The Clown Car of Diaper Bags

A Clutch that really can hold all that stuff

I know I have asked this before, but can one really have too many purses or diaper bags? I didn't think so either - especially when your needs change with your growing little one (that's my excuse anyway). Don't get me wrong, I still love my luxurious Cake bag, but sometimes I want to run out the door without lugging half of the house with me. This is where the Cross Town Clutch by Petunia Pickle Bottom comes in.

I mentioned a few entries ago that I was thinking of getting one, but I will admit I was a bit skeptical of its function. The style factor generally wins out when buying a new handbag, but now that I have Ava to consider, ease-of-use must be a priority. How can this little purse-like diaper bag really hold what I need it to?

Petunia did a great job with this one. It's not only extremely fashionable; this little bag can deceptively hold a lot of important baby items.  Once I removed the included changing pad, I can comfortably fit: two diapers, the wipey case, snacks and a bottle for emergencies. That is in addition to my wallet, cell phone, lipstick and keys. (Here is a picture of the inside of my new bag so you can see for yourself.)

I'm so excited that it can comfortably hold all of the essentials for the both of us. I had not been successful in the past just throwing my wallet and "purse" necessities into the diaper bag. I always carried around my handbag and I never thought the two paths would cross. I tried a new system with yet another Petunia creation, the Touring Tote. I did not have much luck with this one at all. In my opinion, the Tote is too small to be a decent diaper bag and too large to be used as a purse. With the Clutch, people will never know you are carrying around diapers in your stylish handbag.

Instead of the velvety Pistachio Cameo design I originally had my eye on, I came across the India Ink glazed Cross Town Clutch over the weekend and fell in love with its stunning design. The beautiful black and white pattern is bold, yet classic and the touch of red embroidery on the front pops the design making it truly unique. To top it off, the red trim, matching wrist handle and red interior give this bag a lot of personality.  The bag snaps tightly closed and has a little button for extra security. The glazed finish allows it to be easily wiped down – another nice quality.

The only modification I would make is to the removable, snap-out changing pad. I would rather have the snaps attach to the back of the purse than to the changing pad itself. This would allow an extra hidden "pocket" to conceal more baby goodies away from the center of the bag. The changing pad is a nice touch, but takes up a lot of room and is difficult to fold back in to place.  I removed mine and store it at the bottom of the stroller instead.

While the Cross Town Clutch does not replace my main diaper bag and all of the other supplies that moms need (change of clothes, sunscreen, sippy cups, meals, etc.) this bag allows me the bulk-less freedom to bolt out the door for quick trips around town. The Clutch costs about $69 and is the least expensive of the Petunia lines. For that price you get a lot of style and plenty of room.  Not bad at all. I love, love, love it...

**As always, my reviews are purely based on my experiences with Ava. As much as I may love one brand or another, I am not affiliated with any companies listed on my site. Although if anyone would like to start paying me in purses or diaper bags, I am open to negotiations. ;)

 

Comments

[Aileen McKeever]

What a gorgeous clutch! As our babies are growing older, sometimes for a quick trip to the grocery store or dry cleaner's we just don't need to carry the whole diaper bag. For quick errands, this clutch seems like it does the trick. Great purchase, Ro!

[Ro]

Thanks, Aileen! The more I use the clutch, the more I love it! I never thought I'd say that I would be thrilled to carry diapers in my purse. ~Ro

[Lois]

Love this .. lots of good information.......