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!
Celeste
March 28, 2011 at 10:51 amI love both the Vertical Tote and the Zipper Tote. And I would totally use the Zipper Tote as a diaper bag too! My second is due in June and I’m on the hunt.
Melissa E
March 28, 2011 at 10:52 amOh, I love the gym bag, but I wish it had a longer handle. That being said, i definitely LOVE the Zipper Tote. Gorgeous! (And it will be used as a diaper bag, seeing as I’m due with my second in September).
BreAnn
March 28, 2011 at 10:52 amOh the weekender is great, but I think my favorite is the square pocket tote. It’s perfect!
Amanda
March 28, 2011 at 10:53 amOH WOW! LOVE that cross body strap!! That would be sooooo perfect while I’m trying to carry my ginormous baby! This is def on my wishlist now…swoooooon.
renee
March 28, 2011 at 10:54 ami’m loving the tan one you’re sporting!
Navigating the Mothership
March 28, 2011 at 10:54 amOoh, I like the the look of that gym bag!
Miss E
March 28, 2011 at 10:55 amI love the Zipper Tote and also the Weeekender Bag! I’m currently looking for a diaper bag, so I’d be super excited to win!
Amy
March 28, 2011 at 10:56 amYes! Love the black zipper tote for our little girl due the end of April! Great idea! Thank-you!
Tracy
March 28, 2011 at 10:56 amOoh, I love the black. My diaper bag lives in my car and I have a “quick stash” of stuff in my purse. I invariably always need something from my diaper bag which either a) makes me go back to my car or b) remember it and then stuff it into my purse making my purse look huge.
Not cute.
Laney
March 28, 2011 at 10:56 amLove the Zipper Tote/Shoulderbag. My inner New Yorker says black but I actually really love the army coated canvas that you have. I’m pregnant with my first and desperate for a non-diaper-y diaper bag that will still allow me to look chic & pulled together (despite, yes, a messy ponytail and yoga pants.) I think that one does the trick!
Jen
March 28, 2011 at 10:56 amOOo, love these. Esp. the cream one on the bottom left. I’m about to upgrade from one kid to two, and I’d love to upgrade my diaper bag at the same time!!
Amy Smith
March 28, 2011 at 10:57 amI’m with you on the zipper tote. My last “diaper bag” was very similar (though not nearly as cute) and I simply LOVED having a space for everything…instead of a big black-hole-of-a-mess! I would love one for baby #3 arriving in August!!
Emily
March 28, 2011 at 10:57 amI’m lovin’ both the zipper tote and the and the square pocket crossbody. such great looking bags!!
Kim
March 28, 2011 at 10:57 ami think my fave IS the zipper tote. though i’m also drawn to the gym and weekender bags.
andrea
March 28, 2011 at 10:58 amI’m going to need a new diaper bag in a few months so I’d definitely go with the zipper tote. If I’m not the lucky winner I’ll be purchasing one of these for myself!