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Original poster

Are Kipling bags a bit shit?

47 replies

Clarabum · 23/08/2014 13:23

Right, I have loads of lovely leather bags but they get wrecked in the constant torrential rain here during the winter months.
I have a few wee satchels and cross body bags but I just want a lightweight, fabric bag that I can fire a few bit and pieces for DD(2) when I go out a walk. I don't want to spend an awful lot as I have other lovely bags I could use when going anywhere other than the swings.

I've seen a few kipling bags on amazon for around £20-£30 but there's something about the designs I'm not sure about. I don't know if they're just too functional looking. I don't live in a particularly stylish town (leggings and long t-shirts are the look du jour!) but I don't want to look like a hillwalker.

Any input would be gratefully appreciated.
I'm 33 btw.

OP posts:
Toofattorun · 23/08/2014 13:42

Bloody cheek! I love my Kipling bags.

They don't all look the same.

Original poster
Clarabum · 23/08/2014 13:48

Sorry!!!!! Blush

OP posts:
Carpaccio · 23/08/2014 13:52

I had Kipling bags when I was 12-14 or so, many years ago. I see them more as bags for young girls. But that's just my opinion :)

Toofattorun · 23/08/2014 14:08

www.kipling.com/uk-en/handbags/hand-shoulder-bags/bagsational.html

Does this look like I'm about to climb a hill? Mmm? Grin

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 23/08/2014 14:38

I bought a plain black one earlier this year, and really like it. It's very light, inoffensive and practical.

They are very expensive if they are perceived to be bags for 12 year olds!

Bluebell79 · 23/08/2014 14:45

I have a few, I take the monkey off, only use them for days out with the kids as not very stylish. They wash up nicely and are very lightweight. Some have lots of compartments which means I can never remember where I put everything, I do regret the bright coloured ones I have.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 23/08/2014 14:47

I was given one as a gift about 5 years ago and it's the bag I always take on holiday or if I'm going out for a day of sight seeing as it's so practical.

It's not a beautiful bag but it doesn't matter if it gets wet or gets full up with the kids rubbish and sticky wrappers etc. It's also great for passports and travel docs because of all the different sections.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 23/08/2014 14:56

Bit pricey for twelve year olds !

They last years and are very practical, just want you want in an everyday bag IMOSmile

Sootgremlin · 23/08/2014 18:57

I have a small cross body bag that I use for just what you describe, going to park or shops quickly, purse keys phone camera and tissues. They are really light before you put anything in them which is the main reason I like them, they usually fit more than you'd think, have lots of pockets etc.

I would say they were useful rather than stylish generally speaking but nothing wrong with that!

bawabod · 23/08/2014 20:48

I love them and so many styles to choose from well made and a variety of fabrics and colours and too expensive for young kids .

OneLittleToddleTerror · 23/08/2014 20:52

I use them for precisely what you describe. Sometimes a practical bag is a must. Just like a warm practical waterproof coat.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 23/08/2014 20:58

Actually, my 12yo has Kipling bags Grin

She has a black Candy (purloined from me when I bought a bigger one) and a lolac Candy. She can use these as a small backpack, a handbag or a cross-body.
A pink leopard print (her choice)
A pencil case and two pocket purse.
A drawstring bag.

I have a black and a brown.
A Brownie wallet and a coin purse.

I like them (I like the fact they can wash, they aren't heavy, they have the pockets and key fob. The ones I have aren't leather which as a vegetarian, I like )

I don;t like the lairey colours and I don't feel the need to own loads. But I use them more than my M&S bag which I find a bit awkward TBH.

Original poster
Clarabum · 24/08/2014 23:27

Thanks for all the input. I bought one. Medium sized, cross body and a good few pockets to keep all my shite essentials in.

I will probably be wearing it with my warm waterproof coat Wink.

It comes on wednesday. Huzzah!

OP posts:
hiccupgirl · 25/08/2014 08:42

Good choice.

I love my Kipling bags...they last forever, can be chucked in the washing machine and I love all the little pockets. I tend to get them at outlets or in sales and I keep the monkeys on cos my 4 yr old loves playing with them.

NewEraNewMindset · 25/08/2014 08:50

I think they are fine but would take the monkey off. I think it's that that makes them look tacky.

MFIC · 25/08/2014 10:21

This reply has been deleted

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70isaLimitNotaTarget · 25/08/2014 10:35

middle aged women buying them from QVC carrying them

Have you been stalking me MFIC Wink

GobblersKnob · 25/08/2014 10:49

I love Kipling bags, I have far too many including multiples of some styles in different colours Grin I don't use any other type of handbag. Am currently doing a degree and others some twenty years younger than me have ended up getting themselves one, maybe I just wear them well Wink

ememem84 · 25/08/2014 11:03

i have 2 both bought years ago. one is a backpack which i now use for the gym, the other is more of a weekend away bag.

they are expensive but last. I'm sure the guy in the shop who sold them to me told me that they make them from material similar to parachute silk. and they rarely rip/tear etc.

Hippychickster · 25/08/2014 11:04

Haha!!! I am 49 and have several Kipling bags! I fit into the middle aged bit but I don't ever go on QVC! I love them, they are so useful. Maybe not the most stylish, but I love mine.

Saurus72 · 25/08/2014 11:19

I use Kipling backpacks and holdall for travel (in neutral colours) and I love them. They are great quality and as a hygiene freak I love that you can wash them. I buy them at massively reduced prices in Amazon sales so they are brilliant value. I always remove the monkey though Hmm.

Selks · 25/08/2014 11:42

I much prefer Bagallini bags which have a similar utility to them as Kipling and are made in lightweight nylon etc, but are much more stylish and covetable IMO. They can be a bit hard to find in the UK but a couple of websites do them. I've got two, and they are fantastically well designed, work well and are gorgeous.

polyhymnia · 25/08/2014 11:43

What style did you choose, OP?

Another fan here. The lightness and the convenience of the pockets, key fobs etc are addictive. They have some good styles now too, though I wouldn't wear them for super smart occasions.

Have a blue Practicool on holiday with me at moment. Lots of pockets for tickets guidebooks etc. And had a grey City Bag for school which was great for papers, books ,etc etc.
The monkey always gets taken straight off / really don't like them.

tobiasfunke · 25/08/2014 11:51

I got a Kipling defea for the summer after much thought. It is not the most beauteous item but I have to say I love it for everyday use. It is so light, I can fit loads of stuff in it including waterproofs yet it still looks like a handbag. I picked a bit of a crap colour because it was on offer but I would be tempted to get another one. I got my old work handbag out yesterday and I was really annoyed it was so heavy and awkward. I gave the monkey to DS for his schoolbag.

storynanny2 · 25/08/2014 11:53

I have several and use them a lot but I hate the silly monkeys.
I sell the monkeys on eBay sometimes for up to £8.