The quest for the perfect diaper bag can feel a bit quixotic for the fashion-conscious mama. Luckily Natalie and Gabriella, the sassy fashion duo from The Duality, have come up with two takes on bags that are fabulous, on-trend, and best of all, functional!
Every mama knows how unpredictable a day out with the kids can be; we prefer to be over-prepared for whatever life decides to throw our way! But when you need to consider fitting toys, bottles, formula, water, diapers, travel wipes, soothers, and everything else that you and the baby may want, it doesn’t leave much room to be creative with your bag choice. Fear not, Sassy Mamas, because functionality and style can go hand in hand! Here are our favourite multi-purpose bags that not only cater to the needs of the kids, but look great on you too!
NAT
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli backpack, $1184.44
Just because you’re wearing a backpack, it doesn’t mean you’re going back to school. The pastel hue of this backpack contrasts beautifully with the structured shape and industrial-style hardware. You can zip down the sides to create more space in the bag and it can also be carried by the handle so it looks identical to the original cult Pashli bag.
Zara Crocodile leather bucket bag, $219
This bag combines two big trends – faux crocodile and the bucket shape – for the ultimate on-trend bag. Easy drawstring closure, handle and shoulder strap make this bag super practical whilst it still manages to look incredibly exotic thanks to the deep navy colour and tassels. Paired with a chic tailored wool coat, this is the perfect winter bag.
Mischa Jet Set Tote in camo green, $287.58
This very cool and urban carry-all is beautifully made and perfect no matter what the occasion due to its roomy interior and understated luxury. The darker camouflage tones will work well against different clothing colours and styles. I have a lovely Mischa bag and have used it for work, gym, dinners and everything in between. A zipped pocket on the inside is a must for keys and a phone when you’re likely shoving in toys and snacks alongside wet wipes and everything in between!
GABBY
Longchamp Le Pliage Personalized, $284.32
It is not uncommon to see a rainbow of nylon Longchamp totes gracing the streets of Singapore, due to their versatility to fit with most outfits and their unnerving ability to fit just about anything (plus they’re foldable, as the name suggests). It is rarer, however, to see this iconic bag personalised with initials added to the front of the bag. If that wasn’t enough, better still, they now allow you to customise it further: the base comes in eight colours and you can then pick the colours of the other bag elements, including the straps, stripe, hardware, and flap. The spaciousness and versatility of the classic tote that many mamas value still remains, it’s just gotten a whole lot cooler!
Louella Odie Bauhinia bag, $211.59
Louella Odie is a local HK brand that incorporates both hand-printed and digital printed leathers, and pays tribute to some of Hong Kong’s iconic images. Self-described as “capacious”, the Bauhinia Bag can fit all that your rugrats require; it has three internal pockets, one that is zipped. Similarly, its design is certainly eye-catching and unique, but is subdued enough for you to wear daily.
Mismo Weekender, $733.59
If anyone knows functionality, it’s the Danes! Danish brand Mismo makes great weekender bags and I’ve picked this one because I like the clean, linear finish. It’s large enough to pack all you need for a day out with the kids, but refined enough to work well with jeans, knee-high boots and a good cashmere sweater. Plus, that khaki colour gets me every time!