Once your baby outgrows the diaper bag, you are ready to downsize -- sort of. As the mom, you still need a roomy tote most of the time, for Kleenex and hand wipes and those random stuffed animal friends your kids MUST HAVE when they leave home. But that doesn't mean you have to keep carrying the baby bag once the kids are in school. Instead, upgrade to a chic, sturdy leather tote, one big enough for all the Mom Gear but slim enough to carry easily.

Lillian Vernon's leather tote is perfect for a mom on the go: it is big enough for all the things you need to carry but slim enough to make it manageable. It comes with a convenient external cell phone pocket, to prevent all the fumbling around often associated with deep totes, and the leather is soft and forgiving. Wipe clean with saddle soap and a damp cloth; the leather will age beautifully and look fabulous for years to come.

Lillian Vernon leather tote, $24.98. Can also be monogrammed, for a more grown-up look.