Skooch, Go Incognito

Anyone who knows me knows I am a bag lady. I believe in bags. I LOVE bags. They have a special power, the power to produce soothing comfort, to provide utility, to get you through the day. The right bag is a lifesaver. It's why I believe that a diaper bag is not JUST a diaper bag, that it's a life support system.



I came across a bag that fits that mold perfectly, the Baby Skooch. With three front pockets and three back pockets, a roomy interior with contrasting water resistant fabric for easy viewing, two corner pockets wide enough for wide neck bottles, two additionanl spacious side pockets, one roomy zippered compartment, versatile shoulder straps that convert to a stroller bag with a quick clip of the snaphook, 4 nickel feet to protect the base of the bag, and an oversized color coordinated changing pad this bag seems perfect for the mother who carries everything.



The Baby Skooch measures a roomy 11"x6"x15" and the prints are as funky as the bag is functional. The exterior fabric in the "Mix It Up" collection is a waterproof 600 Denier Polyester. The exterior fabric in the "Groovy" collection is polyester with a water repellant finish which allows most liquids to bead and roll off the surface for easy cleaning.



"I wanted the bag to be an extension of a mom’s outfit--an accessory that completes an outfit, just like a regular handbag completes an outfit, but with the added twist of being a functional diaper bag. I wanted it to be a bag that a mom would want to use even after diapers, wipes, and formulas were gone. Why give up your fashion sense just because you became a mom? I believe we should embrace motherhood and look fantastic doing it!

Hopefully the collections will bring a smile to your face and some relief in knowing that you’ve finally found an “incognito” diaper bag!" -- Maria Razo Cortez, Skooch Founder/Creative Director

Ju Ju Be "Be Prepared" Just Like The Boy Scouts...

by Kerri Klugewicz, Pink Lady and Proud JJB enthusiast

We mommies know that the Boy Scouts aren't the only ones whose motto is "Be Prepared" - and now, thanks to the Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag of the same name, we can do just that! Moms of more than one in diapers, moms of twins, moms who travel a lot, or moms who are simply overpackers - rejoice! Your long-awaited perfect diaper bag is finally here - and it's both fabulous AND fabulously functional!



In their recent fall Premiere Collection, Ju-Ju-Be introduced what I think is one of the most innovative diaper bag designs on the market - the Be Prepared. Measuring a very spacious 18.5 x 14 x 6.5 inches, this is by far the largest and roomiest diaper bag I've ever tried (and trust me, I've tried MANY!) Yet despite its significant size and abundance of unique and practical features, this a beautiful bag that is not too enormous or unwieldy. It maintains a fairly structured shape no matter how much or how little you put into it, so it never looks sloppy or slouchy or too "duffel bag-esque." Thanks to the fabulous organizational features that are a Ju-Ju-Be trademark, this is the rare bag that will allow you to carry everything you might possibly need for yourself and your kids, and yet be able to find and access all of it with ease!



Some JJB fans I know use their Be Prepared for day trips and overnights only, but it's definitely not too big to be an everyday bag, particularly if you're a heavy packer, a cloth-diapering mama, or have multiple kids. I have three young children (ages 5, 3, and 1), two are in diapers, and I tend to be a heavy packer in general, so I often use my Be Prepared as an everyday bag and find it's perfect for my needs. Finally, I no longer need to carry a separate purse for myself, or a second bag when I'll be going on a day trip, or somewhere we'll need extra changes of clothes! I can carry everything I need for all three kids, plus my own items, plus whatever extra things I might need for the days' activities (for example, school books when we're going to our homeschool co-op classes, supplies when I'm leading La Leche League meetings, etc.) I LOVE no longer having to carry separate totes for these items, or sticking the random stuff that doesn't fit into a plastic grocery sack at the last minute(UGH!) Usually, I still have space to spare in my Be Prepared for things we might pick up during the day (you know how things accumulate when you have little ones!) and that has definitely NEVER happened to me before!



