Diaper bag? I'm thinking not...

I've looked at a few diaper bags, and I have not bought one yet because they just seem soooo not my style. A diaper bag is something that will go with me EVERYWHERE. I want something I at least like! Something that suites my sense of fashion. So I started thinking...do I have to use a "diaper bag"? Can I not just get a large tote bag with a fun print or something? Of course, my non-diaper bag will need to be the correct size, but if it fits everything, why not?

There was a time when I would have bought myself one of those fancy schmancy Coach "baby bags". I used to think it was a status symbol to have a $400 bag...rich leather, high fashion, high price tag, delicious. But I'm over my short love affair with Coach products. I ruined my last one by spilling a fishy lunch in it, and the brand just doesn't seem as appealing to me anymore so I have not purchased another. I used to think Coach products were made in Europe or something but no, but they are made in China with all the rest of the apparel we Americans wear. (I'm not necessarily saying clothing made in China is bad, just saying it took some of the glamor out of my Coach bags)

So I continue to search for my non-diaper bag. It seems totally doable. They even make smaller bags that fit into non-diaper bags to help organize, such as this diaper pouch:
http://www.amazon.com/Ju-Ju-Be-Quick-Pouch-Powder-Icing/dp/B00766WKJ0

Will I need an insulated cooler pouch for bottles and baby food? Perhaps! And I can get one to put inside my non-diaper bag!
http://www.amazon.com/Ju-Ju-Be-Insulated-Bottle-Lunch-Royal/dp/B00B99R9KA/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1390070115&sr=1-2

I think one key element to my plan is to not over-pack. We want to travel as light as possible, which of course will be not so light considering we have twins! Still, I want to carry only the necessities. I think some emergency stuff could just stay in the car all the time, like extra clothes.



I'm thinking something fun and bright. Maybe a cute beachy Roxy tote, or perhaps something from Dakine? (see pictured) I like the surf/snow sports brands because their stuff is really cute and durable. I think I'll be much more happy and will feel more like myself with something I would carry even if I didn't have a couple babies. When I get off of bed rest, one of the first things I'll do is go shopping!