Tag: handbag

Helly Hansen Wanderer Shoulder Bag

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, National Walking Month, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, travel, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Whilst Helly Hansen are perhaps better known for their outdoor clothing, they do also have a great range of accessories like the Helly Hansen Wanderer Shoulder bag. This compact bag is a brilliant for travelling and has a good selection of pockets, both zipped and open which are ideal for keeping everything organised when navigating airport or train station queues.

The main compartment is zipped and inside are two mesh pockets. The larger pocket is the perfect size for a phone, while the smaller one will hold smaller essentials, I’ve currently got a lipbalm and a tube of sweets in it but it would also be perfect for a pen or a folded up shopping bag. Inside the bag is a handy key clip, a simple feature but incredibly useful and I no longer find myself rummaging around at the bottom of the bag searching for my keys. The bag is plenty large enough for my purse, phone and everyday essentials and the design means I can keep everything nice and organised. There’s also a couple of pockets on the front of the bag, one zipped and one open, which are perfect for items that I need quick access to.

The bag also has an incredibly useful feature – there’s a zip that runs around the bottom of the bag and this can be unzipped, expanding the capacity to 2.6L. It’s like having my very own Mary Poppins bag and kowing what my family are like when travelling, this is going to come in very handy on our next trip!!

The strap is made from rope and it’s easy to adjust the length by retying the end knots. I also like that the rope can also be removed, turning the bag into a handy travel wallet that’s ideal for storing tickets, passports, electronics and charging cables and can be popped inside a rucksack or larger bag while travelling to keep all your essentials together and easy to grab when needed.

If you don’t pack the bag too full, it’s slim enough to tuck discreetly under a coat or jumper which makes it very handy for travelling, giving an extra layer of security in busy places.

Made from lightweight 70D nylon with a TPU backing, it feels durable enough to cope with travelling, whether that’s by plane, train or car and whilst it isn’t fully waterproof, the taped seams help keep water out, so it can handle an occasional rain shower without any problem.

Overall, it’s a well designed and practical bag that will be perfect for summer adventures.

RRP £35

Kipling Art Bag

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Let’s be honest there’s really nothing quite like a lovely handbag to make a woman feel fabulous. It’s so more than just an accessory – the right handbag becomes an extension of who we are. So, when it comes to celebrating the wonderful mums in our lives this Mother’s Day, you simply can’t go wrong with the gift of a new handbag.  

I’ve just fallen in love with the Kipling Art bag, a versatile handbag that has the perfect mix of practicality and style. Designed with a relaxed, smart-casual vibe the handbag is light enough to carry all day whilst having plenty space for all the essentials which, if you’re a Mum can mean snacks, tissues, emergency plasters and probably a stray toy or two on top of your own bits and pieces! At 44cm wide, 27cm tall and 20cm wide it will easily accommodate all these – plus more besides and with an adjustable zip and stud fastening corners it’s easy to alter the size or look – making the bag more versatile.

The Art bag has two sets of straps, two shorter handles for when you’re dashing out the door, plus a removable, adjustable 138cm strap which is great for wearing messenger-style across your body when you need to be hands free, like when you’ve a coffee in one hand and a toddler trying to make a break for it with the other. Inside, there are handy pockets for a phone, pens, and purse plus a handy key clip that is a real lifesaver when you’re trying to find your keys with a screaming child in tow.

The design of the bag is simple yet elegant with the Kipling logo embossed on one side and, of course, the adorable little colour-coordinated monkey charm. The wide-opening design is a real bonus, making it easy to reach in and grab whatever I need without any fuss. The spacious main compartment is impressive too, it’s plenty big enough to fit my laptop comfortably or bulkier items like a pair of trainers or a sweatshirt when I’m off to the gym. I’m already planning to use it as my hand luggage for summer trips, and I just know it’ll be perfect for keeping everything organised and within reach. With its combination of style, practicality, and a bit of personality, this bag really does tick all the boxes. Plus, it is very well made so I can see it becoming my go-to for everything from weekend getaways to everyday use.

The Kipling Art bag is available in thirteen colours, from the super versatile Relaxed Grey – a greyish-blue that goes with everything, to bolder choices like Ocean Blue and Ultimate Plum. There are even playful patterns like Holiday Waves and Palmtree Leaves if you want something a little more eyecatching. Yes, at £98 it’s a bit of a treat, but it’s a sound investment and let’s be honest, Mum’s worth it!

The Flower Shop Valentines Handbag from Vendula

Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The most perfect Valentine’s gift, a handbag which you can use again and again, is even more perfect when you realise its vegan leather!

Vendula London celebrate 20 years in business this year, and are planning some new collections to celebrate the achievement. The Flower Shop Pink Heart handbag is one of them and we road tested it this weekend to see how it fares. 

The 15cm by 16cm bag comes with two straps, one shoulder strap and one jumbo pearl strap to make it a clutch. The heart-shaped bag is covered in fluted pink fabric with a single brass clasp fastener. Inside, there is one compartment and it’s lined with the iconic Vendula London lining. The details on the front of the bag are hand stitched pink and white hearts with pink rose details.

Although a great Valentines gift, this handbag could be used all year round especially to match a pink dress, or to dress up a plain black or white number.  Going to a summer wedding? This would be ideal for a friend-of-the-bride, or even as a gift for a Matron of Honour!  It’s also a great prom accessory, to go with a long gown and the talk of the town. I can really see this Vendula London handbag making an appearance at Ascot this year too!

The fine detail on the bag is really tactile, but well made. It really looks like leather but is actually completely vegan.  As it comes with two different straps, it’s more versatile for going out but the straps can be taken off completely and used as a hand clutch. The bag is quite wide at 8cms but can’t fit too much in so you either need someone else to carry your phone for you or to have good pockets in your outfit!  It would carry a cash card and keys easily though. It is great for packing though as it doesn’t crush easily with its metal frame and all the decorations are flat. You can fit each of the straps inside as well if you need to transport it in luggage.

The Vendula Flower Shop Valentines handbag makes a very cute gift and a lovely accessory to a night out or wedding. It looks and feels like a collection piece which you’ll keep for ever and ever and won’t go out of fashion.

Even better, Vendula were voted the Most Innovative UK Vegan Accessory Brand 2022 by Life Lux Magazine too!

Available from £108.00