I’m so absolutely digging my Kokopax blakely ring tote.  I have never used a tote/diaper bag like this one and I’m finding it quite useful (currently with my 3-1/2 yr. old and soon with the new baby to come).  I actually consider it a perfect summertime tote.  The one pictured above is the one that was sent to me.  I have to comment on its durability.  The material is 100% cotton canvas, so it’s nice and sturdy, not flimsy.  There are several deep pockets inside and a zipper pocket, as well as a detachable mini-tote (about the size of a wallet).  The blakely ring totes retail for about $79.99.

Kokopax is also known for their carriers and sunhats.  All three items are available in matching designs and currently, there are six designs to choose from.

If you’re interested in purchasing something from Kokopax, search for a retailer near you or shop online at their website.

Pictured here is the Amy Michelle Madison Avenue Tote in charcoal (from the Street Baby Tote line).  I received this durable, do-it-all tote and I’m pretty stoked to put it to good use come this July.  Heck, I’ve already started using it!  It still comes in handy for all of those juice boxes and snacks I have to have readily available for my preschooler.  My husband, who rarely notices things like a brand new bag even commented on how sturdy this tote seems.  I know he’s secretly excited to carry around a diaper bag that isn’t all-out girly.

This tote/diaper bag will perform all of the necessary functions that you need it to during the infant, baby, toddler and preschool stages (and beyond!):

- washable changing pad (21″x14″)
- internal and external bottle pockets
- quick-release pacifier holder
- compartments for diapers, wipes, & bottles
- stroller attachments included

and for the mama’s and dada’s:

- section for mom’s and dad’s necessities
- pocket for day planner, cell phone, and other essentials
- easy to find key ring
- dimensions – 12.5″L x 4″W x 15″H
- weight – 1 lbs 10oz

Serious functionality:

- shoulder bag
- attaches to your baby’s stroller
- converts easily into a backpack

And the laptop fits nice and snug for when you’re running out of the house to the local coffee shop for some alone time with your social networking buddies!

I know for a fact that these are the features I want in a diaper bag/tote.  The Madison Avenue tote runs about $55 dollars and can be ordered direct from the Amy Michelle website.  When you’re visiting the website, check out all of the other fab diaper bags/totes.  Hot bags for hot mamas.  Keep it in mind when you hear your pregnant buddy trying to make a decision on a diaper bag.

*Update: Congratulations to Jennifer, our winner of the Ju-Ju-Be BeLight bag!

I’m sort of like Goldilocks when it comes to bags.  This one’s too small.  That one’s too big.  But THIS one…THIS one is juuust right.  This is the brand new Ju-Ju-Be BeLight bag.  My kid is almost three, so I don’t need a diaper bag, per say, but I can *secretly* carry around diapers and wipes in the BeLight and no one would ever know it.  She could just stay in diapers….FOREVER! (Insert snarky laugh here).

Of course, for the newer parents, the ones who need to carry their houses around with them, there is this option:

This is the Be All diaper bag in Groovy Garden.  She’s so pretty.

We’re giving away a BeLight bag in Groovy Garden (see the above diaper bag for the color/pattern).  All you have to do to enter is stop by Ju-Ju-Be’s website, take a look around at the fashionable bags and leave a comment here letting us know what you’re digging over there.  Your comment on this post will be considered your entry.  Giveaway ends on Friday, September 12th.

If you’re in a handbag “state of mind” then look no further.  Star 50 Handbags is right smack dab on the map where you’ll want to be. With each bag inspired by a different state in the union, there will no longer be an excuse not to own at least 50 incredibly luscious handbags!

Right now, Star 50 Handbags has at least 24 fabulous collectible designer bags to choose from and more making their debut very soon! I’m anticipating the release of the Pennsylvania ??? as well as the Montana Treasure Tote. Two of my very favorite states in the union. Colorado would be my third and I’m loving the Colorado Lodge Tote.

Some of the handbags are more on the pricey side, ranging in the $100s but that’s what you can expect to pay for one-of-a-kind bags like these. “A modern heirloom” is how designer/owner Amity Cooper describes her line of delicious treats.

