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Practical and Stylish: Finding the Perfect Tote Bag for Your Lifestyle

Tote bags have become a versatile and stylish accessory that allows you to express your personality and style. Whether it carries essentials or serves as a chic fashion statement while empty, the stylish tote bags prove to be a dependable companion for your everyday tasks, elegant evenings and travels. With its aesthetic appeal and practicality, the tote bag stands as an enduring symbol of timeless femininity and a dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle. 

How Do I Choose a Good Tote Bag?

The task of choosing an ideal tote bag is challenging and rewarding at the same time. To ensure you find the perfect tote bag for every occasion, consider the following key factors. These factors should not only meet your practical needs but also add a touch of personality to your ensemble.

Size

As versatile carryalls, totes can hold all of your daily essentials while making a fashion statement. The right size matters when finding your perfect tote. Consider what you need to carry regularly. A medium-sized tote, around 15” x 15”, is ideal for day-to-day use. If you need to carry a laptop, gym gear, or beach items, you'll need a larger bag like Kipling's Colissa.

Material

The material you choose impacts both form and function. Leather and canvas lend a classic, polished look while nylon and vegan materials offer durable and ethical options. Align the material with your personal style, values, and intended uses for the bag.

Straps and Handles

Totes come with two main types of handles - shorter handheld straps or longer straps for throwing over your shoulder. While dainty handheld straps give a sophisticated look, long straps allow you to go hands-free, great for keeping pace with urban life.

Style and Aesthetics

With countless colours, patterns, and silhouette options available, a tote truly allows you to accessorise an expression of your personality. While you can’t go wrong with versatile neutrals, embrace bold prints and textures if you want your tote to make a statement. Choose styles that easily complement your wardrobe - your confidence will get a boost when your tote feels like a natural extension of your style.

Pockets and Compartments

When it comes to compartments and pockets, organisation is key. There are a variety of totes available, from open tops to elaborate zippered sections and snap compartments. Assess your organisational needs, but don’t overcomplicate it if you like a streamlined look. The closure styles you choose, whether zippers, magnets or open tops, should suit your lifestyle and security requirements.

Occasion-Specific Totes

Certain totes are better suited for particular occasions. Structured work totes in leather exude professional polish. For the beach or pool, a nylon tote can be easily rinsed out and drip-dried. Roomy tote travel bags feature multiple compartments to keep you organised on the go. An everyday neutral canvas tote looks effortlessly chic. And sturdy, reusable shopping totes cut down waste.

Craftsmanship

While the options may seem endless, remember to prioritise quality craftsmanship in materials. Invest in totes that will serve you well over time, and consider features like reinforced stitching, high-quality hardware (such as zippers and snaps), and materials. While high-quality totes may come with a higher initial cost, they often prove to be more economical and sustainable in the long term.

What Is the Uniqueness of Tote Bag?

The most wonderful thing about totes is that they can reflect who you are. Make it your own with a custom monogram or patch. Or embellish it with fun bag charms that showcase a hobby or cause you care about. This is your chance to get creative and highlight what makes you, you! 

When you're ready to find your perfect tote, check out the versatile selection of quality Kipling travel bags. With countless silhouettes and prints ranging from understated to standout, Kipling offers chic and practical totes and crossbody bags for your style. Shop Kipling today!

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How To Choose a Good School Backpack: A Guide to Your Ideal Backpack for School/College

You know back-to-school season is in full swing when school supplies start flying off the shelves and stylish yet functional bags appear on display. Your school bag will probably be the hardest-working item in your back-to-school shopping, so it’s essential that you choose the right one for your needs. The benefits go beyond just a style statement - a comfortable and well-organised backpack will reduce the overall strain on your back, which will prevent loss of focus in class due to physical discomfort.

Choosing the right backpack or back-to-school gear can be a challenge. With numerous choices available, we put together this backpack guide to help you make the best choice. 

Find the Right Backpack Size

Consider your needs before browsing backpacks. Think about what you usually bring to school or college. Do you carry heavy textbooks, a laptop, or multiple notebooks? When you’re aware of your daily load, it’s easier to determine the size and capacity that is right for you.

