Vain I know, but are Kipling really awful looking (yet useful)

[guccionaprimarkbudget]

Was looking at kipling bags as I've heard they are fantastic quality, and I'm in need of a good bag, but the look of them is putting me off slightly. I can't tell whether I like or loathe them. Whats your opinion, are they lovely stylish bags, or just functional ones that you love for their usefulness.

I don't like them. They look like small bits of luggage. And as for the dangly gorilla...er no not my thing at all.

the gorilla would have to go if i got one. They give me the creeps

Have you looked at Fossil bags? I love Fossil..maybe not what you're after though.

I am crapping nervous at the responses saying I'm a schmuck with a Kipling bag.

I have one in a gorgeous pink colour. It's a rectangle shape with 2 pockets on the front, 1 on the back and the main central part. I manage to get a mini changing mat bag in it and everything I need with 2 young unsure but it's not a mahoosive changing bag. I am time served with those.

I didn't get it as a massive style statement however it is more stylish than my Miracle Bag.

I find mine good for travel.

It is not stylish.

I love mine

Take the gorilla off and they're fine !

I like them, they're washable, versatile , lots of little compartments, key fob and I like the monkey

I like the Radley dog but apparently you are meant to whip that off the second you buy it

I think they are up there with elasticated waist jeans, velour tracksuits, crocs, trailer parks, deep fried mars bars and people so overweight they can't move so only buy stuff from shopping channels.

Then you are a little silly aren't you?

Nice

I think they are a bit tacky but then my 'handbag' is currently a flowery over the shoulder tote bag I bought for £3 so I would hardly class myself as a fashion queen!!!

My mum loves them and has three. The last one was given to her but without the monkey so I bought her one separately on Ebay!! She was made up

I have the rucksack. Looks really small. I feel like Mary Poppins when I start pulling loads of things out of it. Very durable. Can have the straps in multiple ways. Washable. Lots of useful pockets. Key holder. Pen holder. Pass holder.

When someone finds me something 'stylish' that does all the above, for what I paid (black friday deal) then I will ditch it. Until then, I will continue to use one back, rather than several 'stylish' bags.

I have 3 Kipling bags & love them. I don't own any crocs or velour track suits, I've never eaten a deep fried mars bar, nor am I too fat to leave the house!

I've got several Kipling bags. Love them

Pressed send too soon

I can't believe the amount of crap/useful stuff I can get in mine. Not particularly great looking but dead practical & very useful :)

Washable? Really? Can I pop it in the machine on the 30 cycle?

OP to answer your question. I got mine in 2005 so even if it was ever stylish, which it wasn't, it definitely isn't now! The quality is amazing. Tough as old boots. I kind of keep hoping it will fall apart to make me stop using it. But it hasn't and I keep on using it. Great for travel as someone said upthread. It's a great everyday bag. I do have others for when I want a smarter, more stylish look.

MyGastIsFlabbered you are on a slippery slope, it's only a matter of time..............

I've shoved mine in the washing machine loads of times, not had any problems so far

I have a few, always take the monkey off, stick to classic colours - navy, khaki, red, and have to say I find them very useful.

Lots of compartments, they're light, it's always easy to find stuff, the straps are long and don't dig in.

They last ages too.

Thanks Gast, I'll give it a go.

Kipling bags are meh unless used for travelling. Always take my trusted Elise bag as hand luggage.

I have a small kipling bag and purse. The bag fits neatly on my pram and holds everything I need. The purses are really durable and good quality.

They're not stylish but they're good for what they are

Amazing quality, great organisation, you can fit tons of stuff in most of them, washable, and...really naff. I did have some, but I just couldn't get past the naff ness, and the fact that I see ladies in their 50s and 60s wearing them in 'snazzy' colours, and they leave the gorilla on. I sold them all.

So no to Kipling handbags (for me). Having said all that, I have a holdall and a backpack that I bought very cheaply on Amazon and that I use for holidays. They are fantastic (I bought them in muted neutral colours) and I imagine I will still be using them in 10, 20 years time.

If you can get past (or don't care) the fact that the handbags are naff, you should totally use them, as they are so user friendly and practical. Who cares what anyone else thinks after all.