Not all of them are out of the “I-need-a-million-handbags now” price-range, however. Take the Alaska Trapper that I’m drooling over right now. She retails for $65.00 and comes in three colors; Trapper Orange (pictured), Hunter Olive or Oil Black.

As you get acquainted with each bag on the Star 50 Handbag website, notice at the bottom of the page the “Fast Facts” about each state where said handbag gets her personality. Oh, and don’t forget to tell your hunny-bunny that Valentine’s day is fast approaching…wink-wink, nudge-nudge.

Rosenberry Rooms has an insanely large collection of, well, everything.  From stylish nursery room themes, bedding, to adorable footstools and step stools (because I’m in the market for one), wall art and so on and so on.  All right up my boutique-loving alley.

They also have a gift registry. If you’re tired of the boring, same old, same old baby shower registry items, consider registering at Rosenberry Rooms or tell your expectant friends/family about this incredible boutique. What a fun and refreshing way for your guest to shop for you! I kind of want to set one up, just because.

I don’t think they’re kidding when they say they have the largest selection of designer diaper bags.  They have a very fine collection of diaper bags that will have everyone drooling and asking where you bought that fabulous bag! It might only take something as simple as a fashionable diaper bag to get me thinking “baby” again.

This is the Baby Pink Corduroy Laminated Buckle Diaper Bag by Kalencom.  I really like this bag, ladies.  It’s easy to keep clean, there is a removable, insulated bottle bag, removable diaper pouch and a changing pad.

The inside of this bag is a gorgeous chocolate brown color.  Also, there is P-L-E-N-T-Y of room. The bag retails for about $70 and is available at Rosenberry Rooms for purchase.  This would make a fab gift for a mom-to-be!

My wife carries a pink floral print designer diaper bag that I wouldn’t want to be caught with. Luckily for all us hipster dads out there Diaper Dude has come to our rescue. They make designer diaper bags for men in a ton of different (but all awesome) styles. The bag has a durable stroller strap, a super-comfy ergonomic across-the-chest design with padded strap, tons of pockets for all your stuff, bottle pockets, and even a padded changing pad. Who knew that a diaper bag could look this cool?

Bumble Bags are so stylish and roomy and are available in several different styles; Jessica Messenger Backpack, Kimberly Tote and Madeline Backpack. We have the Madeline Backpack Hanging Stroller Bag in Paisley and it instantaneously became my favorite bag. The material is soft and it is water and stain resistant. There are plenty of sections for mom and baby stuff.

Generally, what you see here is what I carry with me on a daily basis. There is STILL plenty of room after all of this stuff for her toys and whatnot.

The features that I love the most about this backpack/diaper bag are the zipped diaper pocket on the inside, the multiple bottle/sippy cup compartments inside and out and the extra zipped pocket on the outside.

The pop-out stroller straps are great if you ask me. I love being able to attach my bag to the stroller and still have room underneath for all of my shopping bags. I was getting pretty tired of my bag always slipping off of the stroller handle.

The backpack feature of this bag just can’t be beat. I don’t feel like I’m losing everything when I have to hurry up and chase my toddler somewhere. I know all of my possessions are right there in my bag, on my back and not flying all over the place.

Bumble Bags are available at numerous online retailers (our pals at The Polkadot Platypus being one of them!) as well as quite a few physical locations around the U.S. and Canada.

Don’t forget, they also have infant and toddler car seat covers, as well as toddler totes!

Outside Baby’s packs and bags are made from waterproof rip-stop Nylon and Cordura. If you want to look like you know what you’re doing out there on that rough terrain, you’ve got to have one of these!

Check out some of their stylish packs and bags, prices ranging from $19.99 to $79.99:

Hailey is sporting the mini backpack, just like mom and dad’s! Next is the mini messenger bag, which works perfectly on your son or daughter’s bicycle. Then the cooler backpack, excellent for hiking. I find messenger bags hard to live without so definitely check out their messenger bag, complete with a travel cooler. Last but certainly not least, the hydro pack so you can stay hydrated at the park or on the trail!

Outside Baby is really worth taking a look-see. Whether you’re an avid outdoors-man or just taking the occasional stroll on the suburban trails, Outside Baby is a trusted source for quality gear.