Please help: Mama needs a brand new bag...

[ThreeofUs]

...and has no idea where to find one.

I need BBB therapy! Can you all help me?

I need a purse that can carry my keys, some card and miscellaneous small stuff.

But I hate purses and find them hard to carry. Plus, I need something I can use and not worry about as I pelt after my two guys.

So I've had two editions of this Lodis backpack (that I've used as a diaper bag, btw, because the back is big enough for a couple dipes, ointment and wipes) for the last 6 years.

http://www.shoebuy.com/lodis-city-backpack/64010/137929?cm_mmc=frooglelist-_-none-_-none-_-none

I love the tailored look and the leather, but it's a bit big for what I want to carry now.


Help! I need ideas and have no idea what I'm looking at.

[robinsmommy]

Would something you sling across your body work? I always have a small purse (just big enough for wallet, keys and phone) and I put it over one shoulder and it rests on the opposite hip. Not 100% ideal for chasing kids, but it won't slide off your shoulder when you run.

A fanny pack would be another option (I personally don't care for them, though).

Or another small backpack.

I always tend toward the sporty nylon purse thing myself (you can see it's across her body):

http://www.overlandequipment.com/#/overview/bayliss

A sling might be another option - never done it, I don't want that big a bag.

[ThreeofUs]

Thanks for the link! Actually, the across the body might work.

Like you, I don't care for fanny packs and want something small.

[jvs195]

If you like the small crossbody then what about something like this:

http://www.thesak.com/Pax_Leather_Mini_Crossbody/pd/cl/1326/np/220/p/1267.html

[HonoluluMom]

I agree with a small crossbody. You can also consider a hip purse (yeah, maybe just a hipper version of the fanny pack). Etsy has a ton to choose from.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64563892/waist-pouch-great-travel-bag-small-purse?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=waist+purse+hip+bag&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade

[ThreeofUs]

If you like the small crossbody then what about something like this:

http://www.thesak.com/Pax_Leather_Mini_Crossbody/pd/cl/1326/np/220/p/1267.html


Thanks for the suggestion! This looks like it would almost do. But I know myself well enough by now (hopefully) to know I have a style thing going and I have to really really like what I'm going to carry - or I will "forget" and "lose" the purse.

Wish I could find a place just to look at these, kwim?

I also could like something a little goofy, like the DB Disney bags. Anyone do the cross-body of these?

[ThreeofUs]

I agree with a small crossbody. You can also consider a hip purse (yeah, maybe just a hipper version of the fanny pack). Etsy has a ton to choose from.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64563892/waist-pouch-great-travel-bag-small-purse?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=waist+purse+hip+bag&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade


Looks interesting, but I seriously have to run after my guys. I'm just about sure this (like a fanny pack) would end up really in a bad way.

Thanks, though!

[bubbaray]

You need a Roots flat bag, I posted a link here: http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=380632&highlight=roots+flat

[ThreeofUs]

You need a Roots flat bag, I posted a link here: http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=380632&highlight=roots+flat


Melissa, you nailed it. Thanks. :hug:


ETA: Oh, NO! They are all too big. I adore the styles, esp these:
http://usa.roots.com/FlatSaddleWovenLeather/WomensMediumLeatherBags//18019798,default,pd.html?navid=xsellPV

Edited again: Here are the small bags:
http://usa.roots.com/leather_small_bags/WomensLeatherBagsSmall,default,sc.html

[citymama]

I have this bag and love it. It's the only bag I carry for short trips even with my 8 month old. It's insane the amount of compartments and pockets this little bag has. I wear it cross body, with or without baby carrier (usually with).

http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10027423&N=&Ntt=baggallini

You can see a short video on the site of all the compartments and how it works.

[bubbaray]

What about the Small Venetian or the Mini Side Saddle?

[ThreeofUs]

Hmmm...

