The Eden Changing Bag from BabyBeau – a review

25 May, 2013 By 5 Comments

Eden-changing-bag-review

Wow – where did you get that bag!? – a stranger in the supermarket queue

Handbags, handbags, handbags – I love handbags.

Ok, got that out my system. Now, how amazing is this bag? You would never, ever guess it’s designed for carrying baby bottles, wipes and all the other paraphernalia you have to drag around as a new mum, would you?

The Eden from BabyBeau looks and feels like a vintage briefcase, cut into a sleek, bowling bag curve. It’s lightweight and made from waxed buffalo leather with hand stitched cord detail, decorated zippers and gold clasps. It’s stunning – perfect for work and mummy-life.

The handles are generous (a 20cm drop), which is great because it means it fits comfortably on my shoulder even when full to the brim of note pads, two phones (work and home) and all manner of chargers, bottles, pens and baby wipes. There’s also a shoulder strap you can easily clip on for carrying the bag cross-body hands-free, and thanks to the waxed exterior, hasn’t scratched or scraped as yet, despite me being notoriously clumsy.

The pic above actually shows the back, which includes a handy little pocket perfect for storing keys / work passes / lunch money – you know, all the things you need to find without having to dig around in your bag for 10 embarrassing minutes in front of the neighbours / receptionists / teachers.

You’re unlikely to get the inside of this bag in a mess because it’s so packed with pockets and compartments, including a detachable zip pocket pouch which I’ve been using for makeup. However, I sometimes find all those pockets just mean I have to check every one in turn to find my phone/keys – and they’re always magically in the place I’m sure I looked first. Maybe I need a bag with labelled compartments like a toolbox – hmm, wouldn’t be too pretty though!

babybeau-eden-front

Now, as I’ve mentioned, the bag is designed to bring work and parenting-life together stylishly, but whenever I get a bag like this, I’m always nervous about putting wet wipes in it in case they leak. Luckily the Eden has a water resistant interior, and you can protect your work notes and gadgets by putting leaky items in the removal organiser.

As it’s a spacious bag (H: 33cm W: 43cm D:16cm), you could probably use it as a laptop bag, but I can’t quite fit my 15 inch MacBook Pro in there, unfortunately, unless I take everything else out and force the zip – and the bag is too pretty to risk that!

When in full on mummy-mode, I’m loving the leatherette changing mat and leatherette bottle holder. They match the bag exactly but feel a little outrageously over the top. I can imagine onlookers thinking, “Really, a leather bottle holder?!” But that’s at least half the fun of a really nice handbag, being able to show off.

Price wise, this isn’t a bag for the feint-hearted, retailing at £229, but if you want a bag you can walk into the Board with and take on play dates, this is the bag for you.

Disclosure: we were sent the Eden for review. No payment was received for this post. All posts are 100% honest. I’ve updated this review a bit a few hours after publication as I remembered some extra things to say – but it’s still all my own thoughts.

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The Sugarjack Lily Tote Leather bag. Part 1: the work life test

2 April, 2013 By 3 Comments

sugarjack

I love this bag – me

Sigh. Look at it. Just look at it! I have a strong dislike of the use of ‘sexy’ in reference to everything from creative concepts to powerpoint presentations, but on this occasion I so want to say it. But I won’t. So, um, it’s, um, it’s HOT. *cough*

The Lily Black Patent Tote Leather Changing Bag from Sugarjack retails for £189.00 from UK stockists including Mamas and Papas, Harrods and John Lewis.

It’s available in 3 colours: Nude, Black Crinkle Patent Leather or Burnt Orange / Tan Grain Leather, and I opted for black because it’s classy as hell and goes with everything.

The texture of the black tote is tough and touchable. I’ve been lugging it to the office and back every day for a month, and even down to London and back, stuffed full of pens, USBs, my laptop and all manner of other bits and pieces and it still looks perfect. Not a crack, not a scratch.

It’s functional too, with two large front pockets with zips to foil pickpockets and lots of space and pockets inside. There’s also the Sugarjack removable ‘baby organiser’ compartment, which I pull out for work, but will tell you more about in ‘Part 2: the mummy life test’. I have, however, been making good use of the chic little nylon and leather detachable zip pocket pouch for storing small make-up – it’s brilliant for avoiding that ungainly scrabble in the toilets as you dig around for the concealer, only to find it has lost its top and ruined your bag lining.

The top closes a little with two zips at either edge – an unusual, eye-catching look – and then pops shut with the aid of magnets under the lining. The buckles, zips and clasps are chunky, shiny, logo-emblazoned gold and it’s this finishing touch that seems to draw the most comments.

From a distance, this bag is black, functional and pretty understated against my black trouser suit and patent heels. Close up it’s a sexy (there, I said it!) statement bag that no one would ever guess doubles as a baby changing bag. But I’ll save that for Part 2…

Disclosure: I was sent a Sugarjack Lily Tote Leather bag free of charge for review. No payment was received for this post. All posts are 100% honest.

