Thank you to Vilah Bloom for providing me with product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.

When you're expecting, there are many things to become excited about. The impending arrival of a newborn is a sweet time, and one of the most fun things that moms-to-be get to do while pregnant, is to start a baby registry or shop for baby gear. I am often asked by other moms, and those looking to purchase gifts for new moms- 'What are the products you couldn't live without now that you have a new baby at home?' Aside from the essentials (the items you have to have, like a car seat, bassinet, etc.), my answer always comes down to two top products- the diaper bag, and the nursing pillow. These are the top two items I use more than any other, and they're the ones that matter to me in terms of design, comfort, and quality.



When B was a baby, I went through countless diaper bags, and to tell you the truth- I didn't like any of them. They were too heavy, too bulky, too impractical to carry or attach to the stroller. Selecting a diaper bag may seem like an easy task, but when there are so many brands and designs to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. And trust me- you're going to want a good one that's durable, has all the room you need for baby's stuff (and yours, and your older child's stuff, if applicable).

I was recently introduced to Vilah Bloom, and I have fallen for their beautiful, practical totes. Vilah Bloom was born out of the necessity to provide modern, on the go moms a chic and truly functional alternative to the diaper bag. Designer and founder Jackelynn Garrett wanted to put a new spin on the traditional diaper bag by reinventing the popular coined phrase, “fashion meets function”. In doing so, a stylish diaper bag that dispenses wet wipes was created.

“After countless trips of forgetting my wet wipes and being less than prepared when little messes occurred with my own kiddos, I became bound and determined to design a diaper bag that fused fashion and function to help prepare parents (new and experienced) for their life’s little messes. I wanted the bags to be functional, lightweight and allow easy one-handedd access to wipes at all times. The bags had to dispense wipes out of a hidden compartment as to not lose their sense of chic-ness. My hope is that Vilah Bloom will cater towards those fashionable minded moms who don’t want to give up their sense of style for true function as a parent. ” – Jackie Garrett

I was sent a Vilah Bloom Tote, and was so excited! It was all wrapped up and packaged so nicely. I felt like I was opening a very special gift.



The Vilah Bloom Harbor Side Tote with a note from our new VB friends.

My new Harbor Side Tote couldn't have come at a better time. We were leaving for a family vacation later that very same week, and I was in desperate need of a reliable bag for Baby S' essentials. I needed to make sure that I had a good bag to pack her items for the 12 hour road trip in, and a good bag to tote around while we shopped, went sightseeing, etc.

The bag I received was the Harbor Side Tote in Pink Elephant. This is a newer color combo, and I love it! I specifically chose this style and color, because S' nursery is pink and grey (with little elephants!).

The Harbor Side Tote isn't your average tote or diaper bag. It's super stylish, and super functional. With key features like lots of pockets- inside and out, this roomy bag is perfect for the mom who likes to bring everything but the kitchen sink along when taking baby out of the house (like me).

One of the best features of the Harbor Side Tote is this- an exterior pocket for the Vilah Bloom Wipes case.


The flap of lifts up and reveals a built-in system for dispensing baby wipes!

The case is refillable (just add your favorite wipes), and when you need a wet wipe, all you have to do is lift up the flap and pull one out. No more riffling through the bag, tearing it apart, looking for your case of wet wipes- they are at your disposal when you need them. Genius, right!?

This feature has already come in handy on numerous occasions for me, and I have only had this tote for a few short weeks. I knew that we'd really be able to put it to the test when we were on our trip. I wondered if it would perform well, and if it would hold all those loose items that I needed for S?


Tons of interior space! The tote includes four large pockets and two bottle pockets.

The answer to my question was a big 'YES!' The Harbor Side Tote was amazing on our trip. As I packed S' belongings into the bag, I was surprised by how much room there was leftover! I could have packed extra outfits (I had already packed two) in there, B's (big bro) toys and snacks, and it would have been fine.

