Queen of the diaper bags

You can't be in Portland long before you start spotting Queen Bee Creations bags on people's arms. From their studio on Burnside, designer Rebecca Pearcy and her team create some standout purses and totes, all by hand. I've admired their colorful, chic designs and detailed craftsmanship for quite some time. But these days I'm more often accessorizing with a diaper bag than a cute purse.

So I was thrilled to discover their Chickpea Baby Bags line--all the beauty of Queen Bee transformed into functional diaper bags. They come in two basic styles--roomy messenger bags and larger totes--and a wide range of designs and colors. I love that they don't scream "diaper bag" on the outside, making them useful long after you've stopped toting wipes and sippy cups everywhere you go.

Good looks aside, Chickpea Baby Bags are workhorses. The interiors and exteriors are covered with those all-important pockets for storing baby gear. Water-resistant pouches on the back are great for bringing damp clothes home. And because the bags are made from (PVC-free) vinyl instead of leather, they're cruelty-free and easy to clean, both inside and out.

Queen Bee Creations is just the kind of business we love: a creative Northwest company that makes beautiful handmade products, treats its employees well, and supports the local community. If you're near Portland, stop by the Queen Bee studio to see some of their work in person and maybe score a deal on a second.

The rest of us can just drool over them online.

$109-180 at Queen Bee Creations

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations to Lisa P, winner of a Queen Bee Creations Rita diaper bag (shown at right).