eBags Blog

Today’s diaper bags aren’t just about flowers, cute animals, and pastels. Many look more like handbags and purses than they do baby bags. They are styled with the latest trends in mind but certainly still have the functionality of a diaper bag - changing pad and all.

One popular brand of diaper bags that look like handbags is Timi & Leslie. This Los Angeles company prides itself in designing collections of “scrumptious” bags that feature current trends. Nowhere is that more apparent than in their new Baby Jane bag. The faux leather tote is embellished with antique brass hardware and, as you know, hardware is a trend being carried over from spring (read our Spring 2010 Trends blog post for more info on spring trends).

Of course you can certainly find designer diaper bags that look like handbags such as the Debbie Rott Eva Rocker Bag. Again, it features hardware prominently (in this case studs) which is on trend, but still has the functionality of a normal diaper bag including liquid proof changing pad and multiple pockets.

Want a stylish bag for less, or as we call it a “trendy but less spendy” bag? Take a look at the Liz Lange Natalie diaper bag. This hobo bag’s green color is perfect for spring when bright colors will be in again. The textured fabric (quilted logo print) is something you’ll also be seeing in handbags this upcoming season.

 

When you think of evening bags, do you think of company parties, evenings out on the town, and special occasions like weddings?

How about prom?

It may only be January, but the beginning of the year is when magazines start putting out their special prom issues. In fact, Seventeen’s 2010 Prom magazine has already hit newsstands. Soon, teen girls everywhere will begin planning what dresses and shoes they want to wear, who they want to go to the dance with, and certainly what accessories they will need - including handbags.

Whether you’re shopping for prom handbags for yourself or for someone in your family, here are some things you should keep in mind:

 

• Color: Your prom handbag DOES NOT have to match your dress. In fact, many times it’s best if your bag is a completely different color. That way you don’t have to worry about shades being slightly off. Choosing a bag in a different color also allows your bag to stand out and speak for itself - especially if you pick something with a bold styling or lots of embellishments. If you do want a bag that can be dyed to match your dress, look at brands like Coloriffics that offer dyeable satin handbags.
• Size: What will be carried in this bag? Just a few essentials like makeup and a cell phone or a few more items like keys, sewing kit, hairbrush, etc.? What you will be carrying in your prom purse will help you decide what size to go with. If you plan to carry very little, look for smaller clutches that can be carried by hand or under your arm. For a little more storage, look for slightly larger shoulder bags.
• Location: Where will the prom be held? Will you be attending dinner first or eating dinner at the event? Depending on the various locations you will be at, you may want to carry a different style of bag. A clutch is a beautiful option, but if you need to carry your bag most of the time, it could get in the way. A wristlet (a clutch with a wrist strap) is a great option in these cases.
• Price: Price is always in the list of considerations when buying anything. With prom handbags, you can spend as little or as much as you want to get that perfect look. However, keep in mind that you tend to get what you pay for. If you purchase an inexpensive handbag, it may not last as long as a slightly more expensive choice. If you plan to use the bag only that one night or perhaps only a few times in the future, then you can certainly spend less on the bag. If you’re looking for an evening bag that you can use multiple times, it pays to spend a little more to get better quality materials and workmanship.
• Overall Look/Style: By style I mean what does the bag convey overall? If your prom dress is a party dress that’s youthful and fun, a brightly colored, funky party bag will match very well to complete your look. On the other hand, if your dress is very elegant, look for a more sophisticated style prom bag to complement your beautiful look.

Check out some of my favorite prom handbags below. Also, don’t forget that eBags sells a wide variety of purse accessories should you need anything like cosmetic mirrors, makeup bags, purse hangers, or coin purses.

Savanna Crinkled Satin Small Satchel	J. Furmani Satin Ruffeled Evening Bag	Magid Classic Satin Envelope with Beaded Handle
Star 50 Handbags Arkansas Diamond Digger	Global Elements Flower Evening Bag	Coloriffics Small Silver Frame w/ Rhinestone
La Regale Mesh Minaudiere	Ashley M Bow Tie Evening Bag	Mad By Design Red Lotus

 

Tired and fed up with the cheesy black diaper bag that you got for free from the hospital that is oh-so-small? Or the one that screams “I’m a MOM” that you got at your last baby–shower? It’s time to pair fashion with functionality when it comes to looking after your little ones! Look no further than the “Fashion Diaper Bags” at eBags. With over 130 models alone plus a wide array of colors, you are bound to find one that speaks to your taste rather than to your baby’s.