I keep coming back to this:
http://www.amazon.com/AUTHENTIC-MICHAEL-HAMILTON-MESSENGER-HANDBAG/dp/B004IJ0O0A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1294955520&sr=1-4&searchContext=B004CG79L6,B003ZW2OWW,B004HITTTE,B00 4IJ0O0A,B003343AWU,B004HSV5A0,B002E0TOCE,B0044XVA9 4,B004G3GIBC,B003343AW0,B0044XVA2Q,B0044XV9RC,B004 2H4PUI

But I'm really not sure how this would stand up to my lifestyle right now.

Off to check citymama's choices....

[ThreeofUs]

What about the Small Venetian or the Mini Side Saddle?


I really like a bunch of them; I think the Mini Saddle with turnlock is my favorite. This one:

http://usa.roots.com/MiniSaddlewithturnlockinPrinceLeather/SmallLeatherBags//18019816,default,pd.html?cgid=WomensLeatherBagsSma ll&selectedColor=6300

Guess I should sign up for their emails....

[bubbaray]

FYI, their bags are waterproof and zero-maintenance leather. I've owned MANY of their bags and never done more than dust them if I haven't used them in a long time.

Periodically they offer discounts, but IME they are usually in the fall. Sometimes they also offer FS.

[ThreeofUs]

FYI, their bags are waterproof and zero-maintenance leather. I've owned MANY of their bags and never done more than dust them if I haven't used them in a long time.

Periodically they offer discounts, but IME they are usually in the fall. Sometimes they also offer FS.


Good to know, thanks.

Hmmm... I really want a sale. Or maybe just a good trip up to Canada!

[bubbaray]

Like Coach, their prices are the same here as in the US. We do have lots of Roots stores here, though.

[DrSally]

That roots crossbody bag is small and stylish. I like a nylon bag b/c it's washable and lighter, but the leather is more stylish and looks more like a purse. I'm not much help, b/c I prefer a bigger bag.

[DrSally]

I really like a bunch of them; I think the Mini Saddle with turnlock is my favorite. This one:

http://usa.roots.com/MiniSaddlewithturnlockinPrinceLeather/SmallLeatherBags//18019816,default,pd.html?cgid=WomensLeatherBagsSma ll&selectedColor=6300

Guess I should sign up for their emails....

Cute! And, wow, you really do like a small purse!

[artvandalay]

Roots crossbody leather bags.. very nice

http://usa.roots.com/handbags/leather-flat-handbags/leatherFlatBags,default,sc.html

would keep you hands free for sure! Perhaps the Village? And their prince leather smells soooo good

[artvandalay]

LOL I totally didn't even read the above responses... funny that we all recommend Roots! Wish I would have known about them last time I was in Toronto :( Would have loved to shop in the store

[mimi2008]

go to macy's. they have a bunch of cross body bags on sale, looks very similar to the ones on the Roots website.

[*myfoursons]

http://www.thesak.com/Silverlake_Convertible_Crossbody/pd/cl/1360/np/206/p/1271.html

I have a Sak crossbody like the one above -- love it!

[robinsmommy]

One thing to keep in mind - once you load something up, even with the small amount of stuff that small purse lovers carry, it will be heavier (my wallet and iphone pack a wallop) - I like bags with a wider strap so they don't cut into my neck or shoulder. I also check for rough edges on the strap - some of the nylon ones I've had had wicked scratchy edges. In a pinch, you can add a pad to the strap, but they can move around and don't tend to be esthetically pleasing.

I also prefer bags with a lot of organizational pocket-y bits (the only reason I can make a small purse work), and they have to zip closed across the top so stuff doesn't tumble out too easily (something to consider if you're chasing active boys....latches vary, make sure that you stuff will stay put whatever closure your purse has.)

The one feature that I love, love, love about my overland bag is the stretchy key clip - I used to have a MAJOR issue with losing keys. Almost never happens now. I just always keep them in my purse. Getting kids ready to go is bad enough - adding missing keys made it awful.

And the cheapskate in me loves that I got it in like-new condition at my favorite thrift store on half-off day - $2.