Here's all that I was able to fit into the Harbor Side Tote for our trip:
Changing pad (comes with the tote)
10-12 diapers
Extra wipes
Nursing cover up
6-7 Baby toys for the trip
Small canister of formula (always like to take some with, just in case)
Two baby bottles
4 Burp cloths
Diaper disposal bags
Lightweight blanket
2 Extra outfits (and double zip plastic bags for accidents)
Insulated bottle tote
3-4 Individual bottles of water

...and that was just inside!

In the exterior pockets, I placed small snacks for our older son (he's five), juice pouches, and even a few of his action figures.

There is an included swivel hook for keys inside of the tote, and I attached our clip-on diaper disposal bag dispenser to that, so I wouldn't have to fish around for it when we stopped for diaper changes- it was perfect!

Here's my Harbor Side Tote, taking a break at Chick-fil-a when we stopped for lunch on our way home. I attached the shoulder strap so all I had to do was sling it over my shoulder.

There are three ways to carry the Harbor Side Tote- over the shoulder, cross-body, or attached to the stroller. The handles are sturdy, and they do fit over the shoulder, or make it easy to carry the tote in hand. The long detachable strap allows you to carry the tote cross-body style (or this is the way my hubby prefers to shoulder carry the bag). There are also clips to attach the bag to the stroller, making it easy to access the items you need, instead of bending over and digging around for them when out and about.

The tote itself is made from a wipeable nylon, and trimmed in faux leather. It's got a reinforced bottom, making it super sturdy.The bag can be wiped clean, and air-dried.


The Harbor Side Tote comes with a Vilah Bloom changing pad. Here's baby S, after a diaper change at our friends' lake house.

Harbor Side Tote Details

Product Dimensions:

16.5” L x 13” H x 7”W

Description:

The Harbor Side Tote reinvents the popular coined phrase “fashion meets function”. This do-it-all tote is stylish, over-sized and features our built-in dispensing wipe system.  Carry this bag from pre to post baby!  With 3 carrying options, 11 spacious pockets and easy one-handed access to wipes; toting tot and essentials was never this easy or chic!

Includes:

Built-in, nontoxic dispensing wipe system

Exclusive Vilah Bloom monogrammed dispensing wipes case

Large, plush, wipe clean changing mat

4 large interior organizational pockets

2 interior bottle pockets

1 zippered exterior pocket for wet wipe case

5 deep exterior pockets

Interior swivel key/pacifier clip

Water resistant lining in our custom VB print

Premium, 100% nylon exterior 

Faux leather accent trim

Custom metal hardware in nickel

3 carrying options: Shoulder, built-in stroller clips, and detachable hands - free cross body strap

Bottom of bag is reinforced for extra durability and sturdiness

Non-toxic Fabrics throughout

Care:

Wipe Clean with Damp Cloth, Air Dry

$130.00



The Harbor Side Tote is just one of the beautiful totes available from Vilah Bloom, and has been featured on thebump.com! I am also in love with their gorgeous Sail Away Satchel, which has won a PTPA Award! I would love to add the Sail Away Satchel to my diaper bag collection, to use as a fall/winter bag. I love the colors and the design.

The Harbor Side Tote is my first choice for a diaper bag. I love its features, the design, and love how the Pink Elephant color combo matches our nursery! This is the diaper bag I will be recommending to all of my family members and friends who are looking for one!

Want it? Get it!

Head on over to Vilah Bloom to browse all of their beautiful diaper bags and clutches (coming soon). You'll love what you see- we promise! You can also connect with Vilah Bloom on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.



Want it? Win it!

One lucky MBP reader will win a $100.00 Vilah Bloom Gift Code! Just think of what you could put it toward- which bag would you choose? Giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older. Just use the RC entry form below to enter for your chance to win! MBP is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please see our policies page for details.

Special thanks to our friends at Vilah Bloom for allowing me to experience their beautiful Harbor Side Tote, and share with our readers. We also thank Vilah Bloom for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway