Saturday, September 27, 2014

27 Reasons I Love Lily Jade - GIVEAWAY


As I mentioned here, I did a lot of dancing at weddings this year - both actual dancing because our friends know how to throw parties and then the dance between being a loving, attentive bridesmaid and being one of two people that the kids want to be with because there is so much commotion, so little napping time and so many new people holding them and hey! why did my mom just walk by carrying flowers and not me??? That dance. Do you know that dance? 

It's a pretty good dance to get to do. I think it's kind of like my road trip mentality - sometimes your hair is being pulled either by a hairdresser or a baby or both, but that means that you have a dear loved one getting married and you have a little one which are both huge gifts in life. And! the fact that your friend or family member invited your children to the weddings is an honor and shows how much they love you and your family and children at weddings in general. So, it is a pretty good dance to get to do.

We are blessed with many, many people who were so generous and helped us, whether it be taking Ryan to get french fries or holding a sleeping Conor while I did my hair or taking over curling someone's hair so I could nurse.  I also had a little help from Lily Jade who designs diaper bags that are roomy enough for bridesmaid essentials and mom essentials. 

I already loved my Madeline before I used it as a bridesmaid, but I came to appreciate it even more after seeing how much I could store in it while not sticking out as the token mom ... because pumping definitely doesn't make me the token mom of the group, right? ;) Really though, I should probably get over it because motherhood is beautiful, period, but I do enjoy at least attempting to look young and my age even though I have two children grabbing at my chiffon bridesmaid dress. It's not an everyday or even an every year occurrence that I get my hair done and nails so it was nice that the high quality material also didn't dress down the bridesmaid look. Lily Jade's designs are sleek and sophisticated; any woman at any age, mother or not, could wear a Lily Jade designer diaper bag.

My Madeline all packed and ready to go for my brother's wedding.  

Bridesmaid with a baby reality.
Lily Jade was kind enough to send me a new bag - the Sarah Grace in Gold - that went perfectly with the Madewell dress my sister-in-law chose for the wedding day, and honestly, it goes well with every outfit that I own. I was a little nervous that it wouldn't be able to carry as much as I was used to since it looked smaller than the Madeline, so I was pleasantly surprised when I didn't have a problem packing what I needed for the day in there. I shouldn't have been though! With the washable and removable Baby Bag, the Sarah Grace has twelve pockets plus a removable convenience pouch for your phone and wallet. 

So here are 27 reasons I love the Lily Jade Sarah Grace as a bridesmaid with babies - you know, like the movie 27 Dresses

1) - 14) Easily carried my camera, scarf for nursing, wallet, phone, phone charger, diapers for Conor, diapers for Ryan, wipes, tissues, make-up, toy for Conor, airplane for Ryan, extra onesie for Conor, bobby pins (this really could have been 1-27 if I had taken a photo of everything I had in there)
15) Looked like it was for a special occasion like the other fancy clutches at the wedding
16) Could carry it on my shoulder
17) Could carry it across my body
18) People asked where I got my purse
19) Would have gone with whatever color dress the bride chose
20) 12 pockets made it easy to find bobby pins or whatever I needed in a quick pinch
21) A varied amount of pocket sizes so I didn't have to spend time jamming the wipes back in a too-small pocket
22) Babies love the shiny gold hardware - good distraction
23) Zipped so nothing fell out
24) The changing pad even made Conor feel fancy for the day
25) Easily wiped clean after wedding cake was smeared on it
26) Easily wiped clean after I spilled some of my Dirty Shirley on it (I know - very refined drinking tastes over here)
27) My date even complimented me on it.

I loved it. 



The bag doesn't come with a bed for a badly needed afternoon nap, but Ryan's Aunt Kaitlin patiently waited for him to finish his nap in the car. Our family is full of gems. 
Now, a month later, I still love it, and it looks as good as new! The gold material is very, very durable which is appreciated because it's often in harm's way when Ryan is wielding his latest sword/stick. 