Look for backpacks with adjustable straps and padded back support. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent discomfort and back pain. Do not buy oversized backpacks that may cause unnecessary strain or small ones that only fit a few essentials.

Pay Attention to the Small Details

Choose your backpack materials carefully. Look for durable and lightweight options like nylon, polyester, or canvas. Consider backpacks with weather-resistant fabric and reflective detailing for added safety and protection. Organisational features are crucial for keeping your items neat and easily accessible. Multiple compartments and pockets allow you to separate books from gadgets and keep things tidy. Remember to check for padded laptop sleeves and other tech-friendly features, especially if you carry electronic devices.

Consider Your Style

A backpack is not just a practical item; it should also reflect your style. Explore various designs, patterns, and colors that appeal to you. If you love expressing yourself through fashion and your style preferences change frequently, opt for a backpack with a more neutral or versatile design that can complement different outfits. When you choose a bag that resonates with your style, it becomes an expression of who you are.

Quality Matters

Don't compromise on quality. A well-made backpack lasts longer and provides better support. Check the manufacturer's warranty and reputation to ensure you invest in a quality bag. Balancing budget and quality is possible. Look for backpacks that offer previously mentioned features without breaking the bank. There are numerous sales and discounts online, so you can get the highest value for your money.

Which Bag Brand Is Best for School?

Choosing the right bag brand for school depends on preferences, needs, and budgets. Backpacks from several reputable brands are known for their quality, durability, and functionality. A backpack with adequate organisation and a sleek, professional design is ideal for college students. Kipling Dubai & Abu Dhabi offers stylish and functional backpacks for students seeking a blend of modern and practical features.

The right gear for school or college is essential for academic success and wellbeing. Selecting a backpack that meets your needs is one of the best things you can do to start the new school year off right!

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KIPLING X VICTORIA TANG: UPCOMING SPRINGTIME BAG TRENDS IN 2023

Winter will soon be nothing but a cold, distant memory. Spring is around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about refreshing our wardrobes and looking at 2023’s biggest bag trends to help us step up our fashion game. What better way to get ready for Spring 2023 than with the Victoria Tang bag collection? This collection is a celebration of the bright optimism of being an independent woman in the contemporary age. In the article below we will provide more info on the collection and how it leans into the biggest trends of the year.

Who Is Victoria Tang?

Before we dive into which ladies bag designs you need to keep an eye out for, let us talk about the enigmatic designer behind the eponymous collection. Victoria Tang is a designer, creative director, and prolific brand collaborator based in Hong Kong. She has worked with major international publications like Vogue and V Magazine and has collaborated with countless brands, including Lane Crawford and Dior Homme.

Victoria is known for her charitable work and her advocacy for people with Down Syndrome (she serves as President of The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association), but in her professional capacity she is best known for her ability to fuse traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, a process that often results in unique and beautiful pieces. Her passion for fashion shows in her bold and quirky (yet elegant) designs and the exquisite details she puts into her creations.

A Season Of Versatility

The key trend for Spring 2023 is versatility. This is exemplified by bag designs that can be worn in multiple ways and for multiple occasions. The Kipling x Victoria Tang collection embodies this trend by featuring various shoulder bags, hand bags, and tote bags that can fit with nearly any fashion style and follow wherever you go, from the gym to the boardroom to the club. The collection is specifically geared towards women on the go, but the practical applications of these bags aren’t the only incentive to add one to your collection.

Versatility is about more than just utilitarian applications. You want something that can make a statement, even when it is meant to be understated. That is to say, a bag that can accentuate both the boldest looks and the most demure ensembles with its gradient colour details and unique appliques. These features are among the biggest trends of the year and will continue throughout colourful Spring into the bright-hot Summer months.

Unleash Your Inner Girl Boss With Kipling

Spring 2023 will be all about versatility, bold colours, and classic designs with a contemporary twist. If you want to make heads turn and let your inner girl boss come out, then you need a multi-purpose bag from the sensational Kipling x Victoria Tang collection to complete your outfit.

