It has been far too long since I’ve been able to review a chic diaper bag (my fave is still my Amy Michelle Gladiola), but that’s okay because I no longer give a true, dedicated diaper bag a full-fledged test drive. Yes, I still have one in diapers (even the world’s blingiest crown won’t get her out of them) but my youngest are now old enough I can survive on much less. It’s been a long time coming, trust me!

As nifty as it is for me to be out of the diaper-bag phase, I still need a handbag that can multitask as well—or better—than I do. Though I don’t require room for multiple changes of clothes, bottles, pacifiers, Cheerio-filled snack cups and board books, I do require space for a couple fruit snack packets, one Hot Wheels, a few Smarties (less messy than suckers) and my Envirosax reusable tote.

And then I want to be able to use that same bag to hold my HP Vivienne Tam netbook, old-school notebook, pen, extra business cards and other necessary gear when I head to a networking event or conference.

Oh, and then I want that same handbag to transition to a chic, fabulous accessory for a night on the town. Not a small order but not impossible, especially for Ellington Handbags, and more especially for Ellington’s Bella Hobo handbag.

First, a little bit about Ellington (I think I might need to work for this company):

When we’re not at work, we’re musicians, writers, and artists; sailors, cyclists, and marathon runners; moms and dads and aunties and uncles; cooks and gardeners and avid knitters. We think life is an adventure, and a good handbag should carry whatever you need, wherever your adventures take you. We create each bag to be your perfect companion; the one you want by your side every day, whether you’re picking out veggies at the local farmer’s market or boarding a plane to Budapest. Just enough pockets, but not too many. A strap that fits on your shoulder as if it was made just for you. Luxurious leathers and fabrics that feel good, look good, and wear well. But what about style? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We know that looking good feels good, so we focus on classic-chic designs that you’ll feel good carrying not only for a season, but for years and years.

And now for Ellington’s Bella Hobo. Gosh, I’m in heaven just writing about this handbag! The company sent me the Bella Hobo because of its multitasking abilities all hidden inside the yummiest Italian leather. Now, they didn’t say “yummiest Italian leather” but I’m saying it. It was yummy the moment I opened the box:

You can’t tell from this picture but this handbag smells fabulous. You can ask my husband’s friend who walked through the door just after I opened to box because I had him take a whiff of that fab Italian leather. An architect with an eye for good design (and not afraid to comment on a woman’s handbag), he too thought it a chic and stylish accessory. Seriously. I’m not just saying that.

I couldn’t wait to test this bag’s ability to handle all this blogger needs when attending an event. I loved that it had not only super sturdy handles with awesome hardware but an optional shoulder strap, which comes in handy when holding a child on one hip and the hand of another. I filled it with the necessary items and still had room to spare if I’d wanted to throw in another couple hundred business cards. (Okay, I’m not THAT popular but a girl can dream, can’t she?)

Sort of clockwise from top left: small leather notebook; reusable tote; sunglasses case; wallet; netbook; business cards; business card holder #1 (this one holds customer appreciation cards and gift cards); power cord for netbook; keys.

What you don’t see: cell phone and expo tickets (outside pocket); business card holder #2 (other outside pocket); two lip glosses (inside pockets); pack of gum.

And yet even chock full of expo goodies, this handbag doesn’t look like it’s “working.” And it would look just as fantastic if it were hiding diapers and wipes (and that extra change of clothes). No matter what’s inside, you’ll look like you’re ready for a day of shopping and lunch out with girlfriends—or better yet, a day wandering around the streets of Rome or Milan. Perhaps that’s the next test run I should take with my Ellington Bella Hobo handbag...

Every Ellington handbag is beautiful, classic, chic, unique…and yummy. And so are the prices. Most of their handbags retail for under $200, which is a steal considering the craftsmanship, design and that supple Italian leather. Don’t want to spend that much on a handbag for yourself? Mother’s Day is around the corner; let your husband finally get his Mother’s Day gift-giving right!—Emily

* Promotion! Ellington Handbags is offering Daily Dish readers FREE SHIPPING with code BCAFE! Simply enter the code at checkout to receive your discount. (Or have your husband enter the code at checkout so you can have the happiest of Mother’s Days.)

When it comes to choosing your handbag for a shopping trip with your girlfriends or a night out on the town you often find yourself thinking eeny, meeny, miny, moe, which purse is the way to go? But once you’ve found eenamaria you won’t find yourself thinking that any longer!

eenamaria (aka “the urban nomad”) “walks faster because she knows where she’s going. impatient and enterprising, she’s the one you envy as she glides past you on her motorcycle in gridlocked traffic. she lives by different rules, rules that set her free.” I’m not sure if this eenamaria is a real person, but I so want to be her. Since I can’t actually be eenamria I will make do by channeling her sexy, secure, free-style spirit through one of her fabulous handbags.

Chelsea Boi, eenamaria’s current collection, can best be described with two words: eye candy. The vibrant colors, sleek styles and simple designs convey a fun chic-meets-street feel. The I Mean Bizness and Workin Weekend Baby totes are used and loved by moms for fashionably carrying all of their their children’s needs and even for use as a diaper bag.

I received the All Night Clubber (the handbag, not the party boy) in gray. Bigger than a clutch but not so big it takes over your lap, the All Night Clubber is perfect when you need to grab and go. It has room for a wallet, cell phone, compact, lip glosses in every shade and car keys with some room to spare. Though I love the yummy cherry red color, I chose gray so it could easily go with any outfit. Plus I already have a red handbag and I like variety! Something else I learned about eenamaria? She pays attention to detail.The silver hardware is solid and solid and the bag is made really well.

Most of us have a collection of your typical, nondescript handbags and totes, which means more often than not we’re not living a sexy, secure, free-style life. Let eenamaria change things up a bit. Just before your next girls’ night out you may find yourself thinking eeny, meeny, miny, moe, sexy is the way to go!

*** Giveaway eenamaria is giving away a Murse or Purse handbag from the Chelsea Boi collection (pictured at left)! Please visit eenamaria’s collection on eBags and leave a comment telling us your favorite eenamaria bag; include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 30, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Crystal B., the winner of the eenamaria giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

Its time for a NEW Fashion Forward Challenge this week, and we want you all to break out your camera’s and join in the fun. Our theme for the week is “What’s in your Bag?” and it’s as simple as that. Basically we want everyone to dump out their purses and showcase what’s in your bag? It will be fascinating and fun! Let’s see what we all just can’t live without!

*To participate please post your “Purse Contents” on your own personal blog, with picture and link back to this Challenge url. Once you blog your reply to the Challenge, come back to Boutique Cafe and list your blog link our comments so we can all come to view your post! It’s a fun way to get traffic to your personal blogs + we all get to know each other a little bit better.

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