The right purse is out there, waiting for you.....maybe it'll even be half-off!

[ThreeofUs]

One thing to keep in mind - once you load something up, even with the small amount of stuff that small purse lovers carry, it will be heavier (my wallet and iphone pack a wallop) - I like bags with a wider strap so they don't cut into my neck or shoulder. I also check for rough edges on the strap - some of the nylon ones I've had had wicked scratchy edges. In a pinch, you can add a pad to the strap, but they can move around and don't tend to be esthetically pleasing.

I also prefer bags with a lot of organizational pocket-y bits (the only reason I can make a small purse work), and they have to zip closed across the top so stuff doesn't tumble out too easily (something to consider if you're chasing active boys....latches vary, make sure that you stuff will stay put whatever closure your purse has.)

The one feature that I love, love, love about my overland bag is the stretchy key clip - I used to have a MAJOR issue with losing keys. Almost never happens now. I just always keep them in my purse. Getting kids ready to go is bad enough - adding missing keys made it awful.

And the cheapskate in me loves that I got it in like-new condition at my favorite thrift store on half-off day - $2.

The right purse is out there, waiting for you.....maybe it'll even be half-off!


Thanks for all these tips! I really appreciate the input.

[ThreeofUs]

go to macy's. they have a bunch of cross body bags on sale, looks very similar to the ones on the Roots website.


I send you a groan. I would love to, but ain't no way I can take my kids into a purse department! And, unfortunately, where I live the Macy's are the small, don't-carry-much variety....

But I'll check them out online. Thanks for the suggestion!

[ThreeofUs]

Cute! And, wow, you really do like a small purse!


Yeah. Key wallet and my iPhone. A couple of tissues. That's it.

My mother carried HYOOOOGGEEE purses and I have a horror of them as a result. Only for myself, though, lol. I love how they look and how other people carry them.

[citymama]

So - watcha gonna get? :wink2:

[DrSally]

OMG, Ivy. I was at H&M today and totally thought of you. They had a kelly green cross body bag (faux leather, but pretty soft) for $15. It looked very much like the Roots small saddle bag and was exactly the size you're looking for. It wasn't a high quality bag, but it was small and fun and might be nice if you just want a pop of color. I was tempted to get it. I would like a bag that fits just wallet, cell, keys, and chapstick.

[Corie]

You need a Roots flat bag, I posted a link here: http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=380632&highlight=roots+flat


LOVE these bags, Melissa!! Adding them to my birthday list!

[ThreeofUs]

So - watcha gonna get? :wink2:

I don't know, maybe I can get Sally to get me this one, lol! Seriously, I love the Roots bags, but I really need to to try some on and see what looks right.

My two guys are ... *ahem* ... not the best behaved children in stores. Like me at their age, they see purse departments as tunnel-filled places perfect for running and playing hide and seek. So, I, erm, need help to do this.

:0:



OMG, Ivy. I was at H&M today and totally thought of you. They had a kelly green cross body bag (faux leather, but pretty soft) for $15. It looked very much like the Roots small saddle bag and was exactly the size you're looking for. It wasn't a high quality bag, but it was small and fun and might be nice if you just want a pop of color. I was tempted to get it. I would like a bag that fits just wallet, cell, keys, and chapstick.


Oooohhhh... See, I like things that are a little funky. In fact, I wish the D&B Disney came in a really small bag.

ETA: Hey! We DO have H&Ms around here. Hmmmm... now the question is how I get out there....

Thanks, Sally!

[Kindra178]

www.katespade.com

The last day of the sale is today.

[DrSally]

If you can get to your H&M, you can just go right to the bag, get it, and leave. B/c of the quality, I'm not sure you'd want it to use day in and day out, but I could see it as a once and awhile thing to use if it complimented your outfit, KWIM? It seems like it could be both funky and preppy at the same time (b/c of the color). The roots bags definitely seem like high quality and something you'd use every day.