Dare to bold and be yourself unapologetically. Shop the collection and more, only on Kipling.

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BAG-TASTIC GETAWAYS: THE TOP PICKS FOR EPIC WEEKEND ESCAPES

When planning a weekend getaway, choosing the right bag is essential. It needs to be spacious enough to fit all your essentials but also comfortable to carry around. In this blog, we'll explore why backpacks and cross-body bags from Kipling are the best choices for weekend breaks.

Backpacks: Spacious and Comfortable

Backpacks are perfect for weekend breaks as they are spacious enough to fit all your essentials and keep your hands free. Kipling offers a variety of backpacks in different sizes and styles to suit your needs. For a short weekend break, a smaller backpack like the "City Pack S" is ideal. It has multiple compartments for organizing your belongings and a padded back panel for added comfort. For longer breaks, the "Experience S" backpack offers more space and a detachable shoulder strap for versatility.

Cross-Body Bags: Lightweight and Practical

Weekend bags for women can be a challenge, you dont want to pick something too big or too small. Thats why cross-body bags are great for weekend breaks, especially if you're planning on doing a lot of walking or sightseeing. They are lightweight and easy to carry, leaving your hands free to take photos or hold a coffee. Kipling's cross-body bags come in different sizes and designs, with some featuring adjustable straps that can be worn as a shoulder bag or as a cross-body bag. The "Arto" cross-body bag is a popular choice, with its multiple pockets and water-repellent material making it both practical and stylish.

Kipling's Features: Durable and Fashionable

In addition to their practicality, Kipling's backpacks and cross-body bags are also durable and fashionable. Made with high-quality materials, they can withstand the wear and tear of travel while still looking great. Kipling's signature monkey keychain adds a fun and playful touch to their bags, making them easily recognizable and fashionable.

Tote Bags: Stylish and Functional

If you're looking for a stylish and functional alternative to a backpack or cross-body bag, consider a tote bag for your weekend break. Kipling offers a range of tote bags in different sizes and colors to suit your needs and style. The "Art M" tote bag, for example, is spacious enough to fit your weekend essentials and features a detachable shoulder strap for added convenience. The "Jaque" tote bag, on the other hand, is a more compact option that still has enough room for your essentials.

Duffle Bags: Roomy and Versatile

For those who need even more space for their weekend getaway, a duffle bag may be the perfect choice. Kipling's duffle bags are roomy and versatile, with multiple compartments and pockets for organizing your belongings. The "Darcey" duffle bag, for example, features a spacious main compartment and a front pocket for easy access to your essentials. It also has a retractable handle and wheels, making it easy to navigate through airports and train stations.

No matter which type of bag you choose, Kipling's range of weekend bags offer both style and function for your next adventure. With their durable materials and practical features, you can be sure that your bag will be your reliable travel companion for many weekends to come. Whether you prefer a backpack or a cross-body bag, Kipling has a range of options to suit your needs. So next time you're planning a weekend getaway, make sure to pack a Kipling bag for the perfect travel companion.

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Best Bags for Office Workers

There is a world of choice when it comes to bags to see you through your workday. The ideal bag will have enough room for everything you’ll need, with sufficient compartments to keep everything organised and easily retrievable. A sturdy construction and secure fastening will both work to keep all your essentials safe and protected. Aside from these factors, which type of bag is best for office use will depend upon just what items you need to transport, and to where.

Streamlined Utility

Messenger bags and classic laptop bags are great choices for a clean and modern silhouette if you’ve just your laptop, phone, and a few essentials to carry. Their flush-to-the-body style and shoulder straps allow you to keep your possessions safe and close to hand during busy commutes, while your hands remain free. 

The best laptop work bags feature secure compartments with protective padding to keep your tech hardware well-defended against any damage from knocks and jostling. Look for laptop bags with plenty of zipped compartments, so that you can keep all your possessions safely stored exactly where you need them.

