I have been searching for the "perfect bag for me" for our upcoming trip. I use to use a Vera Bradley backpack and loved it. Now I was looking for something smaller. I am also a VB junkie and just love the slip in pockets on the inside of the bags. It keeps everything so organized! I just bought this bag:
http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?colorid=59&sku=127:59&
It is perfect! It fits exactly what I need it to and I won't feel like I'm lugging too much around. This time I am trying to bring less into the parks. I am lucky that I will be bringing a lightweight stroller for DS(4) so I will have a basket underneath for our jackets and anything we buy.
Thanks Desnik! I think I'll have to check these out in the store to get a sense of size and color. I like the Peacock color you chose too. Did you see that they have Capri Melon sandals and hat? I could see this becoming an obsession. Too bad our trip is before Mother's Day. A VB bag would make a cute Mother's Day gift. Maybe I'll have to get a bag and base my trip wardrobe around that instead. ha
Lots of people on these boards like the Baggallini messanger bags (do a search and you will find post and pics). They go across the body and are smallish.
I dont like across the chest type bags. I just got a Travelon convertible backpack/shoulder bag from QVC. One zip of the strap switches it from backpack to shoulder bag. The pocket that goes against your back has credit card, pen slots and a zippered mesh pocket. On each side in the middle of the bag are vertical zippered pockets to store a camera (a big one), etc. Next there is a magnetic closure pocket with a velcro pouch for a small cell phone. Some worry about the magnet affecting credit cards, etc but people who own it said it wasnt a problem. The front of the bag has another zippered pocket.
The item #F0521 and the link: http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/app.detail There are pictures of it and color samples there too. I havent seen this style anywhere else. I got the black (ordered it Sunday, paid $4 extra for fast shipping and it came Tues-a day earlier than they said). The taupe will probably show dirt faster. Some have suggested spraying Scotchguard on it as well. Baggalllini makes a similar version, but didnt have as many pockets and was smaller. Plus it had a magnetic closure on the main pocket which worried me.
alison
I have a backpack cooler (called Picnic Time Zuma) which was very reasonable ($11.94 off of ebags with the mousesavers discount and google checkout). It is a cooler and bag in one (two separate compartments). Perfect for the parks. Larger than the Overland Donner Bag but we need something to keep our drinks cold.