16 February 2010

**Update: Karen at PillowSewCute has extended her $1 off discount for your choice of Ouch Pouch through February and March!! Just use the code "Finding My Feet" in the checkout comments and the $1 will be refunded to you through PayPal after purchase is complete. Thanks, Karen!**

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And the winner of the Hali Diaper Clutch is....


I love all the diapers. Having my 3rd boy soon and really need a new bag!

Congratulations, Jen!

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**Comments closed!
Discounts still good until date indicated!
Winner will be announced shortly!**
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Yep, another list!

I have been hunting far and wide for a good diaper bag to use this time around. The other night while I was scouring Etsy I came across some lovely bags that make fantastic options! As I was tweeting about them, several of you expressed interest in a little list of my picks.

So glad to oblige!

A few notes before I get started:
:: These are all Etsy finds. There are lots of other great places to find diaper bags (and tons of great diaper bags out there!), but I've decided for this list to be exclusively handmade finds.

:: Many of these bags are actually just handbags. My advice: the advantage to buying handmade is that you can actually talk with the seller/maker of the product. Always feel free to ask sellers if you have specific needs/desires. In this case, if they're made to order, go ahead and ask for larger inside pockets or dividers, or for a snap closure instead of a zipper closure. Generally folks are eager to please and will be glad to meet your requests for little or no additional charge (depending on what you're asking for!)

:: I lean toward diaper bags that don't look like diaper bags. I understand that some things are functionally critical or at least desirable (lots of pockets, easy access, wipe-able/stain resistant surfaces), but I also want to like what I'm carrying. I don't go gender specific so you won't see any pinks or blues on my list. Lots of folks love a laminated bag, but it's just not my cup of tea. And, since it's my list of picks...

My Picks:
Great Handmade Diaper Bags for Under $100

Made in Paris, this beautifully detailed bag is available with green, blue, orange or purple detailing. And, according to the item description, the inside CAN be customized! You can also choose different colors for the linen.

It's roomy, pretty and dignified and something you'd be totally happy carrying as a purse later on!
2. The Sage Bird Bag by retrofied ($52):
It's actually reversible (which does limit pocket options) and the side shown here is actually hand printed on SKAL organic cotton (as in, the seller designed this fabric herself!). It may not be at the top of the functional list, but it's beautiful!

3, 4 &5. The Olive-Green Denim Bag by CrazyBoy ($50):
This bag comes from Thailand and might be my favorite pick. I actually contacted the seller last night hoping to work with her on the interior space. All of the bags in this shop are BEAUTIFUL and look like they're really well made. I had been looking specifically for a grey bag for myself, so I was really happy to come across this one!

As you can see, this one is pretty big.

It's also available a bit smaller with an outside pocket for a little less ($46).

And I adore this striped one as well (totally feeling the greyscale lately!):


6. The Elessa bag in metal grey by miloo ($72):
This bag has a great shape and is made from waterproof material (a diaper bag plus!). It's a little pricey but they do offer free shipping. I think I'd ask to have the zipper closure replaced with a magnetic closure, particularly since the seller has noted that they're open to customization. :)
It's also available in red canvas if you're looking for some color!
This is actually a BYOF (buy your own fabric) listing which may make this one the most expensive on my list. But, also perhaps the best bag. It's actually made to be a diaper bag and you get to choose exactly what fabrics you like and work with the seller on interior spacing and so on. The design has FOURTEEN pockets of various sizes, integrated stroller straps, interior elastics, snap closures that allow you to adjust the opening size and on and on. (They actually have one of these in their shop on clearance for $35 right now!)

My advice: pick a laminated cotton (oilcloth) for the interior fabric if wipe-ability is important to you. There are some lovely oilcloth fabrics here, here and here. (Yes, one is by Anna Maria Horner!)

**BONUS - Andrea at WatermelonWishes is offering Finding My Feet readers a FREE coordinating changing pad with the purchase of any diaper bag. (If you select the BYOF option, you'll need to provide an additional 1/2 yard of fabric and she'll provide the chenille and labor free of charge). To take advantage of this offer, contact Andrea via orders@watermelonwishes.com and mention this offer. She'll set up a reserved listing in your name.**

8. The City Bag by whoknewdesign ($75):
I LOVE the ingenuity of this design! You can carry it up as shown here:
Then, when you need to get into it, you can fold down the sides and pull out the top and voila! - you can actually SEE inside the bag and get what you need! Novel idea, eh?
This one is also available in a leather look for the same price!
I'm actually digging this leather one quite a lot!

