PDA

View Full Version : A truly great (non-diaper) bag that holds moms' necessities. (PICS)



MarisaSF
04-06-2005, 11:35 PM
I know this is unsolicited info, but thought I'd post for anyone looking for a cute purse that can also hold baby necessities!

After realizing that my Petunia Picklebottom really *does* look like a diaper bag (that is, one is easily identified as a mom with it), I never use it. (I know, I know, I should take pride in my mommydom, but...)

However, I have found this purse that works well for my needs:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7158439.html or http://www.bagshop.com/store/mcart.php?ID=2500

If the links don't work, it's by Un Apres Midi de Chien and the model is the Fourmi W. I have the black, but also like the more "fun colors."

There are three pockets. It's got tons of easily accessible room inside, yet doesn't look huge. It's a real purse and looks "grown up" without being leather. The lining is wipeable too. I also like that the brand label is hardly readable. For me it holds:
Back pocket = travel changing pad, 3-4 dispo diapers, wipes, suncreen...
Middle = *everything* (wallet, palm, cell, cheerios, pen, etc.)
Front = big enough to hold my 12" laptop if I needed too, a book, or 8x11 sheets of paper

Downsides: can only be worn over shoulder or in hand.

Not sure where to get them IRL. I can post pics if anyone's interested.

HeatherW
04-07-2005, 07:50 AM
Thnk you! Just what I was looking for!!! Can you post pictures?

Thank you!

Heather

MarisaSF
04-10-2005, 06:44 PM
Here are some pics
Inside main (middle) holds wallet, phone, toy, etc.
Back compartment holds a couple diapers, changing pad, wipes, sunscreen
Front compartment holds a small laptop, magazines, manilla folder, book

priscilla73
04-10-2005, 08:59 PM
I really like that. I am looking for a purse for myself that can still accomodate baby things. That looks perfect! Did you buy it from one of those sites?

MarisaSF
04-10-2005, 10:05 PM
I bought it from bagshop, but only because i had a credit there (my sister gave me a different bag that I was exchanging). I think you can find better prices elsewhere.

One thing to know is that the stripe color on the bags seems to change with the seasons. The price on the "Fall 2004" bags is understandably less than the "Spring 2005" bags. Since I wanted black, I had to pay a premium for the spring ones (I guess Fall was sold out.) My sister has the same bag in purple and it is very cool.

I'm glad you like the pics... I get a lot of comments about it IRL.

FWIW and just because it's kinda funny...
The owner(?) of bagshop is.... um... eccentric. Very "New York," as stereotypes go. (Can I say that? :) I'm from there originally.)

I had left her a phone message to call me to discuss the logistics of the exchange.
Our conversation:

Phone rings
I am expecting her call, but am changing baby's diaper. Quickly wash hands, now where's the phone?
Phone rings again.
There's the phone!
Greetings exhanged... "This is Marisa."
"Marisa, how old are you?!"
"I.. um... I'm 31."
"Well then it shouldn't take you so long to find your phone!"
"I'm sorry... I was just... um... playing... um... with the baby in the other room."

As we all know, the word "baby" seems to soften older women up. She was fine to deal with after that. Even shipped the replacement bag for free.

priscilla73
04-10-2005, 11:23 PM
I am looking for a good price on it. That pink interior is screaming my name! I love it! I also saw on the Zappos site that there's a smaller messenger type one similar...I want that, too.

How odd about the woman asking you about your age! I would have been speechless.. I think I would have blurted out that I was changing the baby's diaper, er, maybe not, but I would have been shocked!

Thank you for sharing, I'm think I'm going to get it! Heck, Mother's Day is coming, and I deserve it even if it will only see the inside of Raleys and Target! LOL

audball
04-11-2005, 09:09 AM
Go for it, Priscilla! I can *hear* it screaming your name from here! ;) I think it looks very cute!

audball
04-11-2005, 09:11 AM
That's a funny story about answering the phone. I had a similar experience when I called some cookware company in New York. I think it was called the Muffin Man or something (no joke!). You would think this burly Brooklyn guy would be really embarassed about answering the phone with, "Muffin Man, how can I help you?" but instead, he made me feel like a dolt for not answering his questions quickly enough.

I just chalk it up to personality. But afterwards, I got off the phone thinking that the Muffin Man was probably having a hard day..

Great bag find! :)

masetane
04-12-2005, 06:22 AM
These Un Apres... bags are awesome. I have a couple that I just love but haven't been able to find a mom/baby tote I love! I'll have to go take a look at this one - it's fabulous! I know the owner who called you as their website is for their stores here in Westchester, NY. She is really nice and yes, very NY and eccentric! She's a lot of fun the few times I have met her in the store. She was probably just trying to be jokey (I hope - sheesh never ask a woman her age!! *grin*!)
To anyone thinking about these bags - I HIGHLY recommend them. They are made by Prada and are made soo incredibly well. Many, many people here carry them.
Caroline
http://fool.exler.ru/sm/ma.gif
Isabelle 10/1/00
Nicholas 2/27/03
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Birthdaycakeideas/

boys2enough
04-13-2005, 12:09 AM
"I HIGHLY recommend
>them. They are made by Prada and are made soo incredibly
>well. Many, many people here carry them."

