mo2 Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 For the first time in several years, I am looking for a non-diaper bag. I want something small enough that I can carry it with me everywhere, but big enough to carry, say, a notebook and a book or two, as I often find myself waiting at dr appts and the like. Everything I have seen locally just seems....not right. (Not surprising, since we only have WalMart here.) So, I am expanding my search to include the internet. Does anyone have a bag that they just love? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 For the first time in several years, I am looking for a non-diaper bag. I want something small enough that I can carry it with me everywhere, but big enough to carry, say, a notebook and a book or two, as I often find myself waiting at dr appts and the like. Everything I have seen locally just seems....not right. (Not surprising, since we only have WalMart here.) So, I am expanding my search to include the internet. Does anyone have a bag that they just love? Check out "Healthy Back Bags." They come in at least three sizes I remember. The medium and largest size are rather roomy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I like Pacsafe bags. I use the Pacsafe City Safe 200 bag in black, but it's more of a large purse. I can carry quite a bit in there, but definitely not a standard size notebook. They have larger bags, though, that you might want to check out. http://www.ebags.com/brand/pacsafe?lastterm=pacsafe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 check out http://www.baggallini.com/ I use one smaller than what you are looking for (http://www.baggallini.com/product1.asp?collection='wa'&product='WBL149') but I love it! Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I love Vera Bradley bags. They are pretty, durable, and they come in so many sizes. I recently tried going back to a department store purse (bought at Kohls, made by Nine West), and the lining began ripping inside within 4 months. I told dh I'm done with that and sticking with my Veras because they last for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LidiyaDawn Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I've had a denim purse from Walmart for… two years? Something like that. It's kinda faded and stuff now, but nothing has yet fallen apart. Surprisingly. I'm rough on purses/backpacks/whatever. I actually bought a furry purse for $6 at Claire's today, mainly to see the expression on dd14's face when I brought it home. She lived up to my expectations and more with wide eyes and a "Moooooooom! You can't carry that thing around in public!!" . . . oh yes I can. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooblink Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 Lately, 2 Samsonites underneath my eyeballs. Seriously, I have an inexpensive, black satchel from Target. I can't even find a brand name on it. I have several more expensive handbags at home, but this is the one I'm most comfortable with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 Oh, don't ask. I'm a bag addict. However, I haven't bought one in well over a year. Impressed? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoxanneB Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 Any purse I buy has to pass two tests: 1) Not too big, not too small 2) Plenty o' pockets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I have two - for winters, I carry a medium-size purse with a shouler strap. Nothing fancy. Summers I have used a small purple backpack, but I am thinking about upgrading this year to a leather one (easier to keep clean). My DD17 carries a purse that is exactly the right size for carrying her softball cleats, mitt, and a water bottle. She picked out by taking all those things into the store and trying them in purses until she found the perfect one that held them all...... :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I mostly carry vintage clutches and purses. But, I've recently given in to the teachers book bag. :001_smile: I'm really liking them. Right now I'm using a vintage messenger bag and a Gravitas science book bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I have a small, leather backpack handbag. I really prefer to be hands free when walking around and I already have scoliosis from carrying a schoolbag on one shoulder in my childhood, so this is better for my posture too. I keep it light- my wallet, phone, reading glasses, notebook and pen. I can fit a book in there if I want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I have a Burberry bag that is many years old. It is indestructible. My daughter loves loves loves Vera Bradley bags. I had one but after several months it started looking shabby. For the summer I usually switch to a LeSport Sac with some crazy print. I really really want a Louis Vuitton bag. I last bought one when I was childless and single. For the moment it is only a dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classicHSmom Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 (edited) I really like Sherpani bags. They are made of recycled nylon and have a lifetime warranty. I also like Haiku and Keen bags, but have never owned any. They all have lots of pockets, which I NEED. Edited April 1, 2011 by classicHSmom Shouldn't type one handed while nursing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy at Home Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I love Vera Bradley bags. They are pretty, durable, and they come in so many sizes. I recently tried going back to a department store purse (bought at