Finding the Perfect Fall Bag
Over the past week, I've been product testing 3 different bags from the well-known bag/organizing solution company Thirty-one Gifts. I already own a few of their products (if any of you have seen Annie's adorable backpack, it's from them!) and have always been pleased with the quality and I like that you can personalize it with so many different embroidery options if you want. When I was asked to test a few out, I jumped at the chance! I love the idea of "try it before you buy it", so I could see what I liked and didn't like about each one. My main goal in doing this was to find a fashionable bag that could double as a diaper bag or a bag that I could take to work with my pumping things in it that doesn't scream diaper or pumping bag. Kirsten, the Thirty-one consultant I was working on with this, provided me with 3 distinctly different bags - the Retro Metro Tote, the Zip Top Organizing Tote and the Midway Hobo - to try out that could meet these qualifications. She also set up a Facebook Event where I could post my thoughts throughout the week and if anyone decided they wanted to purchase a bag, she created a special link that is connected to this review. Needless to say, I LOVED testing these cute bags. If you're looking for a great fall bag, check out my thoughts below and feel free to shop the linked event if you decide one of these bags will work for you too!
The Retro Metro Tote:
I took the Retro Metro up to the park with the girls one day and also to work a few of the days last week. When Kirsten dropped off the bags last weekend, this was the one I was MOST excited to try.
Pros: I like the print on this, and it's a nice soft canvas material. It holds about the same amount as the Zip Top (more on that below) but has a more relaxed structure. This one is GREAT for a diaper bag. It's super convenient to throw in diapers, wipes, toys, snacks, and everything else a diaper bag holds, and because it has that more relaxed structure, I can toss it into the stroller basket without feeling like I have to really shove it in there like I do with my current diaper bag. There are only 2 external pockets, but they are nice and deep so I could easily put a packet of wipes in the outside pocket for easy access. This is a perfect diaper bag for running errands around town or a day trip even! It is a bit more pricey than some of Thirty-one's other bags at $58, but definitely worth it. If I get this one, I'd likely go with the Twill Stripe pattern instead of the Woodblock Whimsy (in the photos), because it's just a bit more my style.
Cons: This bag doesn't have a thermal aspect to it. While for me that's not really a con, for some people I know it can be. However, this bag is roomy enough that you could throw a small thermal tote or any kind of thermal container in there and still have plenty of space. As a diaper bag, I was happy with the size, but as say, a work bag, I felt that it was just a little bit big. Actually, it didn't FEEL that big, but when I look at photos, I personally think that it LOOKS bigger. The only other con for this bag is that it doesn't zip closed. I could easily roll it closed while carrying it around town, but if for example, it fell off my shoulder, there really isn't a way to keep the contents from going all over the place. With two small kids in tow, a zippered top would be more preferred!
The Zip Top Organizing Tote:
I'll be honest, I was skeptical at first about this one, thinking it would look a lot like a diaper bag. Boy, was I wrong!! The first time I took this one out was when my mom and I went out to the lake with my girls. My mom immediately said she wanted one and has already ordered hers. She obviously is not using it as a diaper bag! This was definitely my favorite bag of the 3.
Pros: Eloise is still getting breastmilk, which means as a working mom, I'm pumping while at work. If you're in the same situation, this is a fantastic bag for work. It holds my wallet, a book to read while pumping, all my other stuff, AND my pump, but it feels and looks smaller than the Retro Metro, despite holding the same amount of stuff. It's a bit more structured in shape than the Retro Metro, which I personally like (though I'm not sure it would shove as easily into the stroller basket). Also, another plus for me for this one over the Retro Metro is that it zips closed at the top. I'm not super wild about the print personally, but checking out the website, the Chevron Squares design is totally something I'd get (which coincidentally is the same pattern and bag mom ordered haha!). This one is a steal too, at just $35, which is music to my ears. Even better, if you spend $35 or more this month, you can snag this bag for just $10, which is exactly what my mom did. I am always on the hunt for a deal, so this is probably one I'm going to find a way to take advantage of, because I love this bag.
Cons: I'm really having to stretch to think of a con on this one. I suppose one thing I'd change, because I'd be using it for a diaper bag in addition to other uses, would be a longer strap so that I can wear it cross-body. Also, if you're not a fan of outside pockets, this isn't a bag for you. I personally love it because it makes for a quick grab of a diaper, or snack, or whatever, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea.
The Midway Hobo:
From the get-go, I knew it was highly unlikely that I'd be using this purse as a diaper bag option, but I still wanted to try it out, because come on - how perfect is it for fall?!?! Also, it's been ages since I've had a nice cute neutral bag. I. LOVE. THIS. BAG! My dear cousin was married this past weekend and it was the perfect opportunity to take it and test it out. I got SO many compliments on it!
Pros: While it's not a purse that would double as a diaper bag, I was pleasantly surprised that it IS big enough that I could throw in a travel-sized pack of wipes, a few diapers for both girls, and still have enough room for my wallet if I wanted. For example, had we brought the girls to the wedding and we had to park far away, I would definitely be able to pack some emergency items in here and be fine AND stylish. Secondly, and obviously, it's gorgeous! I love the color - it's perfect for all seasons, but I particularly love it for fall. It can be dressed up or down so is pretty versatile. You can see from the photos that it looked great for a wedding with a dress, but it would be fun with a pair of jeans and a sweater as well. It's also very durable. I haven't tested this, but it feels and appears as though you wouldn't be able to scratch the leather, unless you did something drastic like took a knife to it (who would ever do that to this beauty?). Lastly, like the Zip Top Organizing Tote, this one has a zipper to keep everything hidden and inside the purse. This purse is most definitely on my want list!!
Cons: As I mentioned before, definitely not an all-day diaper bag. If you're into patterns, , this is probably not your bag - but if you're more of a loud accessory person, it does come in a few more colors! The only other con for me, is the cost. At $78, it's a bit more than I personally like spending on a bag, even if the quality warrants the price tag.
Overall, this was a great chance to really try out some different styles of bags and see how they fit into my life and style. If you ever get the chance to do something similar, I'd take it! What bag do you think I should get? What bag do you have your eye on? I'd love to hear your feedback!