May 21, 2012

Fashion Friday: Cute Camera & Media Bags

Last week, Zareen focused on the Techie Fashionista for our weekly Fashion Friday post.  It was timely as I was in Nashville for a fashion event and it’s been especially fresh on my mind, the idea of traveling with all of my media gear.

My friend Jo-Lynne and I spent much of the weekend talking about camera bags and finding that ultimate bag that works for the blogger and working Mom.  On this particular trip, I used my Jill-e Leather Camera Bag.  I wanted to bring my new Canon with extra zoom lens and I knew this Jill-e bag would keep my camera accessories protected, not to mention that it’s a totally trendy and cute bag. 

 I received numerous compliments on the bag while I was on my trip and I do love it.  I find it’s great because I can use it as a bag/purse when I’m on the road – carrying both my DSLR camera, plus all of the extras I may need like phone, wallet, lipstick and other small items.

You can get a Jill-e Camera Bag on Amazon for $119.95 with free shipping.

LowePro is known for making camera bags and while the bags I’ve seen of theirs have seemed a bit plain for my taste, this LowePro Red Bowler SLR Bag is at great price and eye-catching. 

Fits the camera with a few accessories but you’re going to need another purse or bag for your wallet and extra non-camera related items.

Get the LowePro Red Bowler SLR Camera Bag at Walmart for $39.84

I love the look of these Kelly Moore Bags; they don’t actually look like a traditional camera bag but just a normal everyday bag.  The Classic Bag is $199.99 and it really means business – it can carry the DSLR, up to 4 lenses (!), a flash and still has room for other items like your wallet, phone and keys.

Get the Kelly Moore Classic Camera Bag for $199.99

Last year, I reviewed Crumpler Bags.  Along with having some pretty awesome laptop bags, I remembered that they also manufactured camera bags and took a gander over at their website. 

Sure enough, just like their laptop bags, these bags are functional, efficient and sleek in design.  They clearly take camera bags seriously as they have designed everything with perfection down to the “most comfortable camera strap on the planet.”

On our last day in Nashville, I was remarking to Jo-Lynne that what I really wanted too was a bag that held both my laptop and my camera — for those big days out or those days when I’m traveling and want both within easy access.  So I was pleased to see that Crumpler offers combination bags with organized spots for your laptop and SLR.

Get a Crumbler Camera bag for $45 plus on Crumpler.com.

Check out these other fun Fashion Friday posts:

Shop with Zulily

Image and video hosting by TinyPicAs a busy mom of 3 (including an infant), I do most of my shopping online. I’m always looking for a bargain and LOVE those members only daily deal sites — and one of my favorite ones is zulily.

If you don’t know what zulily is, it gives parents daily deals on unique and hot brands at up to 70% off retail prices.  I’ve already bought a lot of things for my kids, myself and as gifts on the site.

So when I was invited to meet the staff at an event in NYC last month, I had to go! I spoke to President and CEO Darrell Cavens, who used to be an executive for Blue Nile.  I was very impressed when he told me he wouldn’t put anything on zulily that he wouldn’t buy for his own family. He co-founded zulily to introduce parents to high quality boutique brands at significant discounts.
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Chic Mama Diaper Cakes: A Great Gift For Any Mom

When it comes to preparing to have a baby, what item comes to mind that you will most definitely use the most? Well diapers of course!! Being  a new mom, I have come learn first hand how many diapers one ACTUALLY uses in one day…and boy is it alot!!! That’s why I was so excited to receive my Chic Mama Diaper cake! Not only is it super cute, but it also is extremely functional. And that is why this diaper cake makes the perfect gift to any expecting mama to be!

Chic Mama was founded by a wife and mother, who took her great diaper cakes that she gave to friends, into a successful business! What started as a business of diaper cakes has now expanded to include many other great gifts such as handbags, totes, diaper bags, baby gear and clothing. If you want to go a little fancier you can even get a towel cake made! A perfect place to shop for any expecting mama.

I received the Anthony Diaper Cake ($65) just days before giving birth to my son. And it was great because when I got home, I had everything I needed to get started in terms of diapers and baby soaps and lotions once I got home. That’s why something like this makes a great shower gift! Each cake is a little different. So what comes with the Anthony cake?

