Jack Spade, tote bags and diaper bag alternatives

I recently discovered Jack Spade merchandise. I had to google to find out the origin of the brand as I'd never seen it before (but should have suspected due to the SPADE in the name, lol). For those in the dark like me, it is Kate Spade's men's line.

I stumbled across the JS tote bags shown (pics 1-2) for sale in a local boutique.

I was thinking of getting one to use as an alternative to a diaper bag. My kids are almost 2 and almost 3, so we are finally getting to the point where we can leave the house without a carry-on size bag full of crapola for them.

I'm not afraid to carry a "man bag" (and maybe DH will share bag carrying duties, too, haha). The JS bags call to me due to their really thick material, quality workmanship and utilitarian vibe.

DH likes the stripes (for me, he said), but I like the color blocked one. Bonus of color blocked one is the bottom is more protected due to finish.

I don't mind if the top doesn't close. We never close the diaper bag top now anyway. I would like it to be wearable on the shoulder (long enough straps). And be med-large size to hold kid stuff. Interior organization is not critical, as usually there is enough stuff to hold the bag upright and keep shifting to a minimum.

I also saw this Zara bag (#3) in Angie's finds and it speaks to the red-loving gene in me. I have not seen it in person yet.

So my questions to you are:
1. Are the Jack Spade bags (#1-2) too masculine?
2. Do you have any suggestions for an alternative to a diaper bag?
3. Any other considerations as I move out of designated diaper bag -land into regular bag used as diaper bag - land?

Thanks in advance!!!

ETA: if this belongs in OT, mods, please move it. Thanks!

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11 years ago

Angela K

Veteran

IMO I love the red one. But....I'll always vote red no matter what! I don't have any children so no input on the usefulness of the bag but I would think the red one would be more useful transitioning away from diaper bag to casual tote. The others looked more like beach bags to me.

Kimberley

My faves in order are #3, #1, #2. But, like Angela, I am a sucker for red

abc

I am a sucker for red, too!

Thanks for weighing in, Angela K (nice name, same as mine) and Kimberley!

I hadn't thought of the JS ones as beachy looking but now that you mention it, they kind of do. It doesn't bother me, though. I really fell hard for the materials and workmanship of those bags.

Has anyone seen the Zara bag in person? Or know if it is carried in stores?

Thanks again.

cheryl

I haven't seen any of these bags in person but I think they would all work perfectly. I don't think they are too masculine at all. #3 is gorgeous and I like the other ones too.

Thanks for your input, cheryl. Glad that 1-2 don't come across as super manly.

carter

Well, I can guarantee my husband wouldn't be caught carrying either of the men's bags, so no, not too masculine:-). That said, I love the red bag, but do you ever think your DH would carry that?

Well, Carter, you have a point...haha...no, DH would prob not carry the Zara bag. I guess that one would be more of my tote that happens to carry kids' stuff when needed.

Right now we walk the kids to/from school and we take their 2 (proper) diaper bags daily. But lately I have been foregoing the diaper bag for short weekend trips of a few hours outside of the house via car. I end up being the keeper of the bag 99% of the time. Sometimes DH loads the kids and bag(s) into the car and that is when he would be carrying it - so not really "carrying" it anyway.

Lots to think about....

TylerAnne

Active Member

My DH, who is an architect, bought a Jack Spade messenger bag for the reasons you mention (seemingly quality workmanship and utilitarian vibe).

One of the seams split after just a couple of weeks of use. He sent it back to Jack Spade to be repaired, but it was huge hassle, and their customer service was terrible (nonexistent). They even made him pay to ship it to them for the repair.

TylerAnne, thanks for sharing your experience. Food for thought.

K. Period.

Hmmm. I started writing a response, but then edited it and then realized I need to know more about what you are looking for help with!

Are you wanting thoughts on whether these will work for you? And quality?

Or whether they are a good idea you should look at more? And ideally your DH would be wiling to carry?

My thought is that these look great and any of them would work. Generally Kate Spade brands are great quality, but I have definitely found customer service lacking.

For functionality, with my kids I found that after a bit I no longer needed a full on diaper bag and that a messenger bag or (yikes!) backpack was sufficient for everything I needed. I used one of two bags: 1. a large purse or 2. an Eddie Bauer messenger bag. Large purses were along the lines of your red choice (so pretty!). For me, the problem with the large purse option was that it was my bag and my burden to carry. Very low possibility of hubby carrying it other than an "accommodation" hold when I was nearby. The messenger bag and any sportier bags I carried were more likely to be held or toted by him.

You can find sporty vibe messenger bags pretty easily. You can also find dressier ones. Madewell has this lovely one (but remember, leather will be heavier), which I can't believe they have priced as low as they do. And Nordstrom has a bunch of great Herschel Supply Co. ones. Baggellini (at Zappos), Eddie Bauer and Lands End all have totes that I've bought at different times. So there are really a lot of options out there.

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