Lose the Diapers, Keep the Not Rational Bag...

Ever since my first moment of motherhood, I have cringed at the phrase "Diaper Bag". Why, as mothers, must we resign ourselves to carrying something on our person, every single day, that is hello? a big old Poop Sack? Pre kids would you have wanted to carry a Poop Sack to the mall? To your friend's house? Out to dinner? I think not. So what's up with you now? From the burbs to the city, sleep deprived and slightly befuddled mamas are walking around with plastic coated beach-totesque mega-purses. Why? Perhaps we wear the bags as a sign of our membership in the good mommy club. See how practical and unselfish we are?

Not me. I'm fighting back. I've had it with the vinyl coatings, the weird webbing straps, the toddler friendly colors and textures. Enough about stimulating their senses - I want my own five senses back! I want to smell some fine leather, to see some sexy adult styling. To hear the buzz of admirers whispering in my wake.

Fortunately for me, a few LA designers that cater to the stars are stepping up. Like the designer of Not Rational Bags. She was already making spectacular bags. Bags that select celebs are thrilled to be seen toting down Robertson, and that fashion mags and paparazzi take frequent note of. One of them, aptly named the FAB bag, just happens to be offered in a nod-to-mom version. It comes outfitted with a yummy leather changing pad, some kitschy bebe accessories (bottle and binky) and a form that will work quite well for all that kid stuff we moms have to lug around. But here is the best part. You can lose all the cute accessories and it is still a bag, ladies. A gorgeous, hot, bag that you want to carry. A bag that fashionable people without children are happily buying on its own. That deserved a closer look. But looking can lead to more, as my mom always warned me. Be warned - if you have a bag-addictive personality, you should stop reading now.

The first time I saw a Not Rational Diaper bag, and felt the leather, I had such a moment of such pure consumer bliss that I wanted to go straight to bed and take the bag with me. Everything, just everything, about it felt right. The multiple handy exterior pockets and snappy belts for clipping pacis, keys, whatever you need to clip on. The generous (but not duffel bag!) size. I felt jealously protective. Like it was my baby and I did not want anyone else to touch. "Mine!" I thought. I can honestly say that I have never had that kind of strong reaction to a Poop Sack.

I've still not completely come to my senses. I guess the bag is aptly named. I'm Not Rational about it. It's practically a revelation.

They are not cheap. But then a $120 bag whose ultimate destiny, next year, is to carry firewood and beach towels, is not exactly a bargain either. So what you need to do is clear your mind, have a zen moment and remember who this bag is for. It's for *you* baby. The you who is drooling at the remembered whiff of fine leather and dreaming about that buttery touch. Stop daydreaming about the bag you're gonna get for yourself when the kids lose the diapers and treat yourself to a proper purse (plus!) now. I'm pretty sure you won't get kicked out of the Mom's club. But you may make some of those other gals pretty envious.

Christy Turlington has the Not Rational Bag in a rich purple leather - available at Kitson. But if you are a more camo casual girl, check out the Camo bag at Scoop NYC. And there are several leather choices on zappos, which offers free shipping.