Ok, I am vain. and also a sucker. There I said it. The above statement (about Prada...) sealed it. I HAVE to have this bag now. Can't afford a $500+ Prada bag, but this, I shall have. lol.

Priscilla, my partenr in crime, would you please let me know where you plan to get this bag? And when you contact them, ask them whether there is a discount if you get two... At least they can give us free shipping, right? ;-)



Cheers, Lin who hates paying for shipping
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

boys2enough
04-13-2005, 12:10 AM
Marisa,

Thank you for the pics! Also love your Mac! They look great together. :)

Cheers, Lin
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

audball
04-13-2005, 12:27 AM
OMG, Lin, you crack me up...

Yes, Priscilla, Queen of Incredible Deals Big and Small, please share with us where you purchase your bag...:).

Lin, my daughter loves your little character at the end of your email. She calls him "baby cloud eating noodles"...she runs to my computer every morning and asks to look at one of your old posts I have saved to see her "cloud friend" (she's 2...so I cut her some slack ;))!

MomTo5
04-13-2005, 07:35 AM
I've wanted this bag for a long time. Not only to use as a diaper bag but as a handbag for myself. I've looked at it a million times before but never actually took the plunge. I really want it now. ;-)

Thanks!
Melissa

boys2enough
04-15-2005, 12:17 AM
Use this link and your DD can see the noodle eating cloud whenever she wants to! :)

http: //instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

(I added gap in the URL so it will show up as "text" and not as the cloud image. Remember to remove the "gap" for it to work.

I have to go find that website where I find this. She is going to love it! lol.

BTW, apparently the store ran out of the bag... WAH WAH. I really want it now too! (Just have to figure out how to spell and memorize the name of the bag, oh, and how to pronounce it! so I can do a full on out search...)

ETA: got it!!! http://www.mysmilies.com/?cat=kaos

:)


Cheers, Lin
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

MarisaSF
04-15-2005, 12:28 AM
Someone pm'd me about the Mac -- for anyone else interested it's a 12" Mac Powerbook!

Other bag sites:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00070DVDQ/sr=1-3/qid=1113542700/ref=sr_1_3/102-4824867-2254518?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance
http://www.luxurygoods.com/unapmidechfo3.html
http://www.luxurygoods.com/unapmidechfo1.html
http://www.luxurygoods.com/noname3.html

ps- Lin I also like your noodle-eating cloud!!

boys2enough
04-15-2005, 12:51 AM
Marisa,

See what you started? Now I am truly obsessed! lol. How do I explain to Dh that I am coveting a bag (that's made of Nylon *gasp!*) that will cost as much as our Mac Vogue?! ;-)

For my fellow sufferer of bag envy

http://www.unapresmididechien.com/

The red one in the 2005 collection... yum yum.


Cheers, Lin
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

MarisaSF
04-15-2005, 10:16 AM
he he

the red is nice.... I also like the bright green!

The Hamilton style is slightly more "conservative" looking and looks like it might work well for moms with all the outside pockets. Also... maybe the Nolita which looks like maybe it's a backpack!

Lin... Mother's Day is coming up and you deserve it! Cheaper than dinner and roses....

priscilla73
04-15-2005, 10:31 AM
I'm not giving up my search yet! I see more links posted...going to go check those out now.

boys2enough
04-15-2005, 10:51 AM
I sent the company (still can't spell their name! lol) 2 emails already. One to ask for a group discount; one to find out availability for the black bag.

Send some positive vibes here ladies! :)

Cheers, Lin
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

caridura
04-15-2005, 01:34 PM
I don't really mind my diaper bag looking like a diaper bag since DD and the stroller kind of give me away. ;) That being said, the bag itself must be NON-cartoony and cute in an adult way. :)

I love this bag! And of course I see it TODAY after buying a PPB bag through SWAP. Aghhhhhhhhh!!!

Why must everyone be sold out of the Black bag??? :(

caridura
04-15-2005, 01:38 PM
I also am loving that RED. Ooh, it would look good with my P3 in Safari. :P

kcmom
04-15-2005, 02:12 PM
Thanks for website!

