Edition 24: A Modern Mary Poppins Bag
A mom bag that does it all but doesn't look like it
Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
I’ve been sitting on this one for a few weeks because, quite frankly, I was nervous about answering it. As you may know by now, I am a childless adult who has given a lot of advice on things for babies, pregnancy, etc. I don’t take these requests lightly, and understand the importance of efficiency and function in these situations, while still acknowledging the need for new parents to also feel like the stylish adult humans that they are. This past weekend, I spent a full day shopping with a friend and her baby at an outlet mall, which was challenging, but doable. After listening to her talk candidly about her experience being out and about with her city baby, and seeing what she actually needs and uses for an outing, I feel better equipped to take on this request from Jen in Brooklyn:
“This may be too much to ask, but I’m dying to find one bag that:
Is high enough quality to use daily for years -is eye pleasing enough to bring to a nice restaurant or party, but not so fancy that I’m hesitant to bring it to the beach or put it under an airplane seat -can replace my: backpack, purse, canvas tote (Ie not too big, not too small!)
Be worn as a backpack when I’m on my bike, and on my shoulder if the outfit doesn’t suit a backpack
Fit a laptop and a few other essentials (water bottle, sunglasses, notebook, book, Caroline Finds recommended snack bar..) while having enough room to throw in some baby essentials if needed (pacifier, bottle, light blanket), but not be so big that it feels silly to carry just half of those things in when I go for a walk. Is this possible??
The closest I’ve come across (which was advertised to me as a diaper bag..) is this: https://modernandchicboutique.com/products/brielle-convertible-bag, but for the price, I worry it will be too “cheap”… “
Dear Jen,
I can’t imagine how difficult the schlep is when you’re an on-the-go city mom, and unpacking and repacking bags everyday just makes it easier to forget something. I do agree with you that the option you’ve found seems a little cheap. I can see the “vegan” (plastic) leather peeling after a year of heavy use. Aside from prioritizing quality materials, one other thing I thought of when researching is that it is important that the bag has pockets that can be accessed with one hand. What if you’re holding your baby in one arm and need to find something? You can get into all of these via a snap or magnet, or they have zippers that could safely be left open.
Regarding size: the truth of it is that anything that’s going to fit all of the things that you’re going to need for your heaviest load AND be made of a material that will hold up for years is going to be large. There’s no way around it. The alternative is that it’s a non-structured material, so it doesn’t look bulky when it’s empty, but the big downside to that is that it’s significantly more difficult to root around in one-handed.
What I’ve got for you are four convertible backpack options that are all quite different in style, but have a place for your laptop and lots of great pocket to keep all of your essentials organized:
Arch Original Diaper Bag ($120)
This is the only option I’ve found that is not a type of leather. Instead, it’s waxed canvas and converts quickly into a tote without having to clip or unclip anything. It’s simple, roomy and not as structured as many others, so I don’t think it’ll look weird if it’s not full. And since it’s actually designed to be a diaper bag, you’ll probably find the interior pockets to be especially useful.
Sure, this one may look a little bulky as a backpack, but look at those enormous bottle pockets! Considering how functional this bag is, I think it’s super stylish. I learned this weekend with my friend’s baby that it’s much easier to find something in a bag one-handed when it’s structured enough to stand up on its own.
Poppy Barley Multitasker Backpack ($303)
Style-wise, this one is the most boring of the bunch, but it has the best pocket situation and is made of cactus leather, which is the new vegan leather on the block. Certainly, it’s 10000000x better than most vegan leather, which is made of plastic, but my only concern is that this material is new enough that we can’t be sure how it’ll hold up over time.
The Convertible Pocket Backpack from Shinola ($895)
Shinola makes top notch goods. You can’t beat the quality, and given the type of leather it’s made of, it’ll get softer and slouchier over time and lend itself to more of a hobo shoulder bag shape. The size and interior pockets will cover all of your bases, but there’s only one on the exterior. If you can live with that, and swing the price tag, this one is your best bet longevity-wise.
Not quite what you’re looking for, but worth mentioning: Shinola just came out with a gorgeous new bag called The Parent Pack, which looks to be the perfect diaper bag for a cool new parent.
Jen, thank you for the challenge, and I hope you find just what you’re looking for.
QUICK ANSWER
Elisabeth in Ocala: “The pink pencil top erasers you used to sell in your store! I have looked everywhere this back to school season and can only find neon or white. My daughter actually erases like no one I have ever seen and we have gone through the whole stock I bought when you were going out of business.”
Papermate Arrowhead eraser tops are the BEST — and I don’t use that term lightly, or often. What makes them so good is that no only do they work, but they are double-walled and sturdy enough the top won’t snap off, or they won’t split up the side. Trust me — if they don’t stand up to the most furiously erasing kid in your life, nothing will. You can find them in a box of 144 in many places online, but I’d buy them from Webstaurantstore.com where they are $4.69 a box.
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
On average I walk about 40 miles a week, with a little biking and yoga mixed in. I’ve been on this path for several months now, and it’s been interesting to witness how it’s taken a toll on my body. I always tell myself I’m going to get back on the wagon of getting regular massages at Keisy, but it’s been hard to find the time. A couple of weekends ago I was at the home of my brother and his girlfriend and spotted something in the corner of their living room that I recognized from Instagram ads: a colorful acupressure mat. I tried it out and felt instantly relaxed and less stiff. It’s an interesting sensation, laying on dozens of spiky plastic things, but I loved it and am now the proud owner of my own acupressure mat and matching pillow. I bought mine from Shakti, which was more expensive than most other places I’ve found, but also seemed to be the most ethically manufactured option.
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for fresh recommendations! xo Caroline
Awesome bags. I use Freitag bags. They smell terrible. I guess the thing I’m looking for for fall and winter—are good beanies. Since being bald for many months—my head gets cold. I use the beanie I got from CW. It’s fabulous.