Looking for a Perfect Handbag .....

Updated on August 09, 2011
S.K. asks from Chicago, IL
12 answers

Ok I don't want a handbag just for me or a huge diaper bag just for my son. Is there something stylish and nice that can be both? I really hope there is :)

So I generally use medium sixed handbags ( mostly leather / seude) with a middle zipper and 2 outer pockets with magnetic locks. I hate bags without pockets as it's so difficult to find anything in there. I like my handbag to be organized so that I don't have search for my carkeys, phone etc everytime. I love these kind of handbags but problem is now I have a son and tend to have some of his things in my bag. His snacks, a summer hat, a water bottle, some hand wipes. Not a lot but takes some space. And these days I carry my camera and handycam almost everywhere I go. Both are compact sized, but then my handbag is very crowded with all these and my wallet ,phone , hairbrush, compact, lipgloss etc. My son is 15 months , so I don't take his diaper bag everytime we go out now.

I am really looking for something similar to my handbag but bigger in size where I can fit in all these and still looks organised. Anybody has one and love it?? I hate changing handbags based on occasion, so I should be able to bring this to work as well if needed to. Or take it with me when we go on a vacation as well.

I did buy the Chicco Luna Tote Diaper Bag from babies R us. It has a lot of pockets and I felt it could fit all our things well. But it still looks like a diaper bag :( It's very pricey as well - 60 doallars , so I looking some more before I start using it. I am sure I might get good recommendation here from other moms. You are always so helpful.

I wouldn't mind spending more than my budget for this bag if it's something I really like and can use it for few years. Also if anyone has the Chicco Luna Tote Diaper Bag , do let me know if you love it.

Thanks!

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Featured Answers

M.J.

answers from Dover on

I have a big, wonderful, gorgeous bag I got as a gift for Christmas from my mom. I carry it every day & get compliments regularly from strangers. It's a Vera Wang we got at Kohl's on Black Friday. It's got a long, adjustable strap which is removable & also 2 handles if you're not a shouler strap kind of chick. The one thing about it I don't like is that it doesn't have any outside pockets, but inside it has 2 big sections (I use one for wallet/keys/cell phone & the other for papers/lists/chap stick/gum). There is an interior zippered pocket & a couple of little compartments in there as well which fit my cell phone perfectly. Mine is kind of a gray color with black trim & it's a faux crocodile pattern. It's my favoritest bag everrr!!

1 mom found this helpful

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K.P.

answers from New York on

So wierd... I was going to suggest the one Melissa J is suggesting! I have the "sister" purse and absolutely love it! It's durable, looks nice and I carry it every day!

If you wait for Kohls to have a sale (pretty much monthly) you can get it for under $75- mine has two pockets on the outside and is also a Vera Wang.

1 mom found this helpful

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Good luck, I'm 44 and still haven't found the perfect bag!

1 mom found this helpful

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

Do you have Charming Charlie? I bought this huge purse (it's teal, and has 2 open compartments and then a zipper pocket in the middle) for $20 from there almost 2 years ago... I LOVE IT!! I use it as a diaper/overnight bag, and as a purse. This thing rocks. I throw it in the wash all the time and it's not even beginning to fall apart!!

http://www.charmingcharlie.com/locations

J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love my Olivia + Joy purse (30 bucks at ross).
I tend to use a small clutch inside my larger purse for all my makeup and another for other items. So I needed a purse that had lining pockets only and not compartments (mine has a total of 4 inside lining pckets and 1 non zippered on the outside).
I bought it originally thinking it was good for going on interviews with because it was large enough and the right size to fit my small work portfolio, but once I got everything in it, I just love it and can't give it up lol.

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N.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

A little more expensive, but I got a great bag from an etsy seller called Moop.

I think mine is called the small messenger bag. The quality is great, you can wash and dry it, has plenty of pockets. Does not look like a diaper bag.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/moop

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I have a big Dooney Burke purse with one of those "Kangaroo Keepers" inside it. (You know, the ones you buy at CVS? :) Here's a link so you can see the purse: http://www.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?sectio...

Anyway, it's large enough that I can carry all my stuff, plus kids' sweaters, snacks, etc. I'll also point out that although it's not technically a "diaper bag," the end pockets are perfectly sized to hold sippy cups or bottles, or a bottled water, etc. Plus, being Dooney Burke, it's built sturdy enough to take a beating. Mine is 3 years old and looks new, although I've schlepped it everywhere.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

NY and Co has some really cute and trendy bags that are not leather but often look like it. You can get one in the $20-$35 range. Then you can switch it up a few times a year. Inside, put some smaller bags that contain your stuff - then you can just pull them out. The bags you get from Lancome that come free with purchase are great.

Otherwise, go to Kohls or Macy's and look around. And opt for a tote bag. Totes are the best for carrying a lot of stuff.

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Timi and Leslie make some really good looking bags that can function as both.
You can find them on Amazon.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Do you like Vera Bradley purses?

I liked them very much for the kiddo stage because of all the pockets, they are soft and don't look like a diaper bag. They come in lots of sizes from "purse" to super-giant!

www.verabradley.com

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A.M.

answers from San Francisco on

This probably is a little smaller than you want, but I am madly in love with my new purse. It is from Fossil, and I've actually have some really stylish-looking women stop and stare at it and compliment M. on it.

It only has a front and back pocket, with a separate pocket inside the front part, so it doesn't allow for much stuff. But it has forced M. to be really streamlined.

Check out purses from Fossil.

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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

Get a nice back pack and use it. This way you will have room for everything and it will look nice. The leather bags are out until your last child is 16. I once used an overnight tote as a diaper bag/purse and it was nice.

Fashion is out and practical is in. Just make sure you get a color that goes with everything you would wear.

Best to you.

The other S.

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