From red patent leather to canvas animal print, the choice is on! From Ju-Ju-Be, Amy Michelle, Fleurville, Baby Kaed, Vera Bradley, Timi & Leslie and more! Treat yourself to a diaper bag with an exterior designed specifically for you, and an interior designed for a parent ready for any awaiting dilemma.

When is a diaper bag more than a diaper bag? When it looks so much like a designer handbag that it can be used after baby is grown. Such is the case with beautiful baby bags from brands like OiOi, timi & leslie, Liz Lange, and Kalencom.

Take, for instance, the Liz Lange Lena. This canvas tote with leather trim features a zebra print which is truly in line with the latest trends - exotics. Unlike a bulky pastel pink or blue diaper bag, when you carry the Lena, no one is the wiser that it’s actually a baby bag. When using it as a diaper bag, the tote holds a carry-all case, bottle tote, change pad, and matching clutch. Once baby is grown, you can still use the bag as a normal tote.

Another great baby bag that looks more like a handbag than a diaper bag is the timi & leslie Sweetums Satchel. This oversized satchel bag comes in two colors, but the rich purple is perfect for the winter months. Both colors are in a shiny patent that is also trendy at the moment. While the bag includes the usual diaper bag amenities (bottle tote, changing pad, dirty clothes bag), again, it can definitely be used as a handbag once baby is grown.

As you can see, these beautiful baby bags are doing double duty - diaper bag and, later, handbag. So while you may have considered a fashionable diaper bag an investment, you can also consider it a value in that you get two bags in one.

When is a standard school backpack appropriate for toddlers? NEVER. You never want to risk back injury to a toddler or young child by letting them carry something not suited for their size. Even a standard backpack with less weight isn’t a good idea because the weight is not evenly distributed across the back. So what’s the alternative? toddler backpacks - sometimes called preschool backpacks or kindergarten backpacks.

Toddler backpacks are bags designed for young kids. These mini-backpacks are not only designed to accommodate smaller bodies, but they often feature fun colors and characters. These backpacks are perfect for use in preschool and kindergarten.

Check out some examples of toddler backpacks at eBags below:

Little Packrats Milo Backpack

Lucky Bums Lucky Bug with Frog

Little Packrats Stegosaurus Backpack

Zebra Crossing Club Lambchop Mini Backpack

 

Let’s face it, there’s a plethora of boring diaper bags out there. Want something plain in pastel pink or blue? You’ve got a ton of choices. But who wants to carry a bag that screams “I gave up on fashion when I had kids”? Not me. You might as well buy yourself a set of mom jeans if you’re going to go down that path. And that’s why I’ve got my eye on some truly stylish diaper bags that look more like handbags than baby bags.

The nice thing about these bags is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get style. For instance, the Kalencom Traveler Quilted bag is less than $100. And for that price you get not only the standard items such as multiple pockets, stroller straps, changing pad, and bottle tote, but also a beautiful bag that can be used even after you’re no longer carrying around diapers and bottles.

If diaper totes are your bag (pun intended), then check out our newest diaper bag brand - Liz Lange. The Liz Lange Cherie’s clean lines make the bag truly chic. It also includes everything you’ve come to expect from diaper bags including bottle tote, change pad, pockets, and even a matching clutch. And while you might expect to pay upwards of $300 for the bag, right now it’s on sale for under $150.

If you’re hoping to spend less, perhaps the Bisadora Lime Green Geometric Print Baby Bag Tote is for you. It’s under $50 right now. The bright lime green color will keep you feeling and looking cheery even in the middle of winter. This is another bag that can be used even beyond baby for things like travel and errands. This bag is ideal for older babies and toddlers as it is a bit smaller than other standard bags.

Have you been shopping around for diaper bags lately? What are some of your favorites? Post a comment and let us know.

Sure carrying a lunch bag or box as an adult can seem a little elementary, but the Mario Batali Margherite Insulated Satchel in Persimmon Floral, is the perfect solution. This insulated lunch bag takes the shape and style of a trendy handbag, making it the perfect way to get your lunch to work! This way you can feel good about using a reusable lunch bag, AND maintain your fashion forward disposition! Fashionistas rejoice!

Carrying a diaper bag is a necessity, but why should moms have to give up their style to do so? Brands like Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Cynthia Rowley, and Baby Kaed have created designer diaper bags with the perfect marriage of style and functionality.

