Finding a non-naff mum bag
The (almost) impossible quest
Really this should have been one of the first posts I wrote, because if anything is going to give you a personality crisis after having a baby, it's having to carry around a horrid mum bag. Which so many of them are. Considering the handbag business is so huge and money-making, and you can buy a nice bag for almost everything, from holding your lipgloss on a night out, to going on a weekend away, it's remarkable that those dedicated to carting kids’ stuff around are completely void of style. But then we mums don't care about that do we…
The thing about handbags is, they're such an indicator of taste-level. They're like a short-hand for what your take on stylish and relevant is. And I think, more than any other piece of clothing, a bag communicates how you want to present yourself to the world. So when you wear one you don't identify with, it's jarring and disorientating. Which is unhelpful at a time when you're probably wearing clothes that are a little different to usual and perhaps not fully recognising yourself in the mirror.
Of course bags are often a status symbol, too. I've mentioned before that I’m a total bag snob (they don't need to be expensive, but good quality and design) and I fully subscribe to the idea that a great bag will elevate any outfit, no matter how average or no-effort it is. So when you're throwing on leggings and T-shirts time and again, a nice bag is going to help you feel pulled-together and like you’ve got something going on.
There are a zillion mum bags out there to leave you uninspired, but stylish options can be found that tick the non-negotiables of being big, durable, easy to carry and with pockets. Having worn mum bags for the last three and a half years, my advice would be to buy something you really like, as you’ll be seeing a lot of it. And when you're having a bad/sad/tired/ragey day, using a bag that makes you feel good can help turn things around.
The changing bag
Bells and whistles changing bags tend to be both pricey and unattractive, however they're reassuring in the newborn phase when you need a million things to leave the house. Having one bag that facilitates bottles, dry and wet nappies and outfit changes is very useful. I still use mine most days.
Amidst a sea of ugly changing bags there are two brands to look at. Finnson is run by two former fashion industry mums and has a minimal Scandi aesthetic. The Selby changing tote (£150) is made from waterproof and wipeable recycled polyester, has a waterproof pocket for wet stuff, insulated bottle holder, pockets galore and comes with a travel changing mat. It has two lengths of straps to wear shoulder or crossbody, and it can be clipped onto your buggy with these clips. I'm a sucker for leopard but it also comes in black.
The other brand to note is Tiba + Marl which again is founded by former fashion folk and has a simple, grown-up look. I’m not a backpack girl, however the T+M x Selfridges Elwood backpack (£150) in black nylon gives off Prada Re-nylon vibes, plus it's wipe clean. Inside you’ll find a changing mat, insulated bottle holder and a removable waterproof clutch for wet clothes/keeping nappies and wipes in. The side pockets are also good for water bottles.
The nappy pouch
If you don't want to do a full-on changing bag, a nappy pouch can be chucked into whatever bag. They’re also good for when you're going somewhere close by and want to travel light.
Everlane’s Transit catch-all case (£33) isn't specifically for nappies but it's a good size, is water-resistant and has interior pockets for keeping bags/cream/wipes in.
La Pochette’s wet bag (£70) is actually meant for wet swimwear, however it’s fully waterproof, has anti-stain coating and is washable, so also pretty ideal to use for changing. It also has a dry compartment for keys/phone/purse. When the nappy days are behind you, it would be such a chic thing to take to swimming lessons or the splash pad.
French-Spanish label Nobodinoz is worth looking at for stylish baby accessories. The Hyde Park changing mat (£30) has a waterproof lining and a waterproof pocket with zipper to keep your changing kit in.
The chic cross body
Bags you can carry hands-free become very important when you’re pushing a buggy or holding a little hand/micro-scooter/balance bike. Which is why cross-bodies are so good. I find them especially useful for day trips when you need all your stuff, but also want to be a bit more compact for public transport etc. Or if I'm just out with my three-year-old and don't have the buggy.
The style to know right now is the ‘sling’ which should be worn across your torso rather than banging against your hip. Not only are these a key piece of the season, the banana-shape is actually very practical as you can fit a lot in.
The OG sling bag is Uniqlo, which this season comes in a quilted style (£19.90) and a selection of easy-to-wear neutrals. I love the coffee.
COS’ nylon sling (£65) has a cool nineties utility vibe which is going to look great with leggings or jeans. Or a long denim skirt and tank. Or! With a slip dress.
For something a bit more polished, try Arket’s suede curved bag (£179). If suede feels too high-maintenance, there's also a similar version in grained leather (£159) which tends to stand up better against scuffs and scratches than plain leather.
The Big Tote
The other option is a huge tote bag, which is particularly good for lobbing into the bottom of the buggy, or clipping onto the handles with a carabiner (this for a fiver!).
During the summer I like to use a big basket. They're robust enough and the open design is good for easy access (although you’ll probably want to put valuables in a zippy pouch, see above). I ‘accidentally’ went home with one from the spa at Thyme, but this from Bohemia Designs (£54) is identical and looks wonderfully French, as if there could be rosé inside, not melty sticks. The double strap is useful for slinging over a shoulder/carrying by hand.
Or go for canvas which is easily wiped down and can take a lot of weight. Hay’s Everyday Tote (£39) is a great size and has the double straps, as well as slip side pockets for drinks bottles.
I'm obsessed with the Isabel Marant Derwen Tote. The stripe is perfect – not too deckchair or preppy or graphic –so you can take it in whatever direction your outfit is heading. And it's going to add some colour to your look, too. Normally I’d consider it too nice and expensive for being around children BUT it's currently on sale, so if you were tempted (hi!) now's the time. And obviously it’s also a super chic bag to wear when you're not with the kids. The below red is £144 and the blue is £115.
One more because look how fun it is! This strawberries and cream shopper from Hadeda (£55) is made from woven plastic and therefore bullet-proof - or at least spilt drink/leaking nappy/ squashed banana-proof. So jolly for summer park sessions and holidays.
One more thing
I'm not on top of food shopping at the moment and have had to empty the cupboards a couple of times recently to cobble together dinner for the kids. If you find yourself in such a situation, try these uber quick baked bean fritters, which only use three ingredients (importantly, ingredients you’ll have). My kids loved them. Serve with a few slices of beige-guilt cucumber.
That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x
Storq has the best bags that make me feel like a “cool mom” (the fanny pack one…) https://storq.com/products/fanny-pack-diaper-bag
I WISH this was available in the UK - so great xx