**DISCOUNT: Karine of WhoKnewDeisgn has offered a 15% discount to anyone who mentions my blog at checkout, now through Sunday (2/21). 15% will be refunded via PayPal after purchase is complete.**

9. The Canvas Lines Bag by tippythai ($35):
Um, can we talk about the price?!! This is a great buy! Plus the pleats AND the grey! Now, scroll down and look inside!

Thankyouverymuch!

PLUS, you get to choose between snap or zipper closure - no extra charge! This shop is also flexible with colors - so you can pick if you're not a fan of grey like me. Ahem.

Yes, it's over $100. I'm breaking my own rules. But, I LOVE this scooter fabric and their other same 6-pocket diaper bags are as low as $70. (The scooter fabric will get you every time!)

It's nice to have a reversible bag, and this one has, as I said, 6 exterior pockets (interior if you have the pretty orange side out) and comes with a great 5"x7" zipper pouch for extra handiness.




Okay, those are my top ten bags! Now, can I share a few accessories I came across in my hunting? I found four favorites that meet different needs in different ways:

My Picks:
Great Diaper Bag Accessories That I Want To Be Mine!

1. The Ouch Pouch by PillowSewCute ($5.95) {look for discount below!}:
This is a GREAT idea! It's a 4"x5" pouch with pretty fabric on one side, and a clear plastic window on the other so you can SEE what's inside. Oh, the marvels of modern thinking!

So, you can store pacifiers, bandaids, wet wipes, whatever!

Here it is filled with useful things (you can actually buy them empty or stocked!):

**DISCOUNT - Karen at PillowSewCute is offering $1 off any Ouch Pouch today through Sunday (2/21). That makes them under $5! Use the discount code "Finding My Feet" at checkout and your $1 will be refunded through PayPal after purchase is complete.**

2. The ICKY BAG by PETUNIAS ($16.50 - $25):
These are especially great if you're cloth diapering and need a small wet bag for your nappies. They're "wet proof" and zippered and you can stuff anything in them wet or dry - think swimsuits at the pool, soiled clothes from leaks/blowouts, etc. You can wash and dry it, so just toss it in the wash along with whatever "icky" thing it contains.

Plus, they're really cute!

3. The QuickTrip Organizer by Bundled ($28) {look for discount offer below!}:
The QuickTrip is great because it's a changing mat and diaper/wipes holder all in one! It folds up to a nice clutch size so you can carry it alone or stick it in your purse (or diaper bag, of course). It's lightly padded for baby's comfort but not too bulky to be able to tuck into your bag. A really clever diapering accessory!


**DISCOUNT - Heather at Bundled is offering y'all a 20% discount off your entire order. PLUS, any orders that contain the QuickTrip organizer will ship for FREE! Just mention "Finding My Feet" at checkout and the discounts will be refunded to you through PayPal after checkout is complete.**

First, these are just plain pretty. I want one for my own. Second, it seems like a great idea to have as something that stays in the car at all times or that you can throw into your purse if you don't want to carry a big diaper bag. Really, the conveniences are endless - it'd be great to throw into a picnic basket if you were headed out for a picnic lunch. I love the option of a small, attractive bag that can either be stored in a handy place or just pulled out of your existing bag for a quick trip.

There's also a handy back pocket for storing your stuff so you don't even need your purse!


I give the Hali Diaper clutch two thumbs up!

**GIVEAWAY!! - Erin & Haley, the makers of the Hali clutch are giving away one Hali clutch to a lucky (providentially fortunate...) reader! Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered to win! Comments will close 5pm CST on Friday, February 19, 2010. Winner will be chosen by a random integer generator. Best wishes, this is a great prize!!**


And, there you have it: the results of me poking around on Etsy while Ryan watches the Olympics! I hope this was helpful!

