::Review:: Limited Edition PPB Boxy Backpacks at Nordstrom

I am not familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Obviously if I had a Nordie's card, I'd be in so much more trouble than I already am.  Several mamas on the Petunia Mama's page were able to get an appointment to sneak peek at the Petunia Pickle Bottom boxy backpacks that are specially designed for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  I think this might be a once a year deal and when they are out, they are out.  The best part about these LE bags is the price.  You only pay $99+tax during the pre-sale or sale, instead of the regular $167+tax! A delicious Petunia Boxy for $99 is a steal, and think about it...no one else will have it since it's only exclusively sold at Nordie's!

There are three patterns, but I only saw two at the store.   

Meander in Marseilles

To me one looks similar to that of the India Ink color scheme but the pattern is almost the same as the Strolling in Salzburg. 

  Wandering Through Wales

The other one's pattern is close to that of Rhone Blooms and the color scheme is the same as Misty Shanghai. I definitely drooled. 

Thanks to my dear Petunia Mama Jill who first shared the stock photos on the Nordstrom Anniversary Catalog!! 

::Sale:: Surprise Two Day Sale 6/29-6/30!

When: 6/29-6/30 9PST/12EST

What: Touring Totes, 

Sojourn Slings, 

Boxy Backpacks, 

Sightseer Carriers, 

Layette Gift Sets,  

Cross Town Clutches

Where: Petunia Outlet

Who: US Residents (Sorry Sarah! I know it sucks they don't ship to Canada!)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Many new or die hard Petunia fans have been dying for another outlet sale.  Last night around 9pm EST, Petunia announced the news that makes every PPB mama do the happy dance! It's the 2 Day Surprise Outlet Sale!!!

The first detail I searched for was WHAT was going to be included in the sale.  Now, I don't see CAKE and I am just a little down about that.  Don't get me wrong, all PPB products are gorgeous, but it's just that CAKE who always gets me.  

This is definitely a perfect opportunity for any PPB fan to stock up on bags to give out at baby showers or add on to the existing collections.  I'd say you can never go wrong with the touring totes and the boxy backpacks.  Touring totes can be used as diaper bags or purses and the boxy backpacks are roomy enough for a long day out or if you have two kids' worth of stuff.  (Or if you tend to over pack like I do) 

Have fun mama's! 

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Oh I really can't believe there really IS some CAKE to make my drool.  Too bad the only carryall included in the outlet sale is the Mocha Berry Cream Cake...not really my kind of cake, but good deal at $209! If you want a cake carryall, try Polka Dot Panda, they still have some Pistachio Layer Cake Carryalls left.  Not at $209 but not the original $349 either! 

::FAQ:: Boxy Backpacks

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the boxy backpacks

Q: Do the stroller valet clips come with the boxy backpacks?

A: No, they can be purchased at Petunia Online or at any of the authorized PPB retailers for $19.00.

Q: Do the stroller valet clips come in different colors to match my boxy backpack?

A: The valet clips that are sold separately only come in black, unlike the ones that come with the touring totes.

Q: How many bottle pockets are in the boxy backpacks?

A: There are four bottle holders.  Two exterior and Two interior.  Both are wide enough for wide neck bottles.

Q: Which boxy backpacks in the Fall '09 and Spring '10 collections are glazed?

A: Fall '09 - Rhone Blooms, Turkish Twilight, Dancing in Dublin, Morning in Machu Picchu 

Spring '10 - Heirloom by Petunia, Tranquil Tibet, Picnic in Provence, Springtime in Surrey, Tea on the Thames, Moment in Morocco, Sleepy in Santorini

Q: The looks between the boxy backpack and the shoulder bag are so similar, how do I choose what's right for me?

A: The boxy backpack offers three carrying options; on your shoulders, as a messenger bag, and it goes on the  stroller with or without the valet clips (depends on your stroller type).  The shoulder bag, however, is a messenger style bag.  It does also has 4 bottle pockets! In my opinion, you get more with the boxy backpacks because of the various carrying options they offer! You never know which days you will be chasing your little one down and with the bag on your back, you CAN do it!

::Review:: Heirloom Boxy Backpack

According to Petunia, the Heirloom is described as - 

Striking a pitch-perfect balance between classic charm and modern sensibility, our LIMITED EDITION 10th anniversary fabric is a showcase of our most adored and iconic patterns, woven into one.

To me, it's - oh my! oh my! the color combination is flawless and oh, I can see myself carrying it Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter! Yes, it is THAT perfect! I remembered seeing it the first time on Facebook when Petunia announced the giveaway contest.  I was already in bed, ready to set the alarm and go night night.  Then this gorgeous appears on my screen, I had to zoom in, zoom in, zoom in even more and I think my heart stopped beating for a whole second.  My first reaction was, I HAD to win the contest.  It was a 10 week long contest and you can only enter for the drawing IF you can identify a swatch of a pattern before anyone else.  Of course I knew all of the patterns but working full-time stops me from being the first 50 fans to respond.  

