new mom in need of a bag...

[cpmwatson]

Alright, here it is...I am a new mother (and new to message boards) and can not find "the" diaper bag. I have a Combi messsenger bag that seems to be ok. However I am now addicted to finding my soul mate diaper bag.
I am conservative and on the preppy side. I have looked at the Lands End diaper bags since Maggie was born (9 weeks) because of the review in the BBB but haven't purchased because I am tired of spending $$ on things that just don't work.
I am a big fan of Lilly Pulitzer fabrics but also like the look of something conservative that will not clash.
Is there help for me or will this be my new quest?

[lmariana]

Have you looked into a Sally Spicer diaper bags? She has very nice and conservative fabrics. www.sallyspicer.com They are also sold at: www.brownson5th.com/babybrowns/sallyspicer.html They have a great selection of fabrics on this site... You can check out www.babygeared.com for some more unique high-end bags.

You can also go the custom bag route with an Ella or Whimsical Wears design, the only drawback is sometimes these can take 4-6 weeks. Longchamp also has custom bag design at http://www.eboutiquelongchamp.com/catalog/index_en.php which will get you a bag in two weeks.

Is this helpful at all? Check it out and let me know what you think! There are tons of great bags out there.

Mariana
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[cpmwatson]

oh my god!!! i could order a dozen of the longchamp bags :) would anyone know how the mothership bags compare to LE bags & skip hop bags?

[wendinbill]

I just got the LE Little Tripper, and I love it. Perfect size for us. I don't carry a whole lot, but everything fits & is well organized. Sigh, finally. After several other bags, this is the one. And only $19!! :)

[lmariana]

I haven't seen the LE bags, but I do have a Fleurville Mothership and a Skip Hop. The Mothership is MUCH larger and has a water proof/resistant vinyl exterior. The strap is, unfortunately, not adjustable so some people find it too short to wear messenger style, but at 5'2" it works for me. :) It's interior is nylon and easily cleaned. It has tons of interior pockets and 3 exterior ones. This would be a great bag for the early/newborn stages, parents of multiple children, heavy packers, or for full-day/overnight outtings. For a smaller version with an adjustable/convertable strap look into Fleurville's Alpha 7, the cute little sister of the Mothership.

The Skip Hop is a great bag and will fit everything you need to carry for a day, although in the newborn stage you will want a little more space. It has a long, adjustable messenger strap that can also shorten to fit on your shoulder. It's biggest selling point is its ability to securely snap on to a stroller, very handy! I use that feature for strollers and shopping carts! It's a life saver at the grocery store...hands free shopping and no lost cart space. The main compartment has a velcro closure with no flap, making it easy to access the interior, but also easier to have things fall out if turned upside down. It lacks a little on the interior organization, and the lack of an insulated bottle pocket may be a drawback fro some people. It is a narrow bag, but I've never wanted for more space in it.

I'm posting some pictures of both for you, but let me know if you would like some side by side comparisons! I have a thing for diaper bags, so this is fun for me! Enjoy!


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/4001.jpg
Red Skip Hop on a Kiwi E3 stroller


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/4002.jpg
Interior of Skip Hop, unzipped


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/4007.jpg
Interior of Skip Hop, zipped


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/4003.jpg
Back of Skip Hop with changing pad shown


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/4004.jpg
Navy Skip Hop on Zooper Z-Street Stroller


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/4006.jpg
White Corduroy Fleurville Mothership front with changing pad and ditty bag shown


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/4005.jpg
Fleurville Mothership Interior


Mariana
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[cpmwatson]

Thank you for the feed back. I just spent a day traveling from DC to Tampa and realized that my Combi is great for the day but does not do well for a long journey.
I think I may have to join the ranks and board the "mothership."