Timi & Leslie: Vintage, Hip, Style and Function

Probably before the time that most of us entered Mommyhood, but not too many years ago (1999), the only diaper bags that could be found were, ummm, unstylish. You know the one's I'm talking about: festooned with little cartoon characters in mixes of soft pastels over bulky bags. No one was looking out for Mommy's style! That all changed when comedienne Leslie Newton, and her former partner, Timi, took their creative bag design to the next level--the mommy level.

Oh... thank goodness they did! Blame Timi & Leslie for the eyerolls our husbands offer when we get another cool bag. Go ahead. But recognize the talent of these designers. Timi & Leslie bags deserve the original spot in the diaper bag Hall of Fame. (and, yes, there will be a Hall of Fame, even if I have to create it.)

My Gwyneth Large Diaper Bag (shown here), has been nothing short of a pleasure to carry. The gorgeous toile fabric is covered in a clear vinyl (much like Grandma's couch in the 1970s). In this case, though, the vinyl is a fantastic cover for a gorgeous fabric--a fabric to precious to endure the spills of children. The vinyl allows for easy clean-up and no stains.

My favorite feature of this roomy bag is the wristlet that is included. The wristlet, which I'm carrying with and without my kids, easily fits my cell, fat wallet (I may have a bit of "George Costanza"-itis), several lipsticks and my keys. Its a grab and go that fits in my Gwyneth as well as easily hangs from my wrist. Since acquiring this bag, the rest of my wristlets have joined the "formerly used bag shelf" in my closet. Also included is a matching changing pad with vinyl covering the toile on one side and a water-resistant nylon liner on the opposite.

The interior of the T&L (which Timi & Leslie is affectionately referred as) is a water-resistant liner--which makes my concerns about spills getting caught between the liner and the vinyl naught. There are ample pockets including an insulated bottle pocket and a key-clip (yes... its passing that test again) on the inside and a zipper pocket and 2 more bottle pockets on the outside. The messenger flap closes with a magnetic snap and the bag has metal feet on the bottom.

I also love that the bag isn't a floppy bag. It stands perfectly well. And it has an adjustable messenger strap in the same fabric as the rest of the bag--laminated toile in this case.

Timi and Leslie products include a large selection of other bags like backpacks and totes. In the past year, they've donated over $1400 to the Wildlife Conservation Society from proceeds from Will Ferrel signed Curious George Bags. And this year, they introduced the "high end" Mommy Chic bag, which I'll be reviewing in a few weeks.

Use code SAVE15 at My Little Ducks for 15% off any order and get free shipping with orders over $75. My Little Ducks will also special order any Timi & Leslie bags if you are interested in a fabric that's not listed on the site.