Quirky McSunshine in a Baby Bag

Ok, I will fess up that I did not come up with the phrase "Quirky Mc Sunshine". It was a phrase I once read in a movie review, used to describe a character. But the minute I saw my Offhand Designs Ursula baby bag, it leapt to mind. I had to smile. It's a happy bag. One part hippie, two parts fashionista, with a healthy pinch of crafty grandma charm. Enchanting. You're not surprised to hear this if you know the history of Offhand Designs Bags. The San Francisco based company is best known for whipping up fabulous knitting bags from vintage fabrics. Their glamorous bags were an overnight success. Widely coveted, they alone are a good excuse to take up the needles and helped make knitting hip again. Many a time I considered repurposing their knitting bags to a baby bag but now I don't have to as they have already done just that themselves, with thoughtful modifications.

The Ursula is a uniquely-shaped, midsized, fabric tote that has been tricked out for your baby-stuff carrying needs. It has some really ingenious and accomodating smocked bottle pockets on the inside, that fit any size bottle perfectly. I love the gorgeous graphic patterned oilcloth lining. There is a zipped interior pocket for your lipgloss, wallet etc. And you'll find three slip pockets for your diapers, wipes etc. These pockets work best for smaller size diapers, however. The bag is capacious, but not cavernous. Enough space to hold the essentials, but not much more. I'm happy with that, as I prefer to carry a less loaded down bag on my shoulder/person. For reference - I packed 2 diapers in a diaper case, a wipes case, my clutch wallet, a small snack, and a spare tee. And of course my lipgloss, cell, and tic tacs. Must have those! I could have crammed a sweatshirt and spare pants for my son in too, but preferred the look of the bag less stuffed. It has such nice clean lines, which get lost if you can see the contents poking out of the bag.

The exterior of this bag is the real treat. Vintage style mixed and matched velvets and brocades give it a one-of-a-kind family heirloom look and feel. They are definitely funky. You will be stopped and questioned about this bag, by people of all ages. None of them will guess that it is a diaper bag, and you could definitely carry it for years to come, which is why I place this one firmly in the "mommy bag" category. I found pinning a large vintage brooch to the strap of mine really sold the hip heirloom look further. You could tie on a scarf too. Make it your own.

Three large additional slip pockets on the outside catch your binkies,receipts, cell phone etc but you will need to take care not to tip the bag as these pockets are open and contents could shake loose if you, say, fling the bag in the back of your SUV. (Not that I would ever do such a thing! Horrors!). Luckily the bag has ladylike brass feet which really do keep it steadily upright wherever you place it (Note to self: must stop flinging bags, nasty habit). This makes finding things inside very easy as well. If you are paranoid or prone to flinging (just saying), stash the cell in the interior pockets.

Ok, I know you are all thinking, velvet? Baby bag? Did she say velvet?

Well wouldn't you know it, my 2 yo son ate a great big hotdog with ketchup and mustard on it, while I was out with him and this bag. And chose a moment shortly thereafter to express his affection towards me. A human grease and condiment cannonball. I instinctively used the bag as a shield. Hey - I was wearing white!.

The great news is that I was able to easily wipe off the evidence with a damp cloth. Like Grandma's 50 year old couch, the upholstery weight fabric is tougher and more practical than you'd think. Still I am considering a nice layer of scotchguard to prevent future incidents.

I gotta be honest. The Ursula bag is probably not the most practical baby bag I have ever carried. But I forgive it completely. The most practical bag I ever carried was really fugly. I never forgave that bag and it never made me smile. Ursula is definitely more fun to pal around with and plenty functional for daily, fashionable, light to medium use.

I'd recommend this bag to any and all quirky urban bohemian fashionistas out there. Particularly if leather is not your thing and you want to spread a little color and sunshine around town. My Little Ducks has some great deals currently on the Ursula bag in Goldenrod, and the Zelda in green. SAVE15 for 15% off any order on My Little Ducks, and there is free shipping on orders over $75. Craftsbury kids has an impressive collection of Ursula Bags in stock and either store can also special order other Offhand Designs styles you might be interested in. MWS readers carrying this bag will receive smiles from strangers, free of charge.