Kipling Handbags

I was so worried about the size of this but it's perfect. I can fit my wallet, Kindle, cell phone, and a handful of other things with plenty of room. I kind of wish the front inside had those two pouches but I'm not terribly lost without them. I do have the two zippers on the front that work good as well. Plus, it has a pocket on each side. Plenty of room for my cell phone.I'm really pleased with my purchase. I went back and forth over this one for awhile before deciding to get it. I'm so glad I did.

This is my first experience of Kipling bags. Generally pleased with quality of construction and the fabric, exterior and lining, both of which are much more substantial than I expected. I tried the Syro, the Erica, and the Aisling, and I'll comment on all three. (Can't believe I just noticed this: not only do the bags all have a monkey, but apparently the monkeys all have names (on the cloth Kipling tag sewn into their arms). Syro is Sarah, Erica is Davina, and Aisling is Marlee. Hmmm . . .)ERICA: I consider the measurements to be 11" wide (plus the end zip pockets), 8" high and 5" deep (both at top & bottom), all measured from seam to seam. Back zip pocket is 6" deep (doesn't hit the bottom of the bag - boo) by 9" wide with full-width zip (just accommodates the 8.5x11 paper folded in half). The 2 front zip pockets are NOT lined but the larger (about 10"x7", and it does hit the bottom of the bag) has the light-colored slip pocket panel (that seems to appear somewhere in every Kipling bag - see Syro below for its size). The smaller front zip pocket is larger than it looks in pictures - about 4"x5" The end pockets are about 6" high x 4.5" wide with about 1/2" of depth - a small water bottle might stay in them but I think a large-ish one will fall out. The inside zip pocket is 6.5" x 9" wide with a full-width zipper. No slip-pocket panel inside the main interior compartment. The most amazingly wonderful thing about the Erica is its looonng 2-way top zipper that allows the main compartment to open up beyond completely. Indeed, the large extra "ears" of fabric on each side which accommodate the zipper are almost awkward. I ordered the Erica is black, and its zippers are grey. That, together with its generally "slouchier" appearance makes it look more casual I think. The strap, at 1.5" wide, is larger than the 1" on Syro and Aisling. Its a bit larger than I would like, and I haven't made a decision about it yet.SYRO: Contrary to what I thought I found in descriptions, Syro's measurements are actually about 7 high (the zipper is set down below the top edge of the bag), 10-12" wide (the sides curve in some toward the bottom), and depth is 2" if you only measure the actual bottom panel, out to about 4" at most if you take into account the pleats which allow expansion at the bottom (of course that then takes up some of the height of the bag). Both the front and back zip pockets extend to the bottom and both sides - very roomy. The back zipper is 8.5" long so you can get an 8.5x11 paper folded in half into that pocket - front zipper is shorter so not in there unless you scrunch. My basic Kindle Fire at 4.75"x7.5" goes pretty well in either. The front flap pocket is about 5"x8", closes with velcro, and has some depth to it so things will sit in there well - not big enough for the Fire. The inside zip pocket is about 4.5" high and 7" wide with a full-width zipper. The 2 slip pockets are about 4.5" high; one about the right width for glasses or sunglasses and the other a little wider for . . . umm, whatever. The center divider panel was about full height (that is, 7") and divided the interior into equal parts. If I had kept the bag, I would have removed the divider and I don't think that would have caused any problems. The size was just a little smaller than I felt I wanted (this is starting to sound like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears), but I would have seriously considered keeping it because the pockets are nearly perfect for my needs. However the fatal flaw was the top zipper: the way it is set into the bag made it very difficult to get it started closing, even with holding the end with your other hand. After trying it 3-4 times, I knew it would be a constant irritation. Luuuvved the grey color!AISLING: 3.75" deep at the bottom narrowing to 0.75 at the top, 9" high x 11" wide. Back zip pocket runs to bottom and each side of bag, about 6.5" high with a 9" zip. Front flap (boo) pocket is 9" wide & a shy 6" high - but the flap sits 1.5" higher so something could stick out of the top of the pocket and still be covered - and it has 3/8 - 1/2" of depth. Inside zip pocket is 6" high and 8" wide with a full-width zipper. And the standard slip-pocket panel is inside. I don't like flap pockets (you have to hold them open while looking for something), but the size and number of pockets is good on this bag, its overall about the right size, sleek and trim enough . . . it will be the keeper, if any, of the three. I got this in hummus, a nice medium khaki color.

I wasn't too sure about this bag when I first ordered it, but I read all of the reviews and couldn't believe how positive they were. Now that I have my own, I get it: I freaking LOVE this thing!!! It's incredibly lightweight and can hold SO much more than you think, yet isn't too bulky. Even when it's laden down, it still feels comfortable to wear cross-body. I'm a purse freak, constantly ordering new ones--especially addicted to Fossil vintage crossbodies--but since I've had this Kipling bag (it's been over 6 months now), I don't know if I can go back to Fossil!! Gasp!!I wasn't crazy about the look of this bag at first (the zippers look kind of cheap, but honey, they work like a dream), and i really do wish that they had a cell phone pocket inside the main compartment, but I can't seem to be happy with any other bag now. The Fossils feel too heavy and no other bag has all the pockets. If the Kipling gets dirty, just throw it in the washer. I've washed mine a few times now and it's still jet black with no fading whatsover or threads sticking out. Looks just like the day it arrived. It's fabulous for travelling because you could throw your makeup bag, shampoo, deodorant, brush and straightener ON TOP of your normal items if you needed to and still zip it shut! I love it so much that I bought the espresso-colored bag for my best friend for Christmas.

I'm very happy with this bag and it was just what I was looking for. Plenty of space without it being too big. Has lots of pockets. Delivery was very quick considering it was sent from the Usa. I would love to buy a other one of these bags in a different colour but unfortunately I've been unable to find any that are at a great price like this one is. Hopefully this seller will get some more of these in other colours. All in all bag is perfect thanks :-)

Lovely bag very lightweight thats what I love about all the Kipling bags loads of pockets and very stylish. Had to wait 2wk. for the delivery but considering the delivery wait was 4wk. for it to be despatched from USA I can't praise them enough. Love the little monkeys with their cute names, must admit I only buy the bags with the little furry monkeys. Worth every penny.

my friend had this handbag given to her as a present and is very pleased with item and also with quick delivery

Excellent bag. It is a perfect bag for work. It is very light and spacious and does not look too big.

Great bag, prompt service!