When I had my first baby, I registered for a Graco diaper bag, and I used that bag until it ripped apart. It matched my stroller, and I thought that was really cool. Though there’s nothing wrong with carrying one, it was still a diaper bag. I longed to be back to my old self, when I didn’t feel like a big blob in frumpy baggy clothes. That’s when I started getting into different handbags. I was used to seeing everyone carrying the typical designer bags, but they were still not calling my name… until a friend introduced me to an independent hand bag designer. Then I fell in love.
It took awhile to figure my way around some of the independent designer names, so I wanted to share some of my findings over the past year. I was able to score some real deals through different forums, deal sites, rock bottom sales, sample sales, sold a few things to afford them, and it’s all been really fun. (I don’t currently have all of these, but I kept the photos.) A lot of them I’ve used instead of diaper bags by using smaller organizer bags to separate smaller items.
*I do not represent any of these brand names nor have any affiliation with them.
Hayden-Harnett | Sloane satchel in steel metallic. It has multiple hidden pockets and a beautiful silky lining.
Hayden-Harnett is probably my favorite independent designer despite some of
their problems delivering their items the past year. Hopefully they will turn around, and continue to provide
awesome bags in the A/W season.
Rebecca Minkoff
Junior Drake | Aurora satchel in bronze. It has a messenger strap too so
you can sling it for when you’re running after your kids. Junior Drake uses
nice leathers, well-made, and they do embellishments well.
Not Rational | Christina crossbody in eggplant metallic. Not Rational makes
great leather baby bags, but this is my favorite style of all time. I love crossbody bags since they allow
me to be hands free to chase my kids around. What’s great about Not Rational
bags is that their leathers are so soft, vibrant in color and so lightweight.
49 Square Miles | Clingy wallet in turquoise. 49 Sq Mi is a brand that’s based off San Francisco, and
their leathers are just TDF (aka “to die for” in purse circles). The details on
their bags and accessories are impeccable, and their leathers look even better
with age.
There are more that I want to try out in the future, but I
wanted to share some that I’ve tried out. Don’t be afraid to shop independent.
You might find a great designer in the rough. As a WAHM, I love to support
designers that are up and coming. I hope this will inspire to go beyond your
comfort zones, bring out that hot mama in you, and have you slinging some fun
bags. One great thing about haute bags – you can hide behind their loveliness.
By: Michelle S.
We take a minute to know someone, one hour to like someone, and one day to love someone, but the whole life to forget someone.
Posted by: Hermes Handbags | July 26, 2011 at 04:17 AM
great post michelle! love the not rational christina bag. drapes beautifully and i love tassles! thanks for the reviews!
Posted by: Heesook Carrano | May 28, 2010 at 05:59 PM