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Handbag love: Cream Contrasting Stab Stitched Grab Bag by Bailey & Quinn London

11 March, 2013 By 2 Comments

Bailey-&-Quinn-official-pic

*gasp* It’s so sweet! – me

One of the best things about being out at work all day? A serious upside? Handbags. Lovely, practical, pretty handbags. Yep, I’m part girly girl after all.

At the moment, I’m test driving the newest addition to my collection: a Cream Contrasting Stab Stitched Grab Bag by Bailey & Quinn London, on sale in Debenhams priced at £115.

It’s made from cream leather with contrasting terracotta stab stitching on the twin grab handles and main body, as well as a matching cut out logo charm on the front handle. It also comes with a slim clip-on shoulder strap with matching stitching.

Inside, the lining is ribbed polyester in the same teracotta shade, with two slip pockets and one zip section – pretty much as you’d expect.

Overall, this little bag feels classy, understated and ‘grown up’. I seriously love it. Now I just need to buy the cream patent heels I’ve had my eye on and I’m set…

Disclosure: I was sent the Bailey & Quinn bag free of charge for review. No payment was received. All posts are 100% honest. The picture featured is from Debenhams.com.

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Win a designer multi-functional Storksak handbag worth up to £250

6 March, 2013 By 1,074 Comments

Storksak - bag giveaway

The functionality of a changing bag with high quality fabrics and detailing

Fancy a gorgeous, high-quality statement handbag that doubles a changing bag? Then you are in luck because this month I am giving you a chance to win your choice of Storksak handbag. Yep, the winner can choose any bag on this page.

Finished swooning? Here are the details…(or if you’re really impatient, skip to the bottom of the page for entry instructions).

What you could win

Here’s a run down of the frankly gorgeous bags the winner will be choosing from.

Sofia in Stone (RRP £250)

Sofia Stone

The Sofia is made from beautifully soft twisted leather which is hard-wearing and has a sumptuous, chalky finish. It has been treated to give it a vintage feel, and with brushed gunmetal hardware, this style is as eye catching as it is functional.

Amongst its many features, the Sofia boasts five large external magnetic pockets, ten inner compartments, a thermo-insulated bottle holder, detachable vanity case and wipe clean linings throughout.

Ashley in Coral (£70)

Ashley Coral

This popular messenger bag has been refreshed for Spring in feminine Coral pink. Made from durable, wipe clean canvas with brushed gold hardware, it features an adjustable, webbed shoulder strap, two large external pockets with popper closures for easy access and a water resistant base. Inside are a further four large compartments, zipped pocket for valuables, luxury padded changing mat, insulated bottle holder, key chain clip and wipe clean linings.

Tania Bee in Fuscia (RRP £98)

Tania Bee Fuchia

The fashionable Tania is ultra modern, roomy and functional. Super lightweight, highly water resistant and with a multitude of pockets, it is made from a durable, wipe clean nylon fabric with high quality hardware.

This style comes with four external pockets and seven internal pockets including a zipped pocket for valuables. It features a thermo-insulated bottle holder, mobile phone pocket, padded changing mat and wipe clean linings throughout.

Tote in Fuscia and Orange / Orange and Black (RRP £70)

Tote Fuchia Orange

This chic Tote is made from water repellent nylon with a fashionable contrasting base, it is super lightweight and roomy. With its additional, adjustable long shoulder strap, it is extremely versatile, comfortably worn as a shoulder or cross body bag.

The Tote is equipped with all your essential accessories – a built in, insulated bottle holder, luxury padded changing mat and multiple compartments to keep yours and baby’s items organised and secure. Wipe clean fabrics and linings throughout make this changing bag one of our most practical choices for stylish parents. Large enough to fit most laptops, it doubles up perfectly as a weekend bag when off duty.

Nina in Grey Print (RRP £80)

Nina Antalya Grey

The Nina is a spacious, lightweight bag featuring an original, contemporary ‘Antalya’ print.

Made from durable, wipe clean PU, it boasts a multitude of practical features, such as seven separate compartments including a zipped pocket for valuables, adjustable shoulder strap, zipped top and wipe clean linings throughout. It comes with built in strollerstraps which fix the bag neatly and securely to your stroller, great for trips out when you need to be hands free.

The Nina also features an additional accessory – the innovative Snackysak, which uses food safe insulation to keep larger items warm or cool for up to four hours. It can be stored in your Storksak, or attached easily to a stroller with its poppered strap for quick trips.

