Three Fabulous Backpacks From Kipling

Although the Kipling brand is best known for their range of Kipling handbags, with millions sold worldwide, for many a working girl even the largest handbags can't quite accommodate everything they need for the average day. If this is the case, then it's time to have a look at some of the other Kipling bags which are available such as their range of backpacks. I've selected three backpacks which are a functional and stylish alternative to their larger handbags.

First up we have the Firefly Backpack which is available in two sizes. Both feature two pop-out front pockets with zip closure, a larger front pocket with a Velcro fasting which is perfect for documents & paperwork as well as the spacious main compartment. The larger Firefly Backpack also features a mobile phone pocket and pen pockets in the larger front pocket. The smaller version features a shoulder strap allowing it to be worn as a shoulder bag if desired, and the rucksack straps can easily be stowed in their own dedicated pocket for added convenience. The smaller Firefly 'N' measures 22 x 31 x 14 centimetres with a capacity of around 9.6 litres and the larger Firefly 'L' measures 26 x 36 x 18 with around 16 litres' capacity.

Next we have the Challenger II from Kipling Bags. This medium sized backpack features padded shoulder straps and alongside its spacious main compartment are two additional front pockets. The larger of these contains a smaller open pocket, 2 pen pockets and the incredibly handy key hanger, which means no more routing around in the bottom of your bag trying to find your keys. The Challenger II measures 26 x 21 x 36 centimetres giving a capacity of approximately 19 litres.

Lastly we have the College backpack, designed with the working girl or student in mind it has plenty of room in three compartments. The main compartment features laptop protection with a Velcro closure and the largest of the two front pockets contains three useful dividers. The smaller front packet features a mobile phone pocket, three pen holders, an iPod or MP3 pocket and the ever-so-handy key hanger. The College backpack also has padded and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort and measuring 30 x 42 x 18 centimetres gives a capacity of around 22.5 litres. The main compartment is also expandable in the unlikely event it's not already roomy enough for your day to day needs.

If you're the kind of girl who needs just a little more space than the largest Kipling handbags offer, yet don't want to compromise on style or quality, then take a closer look at any of the Kipling bags featured in this article and we're sure you'll find the perfect backpack.

Flying With Hand Luggage Only

The problem with air travel is that we probably spend more time hanging around in the airport than we do sitting on the aeroplane. Prior to departure we're expected to check-in two or three hours before the flight is due to leave and when we've landed at our destination, we're waiting again for our baggage to be unloaded when all we really want to do it get on with the holiday. This is probably the most frustrating wait, especially on the return journey when all you want to do is get home and unwind.

For some reason we have got it into our heads that we need to take clothing for all occasions and therefore couldn't possibly spend a week away with only a small travel bag full of clothes and toiletries. However these days, more and more people are cottoning on to the fact that for a short break, one can easily cope with just having a small travel bag full of luggage rather than a large suitcase or three.

The major benefit of taking only a small travel bag is that it can be taken into the cabin with you. Upon landing at your destination just get off the plane and get on with your holiday, avoiding the long and tedious wait for your suitcase to be unloaded from the plane. There are however size and weight restrictions on hand luggage and these vary from airline to airline. The International Air Transport Association guideline suggests the maximum size for hand-luggage is 22 inch x 18 inch x 10 inch. However some airlines only allow dimensions of 17 inch x 12 inch x 8 inch, so in spite of your best efforts to travel light, your hand luggage may end up in the cargo hold after all.

You do need to be strict with what you're going to pack if you're only taking hand luggage, and consider how you're going to pack it. For example, if you have to take a heavy coat with you, then wear it rather than pack it. In fact by wearing all the bulkiest items for the flight will help maximise space in even the most compact of travel bags. Due to increased security, we are now forced to minimise on the amount of toiletries and liquids we can take on a plane, which isn't a bad thing as such items can easily be purchased on arrival, as can the many items of clothing which are packed 'just-in-case'.

Minimise your packing and do away with the suitcase if you want to maximise your time abroad, especially on shorter breaks where every hour counts. There are plenty of cabin-friendly bags available, but check with your flight operator first as the permitted weight and size of hand-luggage can vary considerably.

Paul Frank

Paul Frank is an instantly recognisable brand by the cheeky monkey, and we now have them on Bagsdirect. Suitable for any age, these bags can be taken to school, college and work.

