilly]

Oct 3, 2016 15:39:46 GMT -5 madymoiselle said:

+1 for medium Longchamp LePliage bag being my go to bag if I don't take the diaper bag. Large enough for all my crap + C's, the only thing missing is a zipped pocket IMO.

I googled this bag, and it's totally my style, but I don't know if I can live without pockets. I need alllllll the pockets!

[veggiemo]

I am not one to ask about fashion but if you are looking for function--I have this Nylon Michael Kors bag, I think it's called Morgan? (For some reason the website isn't loading on my computer so I can't tell if it's still available.) Here is a random photo. I have a dark grey:


It has a small pocket on the outside I put my phone in. There is a small zipper pocket inside and 3 other pockets on the inside in varying sizes. The top does zip shut but I never have it shut.
I fit extra clothes for DS2 and an extra pair of socks and underwear for DS1. Wipes, a couple diapers, snacks for both kids, my planner, wallet, chapstick and hand sanitizer. There is still tons of extra room, it's pretty spacious. I've had it over a year and it's got little stains and such (since it's Nylon) but overall I'm happy with it.

Oh I also took that stupid MK hanging charm off the strap. It just got in the way. Ain't nobody got time for that.

[billyhorrible]

Eh I'm still using my Kate Spade Stevie from LBB. But I've always carried a bag with room for tons of stuff.

[Widget123]

I usually care around basic tote bags during the workweek but I haven't completely ditched the diaper bag for the weekends yet-- but I really need to soon!

A bit out of your price range, but I've been eyeing a Nena & Co daybag for Christmas. They are one of those sustainable, eco-friendly companies. Some of their bags are multifunctional; I want one that converts into a back pack. Example:

[bookninja]

I'm having the same issues... I just splurged in a new larger purse... we will see if it helps. It's a Tiganello. I found the one I wanted and then stalked eBay to get a deal on a gently used one. Here's pics...
I just got it in the mail last night... haven't had a chance to do a switch over. The plan is to use the divider to separate my stuff from J's.

[periwinkledaydreams]

My friend recently gave me her messenger bag that she used to use as a teacher. Its perfect for when we're just running around during the day. Has the 3 front pockets you see, 2 more pockets on the inside, and the back zips open for an additional section.

ETA its vera bradley which is apparently a thing.