60 – 65 Pampers Swaddlers diapers size 1 (8-14 lbs)

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (1.5 oz)

Johnson’s Baby Lotion (1 oz)

Johnson’s Baby Baby Wash (1 oz)

Johnson’s Baby Powder (1 oz)

Johnson’s Desitin Sample (1 oz)

Cream Silk Gerbera Daisy

Crinkle paper

Premium decorative ribbon and bows

Ingredient card

All ingredients make mommy’s first days home a little easier. But don’t think you HAVE to use the cake…it can certainly remain in tact and be kept as a decoration. I know it was hard for me to take it apart to use the diapers, but when you run out, you gotta use what you have!

I also tried another item from the Chic Mama site. The Demi bella Black Long Sleeved T shirt. As a matter of fact you can see how much I loved this item in my review on After The Alter. There is even a giveaway going on so you can try it yourself!

Bottom line…Chic Mama is a site that has great gifts for any expectant mother in your life. And with the holidays approaching what a great time to give these items as gifts!

I was provided with a Chic Mama diaper cake for the purposes of this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

35% off Holiday Sale at TechTotes: Stylish Media Bag & More

It’s that time of the week again – Friday!  This month the weeks are flying by faster than ever for me and I know it’s going to seem like a nanosecond before Christmas is upon us. 

One idea for a gift for pretty much anyone on your list over the age of 18 is a media or laptop bag.  I have a sale to share with you all just in time too.  TechTotes.Net make Stylish Media Bags for your laptop, Kindle, iPad, cell phone and more. 

TechTotes.Net is offering several of their products at 15-35% off this weekend, until Sunday December 12th.  My favorite sale item is this Netbook/Kindle case for $74.80 (normally $88)  And I absolutely adore this Embossed Crocodile Portfolio in Red – for $78 this is an affordable stylish laptop bag.

Diapers.com: Beyond Baby Care & a #Giveaway for $200 Gift Certificate

My youngest child has been out of diapers for over a year now so buying diapers and shopping somewhere like Diapers.com has not been on my radar. Until recently, when I received a note about participating in a campaign for Diapers.com to purchase and use the site for more than diapers.

More than diapers at Diapers.com?  I was curious to see how the site had grown since my last child potty trained and was pleasantly surprised at how much their offering had expanded since the last time I ordered.

I placed a big order for several products, none of which was diapers!  I got toys for my kids for Christmas, clothes and skin care products for my kids.  In searching for various products, I was able to find everything I was looking for.  Check out the array of Legos they offer!  (My kids are so into Legos right now, I was impressed with their selection.)

I also ordered this adorable Tea Collection Lion Double Decker Tee.  Then I was out of hand soap so I hopped over to body care and ordered several bottles of Burts Beeds Hand Soap.  Bottom line being that their offering has moved beyond diapers and their prices are competitive.  (Free shipping over $49!)

Just to give you an example the vast assortment of products you can buy for your family’s needs, check out this random assortment of products you can buy on Diapers.com:

Bravado Designs Nursing Tank - $49

Fisher Price IxL Learning System - $89.99

Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel - $24

3-pack of EPT Pregnancy Stick Tests - $13.99

Lego City Seaplane - $9.49

Shipping is free when your order is over $49 and no joke, my order came in a day and a half. They promise 1-2 day shipping and I placed my order late one night. It came not the next day but early the following morning; roughly 36 hours.

Giveaway: One lucky reader from Mommies with Style will win a $200 gift certificate to Diapers.com!  Comment below to enter.

This giveaway ends after Sunday, December 12th – one winner will be selected at random after that time.

Disclosure:  I was given compensated and given a credit to spend at Diapers.com to facilitate this post.

Getting it together in style; 10% off Coupon Code for Shopaholics Shop

Do you ever feel like you can never find anything in your purse? Are you always searching for your keys, make-up and the little things you like to carry around? It’s frustrating and annoying being disorganized, especially with something you take around with you everywhere, every day!

Recently I was introduced to a few new stylish organizational products from Shopaholics Shop that are designed to de-clutter your life on-the-go, in a hip, fashionable manner. They are amazing! You won’t want to ever be without them!