Spotlight on Kipling Bags

Kipling have been designing and manufacturing bags since 1987 and these days, Kipling handbags are amongst the most popular designer handbag brands in the world. Kipling bags embody a sense of style, a splash of spirit and a touch of fun; with their trademark 'monkey' key fob, every Kipling bag comes complete with its own identity. Hailing from Antwerp in Belgium, the Kipling brand has gone from strength to strength, so much so that over 35 million women in some 60 countries have chosen Kipling bags as a must have fashion accessory.

These days the Kipling brand features a huge range of bags, handbags, purses and luggage. This vast range also includes a selection of kids bags and school bags, one of which is the hugely popular kids 'Fast' backpack featuring a large funny monkey face with moving eyes. This kids backpack comprises of two zipped compartments and comes complete with the trademark Kipling monkey key fob. For older children is the fabulously funky Firefly backpack and Joetsu backpack, along with a wide selection of pencil cases in a variety of colours.

The secret of their success is in their ability to design a range of handbags which are both stylish and practical without the need to shout about it. Kipling handbags are as sedate as they are stylish, and being made from a range of fabrics which have been selected for their tactility and durability makes them hard wearing, long lasting a great to take hold of. It's not just the fabrics that makes these bags amongst the world's most desirable, as these handbags are designed to be used. Featuring a variety of pockets and compartments means there's a place for everything, so you'll spend less time rummaging around trying to find you phone, your lipstick or your filofax!

For the working girls is a range of larger tote bags which are perfect for carrying paperwork as well as other essentials such as your purse, make up and umbrella. Stepping up another size is the range of Kipling shopping bags. These are perfect for ferrying groceries and other large items and are just as stylish as the Kipling handbags and ultimately more stylish than any other carrier bag. For the holiday maker or frequent traveller is a range of trolley cases, larger shoulder bags and rucksacks designed to complement their handbag range. All feature the trademark Kipling Monkey key fob and complete the range of Kipling bags.

Spotlight on Antler Luggage

Antler Luggage couldn't come from a better pedigree, being from the same stable as the legendary Brookes bicycle saddles. John Boutlebee Brookes designed a leather saddle for his bicycle after his horse died and since that day in 1887, the Brookes saddle has acquired worldwide acclaim and is still highly popular today. It was in the 1920's when Brookes' son entered the passenger luggage market and the Antler Luggage brand was born. Mainly manufacturing wardrobe trunks for ocean liners, the company had a firm foothold in the growing travel market.

After a brief sidestep into manufacturing ruck sacks and webbing to help with the war effort, Antler turned their attention back to passenger luggage and thanks to the air travel boom of the 1950's, well designed and hard wearing travel luggage was in high demand. This saw the introduction of their Airstream suitcase which combined both soft and hard fabrics to create a light yet sturdy case which proved very popular on both sides of the Atlantic. This prompted the development of the Airstream range of suitcases which consisted of a matching vanity case and smaller, even lighter suitcase which was ideal for shorter trips.

Antler's current range of Airlight luggage is also aimed at the frequent traveller with a range of light and stylish suitcases, trolley cases, laptop case and cabin cases. Most popular with the frequent flyer is the range of smaller cabin cases. These are roomy enough to hold everything you need for a few days away yet compact enough to count as hand luggage. This makes it the ultimate travel bag if you want to avoid the long wait for baggage after landing.

Antler Luggage continue to develop their range of travel bags and suitcases in order to provide the ideal case for the varying needs of the average traveller (if there is such a thing). Many of Antler's range now include TSA padlocks which can be opened by customs officials meaning they don't have to break the padlock in order to check the contents. There are over a hundred products in the current Antler range including garment carriers & wardrobe cases, casual bags, rucksacks and lap top bags. Not forgetting their hugely popular Urbanite range of soft cases and the super stylish Liquis range of hard suitcases. With so much choice and ninety years' of experience, Antler Luggage will no doubt have designed the perfect travel bag or suitcase to tick all your boxes.

Official London 2012 Olympics Merchandise

Since the official logo for the London 2012 was unveiled in 2007, it's garnered a mixed response from both the media and the general public. Love it or hate it, it's certainly unique, it has become instantly recognisable and as 2012 approaches it's becoming more and more ubiquitous with each passing day. With less than a year to go the London Olympics logo can be found on numerous products which are sponsoring the games as well as on and ever growing number of souvenirs and collectibles. These range from the already popular range of London 2012 bags to bed linen, towels and tableware. Even jewellery and laptop bags are being emblazoned with the 2012 logo.

