Ask the Snob: Busy Mom Needs Chic Day Bag

Bag Snob,Please help with desired new spring bag. I want an everyday BIG bag that I can throw baby S’s crap in and is also chic. I want something light-looking and less money. Want style, but pacifiers and crayons do have to go in there along with my crap. Thoughts?From: iblondegirl (an attorney in NYC)Dear iblondegirl,This is a dilemma that I faced myself when my boy was a bit younger. Kids require you carry a vacation’s worth of stuff for a single errand. How could I schlep his sippy cups, snacks, toys, blanket, diapers, and so on, while still maintaining a bag with at least some sort of chicness? Having kids does not mean we’ve lost all sense of style – we may have lost our common sense and our memory, but vanity prevails no matter what! This is an instance when function and fashion must coexist, for the sake of your sanity and your style.Lanvin is a great choice for roomy, durable, and elegant. The “Lovely Leopold” tote is made of well-wearing black leather (hides those apple juice spills!) and has an optional shoulder strap.Michael Kors, Reed Krakoff, and Tory Burch (hers is scratch-proof!) versions are less expensive and all have very handy pockets for storing pacifiers and other comforts to hand your tot during a meltdown. Reed Krakoff’s bag has countless compartments and easy-access outer pockets to keep S’s and your belongings separate. I do prefer longer shoulder straps that leave your hands free to tote the tot or carry your to-go coffee, which Reed Krakoff’s is lacking – though it is by far the chicest tote. (Maybe fashion trumps function yet again!)Good luck and let me know what you choose!Lanvin “Lovely Leopold” Leather Tote On Net-a-Porter for $2,185.MICHAEL Michael Kors “Jet Set” Zip Top Tote At Michael Kors for $198.Reed Krakoff Leather Tote On Net-a-Porter for $890.Tory Burch “Robinson” Metallic Tote At Tory Burch for $550.