That elusive classy bag - found one, but is it right?

[mams99]

I think because I've gotten myself over the last couple years some really nice purses for all seasons, that I want something similar in diaper bags as they will REPLACE the purse - I will not carry both when we are out together.

I'm not a purse collector and I am very frugal, but I have 5 that I LOVE and they get compliments and are GREAT for organization. I don't have any other purses and never had. If I don't LOVE IT... I don't buy it.

Now, all of these purses are pretty traditional. My summer one is red with geometric shapes on it, but while it's red, it's still a classic style.

So... here I am with diaper bags...since I'm not thinking of using them FOREVER, it gives me more opportunity to have fun, but I want too much it seems!

I don't like the Asian print bags and even if I can stomach that, I don't like the Kecci's look - cheap looking to me, and I can't stomach the leopard print interiors of the One Cool Chick bags.

I like the patterns of some of the Fleurville MS bags, but not overly fond of the vinyl coating. This doesn't say classy to me! And, they don't feel nice. They might clean up nice, but I never got the outside of my bags that dirty with #1.

I really like the organization of the new LLBean bag and would get that in blue as this baby is a boy and is due on 5/1/05. It would be a nice, convenient sporty bag... but classy looking?

So... on the ultimate quest of finding a CLASSY bag, I found ONE... ONLY ONE that fits the bill of classy and "fun", but I'm afraid that the shoulder straps would be too short to wear on the shoulder which is a MUST... Plus, it doesn't come with a changing pad, which is OK as I could just buy one I want...

Anyone with experience with this bag? It can be used as a purse when baby outgrows it too, so that's a nice thing!!!


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20353.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20355.gif


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20356.jpg

[redcandy8]

I could have written your post! No Asian prints, leopard, etc. I don't know anything about this bag, but I sure would like to. Could you tell me what brand it is and where you found it?

Thanks!

[lstef plus2]

Don't know anything about the bag posted, but thought I could give you a link to another diaper bag which may fit your classy diaper bag catagory:

http://www.happydaybaby.com/cgi-local/shop.pl/page=timles_chic.html/SID=1106508223.18526

Hope this helps...

[masetane]

That is very pretty and yes, definitely classy!! I wonder how heavy it is because leather bags ususally are. It seems like it has nice organization. How does the top close? I think this is just a personal choice whether or not you like it. I like it A LOT but not crazy on the suitcase look. But it is indeed classy and I would take a double glance if I saw someone on the street with it.
Who makes it, price, where did you find it?? Hopefully you can go see in real life or be able to return if you are buying it over the internet.
Caroline
http://fool.exler.ru/sm/ma.gif
Isabelle 10/1/00
Nicholas 2/27/03

[Momof3Labs]

That's very pretty and very classy, but I personally wouldn't like the short handles or the narrow top (which will really limit how much you can put in the bag). Plus, it looks hard to store on a stroller (since I don't think you'll be buying the matching Silver Cross pram shown in the photo).

Have you thought about just picking out a non-diaper bag? If it has a fabric interior, I'm sure that you can find someone to customize it with pockets for you. Or look at the custom bags on eBay and ask someone to make something custom for you?

[bubbaray]

Ooooh, I love that bag! Where did you find it????


Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[mams99]

That bag is to DIE FOR, but so is the price tag! Crimeny! I guess you have to "pay" for luxury, huh?

The chocolate one is gorgeous and I love the Asian brocade they chose to go with it - and I don't like Asian prints!

The red bag I'm talking about is the same price as this T&L, but I found it 1/2 off in one store, which makes the lure stronger. Decisions, decisions!!!

My husband would blow a gasket if I spent $400 on a bag!!! (though I must say, many people here spend WELL over that with their multitude of bags.) So far I've spent $55. Got one for the stroller (to be used on most outings) for $50 (usually $65) and a sling style for DH or to leave with Grandma for $5 and it was usually $75.00!!!

This "classy" one would be for ME... my gift to myself, you know? For those days I want to feel like a mommy with style instead of a tired out mommy!

Melissa

26 weeks along with #2, #1 is 8.5!!

[audball]

Some of the Dante Beatrix bags are on sale for $117....don't know if they fit the bill, but I saw one IRL and they are quite pretty. The strap is adjustable to fit comfortably over the shoulder:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/3911215/c/158.html

[lmariana]

Here's a picture of the interior! It's not a real life photo, just one from a postcard I got.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20391.jpg


Mariana
Owner of HappyDayBaby
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003
www.heinzandmariana.com (personal site)

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img] ([img)

[mams99]

It is so much prettier than the average and the same type of organization... Well, maybe I'll talk myself into it if I can be SUPER frugal on EVERYTHING else I need to get, but... that's quite a splurge!!!

Melissa

[bubbaray]

Please?


Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[redcandy8]

I would really appreciate it too! Or at least the brand name.

Thanks!!

[mams99]

Where did my post go? :(

OK, they sell it full price at PoshTots for $375, but you probably don't want to go that route!

The sell it for $175 at http://www.netkidswear.com/redrogeledib.html

It is called Red Rover Red Diaper Bag by Susan Turner Baby.

I still can't decide whether or not I should get it!!! Decisions decisions!!!

Melissa
26 weeks today with Little Boy Blue!

[redcandy8]

Thank you! I wish it came in black. If it did, I would order it in a heartbeat. Just not sure how I feel about red (it's not a color I wear a lot). But it sure is beautiful for someone who likes red. Please, please post a review if you get it. It looks so much nicer than the Kate Spade's I've been considering (and it's leather!).

[bubbaray]

:) Beautiful bag!


Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[mams99]

Are you going to get it? Or just tempted?

So many choices and the better the choice the higher the price tag it seems. I'm afraid to wait on it, but still not sure it's for me!

Melissa

[bubbaray]

I would only use something like that for work, not for my "baby" life. Life with baby often entails life with 75lb yellow lab (baby's favorite toy!), so a nice leather bag would get trashed pretty quickly. That is the reason I love bags like the Skip Hop and T2 -- virtually indestructible.

I don't think I'll often need a bag that would take me from baby to work, KWIM? When I return to work (when DD will be 13m), I will keep a separate diaper bag in my car, but return to using various brief cases & purses for work.

But if I did need a work-to-baby bag, I think that one would be IT. And I'm bookmarking it, just in case I have my return-to-work plans all wrong (entirely possible, LOL!).

Thanks for sharing that bag -- it really is a beauty. I just love the color! :)

Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[mams99]

That's almost EXACTLY where I'm coming from. I'm currently SEARCHING for a job. We moved late this summer for my husband's job and I was to look for one once we settled. Well, this baby was a surprise = a happy one, but a surprise! (We had been trying for almost 3 years and had decided that once we moved, we were done trying.) Well, I got pregnant the MONTH we moved in!!! Can you believe it?

Anyway... I have a job interview tomorrow morning for a part time position in my field (Univ. Administration) and IF I got that job, I would be working 1/2 days or every other day (don't know the specs. yet) and I might want to have that nice baby bag for going back and forth between MILs house and my work. I would use it as a diaper bag and purse and any "work" related stuff I might need to take to and from.

But... there are those other times, as I mentioned, where you just want to look nice or classier than a tired out mom. It's an expense that's not "justified" and I try to justify EVERYTHING, but... it's a treat for me. DH and I don't exchange bday, xmas or anniversary presents - our thoughts are that if we can afford it and we want it, then we should get what we want for ourselves and not wait for someone else to get it for us - or wait for a certain time of year to get them.

Now... money is tight right now with me not working, but we are making ends meet even with preparing for this baby... but I've also been EXTREMELY frugal. My entire maternity wardrobe cost me $190 - pants, shirts, sweaters and dress clothes. I got the ONLY stroller we're getting for $150 normal price (2004 MBUS with Carrycot), etc. ALL the baby clothes I'm buying at consignment shops (but only the high quality clothes).

So, I've been EXTREMELY good and this would be my one and only splurge... but... will I ever be able to justify it!?!

Well, if I get the dream job (part time in my field with a new baby is a dream come true!!!!) then I'll definitely splurge on myself! :-)

Melissa

26 weeks 1 day with a little boy - big boy is 8.5

[lmariana]

WOW! Did you seriously get an '04 MBUS with carrycot for $150? I may have to start hiring you as my personal shopper. Maybe we can barter...your shopping services in exchange for diaper bags!

Mariana
Owner of HappyDayBaby
Mother of Gabriel, 08/2003
www.heinzandmariana.com (personal site)

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img] ([img)

[mams99]

Oops typo I didn't catch!!!

No, I got it with carrycot for $150 off what it NORMALLY costs even with the best deals. I got it for just over $400 total!!!

I skipped the OFF in $150 (off) what it normally costs...

Gee...wouldn't that be a sweet, sweet deal?

I got the mbus for $311 and then a $25 gift certificate which I applied to the Britax Companion which was also on sale - so I got that for $110 instead of the $180 you see everywhere else.

Then I got a carrycot for $99 deal from last year's close out - never used....

I'm good, but I'm not THAT good! :-)

Melissa

[Slingin_Momma]

This bag looks nice....maybe more everyday?

http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?modelID=48467&Subcategory_Link=Details_Kathy%20Van%20Zeeland_484 67

[mams99]

This bag does look nice, but I actually just purchased what I was drooling over!!!

And... I'm trying desperately to stay away from black just for a change of pace!

But SUPER thanks for telling me about it! I've looked on ebags before and don't remember seeing this one!

Melissa

[hellokitty]

Nice bag, but there are a few things that concern me.

- It looks like it would be heavy, even with nothing in it.

- It doesn't look like you could stuff a lot in it (like bulky stuff, blanket, baby coat, etc), and if you try to, the bag will start to bulge out at weird spots, since it's kind of stiff looking leather, esp since it tapers in at the top.

- I cannot stand rounded straps, they dig in to my shoulders (and wrists) and do NOT stay put. I prefer only one strap, b/c double strapped bags just annoy me (outer strap is always falling off), so I no longer get double strapped bags.

- Also, those are short straps, it's definitely more of a tote style, maybe you could wear it over your shoulder with just a t-shirt, but I think it would be impossible to wear on the shoulder with a coat or heavy jacket. I think with kiddos, it's best to have something you can sling over a shoulder or wear as a backpk, b/c you need your hands to be free.

Otherwise, it is a cute bag, maybe for when I'm not lugging around two babies, lol.

Coach as some nice classy looking bags, the only thing is they are pricey and IMO are heavy, but if you want leather, they are all going to be heavy.

[mams99]

All your comments are quite true, and I ended up getting something else which I hadn't seen before. (The Leather Timi and Leslie -though for a much better price than the $390).

I still went with leather as I like leather, but it is heavier, but I like the feel and the durability.

Plus, I had mentioned in another post that I find that the bags made of backpack material tends to damage my clothes by making them nubby - especially sweaters!!! Of course, backpack material is light and strong, but that's about it in my opinion!

Thanks for you input!

Melissa

26w4d with Henry Alexander -soon to be little brother to Adrian 8 1/2