Alongside the famous logo are the two Olympic mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville; both being a one eyed monster of sorts, are already proving popular amongst youngsters. Wenlock (one eye, bald head and blobular body) is the mascot for the Olympic games and Mandeville (one eye, spiky head and blobular body) is the mascot for the Paralympic games. Both Wenlock and Mandeville can be found on a wide range of London 2012 merchandise including cuddly toys, key rings, t-shirts and tracksuits and of course on the children's range of London 2012 bags.

If you're not a fan of the official Olympic logo or are too old for the two mascots, yet still want to show your support, there is a range which feature traditional sporting pictograms or which simply state 'London 2012' such as the range of wallets and laptop bags. There's also a range of Team GB merchandise along with their very own team mascot; a very British lion named Pride who sports a with a red white and blue mane. The Team GB merchandise includes bags, t-shirts, sweat shirts and sportswear along with a range of collectibles ranging from stationary to miniature models depicting each event, from athletics and aquatics to weightlifting and wrestling.

Merchandising for the London 2012 Olympic games is a huge part of promoting the games, as well as helping to raise revenue and help fund the event. Official merchandise can easily be distinguished from counterfeit goods by the official 2012 hologram which can be found on all products. Packaged products will have the hologram somewhere on the outer packaging whereas items such as clothing or London 2012 bags will sport the hologram on a swing tag. Whatever item you buy, be it one of the many Olympic bags, stationary, clothing or other collectibles, make sure you're buying official Olympic merchandise by checking for the official hologram first.

Another great idea from Trunki

  All parents will know that when their child is sleeping they wish them to be as cozy and comfortable as possible and with this new Trunki product that will always be possible. The Snoozihedz is a pillow and blanket in one made from a luxurious fleece material. You take the blanket out of the pillow pouch and loop it through so it won't fall or slip. The Snoozihedz comes in both pink and blue and even has a pocket so little teddy won't get lost. All in all a great product that will come in handy in all situations. Now where do i find an adult one!

Trunki SnooziHedz is the ultimate travel essential for the car, plane, train or even a space ship! The 3 in 1 travel pal, Trunki SnooziHedz childs inflatable travel pillow and blanket . The cute character simply unzips to reveal an inflatable insert for the pillow and a plush fleece blanket, ensuring little ones are comfy and warm from head to toe. The blanket also features a pocket for teddy to take some shut-eye too. Available in blue or pink, SnooziHedz features the unique Trunki Grip™ on both the pillow and blanket. This enables parents to connect the blanket to the pillow preventing it from sliding off in transit, leaving parents to relax safe in the knowledge their little one is tucked up and toasty!

Meet Trunkisaurus from Trunki

 

At Bagsdirect we love a Trunki and this Trunki is feircer than ever. If you haven't already watched the video then please do as it is adorable. Trunki have also released a sticker pack and accesories with the new addition so your kids can have hours of fun on their travels.

Kipling by John Charles de Castelbajac now on bagsdirect

http://www.bagsdirect.com/kipling-jean-charles-de-castelbajac-039-s/s110

Listen up label lusters! Iconic fashion designer Jean-Charles De Castelbajac has launched a new collection in collaboration with high street accessories label Kipling! Inspired by pop art, the collection features graphic, colourful prints in four amazing lines – Game Evere, Psycho-Daisy, NylonClub and Candy-Say. Mr Castelbajac has celeb fans including Katy Perry and Marina Diamandis so you'll be in good company.

Free Camera with Kipling bags

Place an order on Bagsdirect for a Kipling back to College bag and you will receive a free 4 lens Camera worth £25.

London 2012 Bags Exclusively on Bagsdirect

 So the London 2012 Olympics are now less than a year away, and to celebrate we have become distributors of the London 2012 Bags, we have wide range to suit everyone, from sports bags to kids overnight wheeled cases and day bags.

Free Grooming Kit With All Samsonite Orders

For a limited time we will be offering a free grooming kit with all samsonite products on the Bagsdirect.com site. This Manicure / grooming kit is worth £36 and has all you will need for a tidy up! As you can see from the image below you get great quality scissors, clippers, razor and blades, comb and nail files. You even get a pen knife you can carry around with you. All in a leatherette zip around holder.

Mega Sale on Cat, Jansport and Eastpak

We have now reduced many of our back to school bags including big brands such as Cat, Jansport and Eastpak.
A personal favourite is this messsnger bag by Eastpak, great for lugging around school books and folders.

Another bestseller is this backpack by Jansport, suitable for anyone and a great practical size, this bag will fulfill its purpose

Lastly we have an iconic Cat backpack, perfect if you like to stand out from the crowd!