I saw some of these bags at Bloomingdale's in Palo Alto. Not a huge selection. Maybe the bigger Bloomingdale's would have more?

mamalia
04-15-2005, 10:30 PM
just got my purple un apres today! i love it...it's REALLY cute...even hubby thinks so. the only downside for me is that it doesn't have little pockets on the insides of any of the three compartments...not even one for a cell (gasp!). BUT that's not bursting my bubble at all b/c i got this for when i want to be a little dressy. my llbean bag is my everyday bag that has enough lil' spots to keep gadgets and baby stuff in it's place.

thanks for posting about this great bag!

boys2enough
04-16-2005, 03:26 PM
Please e-mail me if you want any of their bags and are just waiting for a better price... :)

Quickly. Please. :)

ETA my e-mail address: boys2enough @ Yahoo. com

Cheers, Lin
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

HeatherW
04-16-2005, 07:18 PM
I can't seem to find your e-mail. I would love to order a bag, but am waiting to get a better price!!!!

Can you send me your email?

[email protected]

MarisaSF
04-18-2005, 12:12 AM
Lin et al--
I just took another look at the website http://www.unapresmididechien.com/
If you click "la boutique" it says...
"Our cozy bungalow boutique features the full collection of nylon, leather and canvas bags that will keep you in style and out of debt. Here you will find hundreds of different workday bags, evening clutches, carry-on and ***DIAPER TOTES*** to choose from."

I didn't see any that said they were diaper bags. Thought you might be interested in that though.

ps- I've asked around, but can't talk anyone into the great deal. They are not the bargain hunters that I am. Good for me -- I don't want my friends to have the same bag anyway!!! :)

boys2enough
04-18-2005, 12:25 AM
Marisa,

Thank you for the head's up. I saw that too and was excited. I then spoke with someone at the boutique: it does not sound like they have specific models for diaper bags, she simply pointed out a few styles that are popular with moms. I do think all of their bigger bags are just big roomy compartments with no pockets inside. But like you said, with a bag so good looking, I am willing to live without the pockets that I have become so used to in my diaper bags! lol. Maybe the designers should really consider adding some "real" diaper bags to their collections: everybody else is doing so now, it seems.

p.s. I know what you mean. I don't mind as much because friends that I am talking to that have the same obsession are all "virtual" online friends. We all live far away from each other! lol. I can see how weird that would be if all your IRL friends have the same bag as you do.

pps. Thank you again for sharing info on this bag and the photos. I really must curb my enthusiasm now: I don't want to be disappointed simply because I get myself so excited before I even see the bag... I am nutty this way. (It sort of happened with my Zapp).


Cheers, Lin
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

boys2enough
04-18-2005, 12:25 AM
Marisa,

Thank you for the head's up. I saw that too and was excited. I then spoke with someone at the boutique: it does not sound like they have specific models for diaper bags, she simply pointed out a few styles that are popular with moms. I do think all of their bigger bags are just big roomy compartments with no pockets inside. But like you said, with a bag so good looking, I am willing to live without the pockets that I have become so used to in my diaper bags! lol. Maybe the designers should really consider adding some "real" diaper bags to their collections: everybody else is doing so now, it seems.

p.s. I know what you mean. I don't mind as much because friends that I am talking to that have the same obsession are all "virtual" online friends. We all live far away from each other! lol. I can see how weird that would be if all your IRL friends have the same bag as you do.

pps. Thank you again for sharing info on this bag and the photos. I really must curb my enthusiasm now: I don't want to be disappointed simply because I get myself so excited before I even see the bag... I am nutty this way. (It sort of happened with my Zapp).


Cheers, Lin
Mom to 2 wild boys
D 3/98
G 11/02

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/pnoodles.gif

MarisaSF
04-18-2005, 01:06 AM
Ahhh, Lin- I figured you would have asked them! Yes, I think the Hamilton with all those pockets looks like it would work especially well as a diaper bag. The "Transit" looks practical as well.

Are you getting the Fourmi W? Which color? Well, I hope you like it!!! It's lighter than the Zapp! My Dh even liked this bag and that is saying something that he even noticed it. :P

FYI -- I use it with a JL childress full body changing pad. It fits in the back pocket: http://store.yahoo.com/barebabies-store/fubochpadfrj.html Mine doesn't have the little bugs on it, but same basic product.

Yes, you don't want your IRL friends to have the same anything. My sis and I live on opposite coasts. When i visited her, we brought the same bag out one night and looked like total dorks!

Sari-- Sorry if my OP sounded as though PPBs aren't cute. I just re-read and I kinda made it sound that way. Please don't take offense! PPBs are totally cute -- among the cutest I've seen. It's just that most of my IRL friends don't have babies and carrying that around is the Scarlet M and just another reminder that I have "left their world" -- so I now carry this purse to keep one foot in my old world!! As you might have noticed in my pics, i still use the removal PPB "purse" thing to keep my wallet, cell, and palm, in.

Well, I'm sure this isn't the end of the Lin-finds-a-great-deal story.... Please keep us posted once you get your bag(s)! It's been fun!