Diaper bags clashing with outfits is a thing of the past. New moms can look and feel their best with one of these fabulous bags on their arms! Plus, once your little ones are old enough that you don’t have to carry a diaper bag, it can then be used as a fabulous tote, to carry all of your other necessities!

It’s Back To School season! As if you couldn’t tell by all the ads out there. So instead of talking about the latest backpack deals or praising the virtues of a particular backpack brand, I’d like to take a different approach to the subject.

Working here at eBags, I’ve come to know the website very well. In fact, I’ve found some pretty interesting and unique products available. Can anyone say coffee carrier? You may have thought that the only Back to School products we carry are backpacks, messenger bags, and laptop bags. Well, here are some some more unique Back to School backpacks, bags, and pairings of the two that will have your kid looking cool at school.

	Kipling Hiker Backpack and Kipling Freedom Pencil Case: What’s cooler than a Kipling backpack? How about a Kipling backpack and a matching Kipling pencil case. Both bags come in the matching colors of red, black, and true blue. Plus, both come with the signature Kipling gorilla key ring. The Kipling Hiker Expandable Backpack is a full-sized backpack perfect for school with its numerous pockets. Need a smaller backpack for your child? The Kipling Child Backpack also comes in red and true blue to match the pencil case.
	Miquelrius Joshua Davis Kanagawa Backpack + notebook: Going to school inevitably means having to write things down. So why not write in a notebook that matches your backpack? The Joshua Davis line of backpacks and messenger bags from Miquelrius come in unique patterns described as “traditional organic forms randomized into contemporary compositions”. Each bag features a 6″ x 8″ 280-page spiral notebook with matching artwork on the cover.
	Precision Pak Buffalo II Skateboard Pack and Case Logic True Sport nano® (4th Gen) Armband: Got a child who’s a skater? Maybe you’re one yourself. Well, here’s a pack that’ll take you from the schoolyard to the skate park…or from high school to the half pipe. The Precision Pak Buffalo II Skateboard Pack has a front panel that is constructed in a way that a skateboard can be tucked in. There are multiple compartments for all sorts of storage and foamy straps for extra comfort. And who wants to skate without tunes? The Case Logic True Sport nano Armband is perfect for the 4th generation iPod nano. It’s made from a breatable sport material to keep you dry and features a cord management loop to prevent long earbuds from flopping around while you skate.
	Roxy Girl fun times backpack w/removable lunchbox: Roxy and Roxy Girl are known for fun and unique bags, but this backpack has an added feature - a removable lunch box. The lunch box fits in the exterior front slide pocket which is perfect if you need to carry something additional in your hands. It’s also great for remembering to bring your lunch to and from school.
	Case Logic Artist Series Canvas Messenger Bag: Want a school bag that’s truly your own? Then the Case Logic Artist Series Canvas Messenger Bag is for you. You can literally draw on the bag the create your own custom design. The bag comes with 1 Sharpie® outlining pen and suggestions on how to get started. This messenger bag is also made from 100% earth friendly cotton canvas.

I remember the days of school lunch. I never had anything as cool as a reusable lunch bag though. When I grew out of lunchboxes I went to the generic brown bag. BORING!

If only I were a kid again. I’d carry one of these cute school lunch bags.

	Built NY Munchler Four-Pack: Built NY is known for truly unique lunchboxes and lunch bags, but these are a notch above the rest. Meet Benny, Boo, Lefty, and Meadow - the fun animal school lunch bags that are the result of Built NY’s collaboration with award-winning children’s book illustrator Stephen Savage. For less than $25.00 you can own all 4 bags in the collection. That’s nearly one for every school day in the week.
	LEGO Insulated School Bag - Black / Skeleton: What kid doesn’t think fondly of LEGOs - especially boys. From all sorts of LEGO block sets to Legoland, LEGO has become a big part of so many children’s lives. Now your child can take that love for LEGO to school for lunch. No, not by eating the blocks - please don’t do that - but by carrying a LEGO Insulated School Bag. This particular bag shown here features a LEGO skeleton design.
	Wildkin Purple English Riding Lunch Bag: Got a little girl who loves horses? This Wildkin lunch bag is perfect then. The print features horses, saddles, and other english riding imagery and comes in a lovely lavender color.
	Emilie Sloan Gabrielle Lunch Tote: Icy Blue: For older kids in school, here is a great example of a more sophisticated but still lovely lunch tote. The bag features room for your lunch, water bottle, and more. It is made from a rain resistant material.