Our post from yesterday about a new Dwell diaper bag we're digging found Babble commenter Nolasmom raising an interesting question: We're always telling you about the most awesomest, coolest-looking new diaper bags, but really, aren't all these bags just expensive variations on the same generic tote with garish print? (Sorry, Nolasmom; realize we're paraphrasing.) Anyway, the comment also contained a challenge: "What does this mythical 'regular diaper bag' look like? No seriously, I'd like a photo posted."
[Cue ominous music.]
Below, from Graco (as it seems these things always are), is the archetypal Regular Diaper Bag. It's cheap; it works; but it also looks like a lunchbox with a kiddie print slapped on it. Full disclosure, this is just the bag that got my wife and me through two kids' worth of diapering, and we never had a problem with the thing. But one of the perks of doing this blog is getting to drool over stuff you wished you'd have been smart enough to register for, so here's hoping that whether it's from Dwell, DiaperDude, Skip*Hop or wherever, you've got the good sense to find something better (looking).

While we're on the subject, though, most diaper bags aimed at modern parents seem to follow one of three stylistic variations: the tote, the messenger bag/man-purse, or the modified backpack. Have you ever just used a regular old tote, messenger bag or backpack to carry baby's diapering essentials? I know I have, and it's saved me quite a bit of $$, too.
UPDATE: Seems this post has become a hot topic over at Diaper Bag Junkies -- which, by the way, rules if you're in the market for a bag of your own. Consider me schooled! Oh, and Teri at DBJ, I just might take you up on your offer to help shop for a new bag -- anything to get rid of the monstrosity I'm hauling around.