ETA: Another use for this bag: purse, diaper bag, and BRIEFCASE! Yes, I fit three manilla folders full of tax-related documents in the front pocket last week!

MarisaSF
04-18-2005, 01:06 AM
Ahhh, Lin- I figured you would have asked them! Yes, I think the Hamilton with all those pockets looks like it would work especially well as a diaper bag. The "Transit" looks practical as well.

Are you getting the Fourmi W? Which color? Well, I hope you like it!!! It's lighter than the Zapp! My Dh even liked this bag and that is saying something that he even noticed it. :P

FYI -- I use it with a JL childress full body changing pad. It fits in the back pocket: http://store.yahoo.com/barebabies-store/fubochpadfrj.html Mine doesn't have the little bugs on it, but same basic product.

Yes, you don't want your IRL friends to have the same anything. My sis and I live on opposite coasts. When i visited her, we brought the same bag out one night and looked like total dorks!

Sari-- Sorry if my OP sounded as though PPBs aren't cute. I just re-read and I kinda made it sound that way. Please don't take offense! PPBs are totally cute -- among the cutest I've seen. It's just that most of my IRL friends don't have babies and carrying that around is the Scarlet M and just another reminder that I have "left their world" -- so I now carry this purse to keep one foot in my old world!! As you might have noticed in my pics, i still use the removal PPB "purse" thing to keep my wallet, cell, and palm, in.

Well, I'm sure this isn't the end of the Lin-finds-a-great-deal story.... Please keep us posted once you get your bag(s)! It's been fun!

ETA: Another use for this bag: purse, diaper bag, and BRIEFCASE! Yes, I fit three manilla folders full of tax-related documents in the front pocket last week!

caridura
04-18-2005, 12:34 PM
Oh Marisa, no offense taken at ALL. :P Although, I am bummed to have just bought my PPB before seeing this post! ;) I just got my PPB, and it is GORGEOUS. I have yet to use it, but I know it's not a practical everyday type of bag. Hence my interest in this Fourmi W. It will be good for everyday use and nicer than my SkipHop.

So, do you think I could fit my 15" iBook in a pocket? ;)

caridura
04-18-2005, 12:34 PM
Oh Marisa, no offense taken at ALL. :P Although, I am bummed to have just bought my PPB before seeing this post! ;) I just got my PPB, and it is GORGEOUS. I have yet to use it, but I know it's not a practical everyday type of bag. Hence my interest in this Fourmi W. It will be good for everyday use and nicer than my SkipHop.

So, do you think I could fit my 15" iBook in a pocket? ;)

hapahaolegirl
04-18-2005, 01:04 PM
Is it comfy worn over your shoulder?

I love your pics! I really want one!

Thanks!

Kristen

hapahaolegirl
04-18-2005, 01:04 PM
Is it comfy worn over your shoulder?

I love your pics! I really want one!

Thanks!

Kristen

MarisaSF
04-18-2005, 05:10 PM
Sari- the 12 incher fits in easily. A 15 incher may just squeeze in. Like I said, I fit 3 1/2"-thick standard manilla folders in -- is that about the size of your laptop?

Kristen -- good to see my hapa haole sister out there. (Do you know the song "She's the hapa haole girl... of my dreams"? DH sings it to me.) The bag is not uncomfortable. The arms straps are not padded, but they are flexible.

dbianca23
04-21-2005, 02:42 PM
hi! i'm new to these boards. i'm in love with this bag, it's exactly what i've been looking for. i'm dying to buy the kiwi green (from 2005 resort), but it appears to be sold out everywhere, could someone let me know if they come across it? thanks.

masetane
04-21-2005, 03:33 PM
I'm going to check the local stores on MOnday (it's the Bagshop.com ones) I like the green Cadix in the Spring '05. If you are set on a large Fourmi - the store near me has one more of the blue available!
Caroline
http://fool.exler.ru/sm/ma.gif
Isabelle 10/1/00
Nicholas 2/27/03
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Birthdaycakeideas/

GirlFrenchy
04-21-2005, 04:10 PM
Marisa -

On an unrelated subject, how do you like your Maclaren Quest - Mod? When someone commented that the bag and the Mac looked good together, I didn't know if they were refering to the stroller or the computer! :-)

GirlFrenchy

MarisaSF
04-22-2005, 01:34 AM
Girlfrenchy-
So sorry... I saw your pm, but accidently deleted it (too many computers-- I never know which one I'm downloading to!).
The Mac Quest fits my needs well, BUT it does not have a huge canopy, which you mention you need. You can find my and other's reviews/comments of it in the stroller forum. Good luck!

I thought Lin meant the computer, but you're right maybe she meant Maclaren!

drwatt21
04-22-2005, 09:25 AM
Marisa,
I love the look of this bag and would be VERY interested in purchasing....price not an issue.

email: [email protected]

Thanks,
Darcy