Which one of these is your favorite?

Are there others that you would recommend (handmade or otherwise)? I'd love to hear!

Okay, don't forget about the Hali Clutch giveaway! Just leave a comment (one entry per person, please - honor system!) and I'll announce a winner Friday evening!

124 comments:

Kelly Thompson said...

Love the clutches and would love to win one :) Kelly

Leigh said...

I just did this on my fashion friday post a few weeks ago and we picked some of the same Etsy shops. I love Etsy!!! And you picked some super cute options!

Melanie said...

oh gosh these are all so cute! the clutch would be so cute though for quick trips, or now that mine is a toddler and in the transtition to potty training it'd be so awesome to keep extra undies/pants in.

Christine said...

These are great finds! I totally agree about needing some sort of waterproof bag for the diaper bag if you're cloth diapering--or even if you're not, since accidents do happen. I would own about 10 if I could.

OK, I'll put my diaper bag plug in here, too, since you insisted. :) I use a Fleurville bag, and I love it to the moon and back. It's laminated, full of pockets and pouches, comes with a changing pad and wet bag (!!), and is so easy to clean. They're fairly pricey brand-new, but I found mine used for under $40 and I know you can find them on ebay and Craigslist used, too. Sure, it looks like a diaper bag, but it's a large, stylish diaper bag that I've gotten lots of compliments on. When we're done with it, I might cry a little bit.

Plug over! Let us know which bag you pick!

debra parker said...

pick me, pick me!

You might also try out MOOP bags on Etsy. I almost bought one for my diaper bag but went with one cute enough one from Target.

Ashley said...

LOVE the clutch! I definitely don't need a new diaper bag, but now I definitely WANT one! haha!

SarahMerritt said...

The Olive-Green Denim Bag is hands down my favorite! It is pretty simmilar to my diaper bag (mine is black though) I am thinking its about time to move on to carrying a purse again and the clutch would be great to do that with!

Shannon said...

That clutch is SO cute!! hope I win. Thanks!!

:) -Shannon

McKenzie said...

These are adorable! Pick me! Pick me! :)

hopefeathers said...

so cute! lord willing, my husband and I are going to start trying for our first child soon! I can't wait :)

Lori said...

The Olive Denim is my favorite too, but the shop is already sold out! Booo.

I could sure console myself with a free clutch.

Unknown said...

I love them all, but that leather fold-down bag is AWESOME!

Jennifer said...

you found some adorable items! i just got myself a new purse/diaper bag yesterday, but it certainly wasn't like anything you posted here!

i really like the see through bag idea... i will have to go check them out.

would love to win the clever diaper clutch!

Tara said...

Adorable! Sign me up. :)

Erin said...

Love the bags!

amanda said...

I've gone gaga for gray, too. You have great taste & these are some wonderful bags!

The Morrisons said...

My vote is for the grey striped bag! Lots of good finds, Raechel. I have a bag that I keep in the car with a change of clothes and such. Although I rarely need it, in the few emergencies I have been so glad to have it!

Anonymous said...

I love the Hali Diaper Clutch!!! That is simply beautiful!!!! Thanks for sharing your finds!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That is so cute! How fun it would be to win!

Meg said...

Great finds! I'm delivering my baby girl in two weeks and have yet to find a diaper bag I like, plus we are cloth diapering and haven't bought any wet bags yet! All very timely for me.

I love the clutch (I'd be thrilled to win) and the wet bags, and am going to seriously consider the Elessa bag as a main diaper bag.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Jessica said...

I am absolutely loving the The Olive-Green Denim Bag by CrazyBoy! I am a fan of big bags & this is a must for my next purchase. Thank you for sharing your finds. :)

Nicole said...

I am loving the gray 35 dollar bag..not only is a great purse/diaper bag but with those inside pockets it would make a great camera bag for all different lenses that slide right into those pockets!

Off to check out their Etsy site!

Corrie said...

I like #'s 1, 3, and 6. And the clutch. :)
Thank you for your testimony on here!
Blessings to you 4.
~Corrie

Danielle said...

Wow! These are all so great! Now, I just need some kids! (And a husband. :P)

Jodie said...