Kohls, made by Nine West), and the lining began ripping inside within 4 months. I told dh I'm done with that and sticking with my Veras because they last for years. Funny, I was just drooling over Vera Bradley bag, and I am not a pocketbook person, but just recently started using a real pocketbook after years and years of diaper bags. I love this one, but just can't talk myself into it right now because of the price: http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bradley-Villager/dp/B004EMY6QO/ref=pd_sbs_a_4 I may cave, though. Part of my, "gotta pamper myself once in a while" phase I'm going through. lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have this bag. I've had it almost a year and it wears well, it goes with everything, and is just the right size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anita in NC Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have this one: http://www.baggallini.com/product1.asp?collection=%27cmb%27%20&product=%27HUG438%27 I like it because I can wear it across my body and have both hands free. Most of the time it is just slung on my shoulder though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 My current bag is technically a diaper bag, the SkipHop bag that Target carries, but it really makes a fabulous tote bag. It's big enough to hold several books/notebooks, and it has lots of pockets, which I love for keys and water bottles. I will be able to use it long after I'm done with diapers and not have it scream "baby." (It's three years old, cost all of about $30, and is still in excellent shape -- and I'm not one who is gentle with my bags at all.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abigail4476 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have this bag. I've had it almost a year and it wears well, it goes with everything, and is just the right size. Love the Sak! I have this one: http://www.thesak.com/Silverlake_Flap/pd/cl/1573/np/206/p/1269.html (Except in a tan leather that they apparently no longer carry.) It's super comfortable, because I wear it cross-body, and it holds my daytimer, wallet, a bag of make-up, my kindle and my phone quite easily. I don't have a lot of purses and this is the first one I've ever had that I would call "comfortable." I have narrow shoulders, so I have to sort of hunch my shoulder to keep a purse from slipping or carry it by the strap, which hurts my back after awhile. I plan to buy another one just like this one when mine wears out. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v-girl Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Another Vera Bradley lover here. I love the Vera (each bag has a name) so much that I bought a second one for my laptop. Nice deep pockets around the sides (I think there are 6 or 8) and then open space to fit a magazine, book, skein of yarn, sippy cup, pull-up and an extra Diet Coke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I carry a Miche bag. I have 4 different covers for it and I got the longer straps to make it a shoulder bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T Baer Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 change what's inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I carry this: http://milwjamie.wists.com/xmaswists/Bag/1d3666033da21685fef53baf33cd476b I'm a little strange. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in OH Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I bought a Hobo cross-body bag very similar to this: http://www.hobobags.com/Camilla/pd/np/390/p/1258.html I spent the money to get one that will always look nice so that I can leave it on in all sorts of situations. My car was broken into and purse stolen awhile back, and I don't want to go through that again. Now I always carry it with me--no matter what. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan in SC Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Vera Bradley. I switch around depending on the size I need that day. I love the duffel bag, too. You can throw them in the wash and they look great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have a small black on black Couch purse. It was a gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaTanya Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I love Stone Mountain bags. Lots of styles, colors, and organization. QVC carries several of them (you can watch video clips and read reviews), but I've ordered several "like new" from ebay. Ebags has a terrific selection, too. Enjoy shopping! http://www.ebags.com/category/stone-mountain/20011618?itemsperpage=100&nso=1&ns=order_count&ne=300&brand_info=true&order=# Another great bag for organization: http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/piazza-day-bag/94553?lastterm=piazza Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have a smaller messenger bag that holds my wallet, phone, keys, pen, and thing of gum. The strap is adjustable so I can wear it over one shoulder OR at varying lengths across my torso, depending on my outfit. I can shove an envelope or something else small into there, too, as needed. I've seen ones like these everywhere from Kohl's to Target, in every fabric imaginable. I like the nylon because it wipes clean and can be dressed up or down. I always "need" to have a book and notebook with me, just because. I keep a larger messenger bag always stocked with those, plus a bottle of water, and other non-essential but just-in-case type of knick-knacks (cards for the kids, a box of colored pencils, drawing paper). I also keep a canvas tote by the door stocked with the same essentials, and