Elizabeth leather in Tan or Chalk (RRP £198)

Storksak - bag giveaway

The pinnacle of sophistication and timeless style, our Elizabeth has been a classic in the collection since we launched Storksak. Made from luxurious lake washed leather, which ages beautifully, it is finished with antique brass hardware. Big enough to fit most laptops, this is the perfect baby bag to double-up as your every day or work bag. With two outer pockets, including a mobile pocket, ten internal pockets as well as a insulated bottle holder, this is your ultimate baby bag.

Also included with this style is an additional, adjustable shoulder strap, removable vanity case, pop-out bottle holder and wipe clean linings throughout.

The Elizabeth bag was the winner of the ‘Best Changing Bag’ in the Junior Design Awards 2011, recognising excellence in design, style and quality.

How to enter

To enter you must:

You are also entitled to up to five bonus entries, if you:

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

The giveaway will close at 11.59pm UK time on 31st March 2013 and a winner will be selected at random.

See the prize draw T&Cs - Disclosure: Storksak is providing this prize for the purposes of the giveaway. No payment was received by A Mummy Too. Please see my review/disclosure policy for more information. Listed on ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions and Competition Hunter.

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Babymel Ruby handbag / backpack (a review)

24 October, 2012 By 2 Comments

Excellent. I can get rid of my old, ugly backpack – me

Arriving fresh on my doorstep this week was the Babymel Ruby Rucksack.

The bag is made from soft, leather-look polyurethane with contrast faux leather detailing. And it’s ‘rip stop’, which means it’s water-repellant and hard-wearing. The buckles are brushed brass.

Outside there are two external, zipped pockets and inside, there are lots of pockets and zips, as well as changing mat and insulated removable bottle holder. Everything inside is water-resistant.

On top, there’s a magnetic flap top with a zip beneath it, so I’d hope that would be enough to scupper any pick-pocketers from getting in without me noticing.

The removable padded shoulder strap allows you to attach the bag to your strollers handles. Our Xplory has very thick handles, which means the majority of solutions of this type don’t work, but I’m just about able to secure the Ruby in place.

While it’s a perfectly nice handbag, it’s the two extra straps on the back of the bag that make it special for me as they allow you to use the bag as a backpack. That means I can leave my ugly backpack at home. And when I want to use it as a handbag again, velcro tabs help keep the backpacks straps hidden.

At £69.95, it’s not the cheapest faux-leather handbag out there, but for the style and convenience of the rucksack function, I think it’s good value.

Disclosure: we were sent a Babymel Ruby bag free of charge for review. No payment was received for this post. All posts are 100% honest.

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Win a designer leather Storksak Isabella changing bag worth £250

1 June, 2012 By 1,611 Comments

The functionality of a changing bag with high quality fabrics and detailing

If, like me, you suffer from a glorious addiction to handbags, I suggest you sit down because this month’s prize is gasp-worthy.

The Isabella changing bag from Storksak is made from soft, textured leather with a hard wearing finish. It comes in pebble or caramel and has chunky brushed gold hardware with four external pockets, including a mobile phone pocket. Inside is a thermo-insulated bottle holder, padded changing mat, jacquard wipe-clean lining and eight inner storage pockets.

The Storksak Isabella changing bag retails at £250 from stores including John Lewis, but you could get your hot little mitts on one just by following the instructions below.

How to enter

To enter you must:

For up to five bonus entries, you can also:

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

The giveaway will close at 8pm UK time on 30th June 2012 and a winner will be selected at random.

See the prize draw T&Cs - Disclosure: Little Helper Limited is providing this prize for the purposes of the giveaway. No payment was received by A Mummy Too. Please see my review/disclosure policy for more information. Listed on ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions and Competition Hunter.

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Mama et Bebe Thistle and Dragonfly changing bag from Pink Lining

25 April, 2012 By 3 Comments

Mama et Bebe Thistle and Dragonfly changing bag

Another bag, mummy? – JD, 4

Yes, another bag. I am a bag fiend. But this one is so pretty!

It’s a cream coloured messenger style changing bag, patterned with purple flowers and green dragonflies, and laminated so that it can be wiped clean.

Pretty details

The handles are made of a sturdy, woven fabric with purple stripe detail. There’s also a matching detachable shoulder strap.

There are two pockets on the outside, each stitched with a pram image, while the phrase “Mama et Bebe” is stitched on each flap.

Lots of storage

The bag comes with a dark pink lining, divided into all manner of sections, including two thermo-insulated bottle pockets and a place for nappies.

Handy accessories

It also comes with large plastic “wet bag”, padded changing mat, and a mirrored luggage tag. The mat and wet bag are patterned with a cupcake design sporting the phrase “yummy mummy” – quite cute.

Overall

I think this changing bag from Pink Lining is rather special – and so it should be with a rather designer price tag of £75, but if you want a fully functional change bag that looks gorgeous, this does the job.

Disclosure: I was sent a Mama et Bebe Thistle and Dragonfly changing bag free-of-charge for the purposes of this review. No payment was received and all reviews are 100% honest.

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