Thanks for sharing so many GREAT finds! Would love to win the clutch!

Missi said...

What a pretty clutch and oh so practical! Would love to win one- thanks for all the great finds!!

Kameron said...

You are going to make me be bad!! I want them all! I will have to go check out all of the shops. My diaper bag is a handme down from her brother sand could use a little updating!!

Sunnymama said...

I just love your taste! Love all the handbags. I wish I could get a new one but my old one will just have to do for now.

Nicole said...

This would be perfect, as I am expecting also!! I love the clutch, as well as The ultimate diaper bag, the city bag, the icky bag ( we use cloth) and the quick trip organizer! You make great lists :)

Anonymous said...

This list is fantastic. I am expecting number two in June, (girl this time, yae!) and the clutch is too cute.

Kara said...

LOVE the clutch!! Yay!!

Anonymous said...

All of your picks are ADORABLE! You're giving me many good ideas! I love etsy!

Unknown said...

Oh Raechel! You are such an enabler! What gorgeous things!

Regina Omillian said...

There are so many cute ideas on etsy! I want to do all of my shopping there. HAHA

Tracy said...

"providentially fortunate" are you channeling Mr. Eckle? :)

love the bags! I'm carrying one that is just functional. Not cute. not pretty. but, cheap. I think it was $5. Its getting me by until my birthday. :)

Leah Beth said...

Adorable bags! Would love to win a clutch!

jamie said...

Love these etsy finds! Would LOVE LOVE the clutch. Praying for you in the last few weeks of pregnancy!

Anonymous said...

The clutch is beautiful! Hope to win! :)

sarah jewett clarke said...

LOVE them all. sent the list to my sister, too. :) crossing my fingers to win the clutch!

Anonymous said...

Love the cluth - - you are soooo thoughtful!!

Susan said...

I think I like the scooter one the best, myself. I'm excited to see those "Icky Bags" by Petunias, though, because back before Lucie was born--right after I found out she was a girl, almost 4 years ago!--I ordered a blanket from her, and it turned out to be our very favorite. I'm using it for Fiona now, but I've promised Lucie that I'll save it with *her* baby stuff when Fiona's finished with it, because I associate it so strongly with her.

Jessica said...

I love this clutch. This would be great for my toddler who doesn't need a huge diaper bag anymore!

Anna said...

Oooo, I'd love to win that clutch! I always throw a cloth diap, some wipes and a small wetbag in my purse, so having it all together would be great!

Beth said...

I am a soon to be mom and would LOVE this!

Lisa said...

What a great post - complete with pics! Thanks for doing all the legwork.
The clutch is uber cute and I'm with you on the leather!

Jaime G. said...

absolutely love the bags!
and the clutch!!! enter me please!

Anonymous said...

I really like all of your picks!! I am really starting to love etsy. I have bought some really great one of a kind things on there lately! With all those choices it will be hard to pick one!

PS-did you get my email about the homekeeping stuff? I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Thanks!
Christine B

The Dortenzos said...

These are all adorable!!! I would LOVE to win one!!!

Allison said...

I would LOVE to win the clutch! It would work perfectly for me! I hate carrying around big bags so I usually just end up stuffing extra diapers and wipes and other stuff in the pockets of my winter jacket or in the side pockets in the car!

Kaira said...

Great bags. I love Etsy!

Jen G said...

ETSY IS WONDERFUL! The clutch would be perfect for quick trips into the store. With 4 kids in tow, I am all about ease.

Susan said...

I love the clutch and your post!
Praying for a smooth delivery!

Anonymous said...

Oh Raechel.........you make me wish I was having babies all over again !! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful finds and photos ! I so very much enjoy them.

keight dukes said...

your style makes me squeal. is that creepy? i hope not. how do you balance design/style standards with stewardship and not getting sucked into materialism? i know you are super thrifty but have always wondered about balancing such a "stuff"-related talent/profession/heart with a kindgom-minded heart. all these beautiful items make me want, want, WANT! thanks for compiling this amazing list!

Jaisa said...

Love the post!! Love the bags!! Sure hope I am the lucky winner :)

Andrea said...

