the hunt: chic baby bags

When I found out I was pregnant, like any first-time mom I started researching the shit out of baby gear. What stroller is super light, but still safe? What kind of baby monitor is best, video or audio? Breast pumps, diapers, baby bathtubs, bottle warmers, sleep sacks? How much of this stuff do I really need?

You need a lot of stuff, it turns out. And one thing you definitely need is a bag to schlep it all around in.

Enter the diaper bag. Obviously they need to be functional, but do they need to be so ugly? There are a lot of ugly diaper bags out there. Luckily, there are also some incredibly chic options available, from designers like Rebecca Minkoff, Kate Spade, and Marc Jacobs. Here are just a few of my favorites, but there are plenty more out there. What I love about all of these bags is that they're functional, but I can still picture myself carrying them well after the baby has grown out of diapers. Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you have to throw personal style out the window, after all.

1/ Rebecca Minkoff Knocked Up Baby Bag
The ultimate chic diaper bag, I fell in love with this beauty the first time I saw it. And how amazing is the name? Complete with stroller straps, bottle-sized pockets, a changing pad, and baby-friendly compartments printed with cute labels like "Mommy's Stuff," this luxe black leather bag is big enough for all of baby's accessories but still incredibly stylish. The price is a little steep - keep in mind this is one baby accessory that will get a lot of use, though, so it's worth the investment (there's also a leather-trimmed nylon version available if you can't justify splurging on the leather).
$550, rebeccaminkoff.com

2/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Eliz-a-Baby Diaper Bag
Marc by Marc Jacobs offers a lot of options when it comes to choosing a cute, stylish diaper bag - it really all boils down to what print or solid color you like best, and what style bag you prefer. The Preppy Eliz-a-Baby bag has a classic, streamlined silhouette, lots of pockets, and comes complete with a matching changing pad. I personally love this understated black-and-white leopard print, but it's also available in fuchsia, lumber brown, cement, and black.
$348, saksfifthavenue.com

3/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Eliz-a-Baby Diaper Bag
Marc by Marc Jacobs' other diaper bag style, the PrettyEliz-a-Baby, is a bit more laid back. It comes in the brand's signature logo-quilted fabric, has tons of pockets, a removable cross-body strap, and a matching changing pad. This colorful, abstract houndstooth version is a bold choice, but the options with this bag are pretty vast: black, deep teal, knockout pink, quartz grey, black floral print, Bauhaus blue, rose petal, and poppy pink plaid.
$298, shopbop.com

4/ Kate Spade Nylon Stripe Stevie Bag
Kate Spade is another big fashion brand that offers lots of diaper bag options, but my favorite is the Stevie, especially in graphic black and cream stripes. It has a bright red interior with lots of pockets and coordinating accessories including a changing pad, coin purse, and stroller straps. And don't be fooled by the simple design - there are lots of luxe extras like 14-karat plated gold hardware and crinkled patent leather trim.
$418, katespade.com

5/ Tory Burch Stacked T Billy Baby Bag
In bright, juicy poppy red, this cheerful diaper bag from Tory Burch is sure to turn heads. The color is so eye catching, you won't ever have to worry about leaving it behind at the playground. With a total of 10 pockets, there's also more than enough room for stashing all of baby's essentials.
$375, shopbop.com

6/ Timi & Leslie Charlie Diaper Bag
The Timi & Leslie brand was born in 2000 when designer Leslie Newton was looking for a cute diaper bag to give to a friend as a shower gift. Disappointed in the limited selection on the market, she decided to make one herself. Since then, the brand has grown and become a favorite of celeb moms, including Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba. I love the chic simplicity of the Charlie bag in pewter, but you can check out all the other great styles and colors on the Timi & Leslie website.
$160, shoptimiandleslie.com

7/ Storksak Sofia Baby Bag
Storksak is another brand that specializes in stylish diaper bags, and their expertise shines through in the Sofia bag. With five large external magnetic pockets, ten inner compartments, a thermo-insulated bottle holder, detachable vanity case and wipe clean linings throughout, there's nothing a mom might need that this bag doesn't offer.
$250, storksak.com

8/ OiOi Jungle Leather Satchel
I love the rustic, vintage quality of this leather diaper bag. The unisex ruggedness not only looks great, it comes loaded with features that would make any mom - or dad - happy: a water resistant finish, detachable shoulder strap, stroller straps, lots of interior and exterior pockets, key fob, changing pad, insulated bottle holder, and wipes case.
$325, oioibabybags.com

9/ Gap Sequin Stripe Tote
All the bells and whistles are great, but really, just about any large, roomy bag can work as a baby gear schlepper. This tote by Gap has the perfect amount of sparkle, and for extra organization, pick up the coordinating zip clutch. Plus, you really can't beat the price.
$50, gap.com