When I realized there was a very minimal chance for me to win the bag, I googled to see if any secret online retailer sells it.  It was the beginning of February.  Nobody offered it and I was pretty upset.  Then Petunia announced one day on Facebook the bag would be released on 2.23.2010, I was beyond thrilled.  When that day finally came, I went straight to Petunia Online Store, added to the shopping cart, just when I realized the price tag was $40 more than the original boxy backpacks! Ouch, a bucket of ice water just poured over my head.  I had to calm down and re-evaluate my needs and wants.  

The thought of owning one of these babies never went away for one second.  I did try to convince myself maybe I don't need anymore pricy diaper bags, maybe Skip Hop would be just as good, maybe the looks don't matter.  I actually went to Babies R Us and put on my trusting cap and started searching for one.  Do you know diaper bags these days cost more than $50 even if they have Winnie the Pooh or Pink Polka Dots on them? My husband was trying to convince me to get the Skip Hop Double Deluxe and we did get to see one in person.  Not sure where the Deluxe name come from...there is nothing deluxe to it in my opinion.  

I am so proud of myself not giving in, because a few days later, my sweet mother-in-law and I were chatting on gmail and she asked me if there was anything I NEED right away for the new baby.   I said, maybe a diaper bag.  She said, "oh! the one you blogged about? That one is pretty!" And of course a day later, my mother-in-law placed the order on the phone with Polka Dot Panda who was referred by my PPB friend Chelsea.  

The bag was on back order for TWO WEEKS, but when it finally arrived during the promised time, I held the bag to my chest and just squeaked! By the way, I had the bag shipped to my work and all the female coworkers were amazed at how delicate and sophisticated diaper bags have become. I did have to remind them not just any diaper bag, it's got to be Petunia Pickle Bottom. 

The photos below show you how spacious the boxy backpacks are and ways to carry.  

I did not have the shoulder straps with me to show you how it looks on my back...but you get the idea... 

 

   

Now these will show you how much you can fit in any of the boxy backpacks...

 

 I hope you enjoyed reading about the Heirloom, tell me how much you like it or if you are thinking of getting one. :)  

(Hurry! It's a limited edition!) 

::Review:: Boxy Backpacks

When I first came across a boxy backpack, I was at a children's boutique warehouse sale.  I wasn't really impressed.  I think it was a brocade fabric so the bag looked pretty flimsy and a bit sad sitting on the table.  A few weeks later when I realized I could no longer fit everything I needed into my Morning in Mumbai touring tote, I was on a mission for a bigger diaper bag.  I thought of a boxy.  I thought of how my touring tote was always easy to clean since it's glazed, I wanted to give a glazed boxy a shot.  That was last fall when I bought my first boxy - Rhone Blooms. 

When the package arrived at my front door that Saturday afternoon, I almost jumped on the UPS guy out of thrill. After I opened the box and realized how Big and Gorgeous it was, I was more than satisfied.  I remembered I had to drag my husband and the baby out of the door on that raining day only because I just had to carry it and show it to the world. 

The boxy is so spacious I could fit whatever I needed for Emily and myself.  I am able to pack her little board books, a sweater, a set of change of clothes, a receiving blanket for the winter, 4 bottles, one pack of Costco wipes (100 counts), some snacks, my wallet, my cosmetic bag, my coupon folder, and of course my iphone. And there is still room left over for my husband's keys which he asks me to carry and annoys me a bit.

The boxy offers 3 carry options.  On the shoulders, as a messenger bag, or on the stroller.  The valet clips Do Not come with the boxy backpacks, and are sold separetly for $19.00 each set.  It's a good investment however, it allows the bag to hang perfectly on the stroller and gives your back a break. 

*Be careful though, if you have an umbrella stroller, you'd have to make sure the stroller doesn't flip especially if the baby is lighter than the bag.  I've had my Maclaren tip over several times but luckly Emily wasn't in it. (Now we own a Baby Jogger City Select, the stroller is much sturdier and doesn't budge a bit! I am much happier to say the least!)

Sadly in November, I had to let my Rhone Blooms go.  My then long hair was constantly getting caught by the shoulder straps and was making it very uncomfortable to carry.  This February, my husband finally begged me to get a haircut, which adds something else to my shopping list, a Heirloom Backpack! My husband did say it was stupid of me to get rid of the bag and now asking for another one.

Stay tuned on how irresistible the 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Heirloom Boxy Backpack is...

Do you have a favorite boxy? Share yours!