Wow! You found a lot of great items. You have great taste! I love the smaller version of the gray bag that you inquired about. I'd love to win a clutch. It would definitely come in handy for my sweet baby girl. :) Thanks for the chance to win!

Gina said...

Great post! Great giveaway - i would love to win!

Unknown said...

#1 is my favorite. I just love the design of it and the purple option. I used a Vera Bradley purse as my diaper bag because it didn't look like a diaper bag and my husband felt comfortable carrying it too. I am also loving the ouch pouch - what a cute idea! Thanks for the chance to win the clutch.

Marcella said...

I love a giveaway! BTW, bibs are simply adorable! love them!
Marcella

Deanna said...

Cute! I would love this! :)

Sandy said...

Love that clutch! Also, I love that red bag! I am so into lots and lots of color!!!

Chelle*J said...

I really love Etsy, I am finding everything I need for my wedding on there as well as all the nick knacks my boyfriend loves. Great place for little gifts and big gifts alike. I am definitely a Etsy fan and show my support by surfing the many pages every day! ps, great list!

Heather R. said...

So many cute things!


- Heather
(heatherlrice@comcast.net)

Karen said...

Cuteness! I'm on a gray kick lately, too! Thanks for fulfilling my custom orders on your Etsy shop! I could spend hours looking at all of the amazing stuff on there--especially for babies! My friends with babies are going to be getting some really awesome handmade stuff soon.

Kate said...

I love all your picks but the Ultimate Diaper bag would have to be my favorite. The Hali clutch is genius...hope I win!

Rebecca said...

Me too! Me too! What lovely choices.


I can't believe your number one blog reader didn't didn't comment until #66 (unless someone else comments while I am composing!). I need to get alerts set up so I know when you post! Clearly, I'm falling down on the job.

Alyssa said...

Such fun bags! I love them all. Oh the temptation! I also am partial to grey cause it goes with EVERYTHING! Thanks (to you and Erin and Haley) for doing a giveaway!

Michelle in Missouri said...

This is such a great idea, and it would make an even better shower gift. Hoping to win.

The Tylers said...

You have such great taste! Would love to win. :)

Tara said...

I like your choices Rae! The giveaway clutch is very cute too. I always kept a bag with an extra case of wipes, a couple diapers and a pair of pants/shorts in the trunk of the car for "just in case." definitely came in handy at times when i just didn't bring anything with me, or realized my wipes case in the diaper bag was empty, etc.. That is until one day I was reminded that it's freezing where I live and my wipes were frozen. :) Fun post!

Jennifer said...

Wow! What great finds! There are so many I like!!! :)

Emily said...

Thanks for sharing the great options you found!

Kristin P. said...

I love Etsy! The pouch and the clutch featured in your blog are my favorites. Even though I'm getting out of the diaper bag stage, they could be used for a
million things! First aid kit, crayon pouch for the
car, the possibilities are endless!

Jennie - Duryea Place Designs said...

Etsy is my favorite, but it can get me in trouble sometimes! :) Great giveaway... thanks for the chance to win!

Sherry said...

Love the grey pleated one. So so cute!

Callie said...

These are all so great! thanks for sharing

Erica said...

These almost make me want to have another baby RIGHT NOW! I'll settle with cuddling my 11 month old right now. Super cute stuff--I love your style and eye for colors and fabrics!!

Julie said...

Such cute and unique bags! Thanks for the list

twojps12@yahoo.com

Laura D said...

I love the gray striped bag and the gray canvas lines bag...just might have to buy one. Love your blog- just started reading last week while I was snowed in in Maryland.

bridgie said...

I love the clutches and would love to win one!

Thanks!

Kristin said...

Great bags...thanks for sharing!

Adrienne said...

The diaper clutch is great. Definately need to check out some of those bags! thanks for spending so much time on Etsy for us.

Wendy said...

Would love to win the clutch. Love your blog, too!

Unknown said...

I love your taste! Your picks and treasure finds always inspire me! Isn't Etsy amazing??

Jessica said...

I love the clutch! I will also be checking out the other bags as well.g

Beth said...

Thanks for doing this post Raechel - these are great options for non traditional yet functional diaper bags!

