Years and years ago Emily Maynard posted a photo with one of her children on her hip and an LV Backpack on her arm. I had never thought much of designer backpacks. I either didn’t have children at this time, or Maxi was so young a backpack had no appeal. But the moment I saw that photo I thought, “This is just fantastic!” You could tell she was using it as a diaper bag based on the photo, but it just looked so natural, like she was going to carry that bag anyways- not like she was only carrying it because she had kids. You know that vibe I’m speaking of with diaper bags?!

Fast forward a few years and that bag had always kind of been in the back of my mind, but when I would pop in Louis Vuitton here and there and ask to see a backpack everything they had was teeny tiny. Like a diaper wouldn’t even fit in it, tiny. I checked eBay and resale sites, but everything looked realllllllllly loved and a little too worn.

Back in January, Paul and I went on an afternoon date and we were next to an LV store. He said, “Do you want to go see if they have a backpack?” I raised an eyebrow because my husband is not one to just ask that. I think he was just trying to combine my birthday and Valentine’s Day all in one. 😉 We went in and I saw the Montsouris PM and immediately knew it would be a great bag for myself and a great bag with the kids.

And in almost 8 years of blogging, I’ve never received more questions about a handbag. So I’ll stop gabbing about Emily Maynard and lunch dates and let’s get to this review!

Size:

• 10.8 x 13 x 5.5 inches
• I would consider this comparable to a medium-sized handbag. It fits less than a tote but significantly more than my Chanel Medium 19 and Single Flap Quilted Maxi. The straps are adjustable so you can make it work with your height.
• The top handle has a nice drop to it, so you can put this in the crook of your arm if you need to. I do this all the time!

Details:

• It has one outside zip pocket, an inner pocket, and a magnetic buckle closure with leather drawstrings.

Review:

This backpack has the same structure as a bucket bag. You’re going to have a wider base where you can fit more, and then it drawstrings at the top. But unlike both my bucket bags {Fendi Mon Tresor Canvas and LV Neonoe MM Rose Poudre} this backpack’s carry capacity is much greater. I also carry this far more than I thought I would. Due to the different ways you can carry this back {a backpack, one shoulder, crook of arm} I find it works just as well with workout clothes as it does a sundress.

Top Questions:

Does it fit a lot?

This might depend on your definition of a lot, but I have photos below that share what I carry in it. I can carry my items, Harry’s and a few things for Maxi. Now if this were my first child, I may be unsure if I’d leave a large diaper bag for this, but with Harry, I don’t bring as much as I did with Maxi. I haven’t ever felt like I was unable to bring something I needed with this bag. This could also fit a toddler’s water bottle, just depending on how you organize it. I think this bag deceptively fits more than you might think from the outside.

Is this a good back with kids?

Yes! While my Neverfull might fit more, I can bend over and pick up Harry, help Maxi on a scooter, etc. and nothing falls out. The ability to have range in action while carrying this bag outweighs the smaller size in my opinion. For organizing this bag with kids there are two ways I do it- just depending on the day:

1. Tote Savvy Mini– This is what I use most often with my backpack and have photos featuring it in use below. It comes with a changing pad, which is great for baby! I use the outer pockets to organize for H & M and then the inner slot holds my phone, keys, lip products, mask, etc.
2. Diaper Bag Dopp Kit– I keep a little seersucker dopp kit with the kid’s items in the backpack and then throw my stuff on top. The top of the backpack can be a little wider if you have the Tote Savvy Mini organizer {which doesn’t bother me} but if you wanted it smaller, a pouch like this is perfect- especially if you want to bring an extra change of clothes for baby.

Any cons to this bag?

The only thing I have noticed in 2 months is that you have to close the top. I was so used to a tote, I would forget you needed to tighten the drawstring and close it once you get something out. You can leave it open if you hold it in the crook of your arm with the top handle. But it’s just something I got used to after a week before throwing it on my back.

Would this work for someone without kids?

Absolutely! Just from a style standpoint, I’d recommend this bag for anyone. I find that in fashion accessories have veered more casual, while our wardrobe might be a little more fancy and feminine. Here’s what I mean by that- five or six years ago it was ALL about athleisure. You wanted to wear athleisure everywhere with a gorgeous handbag on your shoulder. I think the rise of sneakers for everyday wear was the catalyst to accessories becoming a bit more casual. It’s not only trendy to wear sneakers with sundresses and backpacks with skirts, it’s realistic to do so. And after the house dress resurged last year during COVID, I find women dressing up even more in their outfits just because! 10 years ago we wanted jeans and major bubble necklaces to dress up our tees. Now, our soft dresses make a subtle statement. All of that to say, this with a dress and sneakers? Perfection in my book!

What do you think? Would you carry a backpack like this?