They include:
Card Cubby a “must have” alphabetized mini-card file to hold all of your gift cards, frequent shopper cards, coupons, etc.
Jewelry Tote love how this keeps my jewelry organized and in perfect condition on the road or at home
Purse Insert amazing purse accessory to help keep my purse (or diaper bag) nice and organized with various compartments for all of my stuff
Luxury Travel Tote tons of space, totally wipeable, awesome organized bag to take with you on trips or for everyday

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Kalencom’s Coated Double Buckle Bag and Quick Change Kit

Image and video hosting by TinyPicWith two kids in diapers, I don’t leave home without a diaper bag. So, when I needed a new diaper bag for going out with both my infant son and my 2 year old daughter, I went with Kalencom’s Coated Double Buckle Bag (around $80). I love the fun colored Giraffe Print — choose from chocolate and blue, chocolate and cream, and chocolate and pink.  The bag features 2 magnetic clips to keep the top flap closed, a large interior with 3 pockets, an adjustable shoulder strap and 3 outer pockets. Also included is a matching zippered pouch, a fold-out padded changing pad and a matching bottle bag that’s insultated. The bag is AZO free and they use no Phthalates/DEHP, DBP, or BOP in their PVC.

One thing that is a new mom must-have is Kalencom’s Quick Change Kit ($30). I love that it’s compact, super easy to clean (just wipe off) and comes with a clear plastic wipes case. It’s AZO free and Phthalates free. The length of the changing pad is long enough that my almost 3 year old daughter fits on it, as well as my infant, It’s thin enough, even when stuffed with an incredible amount of diapers, to go in your diaper bag (I usually take it with me, rather than the included changing pad in my diaper bag). Or you could throw it in your stroller basket and if it had a loop, I would hang it off my stroller handle (hint, hint). This is one product that should always be with you! Instead of lugging your diaper bag to the restroom to change your child, just pick up your baby and your Quick Change Kit!

Thank you to Kalencom for providing product samples.

34 Weeks: Organizing with the PishPosh Carryall

I have a sinking suspicion that staying organized is difficult when you are a mom. There is just to much to think about and prepare for. But while organizing all your babies things, a mom should not also have to give up her style. That’s where the Pishposh Carryall comes in! Pishposh provides organizational purse inserts, so that you can use your purse as your diaper bag! Neat!

Co Creators Jenny Hong and Kopal Goonetileke created the caryall out of necessity to add organization when scrambling to gather their kids to get out the door. They felt like they were always forgetting something because there wasn’t a place for it. At the same time, they still wanted to use their designer handbags rather than a bulky diaper bag. So instead of throwing everything into a ziplock, they came up with a solution that would compartmentalize all their needs…the PishPosh Carryall ($44.99).

Along with the carryall I tried the Diaper clutch with pad ($24.99). This is designed for those quick outings when all you need are some diapers and wipes. The clutch holds a changing pad, diapers and wipes case. The carryall may be a little big to fin in some purses, but the clutch definitely will. I also think the clutch could be used along with your diaper bag to hold some of your “mom” essentials.

With a baby on the way I am trying to start to get organized as early as possible. Better safe than sorry right? Whether you use these bags in your current purse, on it’s own or as a emergency bag that goes in your car, I think they definitely offer you an organizational solution.

The bags come in great patterns, whose names represent the founders inspiration…San Fransisco. The pattern shown above is the one that I tried and is called Noe Blooms. You can get the PishPosh Swanky Set: which includes the Carryall and the clutch for $64.99. All definitely very fashionable and functional options!

For the purposes of this review I was provided with the Carryall as well as the clutch. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fashion Friday: Fun Fall Bags

Time to put away that bright and summery looking summer bag and head for something trendy for the fall. Here are a few fun bags that are stylish and fitting for the fall:

Can’t Beat the Price on this Giraffe Satchel Bag  (Normally $91.98 marked down to $15.31)

Etienne Aigner Marsden, on sale for $109.99 with free shipping on eBags

A friend was recently carrying this and it was adorable in person. $16.50 plus currently 30% off if you buy online from Charlotte Russe (discount applied at checkout)

The splurge: Love this Rebecca Minkoff hobo for $375.00 from Bluefly.com

The SAK Solona Satchel, $79.60-$83.54.  Offered in a bunch of fun different colors.

The Sak Solona Satchel - $79.60-$83.54. Offered in several different great colors.

Stylish Laptop Bag from Mobile Edge; 50% off at Amazon

If I didn’t already own 4 other laptop bags, I would totally scoop up this deal.  Normally $99.99, this Mobile Edge Milano Laptop Handbag is marked down to $49.99 on Amazon.  It comes with free shipping too!