into which I can also slip my smaller messenger bag if we're going somewhere like the park. When I go into an appointment or something, I simply slip my smaller bag into the larger bag. We always refer to the smaller one as my "auxiliary" bag - as in, "Kids! Has anyone seen my auxiliary bag?!" I actually have a lot of purses and bags, and will often switch around to suit an outfit or day's occasion. But I use my auxiliary bag and larger messenger bag as my general day-to-day stuff. Before that I used the auxiliary bag with a diaper bag. I've always been all about the auxiliary bag :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbt1294 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Lately, 2 Samsonites underneath my eyeballs. Seriously, I have an inexpensive, black satchel from Target. I can't even find a brand name on it. I have several more expensive handbags at home, but this is the one I'm most comfortable with. HAHAHA! The eyeball thing!!! Now that's funny!!!! I know what you mean! I have had those lately. Seriously I hate homeparty type things,but the 31 one bags sure are cute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v-girl Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Vera Bradley. I switch around depending on the size I need that day. I love the duffel bag, too. You can throw them in the wash and they look great. The duffel bag is the perfect ballet bag. When it gets stinky (with sweaty dance clothes and shoes) you can just wash it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah CB Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I am in love with my Lululemon bag. I bought it in September. My dad sent me $100 for my birthday so I splurged. I'm so glad I did. I've carried it every day since I bought it and it's fantastic. It's really light when it's empty. It's easy to carry and it holds a ton. It has great pockets for easy access, both inside and on the outside. I can find what I need fairly quickly (my last bag was a bottomless pit). It's also really sturdy. I love that I can carry very little in it, or pack it full of extra clothes, books, and snacks. http://reviews.lululemon.com/7834/Fast_In_Flight_Bag/reviews.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classicHSmom Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have this bag. I've had it almost a year and it wears well, it goes with everything, and is just the right size. I love these. I just saw them for the first time around Christmas. Cute! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 A few years back, I got a Lunch Tote from the Coach outlet store (I think it was a present from DH that I bought for myself ;)). In a pinch, I can throw a book or a couple of thin notebooks into it, though they stick out the top. (I do that often.) Definitely not diaper bag, though it can also fit a diaper and travel wipes easily, along with wallet, phone, water bottle, epi-pen, and assorted receipts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamachanse Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have this bag. I've had it almost a year and it wears well, it goes with everything, and is just the right size. I have the tote version of this in white peace print. I love it and it does go with everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I've actually just started carrying a diaper bag again. But I'm still mourning my backpack. It was a grey Jansport backpack with a leather bottom, two roomy large pockets, a front pocket with pencil organizer and a small zippered pocket in front of that, a side water bottle pocket...I bought it at the Navy Exchange in Yokusuka in 1999 and it was big enough to hold my D&D books and clothes to last me a liberty weekend without returning to the ship. Later, it carried diapers, my college books, etc. It disappeared out of my car about a year and a half ago. I'm hoping to replace it with something similar next fall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Another Vera Bradley fan. I love the Villager (which would easily carry notebooks), the Backpack, and the Hipster (for cross body/hands free. great on vacations). Most of my wardrobe is black and charcoal. Vera bags give me that bright splash of color! Funny, I was just drooling over Vera Bradley bag, and I am not a pocketbook person, but just recently started using a real pocketbook after years and years of diaper bags. I love this one, but just can't talk myself into it right now because of the price: http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bradley-Villager/dp/B004EMY6QO/ref=pd_sbs_a_4 I may cave, though. Part of my, "gotta pamper myself once in a while" phase I'm going through. lisa I never, ever buy Vera full price. Their website runs great specials and will often have free shipping for orders over $50. I can usually buy 2 bags that way (sometimes more :blushing:) with free shipping. Sign up for their e-mail specials or "like" them on facebook to see when the sales come up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have many Dooneys, so I switch it up w/my outfits. Since my wardrobe aint that hot anymore, I love my cute purses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have this bag. I've had it almost a year and it wears well, it goes with everything, and is just the right size. I love this bag! I saw someone with it at the pool last summer and absolutely fell in love with it. But, my best friend gave me two of her old Fossil purses, so now I get to carry those around instead. