As usual, I saw several of them today on campus: young women carrying quilted diaper bags as book bags or purses. Maybe I am officially over the hill, because this is one trend I simply do not get. I can understand the granny chic trends like crocheted shawls and giant brooches - there's a sort of old-fashioned Victorian romance attached to such items. But what on earth is appealing about a diaper bag?

I've looked at bags like these and tried to see them through other eyes. Tried to see them as cute, preppy, granola, so-dorky-they're-cool or some combination thereof. But I can't get away from the fact that no matter what else it's supposed to be, it still looks like a diaper bag.

I don't know any mothers who relish schlepping around that bag full of diapers, wipes, burp cloths, teething rings, etc. But I know several who have made the best of it, carrying fun, attractive bags. Some are quilted and appliqued, some are more sleek-looking, but when you see someone carrying one its function is unmistakeable. The woman boldly carrying her decorative diaper bag says to me, "I am proud to be a Mom, and the joy of motherhood is worth dealing with the occasional dirty diaper."

I'm not a mother myself, but I can understand that sentiment. What I don't get is why childless teenagers want to project the same message.