the many shades of Lily Jade

I'm willing to bet a small head of lettuce that if you've read this blog for more than five minutes you've probably heard of Lily Jade designer diaper bags? Maybe? One of the most popular emails that gets shipped to my inbox is from people having a tough time deciding which bag would work best for the needs and asking me to give a little bit of input and weigh in on the differences between the Caroline, the Madeline, and the Elizabeth. I always feel bad because I dash off a quick answer and I also feel bad because for a long time I was fiercely loyal to the Caroline but my allegiance has changed a bit ... you like that cliffhanger? I knew you would. 

Anyway ... let's go exploring. 

The truth is that you can't go wrong with any of their bags (there are more than just these three AND these three all come in a variety of different colors and some even come in canvas!!) but it's most definitely an investment that you want to make wisely so let me break it down and post 89 zillion photos of your favorite mom modeling each and every one. I hope you've made yourself comfortable and you have a cup of something warm to keep you company because 89 zillion is a lot of photos.

the similarities: All three bags come with an adjustable shoulder strap which I love because I tend to carry bags on my shoulder and across my body when I'm just running the kids into school or running into the post office or running quick errands in general.

the Caroline

the Madeline

the Elizabeth

All three bags also come with two shoulder handles that ARE actually long enough to comfortably wear on your shoulder ... without sliding off EVEN when wearing a cumbersome and annoying bulky winter coat. I've tried!

the Elizabeth

the Madeline

the Caroline

I was really surprised to read their dimensions to find that they are all virtually (within one square inch) the same size! I always thought the Elizabeth was the biggest but I think that's because the leather is a little bit thicker and it holds it's shape really well - so it feels roomier, if that makes sense?  It might technically have the most space because of the two patch pockets on the outside though - something to consider!!

And finally, of course, they all come with the company's signature removable nylon (machine washable!) baby bag organizer that features 16 different pockets, a changing pad, and a mother's sanity.

BAG SPECIFICS:

the Caroline - I carried this bag for many, many, MANY months in a row and loved it (still do!) and was hesitant to even test drive a different Lily Jade bag because I was so dedicated to the Caroline. I love that it really does look like a nice size purse, that the leather easily wipes clean and does not fade, and if I remove the baby bag full of the kids' stuff, it doesn't look weird and empty but just sort collapses into what the untrained eye would assume is a purse.

the Caroline

the Madeline: this is the bag I started cheating on Caroline with and while I've gone back and forth between the two ... I'm probably a slightly bigger fan of the Madeline only because ....

the backpack option. It can't be beat, in my humble opinion. When I'm on my own with the four kids, pushing a stroller, wearing a Phoebe, and trying to keep the older two on an invisible but tight leash - the hands-free option is really nice. Plus - it's important to a lot of moms that their bag zips closed and the Madeline does! I don't mind that about the Caroline but it is really nice that it zips (stops no Theo or Sebastian from raiding my purse and folding my credit cards into fourths but .... still!).

the Elizabeth - Again, I was completely surprised that the Elizabeth isn't the biggest of the bunch because it does seem a lot roomier to me. If I were committed to carrying extra outfits in case of diaper failure (I should!) or needed to tote around something bigger (like a breast pump, maybe?) on the daily then I would probably make this bag my go-to. It also has the backpack option ...

... which is spectacular. 

I have to add that all three bags would make perfect non-diaper bags too.  My friend Sarah proudly rocks hers even though she doesn't have kids and is a huge fan. The bags aren't overwhelmingly huge but the organized baby bag insert is such an efficient space saver that you can still pack a LOT in the bag. I've flown twice without the kids in the past six months and very happily toted first the Caroline and then the Madeline on my flights.    

If you have a specific question - send me an email with the subject line: Lily Jade Question and I'll edit the post to address it here! But in the mean time ... want to win one? NAY. Want to win one for yourself and a matching bag for a bosom friend?! YAY. You should. 

Winner gets to choose between any of the Carolines, Madelines, or Elizabeths and then surprise a friend or family member or stranger off the street (your call!) with an identical bag. How nice is Lily Jade? The nicest - they really are! I've had the pleasure of meeting them in person and it's such a pleasure to get to collaborate with them because they are some good people, truly. 

Okay - Rafflecopter your little hearts out.

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