As much as I love my diaper bag, lately I’ve been finding myself ready to move on to something a little smaller–and a little more manageable. Gone are the days (for now) that I need to lug around a case of diapers, extra clothes, a swaddling blanket, and half of the toy box…just to name a few things. With a 3 year old and 1 year old, the necessities include 2 water bottles, 1 diaper, 1 package of wipes, 1 toy, and some on-the-go snacks (2 of each, of course–or someone is bound to have a meltdown!) Then there are my essentials: wallet, phone, sunglasses, lip gloss, keys, hand sanitizer, etc. It’s not much, but a little bit more than your standard purse can handle. That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect “mom purse”. Something functional and practical for every day use, but also cute and stylish enough to take out for the occasional kid-free outing.
Here are some of my faves…
1. Stripe Print Canvas Tote – Every time I see this bag at Target I stop to admire it. Like most on the list, it’s got an additional strap to make it a cross body, and it’s the perfect size. Plus, stripes!!!!
2. Emerson Satchel – The real leather makes this more of an investment, but one that would be totally worth it. I like all the extra pockets and compartments…and I adore the color. (Also comes in pomegranate!)
3. Kyle Crossbody Satchel – I love the timeless look of this Jessica Simpson bag. It’s something I could see myself using even as a diaper bag if we’re blessed enough to have a #3!
4. Del Mano Crossbody Bag – Not the quality of some of the others, but the reviews say the faux leather is pretty convincing. And $25…seriously?!
5. Cleo Letter Carrier – I love the simplicity of this bag. Also, black goes with everything…and nylon is easy to keep clean!
I’m pretty set on the cross body style (because I need all the hands I can get), but Joanna’s Favorite Bag is like the prettiest thing of all time. Maybe someday!
What’s your vote??
I love them all. I don’t know how you will choose. 🙂 I keep a diaper bag in my van and just keep the essentials in my mom purse. I just a cross body by Hobo and LOVE it! I agree that cross body is a must because you need both hands to keep along of those kiddos.
I’m liking that one with the stripes! Isn’t it great when you don’t have to carry a pharmacy with you all the time? 🙂
I eye the striped bag from Target every time I’m there (which is often). Plus – you can’t beat that price! I have a “mom bag” as my husband calls it – even though I still use my diaper bag most of the time when we’re out with the kids. My mom bag is the large black nylon Longchamp bag (not cross body), but my only complaint is that I can never find what I’m looking for in there – it’s like a giant black hole! Agree – the cross body feature is definitely a plus!
That striped one is too cute! I love the idea of finding one for either type of occasion!
I’ve done the same. Ditched the diaper bag and stuffed my Mom purse full. LOL I like that Target stripes the best!!!
I pretty much love all of them! Right now I have a large coach tote, but I think a crossbody would be a much better idea for my next purse! I love that striped one, I never would have believed you that it was from Target!
I actually have number one in gray polka dot. I love it. I do keep a Thirty One zipper pouch inside to hold Wyatt’s diapers, changing pad & wipes. I really like it!
I vote #2 or #5! Love the black, but I am drawn to the pretty color of #2! Can’t lose with any of them!
Ha, I’m the same way now. Although I need to find something that is bigger. Also, these would allow for a bit more organization. I don’t want to make a huge investment now (as we are praying for baby number two), but I could def do one of the less expensive ones. Very cute choices. Let me know which one you go with!
That striped tote is calling my name; perfect for summer! Since having baby #2, I have never used an actual diaper bag. So many better options.
Not sure about quality but that Del Mano crossbody is totally my favorite, I added it to my wish list 😉
I got a cross body bag from Fossil and LOVE it. You totally need a cross body so you can have your hands free. The only thing I hate about mine is that I waited so long to get it!
I love them all!! But, I think the striped one has my heart.
I’m in desperate need of an actual mom purse. I literally only have the diaper bag right now. And while I love it, it’s just not all that cute when I go out sans kiddos. 🙂
We are so much alike! This is why I just bought my new purse a few weeks ago–NO MORE DIAPER BAG…for now. These are all great options! I’ve definitely had that Target purse in my cart a few times (before I found my newest one at Marshall’s), but it always found its way back to the shelf!
I have downgraded, too! But I use a toddler-sized LLBean bag and have Cameron carry it! #winning He loves it and I don’t have to carry it. You should totally get one…they’re like $20!