Let’s take a look at my unconventional diaper bag by Clava today, shall we?
Except that, yeah, I don’t carry it that way since I’m juggling a super squirmy 9-month-old. I usually wear it like this:
(Top: Lands End, Trouser Jeans: Gap, Charm Necklace: John Wind, City Flats: Gap, Sunglasses, Ray-Ban.)
However, unlike the above photo, there is a 78% chance that 1) my hair is in a ponytail, 2) my stretched-out sunglasses are falling off my face as I bend over to pick up some random teething toy that Wita has pelted at a stranger, and 3) I’m yelling at Wito to SLOW DOWN as he flails wildly into pedestrian traffic. Otherwise, yep, that’s me. Me and my diaper bag. Calm, cool and collected.
Here’s my thing about diaper bags. I really don’t like them. There just a little too diaper-y for me – in looks and in function. I’ve found that the ones I’ve owned in the past have had really large openings and been very roomy on the inside, which is great for most (I guess?), but I just found myself constantly digging around in my bag while the contents get all jumbled.
When Clava contacted me about trying out a bag from their Carina Collection, I immediately knew that I wanted the Carina Zipper Tote. When I told them that I wanted to use it as a diaper bag, I’m pretty sure they considered me a FOOL, as I noticed they quickly emailed links to other bags from the line that might be more suitable for that particular function. I mean, the Zipper Tote was designed for circling the globe in style! A perfectly chic laptop/work bag!
However, my mind was made up. I was going to rock that Zipper Tote as a diaper bag, dammit. Just watch me, world!
And guess what? I love my Carina Zipper Tote as a diaper bag. Check it.
(click photo for larger image)
It fits everything I need without it looking all sausage-stuffed from the outside AND the large inside pockets keep everything from getting jumbled AND the coated cotton canvas outer material can be wiped down easily AND the interior material is waterproof (sippy cup disasters averted!) AND when I no longer need to carry a diaper bag, this puppy will still be used for years and years as an awesome tote AND the best part? It doesn’t look like a diaper bag! HOLLA.
I think you should have a Carina Tote too. (Don’t worry, I won’t force you at gunpoint to use it as a diaper bag, I promise.)
Leave a comment on this post telling me which bag from the Carina Collection is your favorite, and you will be entered to win a Carina Zipper Tote of your color choice. Get crackin’, folks! Contest ends Friday, April 1st at 6pm PST. Good luck!
Tammi Marie
March 28, 2011 at 10:34 amThat’s really cute. I like the white Carina tote!
Meghan
March 28, 2011 at 10:35 amIt’s a tie for me between the tassel handbag and the zipper tote, they’re both so gorgeous!
kakaty
March 28, 2011 at 10:35 amI adore the Tassel Handbag; even looks big enough to stash a single diaper and mini-pack of wipes for when the baby is older and you don’t need all the the stuff!
Martha
March 28, 2011 at 10:36 amI agree with you, I like the Zipper Tote best. It reminds me a bit of Hayden Harnett’s Ibiza bag that I have been coveting for forever…. I used a red leather laptop bag that I bought at Marshall’s as a diaper bag until the zippers broke – I got so many compliments on that bag, it was cheaper than a nice diaper bag, and I loved it! I hate how anything associated with babies gets marked up 50%.
Abby
March 28, 2011 at 10:37 amI love the zipper tote in Army — it’s amazing how it holds so much without looking bulky!
Jessica
March 28, 2011 at 10:37 amI carried a diaper bag for a year but then I switched to a roomy messenger bag with pockets. Next baby, I will have no diaper bag and this is a great idea! I love the Watermelon the most!
Norah
March 28, 2011 at 10:37 amLove the Zipper Tote! Crazy organization for a crazy first time mama to be!
Emily Poechman
March 28, 2011 at 10:37 amI think the bag you chose, the shoulder bag/tote, would work the best for a diaper bag because of being able to wear it over your shoulder like in the picture.
The colour I like is the stone coated canvas!
Priscilla
March 28, 2011 at 10:37 amI love the Carina Gym Bag
Lauren
March 28, 2011 at 10:38 amLove the pocket duffle!
MO
March 28, 2011 at 10:38 amThe navy blue is the business.
Lisa
March 28, 2011 at 10:38 amThey’re all so beautiful. I quite love the triangle bag in blue. Thank you for the chance to enter!
Ris
March 28, 2011 at 10:38 amI LOVE the Triangle Tote–so cute!
bouncy
March 28, 2011 at 10:38 amI like the watermelon one!
Jennie
March 28, 2011 at 10:38 amI LOVE The Weekender! I can’t decide which color I like best, but the watermelon is so fun.