By Emily
Reader Erika (hi Erika!) recently wrote to Style Lush with a request for an updated diaper bag. Now that her son is 10 months old, she doesn't need all the space her Skip*Hop messenger bag has to offer (nor does she likely need the backache - I had a black Skip*Hop messenger bag myself, and in addition to being the Black Hole of diaper bags, it was heavy and bulky) but she still wants a dedicated baby bag, just a smaller, more stylish option.
The good news, Erika, is that I found nine bags I think you'll love: they're semi-reasonably priced, they all have some sort of closure at the top to prevent spillage, and all of them are true diaper bags with room (and pockets!) for all your essentials inside. I don't know if you'll agree with my taste in patterns, but rest assured that each bag shown here comes in many different colors. Here's hoping you find something here that you love!
Top row, left to right: Sally Spicer small baby messenger bag, $96 (shown in Leilani); Fleurville Re-Run, $60 (shown in Hana Ogo); OiOi hobo, $99.99 (shown in Chocolate on Cream Dot, and 50% off!)
Middle row, left to right: Keeta Collection baby messenger bag, $89 (shown in Little Brown Bird); Ju Ju Be BeTween, $98 (shown in Perky Perennials); Sally Spicer baby tote bag, $80 (shown in Verona).
Bottom row, left to right: Reese Li Lexington tote, $150 (shown in green/black); JP Lizzy tote, $72 (shown in Ditzy Kiwi); OiOi hobo, $60 (shown in Pink Herringbone and VERY ON SALE!)
(Jennie can personally vouch for the awesomeness of the Keeta Collection, and I am a big fan of my Reese Li and Ju Ju Be bags. I was also a huge fan of my Sally Spicer tote until someone barfed on it and rendered it... well, let's just say it was dead to me after that.)
I want to add my 2 cents about my diaper bag; Petunia Pickle Bottom- boxy backpack (used messenger style) as cute as it is and I have used it a lot, it's quite impractical. It was too small when he was an infant, its too big as a 2 year old. Also, its dry clean only- there should be a law, you know?
I hope you find one you love!
Posted by: Christina | January 13, 2010 at 11:33 AM
I have the Reese Li bag (in a different pattern). I have had it since my daughter was a few weeks old (she is almost 3 now), and I still love it. It is big enough to hold what you need, but not overpowering. I love organization, and this bag has that with 6 pockets inside (plus 2 small slots for a phone and pen), 2 side pockets outside (for cups) and a large back pocket. After almost 3 years it still looks great. It is totally worth the money.
Posted by: Kirsten | January 13, 2010 at 12:18 PM
I bought a slightly larger purse to use (from aldo of all places) that is extremely stylish and can work double duty as baby/mom purse. IF we're going somewhere far, I throw the diaper bag in the trunk so it's there with all the extra stuff IF I need it.
Posted by: Kristen | January 13, 2010 at 01:32 PM
Love. Love. Love. You rock Emily! I knew Style Lush would come though for me in a big way, now I will spend the next few days drooling over these choices until I pick one. At first glance I'm loving the Reese Li, but I also think the patterns at Ju Ju Be are completely adorable.
I'll let you know the lucky winner!!
Posted by: Erika | January 13, 2010 at 02:05 PM