Anonymous said...

love, love the diaper clutch. love your top ten list too! good luck choosing the perfect bag for you and hazel :)

Karin

nault's nook said...

great list!! Love all the bags you chose!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog today and I love this post! There are so many great things on Etsy. Oh and I'd love to win that clutch!

Leigh said...

All of these items are great! I love etsy. I'd also love to win that clutch.

The Williams said...

Why did I never think of putting a sucker in my first aid kit before? Duh! That might be the most important part. :) Love all the bags!

Meredith said...

Love this list! You have me looking ALL over Etsy for fabulous little finds...
And the clutches? Ohh I could so use one of those!

Jodi said...

LOVE your pics!! And the clutch is great! Don't you love etsy?!

Jessica and Ryan said...

I would love to win! thanks so much for putting up that list of bags, it was a great help!

--Amie-- said...

what a great list you came up with!! And I REALLY like that they are gender neutral!!!

Katie said...

Wonderful list! I am actually looking for a new diaper bag, and this list gave me lots of good ideas!

Lily Dawn said...

I really like The Olive-Green Denim Bag by CrazyBoy but in the smaller version...

I don't like bags that look like diaper bags either...(my MIL got me this huge green winnie the pooh bag for reese and I felt bad but I just had to take it back and get something else)

Would love to win!

Lily

M.O.T.B said...

Adorable diaper bags, would love to win!

Rachel C said...

You always find the cutest things! I think my favorite bag is the first one! They are all great though.

lauradowning said...

Cute! Cute! Cute! I'd love to win!

Claire said...

I want one!!

Megan Brueseke said...

I just LOVE Etsy! those bags are all wonderful. I don't know how you are going to pick just one! I may have to buy a new diaper bag myself :) I would love to win the clutch too!

SarahBfromMN said...

I need to shop Etsy more often. Cute stuff!

Heather said...

I made my first etsy purchase a few weeks ago and loved it. The sad thing was it was for a gift and I didn't get to keep it. :(

Elizabeth said...

Great list! And I'd love to win for a friend of mine who is expecting@

The Simmons Say said...

Love the bags!

legally mommy said...

ohh! love these, hope I get picked!

Katie B said...

These are great finds, you have a great sense of style :D I love the scooter one as well but price wise the red canvas one by elssa is my favorite! I love bright colors, actually I like gray but only if it's paired with a bright or rich color! The contrast is what I like I guess. Thanks for sharing :)

Unknown said...

What an AMAZING post! I LOVE it! :-)

Anonymous said...

The clutch is so cute!
I love all those diaper bags.
My sister just had a baby last month and would love to have something like this.
Thanks for sharing!

emily said...

Totally with you on the non-diaper bag diaper bag. And with the love of gray.

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, So many cute items!!! Thanks so much for the list. Awesome.
Congratulations on your new little bundle of joy. Praying your delivery is smooth!

AubreyTeagan said...

I am due with our 3rd child in August and could use something new and exciting. Love it!

Cindy said...

These are so cute. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

How cute! I'd have love to own a diaper clutch for our upcoming baby :)

Jessica

Sam said...

I would love to win a clutch!

Brei said...

Oh my goodness...I don't know how you decide! L-O-V-E that fab clutch! Happy almost baby-time!

The Mr. & Mrs. said...

LOVE it!!!

Unknown said...

Cuteness! Love your picks and would love to win! Thanks for sharing your finds!

Marie LaFore said...

Loved checking out your picks and finding new etsy shops too... would love to win a Hali clutch for our baby due in 2 weeks!

Gordon Family said...

I love all the diapers. Having my 3rd boy soon and really need a new bag!

efran said...

The clutch would be great to just leave in the car in case we forget the diaper bag. Not saying that we ever do and therefore then need to stop at Target to purchase a package of diapers and wipes just to change one dirty diaper... nope, that never happened to us. :-)

Laura said...

I like the Hali clutch and the Ouch Pouch best, and the Elessa is my fave of the bags. Hopefully it's okay to carry a girly diaper bag if I'm having a boy, because I totally have my eye on a pink one!

Holly said...

I would love to win the cute clutch! Hope you are doing well we are almost due date buddies I'm ready right along with you haha!
Holly Johnston