It’s made out of faux croc and it’s sleek looking.  This would definitely go with anything and I love that it looks like a stylish handbag rather than a laptop bag.  It comes with a compartment for your laptop inside, too.

Now I just need an excuse to buy it.  Maybe if I put my other four laptop bags on the floor near a box of crayons and a kid, there will be a little accident?

Kelly Moore Bags…the only camera bag you need!

Most of my family and friends know that I am somewhat of a paparazzi when it comes to taking pictures. Since I have gotten my digital SLR a couple of years ago, I have been carrying it around to every family function, kids school show and sporting event, vacation, and more.

My biggest issue, though, since getting my camera is lugging it around. As a mom, I of course need my bag of “stuff” including my wallet, phone, some wipes, snacks, etc. Add my traditional bulky camera bag (which needs to be big enough for a second lens, just in case!) and I am lugging around WAY too  much. I thought to myself, “there has to be a better way.”

Then I discovered Kelly Moore Bags! These gorgeous, amazing high-end bags combine the functionality of a padded, secure camera bag with the look and feel (and extra space!) of a designer handbag. My bag has room for my Nikon D60, an extra zoom lens, and all of the handbag necessities like my wallet, phone, etc. Which  means that when I carry my Kelly Moore camera bag, it’s the ONLY bag I need!

Kelly Moore has a number of gorgeous bags, both for men and women. There are styles and colors to suit anyone’s taste, and the features of each bag are awesome:

  • lots of pockets
  • a durable, waterproof exterior material
  • fully adjustable straps
  • inside the bag: removable velcro dividers
  • Lots of padding to protect your equipment
  • fast and easy magnetic snaps to reach your items quickly and easily

Numerous people have stopped to comment on my bag when I am out, and when I tell them it is actually my camera bag, they are shocked and have to see the inside. I love that I finally have a functional and fashionable bag for all of the times when I need my camera!

Kelly Moore Bag Promo Film 2010 from Joshua Smith on Vimeo.

Buy A Cute Bag, Support A Great Cause

You know Petunia Pickle Bottom for their delicious Cake Collection, stunning Shoulder Bags and manly Scout Collection, but now Petunia has something new. Something chic. Something that benefits a great cause. And something at your local Target.

Petunia has teamed up with Jessica Seinfeld (yes, that Seinfeld) of New York-based Baby Buggy to offer the Petunia Picklebottom Clever Carryall through Target. The bags went on sale July 4th and I know some stores are already sold out. But they are still available online if your local store is out of them or if you don’t live near a Target.

The Bags

The Petunia Picklebottom Clever Carryall comes in two styles, Tulip and ModDot. The bag has a main compartment with four interior pockets, a front, exterior zippered pocket for easy access to a cell phone or keys, two side bottle pockets and a large, magnetic back pocket to hold the included changing pad. Just like most of Petunia’s other bags, you can carry the Clever Carryall in a variety of styles – attach only one strap, lengthened all the way for a single shoulder strap or attach both to wear it as a backpack. If you shorten the straps all the way, you can even use them to attach the bag to your stroller handlebars.

Some folks haven’t been thrilled that the bags are made with PVC, but here’s what Petunia had to say on their Facebook page about people’s concerns:

“We do want to clear up that these bags have gone through extensive testing and indeed are phthalate-free products.  These bags fall under Petunia standards, Target standards as well as exceed California Prop 65 standards (which have set some of the highest standards) for lead and other toxins. Phthalates and lead are the big issues with traditional PVC, and we made sure that we were as far from them as possible.”

The Charity

Jessica Seinfeld, wife of Jerry Seinfeld and author of Deceptively Delicious, started the non-profit Baby Buggy in 2010 to provide New York City’s families in need with essential equipment, clothing, and products for their infants and young children. The organization works to gather donations of new and gentle used baby items and then redistribute them to families that need them the most. Recently, the Baby Buggy has been involving established baby businesses to help raise money including product partnerships with Petunia Picklebottom, Little Seed (line of clothes also available at Target), and Heidi Klum (maternity lines).

The Clever Carryall retails for $49.99 and 10% of all profits go to Baby Buggy.

Belen Echandia Take Me Everywhere Luxury Tote

Are you ready to ditch your diaper bag? Interested in a high quality, luxury handbag that is just for you (and all the stuff for others you inevitably carry but really, for YOU!)? Then you owe it to yourself to check out the gorgeous, covetable, squeezable, lovable bags made by Belen Echandia. The colors, the styles, the signature hot pink lining… This is my first bag from this line, but I am sure it won’t be my last!