I do want to note that I was thrilled to meet Landon and Meggan, the couple who started Lily Jade, at The Hundred Event. It was a true pleasure to meet such a loving, devoted, hard working and honest couple. 


And now for the best part - Lily Jade is giving away giving away a $75 gift card for use on their site to one lucky Cedars and Tiny Flowers reader! Just visit their site, then come back here and comment what you would use your gift card on! Which one would you pick? A canvas one? Metallic like the Sarah Grace? Did you see that it is on sale? Leather? This one is still on my wish list. I'm a sucker for anything camel and bags that I can wear on my back. There are also Baby Bags sold separately for $55. They are sold in medium and large in both red and khaki. There are other ways to enter via the Rafflecopter below, if you feel so inclined.

Oh and even if you are not a mother, Lily Jade bags are still the bag to have. Just read Sarah's post on how much she adores her Lily Jade Caroline in black as her purse as a teacher. 

If you'd like to read more about Lily Jade, visit GraceAnnaJanssenMerrick, and Audrey, . 

Which Lily-Jade designer diaper bag would you choose? And do you have any bridesmaid tips or funny stories?

Goooooooooood luck! I hope YOU win. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. GO IRISH!

191 comments :

  1. I love the one you have but might pick the Anna in gunmetal!

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  2. I'm lusting agree the Madeline in either black or brandy, hard! Would love to treat myself to one for the upcoming 3-0 birthday so hopefully I can win and justify the expense!

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  3. I'd choose the Sarah Grace or the Anna. Their bags are all so lovely that deciding on just one favorite is a great problem to have. Pick me!!

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  4. I'm loving the gunmetal :-) or the one that you have.

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  5. It would be so hard to choose! They are all beautiful, I think I would choose the Sarah Grace in gold. :-)

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  6. I love the Elilzabeth in Camel! But they're all so beautiful!

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  7. The Elizabeth in Camel is gooooorgeous.

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  8. Madeline in Red Canvas!! So cute.

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  9. I love the madeline in red/canvas or the cailin in purple... but practically, maybe the madeline in brandy. Wait, I can choose 5 right?

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  10. Call me a copycat, but I want the one you have in these pics... Swoon!!!!

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  11. I would love the Caroline or Madeline in brandy, or really, any of their gorgeous bags!

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  12. The Sarah Grace in Gold is so pretty - thanks for modeling and for hosting this giveaway!

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  13. Um, can I want them all? Cause I do!

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  14. What a gorgeous bag! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  15. I would pick the Madeline in camel!

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  16. Probably something in leather. I love how your gold bag goes with everything!

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  17. I'm a sucker for the elizabeth bag!

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  18. I'm not a gold person but I really like Sarah Grace in gold.

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  19. I'd love the Sarah Grace in silver like Aubrey Kinch (one of my favorite bloggers) rocks. The gold is a close second. I did all the entries except Twitter because I don't have an account. Blog post coming up this week :)

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  20. I am drooling over the Madeline! Can't decide if I like the red canvas or brown leather more.

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  21. Oh how I love the Madeline in Brandy!

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  22. These are so gorgeous! I love the Cailin in Royal Purple

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  23. Hands down the Elizabeth in Camel!

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  24. Sara Grace in Gold or Elizabeth in camel

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  25. I want a Madeline sooooo badly! I adore the idea of a baby bag that doesn't make me feel frumpy!

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  26. The Sarah grace or Anna in either colors offered would be a major score! Thanks for hosting an awesome giveaway!

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  27. Love the Elizabeth for the backpack feature!

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  28. I think I'd choose the Caroline! But it's a tough decision! So many beautiful bags!

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  29. I'm having such a hard time choosing! I really love this ivory one you're rocking, they're all gorgeous though!

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  30. I have been drooling over these for a year! I would love the same one- the Sarah Grace in gold, especially for the many upcoming weddings I am attending!
    Thanks for your convincing review!

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  31. Oh I love the Elizabeth in red canvas--so perfect for fall and my busy guy! These bags are perfect for me switching between working and diaper bags. :) thanks for offering such a fun giveaway!!

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  32. I love the Elizabeth in camel. It goes with any outfit. And I love the fact it can be worn as a backpack/ cross body. Very versatile and stylish!

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  33. I am loving Sarah Grace in Gold! It's beautiful.

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  34. The Sarah Grace in gold! It's such a versatile bag and I love the shade of gold.

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  35. The Elizabeth in Camel is my favorite - but all of them are gorgeous so it would take awhile to actually decide! :)

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  36. Ohhh these bags are A-mazing... would love to justify splurging on one to my hubs! Lol) Thank you so much for the sweet chance. I adore Caroline in brandy!

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  37. Madeline is gorgeous! And I love the backpack conversion.

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  38. I love the Madeline or Carolyn in Burgandy! Gorgeous!

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  39. a baby bag! or one of the leather bags. or any bag. I drool over their bags all the time!

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  40. I love my Madeline but am afraid I've created a monster... I now feel the need to have at least three more of these amazing bags including the one you feature here!

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  41. The Elizabeth in camel! So gorgeous!

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  42. I love this bag!! But I also have love for the Elizabeth! Thank you!

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  43. I would choose the Caroline in Brandy!

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  44. Girl you know I wanna have them babies… help me out here… loving the Madeline in black!

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  45. Hope I'm not double posting...I change mind all the time but I love the Elizabeth in camel

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  46. I love the Madeline in brandy.

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  47. The Elizabeth in Camel is my absolute dream bag!!!

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  48. and I'd get the Madeline in brandy!

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  49. I'm dying for the Madeline in black! It's so perfect

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  50. Love the Elizabeth in camel! Goes with anything. But, I love them all! I have wanted one of these bags since I've heard about them!

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  51. I love the Elizabeth in red canvas

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  52. I'd get Anna in Gunmetal...it has a little rock and roll to it :)

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  53. Sarah grace in gold is beautiful!

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  54. I would choose the Elizabeth in red or camel. Tough choice. Either would be amazing!

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  55. Sarah Grace in gold is beautiful!

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  56. My absolute dream bag would be the Madeline in brandy or red canvas!

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  57. the Sarah Grace in silver -- it's perfect!

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  58. Either Sarah Grace in gold or Madeline in Brandy.

    Rebecca G

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  59. I would love to have an Anna in black, I love how stunning the bags are!

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  60. Would love ANY of these bags to use for baby #2 (expected 11/5)... But if I had to choose I think my favorite is Madeline in Brandy

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  61. I'd love the Elizabeth red canvas!

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  62. I would pick the same one you did... I live the colors!

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  63. I want them all! I'd probably go for the Madeline though

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  64. I love the Madeline in red, the Elizabeth and the Sarah Grace you posted. All great choices and would not go wrong with any.

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  65. I love the Red Madeline! Of course they are all so stylish and chic!

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  66. I have been secretly coveting a Lily Jade bag ever since I found out that we are expecting twins (although I am still figuring out how I'll tote around a toddler, two newborns, AND a diaper bag with only two hands...details, details). I absolutely love the Elizabeth in camel.

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    1. Ha, well a diaper bag that can go on your back will be a huge help, I'm sure! You'll do great!

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  67. Love the Madeline and am saving to get one now! This would be a great help!

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  68. I love both Madeline in Brandy and Elizabeth in Camel-can I get two? :) Tough choice but I'd be thrilled to own either of those bags.

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  69. I'm obsessed with the Elizabeth in camel!

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  70. Sara Grace in Gold is my new fav!

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  71. Need a diaper bag so badly! I was one for my shower and it's turning yellow and has a growing hole! Fingers crossed for a win! Wish I would have spent more time looking for a bag!

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  72. I would love the Elizabeth or the Madeline!

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  73. The Elizabeth in red canvas or leather, they are both gorgeous!

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  74. I love the purple, but I really, really want a good leather bag! Love Lily Jade!

