This Mother’s Day, I’m Ditching My Mom Bag

It’s Mother’s Day, and despite becoming one this past year, I still can’t come up with the words to describe how much of a life-altering experience it’s been.

The enormous task of keeping a child alive and healthy has taken me from being a reasonably stylish and carefree woman into a sweatpants-clad zombie, living from one feeding to the next.

Motherhood has taken many things from me – at least in the short term – but as my little one starts to grow, I’m beginning to rediscover all the things that made me feel like I was before I upended my life.

And as a formerly public purse-lover, stepping out of the house with my “mom bag” is really starting to get under my skin.

My mom bag holds the essentials but still doesn’t measure up

This bulky plum-colored tote – an abyss of pacifiers, wipes, toys, and whatever other essentials are needed to keep my son calm – serves me well but falls short of my expectations of how I think I should feel when carrying a handbag. It doesn’t make me feel fabulous and full of life, but instead, just someone existing to serve the needs of another.

Its plainness no longer feels minimalist but simply flat and lacking in artistic vision. Its color mimics the bags under my eyes. It’s an unorganized mess, even with an organizer insert. Honestly, it’s really not a bad bag, but it just feels… average.

Of course, my son’s needs will always come first, but my need to feel cute has been becoming more obvious, so I’m back on the hunt for a new bag that’ll carry me through my days with my little one without making me feel frumpy.

I’m looking for something sturdy, stylish, and sticky finger-proof. Something that says, “I’m not a regular mom. I’m a cool mom,” is also big enough to keep a backup bottle and Mr. Fluffy Fox at the ready. I’ve already got a few in mind:

Fauré Le Page Daily Battle Tote

Fauré Le Page has started to gain a bit more attention in recent years, but I feel like it still isn’t on many people’s radars. The Daily Battle Tote has a classic functional silhouette and a style often compared to the Goyard St. Loui; however, its adjustable shoulder strap, fun accent options, and less conspicuous print always make me want to take a second, (and third and fourth) look at it.

I really love the ‘Hot Sand’ and yellow combo, but I also wish it was available in the coral/yellow colorway.

Métier Incognito Cabas Tote

Métier is another brand not often talked about. It’s a British travelwear brand specializing in leather goods designed as “luxury solutions for modern problems.”

A major pro about its Incognito Cabas Tote is that it has pockets, pockets, and even more pockets. It was definitely designed to be easy to use – something perfect for those like me who just need to get stuff done without adding any bit of extra stress to their lives.

I also love that it’s also available in a beautiful linen/leather combo. To me, it that feels very coastal chic.

Bottega Veneta Acro Tote

I first saw Salma Hayek sporting this bag on an episode of Black Mirror and have been in love with it ever since. I think it’s a great match-everything minimalist option without being too plain.

The chunky intrecciato design is interesting to look at without being fussy; It’s easy and elegant enough that it’ll never really go out of style. Bonus points for the ultra-lux suede lining – seems like it’d make fishing around for that backup pacifier more enjoyable

What do you all think?