Caution: These bags are like your children in many ways. I gasped so loud when my husband threw mine in the trunk that he thought our baby had been injured.

I’ve made a video outlining why I love this bag so, but let me list the high points for you if you don’t have time to watch:

  • Strap otions: (padded) shoulder or long messenger strap
  • Hardware: Sturdy, high quality brass hardware. Brass feet to protect the bottom.
  • Leather: Buttery, smooshy, lightweight but durable. This is a “lifer” kind of bag.
  • Organization: Multiple cell, pen etc pockets that are well arranged. Pivoting center pocket, two zippered pockets and a signature hot pink lining – prevents “black hole” effect.
  • Style: Easy and breezy, will take you from a playdate to a dinner date
  • Capacity: Pretty capacious without looking like a suitcase. Can carry all you need for a day out with a kiddo. Or just your wallet and makeup case! Fits an iPad and a planner quite well too!

If you aren’t familiar with Belen Echandia, check out their website and all their many styles. For true bag-istas they have a couture line that allows you to  step up and be the designer. Pick your lining, pick your leather, pick your style and Belen Echandia will make you a bag that is truly unique.

Kalencom Aids Oil Spill Efforts By Donating 10% of Sales in June to Animal Rescue Program

During the month of June, Kalencom, the New Orleans based diaper bag company, and its subsidiary Hadaki, will donate 10% of all sales to Audubon Nature Institute, which is coordinating the sea turtle marine mammal rehabilitation in the Gulf of Mexico. “Our company is no stranger to devastation having lost an entire warehouse as a result of Hurricane Katrina,” comments Monica Kalozdi, owner of Kalencom and Hadaki.  “We made the decision to return and rebuild our business in New Orleans because our ties to the city and state are extremely strong.  It breaks our heart to see so much of our natural resources and animal life in jeopardy as a result of the oil spill, and we hope our June program will have an impact on saving the wildlife.”

All Kalencom and Hadaki products are now free of Phthalates, AZO, DEHP, DBP, BOP and other harmful chemicals.

Consumers can support Kalencom’s efforts during June by visiting www.hadakishop.com to purchase Hadaki products and by purchasing Kalencom at any store or etailer such as www.rosenberryrooms.com and www.luvmybag.com.  For more information on Audubon Nature Institute, visit www.auduboninstitute.org.

Skip Hop Via Backpack Diaper Bag: One Smart Backpack Diaper Bag!

Image and video hosting by TinyPicSkip Hop’s Via Backpack Diaper Bag ($70) is one smart backpack diaper bag! With 15 pockets, an easy access diaper changing station, and built-in stroller clips that attach easily to your stroller – it’s a must-have for parents! The diaper changing station opens like a book and comes with a cushy changing pad. The built-in stroller clips are easy to use and I love that I can clip it to any brand/type of stroller.

The breathable mesh on the back and shoulder straps make it easy to handle in the heat. While its compact, I can stash a lot in it and it’s perfect for trips (when you end up wearing it). Taking sippy cups/bottles is a breeze – I can put a cup in each of the two pockets on each side of the backpack and fit two more inside. This is the diaper bag I take everywhere for my 2 year old right now. While it seems full, I like that I’m easily able to stash more things inside for my older child too – it really holds a lot!

There’s a side zipper which allows easy access to main compartment while wearing. It also features contrasting lining to make it easier to find your child’s stuff. Dimensions (inches): 11″ wide x 16″ high x 5″ deep.  
Reviewer received sample for testing purposes.

Skip*Hop’s Zoo Lunchies: Makes packing up picnics and school lunches fun

How cute is Middle’s new Skip*Hop Monkey lunch bag from their Zoo Lunchies collection? The minute I opened the box, his boring, old lunchbag was pushed aside in favor of the monkey, for all its personality.

I was a little worried about the size, because it seemed smaller than his other bag. But it fits a sandwich, apple, side snack and a reusable bottle into the bag, plus a cooler pack, napkin and utensils.

In addition to its easy wipe-ability, I love that the carrier strap hooks on to other bags, like Skip*Hop’s Zoo Packs, as well as bags not made by  Skip*Hop.

Thanks to Skip*Hop fro providing a sample.