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjbeach Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Way back with one child I was a bag snob, now I'm in love with the bags I pick up every season @ TJMaxx. I love TJ Maxx bags and housewares! And clothes for my kids. Sometimes clothes for me there. Oooo and definitely their shoes! I *love* TJMaxx (can you tell;). A friend and I were discussing how we need a cool Mom bag that is stylish yet allows you to carry: cellphone, planner, small first aid kid, wipes, tissues, wallet, pens/pencils + the occasional Ninjago, lego guy, or matchbox car + lip gloss, and powder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zookeeperof3 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I never, ever buy Vera full price. Their website runs great specials and will often have free shipping for orders over $50. I can usually buy 2 bags that way (sometimes more :blushing:) with free shipping. Sign up for their e-mail specials or "like" them on facebook to see when the sales come up. :iagree: I love Vera Bradley bags but I never, ever pay full price. I can't say the same for my dh though. I nearly croaked when I found the receipt for the one he bought me for Christmas. On a side note for those who don't know...Barnes & Noble carries a limited selection of Vera Bradley. They recently sent a coupon for 40% off any VB item, then gave me the usual 10% off on top of it!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I just bought a Haiku cross body shoulder bag (choco brown paisley) using the last of my Amazon gift cards from Christmas. My last bag lasted 8 years, I hope this one does: http://www.zappos.com/haiku-by-sharon-eisenhauer-haiku-to-go-shoulder-bag-chocolate-brown-paisley My daughter has an adorable Fossil Crossbody shoulder bag that looks almost just like this one. She found it at Goodwill for $2! http://www.zappos.com/fossil-morgan-fabric-north-south-top-zip-floral Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have this one: http://www.zappos.com/haiku-by-sharon-eisenhauer-haiku-to-go-shoulder-bag-bordeaux-red Mine's an older color though (bought spring 2009). It is kind of big, but I love it anyway. Every time I'm tempted to get a smaller one, I remember how glad I am to be able to carry a book, small notebook and quite a few other odds & ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I just bought a Haiku cross body shoulder bag (choco brown paisley) using the last of my Amazon gift cards from Christmas. My last bag lasted 8 years, I hope this one does:http://www.zappos.com/haiku-by-sharon-eisenhauer-haiku-to-go-shoulder-bag-chocolate-brown-paisley My daughter has an adorable Fossil Crossbody shoulder bag that looks almost just like this one. She found it at Goodwill for $2! http://www.zappos.com/fossil-morgan-fabric-north-south-top-zip-floral I have the same bag. Don't you just love it? I do wish I could find a similar zip-top version though--especially when I pinch myself by closing it while not really paying attention. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I bought a really tiny backpack and use it as a purse. I love it because it leaves both hands free. I wouldn't even have a purse, but I have to now for my epi-pen. I used to put everything in my pockets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knit247 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I love Vera Bradley bags. They are pretty, durable, and they come in so many sizes. I recently tried going back to a department store purse (bought at Kohls, made by Nine West), and the lining began ripping inside within 4 months. I told dh I'm done with that and sticking with my Veras because they last for years. :iagree: I started out with Vera Bradley diaper bags, and have stuck with her line ever since. Currently I carry the Vera - probably a bit larger than you want but she has so many sizes and styles that you are sure to find what you want. FWIW I have had great success getting VB bags for a bit less on eBay! HTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JVA Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 You should check out the bags at Thirty-one. They are a woman owned company with great patterns and lots of sizes of totes/bags/purses. http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I just bought a Haiku cross body shoulder bag (choco brown paisley) using the last of my Amazon gift cards from Christmas. My last bag lasted 8 years, I hope this one does:http://www.zappos.com/haiku-by-sharon-eisenhauer-haiku-to-go-shoulder-bag-chocolate-brown-paisley One of my diaper bags was a Haiku messenger bag. Loved it, and had the same experience as you did -- very sturdy, lasted forever. Still have it; feeling nostalgic. Maybe I'll dig it back out for a work bag LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 You should check out the bags at Thirty-one. They are a woman owned company with great patterns and lots of sizes of totes/bags/purses. http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/ These are what my daughter and i have started using. So far we have been very happy. I use the over the shoulder bag and she uses the fitted purse skirt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamachanse Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I love Moop bags too...very well-made. The price has sure risen though. Yikes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I'm currently using this one from Target, which isn't huge but is big enough for me to carry my Kindle and/or a book along with my other purse items. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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