Roomy Versatility

A classic weekender tote bag may not be as sleek, but it makes up for it in terms of sheer capacity. Designed with both shoulder straps and handles, they are as versatile in how they can be worn as where you can take them. Featuring enough space for everything from your packed lunch to your sports kit, alongside your wallet, phone, and laptop, their roominess is unparalleled. Opt for baby-changer styles with lots of internal compartments and zips to help keep everything organised. Able to take you from the office to the gym and beyond, the only thing these useful bags lack is protection for your technology.

Not Just for the Gap Year

You may think backpacks belong in the schoolyard, not the office environment. Modern designs, however, are as chic as they are functional- that’s to say, extremely! Retaining the roomy capacity and plentiful secure compartments of classic backpack designs, they’ve enough room to carry a full-size laptop and all your essentials with ease. Some of the best examples even have a luggage sleeve to attach to your suitcase for trips away.

The backpack’s shoulder straps distribute the weight of the bag evenly across your shoulders and legs, protecting the spine and keeping you comfortable, even during long commutes. Today’s work backpacks are made from leather and high-tech materials so they will keep your possessions dry while looking slick, sharp, and office ready. 

So many of us are working hybrid jobs after the waning of the work-from-home era of the pandemic. While this may mean sometimes carrying a portable office around with you through your workday, the array of modern work bags available ensures you can do this in both comfort and style.

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The Practicality of your School Bag

They say your days at school are the best days of your life. At school you are given the knowledge and skillsets that will carry you through life. Whilst you study all these vital lessons, however, it is your school bag which does the carrying.

These days, rather than just a convenience, a school bag forms part of your personality. With endless shapes, colours, cartoons and materials to choose from, deciding from year to year which bag suits you best can be a lot of fun.

Aside from the impact the look of your bag will have on your credibility as the coolest kid in school, you do need to think about its functionality.

A Heavy Load

School can be demanding, especially if you’ve reached high school. All the books, sports kits, laptops and stationery that you need to carry around regularly can soon mount up to be a burden on shoulders. Each item has their own requirement of pockets, sleeves and fastenings.

On top of handling goods with care, item’s individual requirements, looking great and reflecting personalities, they also need to be comfortable. Travelling to and from school, then round between classes, your bag needs to sit comfortably on your back and have padding in all the right places.

For heavier loads, you may need extra support or even opt for a wheeled school bag. Using four trolley-style wheels at the base, wheeled bags are superb for long distances, along corridors with sports kit, books or any number of larger, heavier items.

Pockets, Sleeves and Storage

The modern school day is often supported by laptops, tablets and other tech. Many school bags have specially designed sleeves for carrying these devices, with padded sides to protect the large and expensive screens.

With multiple pockets for various smaller items around the bag and some more inside, your school bag has options for easy access and for security. The outer pockets are perfect for stationary, with the inner, accommodating keys, purses and wallets safely inside.

Modern learners may find a pocket for a phone on a strap or at the side of the bag, keeping your phone to hand and in sight. Some bags even support removable pouches, these come in handy for those with a school locker to leave their bag, but still need to carry stationary between lessons.

Keeping Your Possessions Safe

Many school bags will boast rubber linings along zippers. These lining keep the bags waterproof. Although submerging them in water may not keep the water out, when it rains or if bags are splashed, you can be fairly confident in the bags ability to keep your belongings dry.

With options for small locks on zips and secure or secret pockets, some school bags go the extra mile for safety. Knowing that your belongings are safe is one less worry during your school day.

Finding the Right Bag

When shopping for a school bag, there are a few indications that the bag has been made with care and to a high standard. The first thing to check, would be the fastenings. Cheaply made bags usually rely on poor quality materials. Low-cost metals, or tacky plastics are prone to breaking and getting caught up. You should look for a bag with high-quality metals and plastics for zippers and fastenings.

The stitching, especially around corners and openings should make use of equidistance stitching. This means each stitch is an equal distance away for the entire seam, both inside and out. Poor quality materials for the bag itself and the lining, can result in tears and deterioration. Check the quality of the materials on the labels.

If this all sounds a little too much, you could always rely on a reputable bag manufacturer. Kipling Bags have been in the industry for close to one and a half centuries. Their brand is trusted all over the globe and they have an incredible selection of school bags. You can see their range for this school year through this link.