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!
molly
March 28, 2011 at 10:38 amI love using “non-diaper bags” for a diaper bag! This one is so awesome!!
Amy
March 28, 2011 at 10:39 amLoving the large tote as well as the zipper tote! 2 weeks until my due date with #4…
Julie
March 28, 2011 at 10:40 amI so need that zipper tote! We are in the process of becoming foster parents and our age range is 0-2 plus we have 1 bio son so I will need a bag that can handle everything and still look classy.
AC
March 28, 2011 at 10:42 amLove the zipper tote in army!
Katie
March 28, 2011 at 10:42 amI’m with you, the zipper tote is my favorite.
bethany actually
March 28, 2011 at 10:44 amI like their cosmetic/toiletry cases!
Kelli
March 28, 2011 at 10:46 amI also seem to be obsessed with the zipper tote. I feel like it would make the hassles of a daily commute on public transportation a million times easier — and stylish!
findingmagnolia
March 28, 2011 at 10:48 amI love so many of these bags, but right now I’m trying to upgrade our luggage, so I’m most drawn to the Weekender. I love the structure of these bags and the great color choices.
Marianne
March 28, 2011 at 10:48 amAaaaaand, now I want that zipper tote. To use as a diaper bag. BAD.
Amanda
March 28, 2011 at 10:49 amI SOOOO need a new diaper bag. I hate diaper bags as well. I must just carry too much shit b/c the ones I’ve used in the past have been too small or I can’t get them closed after I’ve shoved all my stuff in there. I love the look of this and I LOVE that it has the messenger type of strap. I would definitely go with the same color your chose.
Elizabeth
March 28, 2011 at 10:49 amThose are some beautiful bags! I like your zipper tote, in the cafe color.
Erinn
March 28, 2011 at 10:50 amLove the weekender… and the zip tote!
Janna
March 28, 2011 at 10:50 amOooh – I love the zipper tote! And I’m with you on disliking most diaper bags.
Beth
March 28, 2011 at 10:50 amDefinitely the Carina- I would use it for a diaper bag too! Even my husband has mentioned that I need to think about a new bag- the other one is too worn from my 22 month old.
Lauren
March 28, 2011 at 10:51 amI love the baby blue one! Gorgeous.