Kipling Alvar Solid Crossbody Bag

I received this bag about a week ago. I am absolutely in love with it. The wife of a friend of ours decided she was tired of constantly having to change purses, with the inevitable consequence that only about 80% of the required contents of the purse would make it from one purse to the next. So I started thinking about what kind of purse I could use on a regular basis (obviously, this is not for formal occasions, etc.) so that I would have a single purse that I could rely on most of the time. Gray is a color that goes with all other colors, and it can be used in both the winter and the summer. I have owned quite a few Kipling products and they are of the highest quality. As others have noted, this bag can be stuffed to the gills and still look "relaxed", without appearing to be jammed. Another important consideration for me is that the bag is not heavy. I have a poor back, so I rarely use leather bags since the bag itself is already so heavy that it is difficult to add anything else to it. This purse is the perfect size – I can fit an iPad and a notebook in it, together with makeup, meds, a bottle of water and apples (with room to spare!) As I mentioned earlier, this is not the purse that I will use for formal events, but it is the perfect purse for going back and forth between work and home, and for using on the weekends. I really am so glad that I was able to get it.

Kipling is a great brand, and I have a few Alvars in different colours, as well as the Defea and Fairfax. I use the Alvar more often, because it is so comfortable to wear, is a perfect size for everyday wear, and has such good organization. With all the different zippered compartments, I can find things easily, and while the bag does not look that big, I have actually stuffed a lot into it--it's quite surprising. It has a nice streamlined look that is attractive. I like changing the colours around with the seasons, or just for fun, and I am always eager to see what new colours come out. It's nice to be able to get them on Amazon, as selection can be limited where I live. Amazon shipped quickly, and the shipping charges were reasonable for Canada--only problem was a bit of a delay, probably at customs. All in all, a good experience buying this from Amazon, and would do so again. I don't think anyone would regret buying the Alvar, unless a very large bag is needed. The Alvar rolls up quite small too, so it's easy to take in a suitcase. I highly recommend.

The Kipling Luggage Alvar Cross-body handbag is now my favourite everyday bag. I have chronic shoulder and neck pain and have been on the lookout for a light-weight bag that wouldn't aggravate my condition except many non-leather bags look cheap or geared for youngsters. This Kipling bag solves both problems for me--it is feather light compared to my leather handbags and this particular model is very stylish. The metallic sheen in the slightly textured nylon is subtle but lends far more eye-catching distinction than a plain nylon bag. Yet it isn't tacky or gaudy looking. The overall grey/black colour scheme looks sophisticated. (The grey is attractive enough that I'm considering buying the matching Kipling Kodle clutch purse.) The entire effect of the bag is far more distinctive than a plain, boring black handbag yet it is easily still a basic. Size-wise the Alvar is perfect for someone 5' 2" who needs some room to carry essentials and perhaps the occasional small paperback book or an e-reader. Because I don't want weight, the sleek flat style prevents over-stuffing. The different compartments are well thought out, enough divisions to neatly separate items but not so many to have to dig through for things. If, however, you need a gigantic bag to carry lots of stuff, you'd best be looking elsewhere. If you're looking for all the qualities mentioned here, this Kipling bag meets all expectations. The quality, design, size, look, and feel of this bag is superior to any nylon bag out there. Highly recommend it!

I thought it would be larger, but it is perfect sized for EVERYTHING I need. Most of my other bags are large enough, and I fill them up, using different colored zip-bags to put my "stuff" in, and that way I can find what ever I need quickly.This bag fits nicely, and everything I need (other than for an over-night trip) fits in it's own compartment. It is light enough, the weight I have to carry is made my "stuff" and not by the bag. I am bringing silver back in, as well as wide-brimmed SPF 50 hats for the summer! I get comments on it, because I carry it everywhere, and my HTC DNA fits in the inside pocket! As well at two pens, and my sunglass case. Ray Bans come in a large case, and I also put my blue-tooth in the same case, and they are well protected and I can find everything without standing around "fishing" around for my wallet, my keys, my sunglasses, my lip stick, well you should get the picture! So handy to know that I can put the coins I receive in change right into the right place, too. The adjustable strap makes it not only a cross-body bag, but I can also just carry it over my shoulder. Quick change artist, too.With Amazon Prime I got it in 2 days! I love my Amazon, and my Amazon Prime. It saves time and money, and it comes right to my front door.