Review and pics: Got my new Kalencom Pink Stripe bag and...

[khakismom]

...I'm loving it!! A big thank you to whomever first posted about this bag!

It's a pink stripe vinyl fabric--similar to Fleurville, Chester bags, Timi & Leslie, and Chris Carter--and one adjustable strap, so it can be worn on the shoulder or messenger style. I have discovered lately that I prefer my bags to have one single strap, rather than the typical two that are on tote bags, so I really like this feature. There are 2 outside side pockets that are lined with Thinsulate and really big. They could totally accomodate any size bottle, sippy, and even a water bottle for Mommy.

The fabric inside is pink geometric checks (no black hole!) and can be wiped clean. There are 3 open pockets that run the entire length of the bag. There also are 2 elastic straps--1 at each end--for holding a bottle/sippy or something similar. The bottom has a removable insert to make the bottom flat. Also included is a generously-sized changing pad, that is super soft, and a zippered "makeup" bag in the same pink stripe vinyl fabric that can be used for anything. The flap has an adjustable buckle and the closure is magnetic.

Overall, it is nowhere as bulky as the Mothership and is much lighter. And I think I could pack more in this bag if I needed to. Basically, I am thrilled with this bag!! It is just what I was looking for without the price tag ($50 shipped).

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7379.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7380.jpg

This is the inside without the bottom insert

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7381.jpg

Here it is with the bottom insert

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7382.jpg

This is one of the large side pockets which is lined with Thinsulate

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7383.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7384.jpg

ETA: Oops, thanks Stephanie for reminding me about putting in a link. I've seen it available on these 2 websites in another stripe color, the pink geo checks, and a soft solid pink or green.

http://www.dreamtimebaby.com/deshpiflstdi.html

http://www.blueberrybabies.com/diaperbags.html

[petersmom]

Beautiful bag !
That is an awesome price!! can you post the web site on where to order?

Thanks
Stephanie

[lmariana]

Awesome bag Maureen, love it!!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[urbanmama]

Hi, Maureen!

Thanks for sharing pics and a review of this bag. I'm considering ordering one.

Can you tell me how big it is? You mentioned that it is lighter than a Mothership but are the dimensions as big? I'm not looking for a huge bag (more like a medium sized one) and I can't tell if this will fit the bill or not. What do you usually keep in your bag?

Thanks,
Marie

[cinrein]

Very cute bag!

I saw some vinyl Kalencom striped bags at Baby Depot last Friday. They came in Pink and reddish stripes and blue and orange. They were tote style with 2 handles. I didn't think they were made very well, but then again they were only 19.99. Would make a good fun beach bag or summer bag for 1 season. I almost tore the vinyl just trying to look inside it.

Cindy and Anna February 2003

[khakismom]

Marie, I think this bag is about the same size as the Mothership, but it seems shaped differently. I think it's a wee longer, but doesn't seem as wide. The material seems more fluid too and not as "tough" as the vinyl on the Mothership, so it feels less boxy.

This is what I usually carry:

changing pad
2-3 size 4 dipes
wipes
dipe disposal bags
binky
extra lovey (thin blanket)
sunglasses for K
extra pair of undies for K
bib
spoon/fork set
extra sunhat
1-2 sippies
snack cup filled (usu. with Cheerios)
no more than 2 small toys or books

And for me:
wallet
cell phone
sunglasses
lipstick
mints
travel size Purell, sunscreen

I haven't filled the bag but will tonite. I'm sure I will have plenty of room. HTH! :)

[urbanmama]

Maureen,

Thanks! I'm afraid that it still might be too large for me. I'm getting so frustrated looking for the perfect diaper bag. I want something medium-sized. But I would love the vinyl fabric and pink stripes. Oh well, I'll keep searching!

Marie

[urbanmama]

I'm thinking that the bag you saw was probably one of Kalencom's offshoot brands. I know they have some bags at Target called XXXXXXX (sorry, can't remember the name) by Kalencom. I'm thinking that the actual Kalencom bags are probably better constructed. Does anyone know if this is true?

Marie

[khakismom]

I'm don't know the answer to that one, but I do think they may be trying to reach a new audience and are coming out with a better quality product. I purchased the Kalencom tote from Target (the same one they sell at BRU) when Ellen was first born and it was junk. All it had were mesh pockets (which I think are cheap) and the changing pad was tiny and thin. I used it once and then donated it. Awful bag.

This new bag is nothing like that. They have a new line called Silver Spoon Collection. Besides these new vinyl bags--which are part of the SS line--they have these in the SS line (the last one is the same design as mine but a different fabric):

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7438.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7439.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7440.gif

[MichelleRC]

Great review Maureen--just wondering if the quality was on a par with the Fleurville? (I realize I am asking alot from a $50 bag, but, hey, you never know.)

TIA!

Michelle

[khakismom]

Probably not, but it seems pretty close. Some of the stitching on my mothership actually started to pull away on the inside on the first day I loaded it up, where the 2 diaper pockets are, so I redistributed the weight around and haven't had any problems since.

The lining on the Kalencom doesn't seem as thick as the Mothership's, but so far so good. No complaints from me! :) HTH.

[sweetbasil]

Maureen,
Why or why did I open this thread?! ;) Gooooorgeous bag. So how many bags ends up being too many to own? LOL!

[houseof3boys]

Ooooh, I love it! As if I need another bag. I might have to try it and sell the Mothership if this is as nifty as you say it is (you are certainly an expert in my eyes!).

Temptation, temptation.......

[khakismom]

Marie, if you are looking for pink stripes and vinyl fabric, perhaps try a Chris Carter bag. This is a tote in the same pink stripe as offered by Fleurville:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7568.gif

And here are the other patterns in the same tote:

http://store.yahoo.com/chriscarterla/diaperbag.html

The size is definitely smaller than the Mothership and Kalencom--by about 2-3 inches in width and 3 inches in height, with the same depth (5 inches). This was the bag I was eyeing when someone posted about the Kalencom one.

I think you should be the first to get this and post a review for us all!! :)

[urbanmama]

Oh, Maureen, I love the look of that Chris Carter bag!! I have gotten so sick of looking at and thinking about ordering diaper bags that I just ordered two from Chester last night. I'm going to wait to see what I think about them when they arrive. If I don't like them or if I still feel like I need another bag, I'm definitely going to consider ordering this one. I LOVE how it looks. Thanks so much for pointing it out!

Marie

[parkersmama]

Maureen! That is a great looking bag! I'm going to have to watch for what new fabrics they might do for fall. I'm suddenly loving the plastic/vinyl over fabric look. :)

[supercalifragilous]

Maureen, does the strap get as long as the Kecci?

Ever since I saw the MS IRL recently, I've kinda been into vinyl-covered bags myself. So easy to clean and I don't have to worry about getting it wet in the rain!

You can't beat that price, either!

[murpheyblue]

Great review! I love the Gelatti one on the blueberry babies site. At that price, it's almost too much to resist!

[khakismom]

I *think* so, but I will have to double-check that for you tonite.

And I know what you mean about the vinyl-covered bags. I love them! And I'm with you too on the price.

[tricialudao]

Thanks for the great review, Maureen!

I just put an order in for the pink striped kalencom (after reading your review!).

However, I have another 2 questions. Does it come with metal feet like the mothership and timi & leslie? Also, you mentioned that the vinyl like fabric is like the mothership...... does this mean it is also fabric covered by a clear vinyl or is it just patterned vinyl?

Thanks!