Product Review
Girls and bags have a peculiar relationship.
It seems that we can never have enough of bags in our possession and this is true for women of all ages – whether you are 8 or 80 years old. My 8-year-old daughter has a closet full of bags in all shapes and sizes because she needs different bags for different outings and occasions. And don’t we all know that different outfits must match different bags?? =P
As I begin to age, the type of bags I go for changes as well. It used to be that I love small and cute handbags that look gorgeous even though they can only hold a small purse, mobile phone and a bunch of keys. Functionality was not my main concern – I just wanted bags that could match my outfit of the day. Obviously, after I became a mother of a newborn 8 years ago, everything changed. At that point in my life, I love all kinds of big bags that could give me ample space to squeeze in my things plus the baby’s necessities, and hardy and durable bags that could withstand heat, dirt and rough handling. Yes, taking care of a baby is no child’s play, and is a mega messy project. My bags need to experience life with me, yet look stylish enough.
Now that my youngest kid is 5 years old, I no longer need to lug a huge bag everywhere I went. But this love for durable, tough and classy bag designs didn’t die. That’s when I discovered Orla Kiely.
Orla Kiely is an Irish fashion designer based in London. Kiely was described by The Guardian as "the Queen of Prints." Her designs have since been used for a variety of other objects, including kitchenware, stationery, furniture, wallpaper, and a range of Citroën DS3 cars. Her contemporary designs are simple and elegant, and make every bag she designed look effortlessly timeless. I was very excited to be introduced to her new ETC series, which I thought were perfect for busy women, and especially mothers. The material used in this series of bag designs is hardy, durable, water-resistant and yet classy and modern. Yes, you’ve heard me right – The bags are water resistant! I don’t know about you, but I’ve got countless incidents of my bags getting drenched by water that leaked out from my kids’ water bottles! I really do need water resistant bags.
So when Doorstep Luxury contacted me and asked if I would like to review their latest Orla Kiely ETC range of bags, I was beyond thrilled! At the store, I had such a hard time deciding which bag to bring home with me for the review, because every one of them looked stylish and versatile. A woman (ahem, and perhaps some men) would understand that we need different bags for different occasions. Big and small, let me bring you through some of the bags in this series, and what I recommend them for!
The handbag might be the most versatile of it all virtue of its size (Told you I have a soft spot for big bags!). This is a classic zip top handbag with front and back flaps with exterior magnetic closure. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap if you want to look a little more trendy while carrying your bag. Made of PVC coated cotton, this bag is water resistant, light-weight and very durable. This bag is best for outings with your kids to the park or playground and can easily fit in extra change of clothes, water bottles and some tidbits, etc.
The Easy Zip Tote has a minimalist design, features leather lined webbing handles of a length to be comfortably carried on both shoulder and arm and zip top closure. I like it that the bag does not have too many frills and looks neat and stays in shape. Its roomy design means you can put in many things – Perfect for a swimming trip for the family where you need to pack towels, swimwear, goggles etc. Another plus point of its minimalist design is that you can actually roll it up in your luggage and bring it along as an extra bag during your travel. Ingenious, isn’t it?? =)
The Midi Sling bag is suitable for moms on the go because it’s lightweight and convenient. It comes with a magnetic closure for easy access to both the main compartment and front flap pocket. I would recommend this bag if you are going out to run an errand without the kids. The size of the bag easily fits an IPAD, and of course your usual personal items such as wallet, keys, mobile phone etc.
The book bag is suitable for both everyday use as well as for travel. It’s thin, lightweight and very versatile. It’s actually a bag that folds into half when carried crossbody. When your load gets bigger than expected, open it up and use it full length, just like this:
Pretty awesome, IKR. =D
This is an ideal waterproof and low maintenance pouch for travel. Comes with two main zipper compartments, and side button snap closures which open up to two interior notch pockets. Our travel documents are important, and must be well protected from water and dirt. Yes, my poor passport had gone through perils of ‘flood’ before when my bag got drenched by rain so I know how horrible that felt. The pouch also comes with a detachable strap so you can sling it with you wherever you go. Besides its functionality, it’s so pretty – How to resist?!
This is a 2-in-1 cosmetic bag that separates into two detachable pouches, with grey nylon twill lining. I love cosmetic bags that can separate into two because you can put the cosmetic items for touch-up into the smaller pouch and bring it out with you. Very convenient and fuss-free. :)
Now this must be the ideal style for all mothers with young kids! You don’t have to endure lousy or old fashioned maternity bags anymore – They now come in stylish designs just like this one from Orla Kiely ETC range! Check this out – The bag not only comes in its signature durable and water resistant PVC covered cotton material, it also comes with a foldaway baby changing mat! While most shopping malls have good baby changing rooms nowadays, my personal practice was always to place my baby on my own changing mat, just for hygiene purpose. For vanity sake, the changing mat is in the same design too!
Apart from the ETC series, there are some bags from the Tarpaulin range that I would like to recommend as well:
These bags are so colourful and vibrant, it’s hard not to like them. They are water resistant and very easy to use – Just throw everything and anything in, and you are good to go!
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And so, my story continued after I finally chose the bag I wanted from the Orla Kiely ETC range. And this is the one I chose – The Easy Zip Tote! I love it for its big size, ease of usage and colorful fabric!
My friends can testify that ever since I got hold of this bag, I have been bringing it with me everywhere I went. I bring it with me to work, and I bring it with me during the weekends when I am out with the kids. It’s a perfect everyday bag for me! It fits my laptop perfectly, along with all the rest of my stuffs.
Love the leather details of the bag – It makes it so stylish and timeless.
See how many things I managed to fit into my Orla Kiely bag – 1 laptop, 1 planner, 1 pencil case, 1 camera, 1 wires pouch, 1 makeup pouch, 1 key pouch, 1 mobile phone and 1 wallet.
Best of all, it stays in shape and continues to look sleek by my chair in the office. =D
It’s hard not to love my Orla Kiely bag. It’s durable, easy to clean, lightweight, water resistant, stylish and very convenient to use. The straps rest easily on my shoulders and matches almost all my daily outfits. I love it very well!
Now, I don’t have to worry about water leaks or spills from the kids’ water bottles! Even if they spill anything on my bag while eating or drinking, the bag can be cleaned easily with just a wipe! I say, this is every mom’s dream bag.
GIVEAWAY!
Now, would you like to own one of Orla Kiely’s bags from her ETC range? The folks from Doorstep Luxury has kindly sponsored a Baby Tote (Worth S$245) for one reader of The J Babies!
Outer: 100% Cotton with PVC coating
Inner: 100% Nylon
Trims: 100% leather
6 elasticated compartments for bottles, 1 zip pocket, 2 notch pockets and detachable elastic key chain
Dimensions: 40cm (W) x 32cm (H) x 13cm (D)
Dimensions (baby mat): 60cm (W) x 40cm (H)
Handle drop: 17cm
Strap length: 60cm
Weight: 890g
To participate in this giveaway, please ensure the following criteria are fulfilled:
1. You must be a fan of The J Babies facebook page. If you are not one yet, you may like the page here.
2. You must like Doorstep Luxury Facebook page. If you have not, you may like them here.
3. Like and share this blog post on your Facebook wall with the caption, “I Love Orla Kiely!” and tag me at Klessis Lee or The J Babies, so that I know that you have participated.
Closing date of giveaway: 25 July 2014, 6pm.
WINNER ANNOUNCED!
Congrats, Lily! I will be contacting you soon. :)