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  75. I would choose the Anna in Black. Such a sleek and classic looking bag...No one would know it's filled with diapers and wipes :)

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  76. Swooning! What beautiful bags! I'd pick gold :)

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  77. I love the Elizabeth and the Caroline!!

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  78. Sarah grace or the Elizabeth! Love these!

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  79. I love the Madeline in red! One of my favorite names and colors on a classy bag!

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  80. any of this bags would make me s happy!

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  81. Can't decide between the Sarah Grace and the Madeline

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  82. Love the Madeline but they are all gorgeous!

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  83. Lovin the Sarah Grace in silver! Gorgeous bags. Lily Jade's do not look like diaper bags.

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  84. Caroline in Brandy! Always make sure the bride is having fun!

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  85. Don't mean to repeat what quite a few are saying, but it is a gorgeous color. I love the Madeline you are modeling. If that exact one wasn't available, I'd get it in a different color.

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  86. I would use the credit towards purchasing a madeline in brandy or red!

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  87. I've been eyeing Madeline in brandy forever.. it would be perfect for my long trip to Poland coming up (Yay 15 hours flights pregnant and with a one year old) AND for my new baby. And generally for organizing life of this disorganized mama... ; D

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  88. I love the Elizabeth Red Canvas bag!
    jbang0331 at yahoo dot com

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  89. I love the Elizabeth in Camel!! So FAB-U-LOUS

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  90. Madeline is great, but love the blue liner of grace

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  91. I LOVE the one you have but also love the anna in gunmetal!

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  92. I absolutely adore the Madeline and I would get it in either the black or brandy!!! That would be ideal!!

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  93. It would be a toss up between the anna or the Elizabeth....

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  94. You seriously want me t choose one?! I love them all! I guess I would choose the Sarah in gold, but the Madeline looks fabulous too.

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  95. Love all of them but the Elizabeth is the one I want.

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  96. The Cailin in purple, of course. It's gorgeous.

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  97. Sarah Grace in Gold or Anna in black! I've been eyeing them for months! Baby girl coming in FEB! ahh!!

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  98. I think I would pick the Sarah Grace or idk maybe a canvas one! Really they are all so great it would be a tough choice! I have been tempted so many times to buy myself something this convenient so many times, but with 3 kiddos it just hasn't been in our budget! It would be so awesome to win...my wallet needs a safe home!!

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  99. I love the Elizabeth bag...camel or canvas!!

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  100. Such beautiful bags! I love the Caroline in brandy! Thanks for the giveaway :)
    mbrigham7 at yahoo dot com

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  101. I would love to have the Anna in Black!

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  102. I've been dying to get my hands on one of these bags. So cute and stylish.

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  103. Elizabeth in Camel...it's stunning.

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  104. I have really liked the CAILIN ROYAL PURPLE for a while now. This gift certificate would make it a much easier purchase on my budget :)

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  105. I like the Elizabeth in Camel-- so classy and timeless!!!

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  106. Caroline in Brandy!

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  107. Madeline in Brandy or Elizabeth in Camel--too many decisions!!

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  108. The Madeline in Brandy is my absolute fave!

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  109. I've been longing to own the Elizabeth in Camel for months now!

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  110. I love the Madeline and Elizabeth

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  111. I tried to comment.. confused if it worked or not. :) Sarah Grace in Silver! XO

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  112. Sarah grace in gold... Would be the perfect baby mama accessory for the holidays :)

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  113. I have no idea if my comments are going through! I'd love the Anna in gunmetal.

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  114. Your comment went through!! Good luck!

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  115. I love the Elizabeth, and I've got till February to figure out how to coerce it into the budget. ;-)

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  116. This would be perfect for me!! why? Because by the time I am a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding, my little guy will be almost one! Thank you for the chance! Also, I can't find you GFC widget to add you.

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  117. I love the madeline. i'm going to be maid of honor at my sisters wedding next month and was considering that bag for that reason. glad to hear it works well!

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  118. My first choice was Anna in black, but then I saw the gunmetal.

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  119. I have been swooning and crushing over that Madeline in Brandy for months and months now! This would be a dream!!

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