Bags: Uptown Bella Jennifer

From Drudgery to Delight

Tested: 7/1/2006 to 10/10/2006

Bella Jennifer

I am the mom you see at the coffee shop juggling my kids, my laptop and my morning latte. Not a pretty sight, as you can imagine. I love not being tethered to a desk and being able to do my work while I am shuttling my kids to their various activities. Normally I schlep my computer in a basic black padded briefcase, not cute in any way. This has never suited me, but until recently it was either that or a computer backpack that has all the panache of my baggy workout clothes. In addition to my computer bag I also have to haul around a decent-sized purse to accommodate all of the kid gear I keep with me—my shoulders ache just writing about it.

The Jennifer bag from Uptown Bella has changed the drudgery of my mobile lifestyle to one of delight. The fun colors (mine is Sweet Honeydew, a limey green) and super soft suede attract me instantly. Inside this spacious tote is a zip pocket that easily accommodates a couple of diapers as well as a travel size box of wipes. Instead of diapers, mine carries sunscreen, anti-bacterial gel, baby wipes and the ever-present Matchbox Cars and Polly Pockets. Then another pocket keeps my wallet, lip-gloss and receipt file neatly organized. This still leaves ample room to tuck a few file folders and my Sudoku book. Then my laptop slips right into the padded area that stays shut with a sturdy velcro tab. The three outside pockets easily have room for my cell phone, car keys and my computer’s AC adapter.

This bag comes with a small black computer “Sarah” sleeve, which can be tucked into the padded area of the Jennifer bag. My computer is too large for the sleeve (15.4 inch screen) so in a very Martha Stewart-like manner, I make use of it as an art bag for my kids. I pack up coloring books, paper, colored pencils and crayons. My 5-year-old stays busy for a good hour at the aforementioned coffee shop while I get a good chunk of work done.

Let’s recap: a striking suede shoulder bag that can house all of my mommy paraphernalia plus my precious laptop, a bonus little briefcase that is the perfect size for my kids to carry full of art supplies (or accommodates a 14-inch or smaller computer), and last but not least I don’t have to juggle my hefty handbag. Fabulous!

UPDATE – OCTOBER 2006

While still a fan of the Jennifer Bag, I’ve put another Uptown Bella Bag to the test. This time it is the Ashley Satchel. This bag has a smaller profile and is suitable for women of all sizes, but for those who are smaller in stature the proportions of the Ashley are more comfortable than those of the Jennifer.

The Ashley bag is plenty big to stash both your gear and your computer. Its retro bowling bag styling is really smart. I get compliments on it both in the airport and at the coffee shop, virtually everywhere I go. The front pocket alone carries my power cord, an extra battery, an external hard drive, pens, a pad of paper, matchbox cars, Polly Pockets, you get the idea… It is super roomy. Moving to the main interior section, there is a grotto of space outside of the padded pocket for my laptop. The cavern holds my file folders, a three ring notebook and the Sarah sleeve that I use as an activity bag for my kiddos. The Sarah sleeve is made of indestructible ballistic nylon and in been indispensable for both me and my kids!

One of the greatest features of the Ashley Satchel is an ingenious zippered compartment on the back of the bag. This multifunctional space is usually the place where I throw stuff as I am getting out of the car, you know the keys, my sunglasses, snakes (plastic of course), literally anything I want to throw in at the last second. But (and here is the inspired part) this pocket also has a zipper at the bottom so I can easily slip it over the handle of my suitcase. Voila: extra space or complete travel functionality. I just love two-in-one features, they get me every time.

Overall Uptown Bella earns the coveted Mother Proof Seal of Approval for both the Jennifer and Ashley bags. Hip, cool and functional what else could I ask for, really!

Specs
Price range:	$129 – $169
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Features:	Laptop bags that combine fashion with functionality. For more information and to purchase see www.uptownbella.com