The one time my Be Prepared was stuffed close to capacity, I had fit all of the following in it, for an all-day trip: 8 size 5 diapers, 6 Pull-Ups and 2 size 6 diapers, a full-size Pampers wipes refill package, two JJB Wardrobe Stations containing complete changes of clothes and pajamas for the all three kids, a JJB Be Quick containing small miscellaneous items like medicines, etc., another Be Quick containing small toys (Matchbox cars, Princess figurines, etc.), a large box of crayons and several coloring books, TWO baby carriers rolled up (a ring sling and a Beco), assorted snacks for the kids and myself, digital camera, a book for myself, 3 sippy cups, a bottle of water for myself, a bottle of hairspray, my full checkbook-size wallet, a large cosmetics bag, sunglasses, cell phone, planner/calendar, and small misc. items in the mommy pocket. But even when I don't have nearly as much in it, the bag still looks nice and holds its shape!



The Be Prepared has all the usual great JJB features like the washable, Teflon-coated fabric, the antimicrobial inner lining, the multitude of well-placed pockets and compartments, the high-quality construction and durability, the cute photo slots, the insulated sippy/bottle pockets, the adorable little touches like the rhinestone zipper pulls, and the comfortable, memory-foam straps. But this bag has even more wonderful things to offer that you won't find anywhere else, starting with the large mommy pocket - it has a place for your cell phone, a place for your sunglasses, a scrunchy keychain, and several other little pockets for smaller items. Behind the mommy pocket is a gusseted open pocket, great for sticking things you need to reach quickly and easily. On the back of the bag, there's a pocket for the changing pad - and it's an oversized one! Inside the cavernous main compartment are several mesh pockets - with color-coded tabs, so you can easily see which side has which size diapers before pulling them all out! There's also a great additional pocket behind one of the mesh pockets that runs the full length of the bag but is not too deep; I find this perfect for my wallet and camera (I don't like my mommy pocket to be too full), so I can grab them quickly and they don't end up at the bottom of the bag. One of the most ingenious features of the Be Prepared is the L-shaped zipper on the main compartment; it allows the bag to be opened just at the top as would be typical, or unzipped all the way down the sides of the bag to its base, allowing full access to everything inside and a multitude of packing and organizational options.





There are two insulated sippy/bottle pockets on either end of the bag, which have great little magnetized flaps that close over them so nothing slides out no matter how much the bag gets jostled. Inside are two additional pockets for sippies, bottles, or anything else. And this amazing bag rests on four metal feet, so the bottom of it won't get dirty! The Be Prepared can be carried several ways - by its tote handles, a shoulder strap, or messenger style. The tote handles can be tucked in when not in use, and the adjustable shoulder/messenger strap detaches. The Be Prepared, like all the Premiere bags, comes with the Be Connected stroller straps inlcuded, which are just incredible! The grip like crazy so your bag doesn't budge when hung on your stroller, and they're just adorable with the signature JJB rhinestone decorating them.



The Be Prepared comes in three solid colors (black with silver accents, and brown with either robin blue or bubblegum pink accents), but I am exceedingly partial to the one patterned fabric it's available in so far - Purple Paisley. This vivid yet elegant print combines several gorgeous and au courant shades of purple and sets them against a background of neutral of black and grey. It is, at once, both eye-catching and subdued - it's colorful, and yet surprisingly seems to coordinate with almost anything. I'm sure the solid-colored Be Prepared is pretty as well, but the shape and dimensions of this bag provide a particularly great canvas to showcase this lovely fabric. We JJB fans have heard through the grapevine that the Be Prepared will be available in additional patterns in the spring collection, and I can't wait!


No diaper bag is perfect, although this one sure comes close! There are only three small suggestions I'd offer that would make an amazing bag even better. First, the tote handles on the Be Prepared are a a bit short, and the strap drop (as the straps are connected pretty far apart on an already wide bag) makes it difficult for me to wear it as a tote bag. I still like the tote handles, though, as they provide a quick way to grab the bag before you get it on your shoulder with the shoulder strap. Secondly, the bag tends to lean forward a bit - the consensus among the JJB fans I know is that this seems to happen because the pocket behind the mommy pocket is gusseted; this is great because it gives you more room for things in that space, but it can cause the bag to come close to tipping if you don't practice balancing the contents. Lastly, only the front and back of the Be Prepared are made of the usual JJB fabric; the top and sides of the bag are made of a canvas material. The JJB folks tell us that this served a dual purpose - it made the bag more expandable width-wise, and also made it a bit lighter. Some mamas are not bothered by this, but others of us think the Be Prepared would be nicer with the same fabric all around, a change I believe is under consideration by the JJB designers, who are always fantastic about listening to their fans!



Ju-Ju-Be has really outdone themselves on this one, and the Be Prepared is an incredible, must-have bag! It has really filled a gap in the market for an extra-large, yet stylish and well-organized bag. There's just nothing like it, and now that I've tried it, I know I couldn't live without it!

What bag would you like to see reviewed?

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Oi Oi New Product Line Update

Oi Oi has been very popular this year! Particularly the Giraffe line, which has come and gone, and other than what the retailers will be receiving this week these gorgeous bags are already out of stock until the end of January. Believe it or not...

Also out of stock until the end of January are the Charcoal/lime dot totes (these have been out for quite some time) AND the Charcoal/lime dot hobos (one of their staples and best sellers). On the other hand the Pistachio Herringbone Hobos have been completely discontinued and the Chocolate Herringbone Hobos are out but is said that they will be back next fall. I haven't heard anything yet about the Pink Herringbone Hobo but I have seen those on sale which makes me wonder. I love the Herringbone Hobos, they are such an elegant, classy, diaper bag. I hope they do bring the brown Herringbone back, but if not I'm sure there will be something equally as beautiful. If you want any of these bags and you see one, snap it up...

There hasn't been a lot of buzz about the other new fall introductions. I LOVE the Woolen Check bags, the Woolen Check Satchel is gorgeous with the black patent accents it's simply TDF. The other fall bag I love is the Red Vintage Poppy Hobo.

So, what's new? What's next? Oi Oi is introducing two additional Hobo Sac bags (the giraffe being the first of their Sac style hobo's brought to the USA), their Ink Cargo Drill and Red Cargo Drill.


There are three new Messengers; Ink Cargo Drill, Red Cargo Drill and a new Pansy print messenger. There will also be a new backpack in the Pansy fabric.

Holiday Offers from Fleurville

Just a quick bit of news to keep you posted as to what is going on at Fleurville. Fleurville will be offering free shipping (within the continental US) and free gift wrap (silver box with silver bow) on orders over $99 for the holiday season. Gift wrap will be available for all orders placed from Thanksgiving on!

Introducing the Lexie Tote!
Designed as a true cross-over bag, the Lexie is great for a new mom or as a Toddler Tote and transitions beautifully into an elegant handbag for the post-diaper years. It has all the great features you expect from Fleurville – non-skid tote handles, seam-taped interior, lots of pockets, changing pad, wipe case, caribiner – plus it comes with the new stroller attachment system, the Slip-Not!

It is available in 2 great colors - Botanical Azure and Blossom Redcrane – and is only $165!




Kid's Messenger
All four color-ways of the Kid’s Messenger are now in stock!
Check out the new colors: Pink with Houndstooth and Chocolate with Tropic Leaf! These bags for 5 – 10 year olds will make great holiday gifts. They can be worn as a backpack or as a messenger; include insulated, removable lunch totes; and are only $50!




Stocking Stuffers
Our new innovative universal stroller attachment system, the Slip- Not, makes a great stocking stuffer! It attaches to any stroller and practically any diaper bag and is only $18! The FOB wrist bags are available in 7 great colors and are only $22 (shipping included). Below: FOB wrist bags in Yellow Seedpod, White & Pink Ogo.




Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning starts early at Fleurville, their exciting Spring collection will begin arriving in February. That means it is time to make room in the warehouse by offering you great deals on discontinued bags!!! Check out the sales section below to see the huge savings!!!

Sale Items


Sling Tote in Yellow Seedpod
Reg. $150, NOW $85


Escape Pod in Yellow Seedpod
Reg. $54, NOW $34



G-Luxe in Black
NOW $125


G-Luxe in White
NOW $125



All bags available at www.fleurville.com

Lexie Barnes Big Bag Blowout!

If you've been thinking about trying a Lexie Barnes diaper bag, now's the time. Hurry because at these prices they will go fast...All bags available at www.mamasandmunchkins.com and Lexie Barnes.com

The versatile Darling flight bag is ideal for every day use and for travel. Adjustable straps can be used to attach the bag to your stroller or to wheeled luggage. They can also be used to hold a compact umbrella or your hoodie while you're out and about. Other features include: five interior pockets; water-resistant fabric; two exterior, easy-access front pockets; two drawstring side mesh pockets; hidden key/phone pocket. The Darling is positively Darling! For a limited time, the Darlings are 30% off! Price shown has 15% discount then use code babybags for an additional 15% off. The Darling is a best seller being extremely stuffable, lightweight and wipeable.

Give yourself the royal treatment. The Duchess is the perfect mid-sized daypack. Main compartment has room for everything you need, plus three small organizational pockets. Front compartment holds the stuff you want to get to fast (it's also nicely fitted for changing pad, wipes and diapers). Features include water-resistant fabric, padded, ergonomic shoulder straps; adjustable, quick-release stroller loops; two exterior, easy-access front pockets; two drawstring side mesh pockets; hidden key/phone pocket. 30% off!


The Redondo Tote is a fabulous everyday tote bag. It's just the right size and offers features galore... With four beautiful custom prints these bags are water-resistant and paired with matching nylon interior. Black trim and durable black Ballistic nylon bottom. Multiple interior pockets for your phone, shades, pens, coins and more. Breakaway key fob. Hidden magnetic closure. Check ut the signature non-slip shoulder straps. Available in two sizes; mega and mondo. These totes are now 50% off. (marked down 35% then add babybags code for an additional 15%).Looking for a tote-style diaper bag? Just add a complimentary changing mat!

Super Duper Superstar. This spacious, lightweight courier bag offers maximum capacity. Features include: Slim exterior rear pocket, five interior organizational pockets; two mesh side pockets; adjustable, invisible magnetic closure; hidden key/phone pocket so you can find what you need in a jif. Adjustable, padded, non-slip shoulder strap. Water-resistant fabric. Great for the gym, work, school, craft projects, travel or everyday use. The Superstar brings it on! At 30% off you can't go wrong!

These make great holiday gifts! Teachers love the totes, students love the baja prints, all make great knit bags, something for everyone!!

Look like a Million Bucks with Susan Fitch Million Dollar Baby Bag

"It is now possible for a career-minded working mother to walk into the office with a bag that perfectly matches her Gucci suit, instead of one that matches her baby’s pajamas. After all, who said that once you enter into parenthood you have to become June Cleaver when you’ve always thought of yourself as a Jackie Onassis?" -- Factio Magazine about Susan Fitch Baby Bags.

Lots of diaper bags are cute. But this one is killer. Born of lustrous, meticulously stitched espresso leather, scattered with grommets, and lined with electric pink waterproof fabric, the bag sports a changing pad and enough pockets to hold extra wipes and a copy of your favorite magazine.


The Million Dollar Baby Bag is made of rich silverado leather, available in metallic gold, fuchsia, espresso, and white and aligned with elegant grommets on the outside pockets and handles. The clever compartments inside the fashionable diaper bag will satisfy a new mommy that is just as fussy as her baby. Functional flap pockets adorn the exterior of this square-framed bag, making it easy for mom to quickly grab for the bottle when it is feeding time. And since this stylish baby bag comes with a changing pad, you’ll be prepared for diaper duty when you’re out pushing junior’s stroller.

By the time your child has outgrown a need for a “diaper bag,” you may become so attached to this bag that you won’t want to give it up. Guess what? You won’t have to! The Million Dollar Baby Bag can still be your favorite accessory long after your bouncing bundle of joy stops wearing diapers. You’ll be able to use the bag as a spacious “everyday” bag or even as an overnight bag.

Celebs who carry them: Angelina Jolie (black leather), Jennifer Garner (white leather), Mariska Hargitay (gold), Maggie Gyllenhall (black).
Available at www.mamasandmunchkins.com and other fine retailers.