Kipling Alvar Solid Crossbody Bag

This bag is perfect for day-to-day use. I personally do not think this is a "small" bag at all. To me it seems enormous, but I'm used to the tiny Kipling Alvar XS cross-body bag (and I'm petite). You can get a LOT of stuff in this bag and best of all, it's VERY light weight and comfy. This is important to me because I have had a back injury so big heavy messenger bags/purses won't work for me. The fabric is lightweight, sturdy and water-resistant but it still looks good and the quality of the zippers are amazing. I want one in every shade!The main area is divided into two very roomy main compartments, each of which has its own zipper access at the top of the bag. One one side there is a small zippered pocket and a cord with a key clip (you can clip wallet, accessories or keys here!)on the other side, there is a larger pocket big enough for a smart-phone and small wallet or other electronic device/camera, etc. and then a smaller pocket for small items and two pen-sleeves. Each side has PLENTY of room for stuff and I love the division because you can carry daily items on one side and leave the other side for papers, journal or small spiral notebook, sketch pad and pencils or an iPad. I had room for my daily items, phone, wallet, a small notebook, kindle with cover, and Water bottle just in the main compartments! There's two more zippered compartments on the front of the bag so it's easy to keep things organized and easy to find. I store hand sanitizer, lip-balm, tissues, small pencils, note-pad, mirror, etc. in these pouches.PROS:* Lots of pockets and organization* pen sleeves* key clip* tons of room* lightweight* water-resistant* sturdy, cleanable,well constructed/great zippers!* sleek design! (don't over-stuff to keep the flat profile)* MONKEY key ring! (Who doesn't love monkeys? - If you don't, you can take it off)* wide, comfortable strap that adjusts to wear cross-body or on your shoulderCONS:* Although I find it perfect, the size might be too big to be "small" and too small to be big to people who carry luggage sized purses* Two access points to the main compartments side by side on top makes it confusing and you have to get used to which side contains which items.

For me, the perfect purse. First, it is very lightweight. Leather purses may be beautiful, but are most often quite heavy before you even begin to put anything in them.Second, the Kipling Alvar is exactly the right size...and shape. I do not want to be squeezing stuff into my purse or prying it out, nor do I want the purse to be too big or, too narrow.This holds my wallet, phone with case, lip gloss, small bottle of tylenol, little tape measure, car keys, coupons, key chain full of customer loyalty cards, sunglasses, a couple of pens, miscellaneous papers and occasionally a selfie stick, all easily accessed and without making the purse bulge. That is why thirdly, I love all the different zipper compartments to keep everything semi-organized. I could even fit my mini ipad in there if/when needed.Fourth, the strap can be doubled to wear as a shoulder bag, or lengthened for over-the-shoulder wear which makes it great to use every day as well as take on vacation.I got this purse in the True Blue color with the silver zippers which add interest to bag. I'm not a fan of the monkey key chain so I took it off. Kipling used to put weird colored lining in their purses which I didn't care for; this one has a neutral greige (grey-beige) color that compliments the blue nicely. Also, it cost less than the True Blue purse with blue zippers, so a win for me. I would definitely purchase this bag in other colors, (the frosted white is pretty!---I'm surprised there is no red offered) tho for now the blue goes well with jeans paired with different tops. Highly recommended.

I have had this bag for over a year now and I have used it for my everyday bag. I can carry my smart phone, glasses, 7" kindle, wallet, lip balms, coins and various other items AND the best thing is how you can organize all your items in all the various pockets and compartments it has. I have had bags that offered alot of space in one spot but then items get easily lost. This crossbody has suited my needs perfectly to stay organized and offer a crossbody for practical use. The bonus is also the cute gorilla that it comes with. I have it on my key chain so when I feel around for it in my bag, I know I have my keys in hand.The compartments are separated in this way:2 zippered front pockets2 main large sections when you zip open from the topinside the first inside zippered conpartment there are 2 pockets which you can use for a small wallet, glasses, etc.inside the other zippered compartment is where you can place a pocket book or a 7" kindle and offers a small zippered compartment amd a;sp has a attached key ringThe size is great as it is not too big and not too small. Highly recommend! I waited over a year to review this to see how it would last and I am still using it every day. The best crossbody bag I've had and it does retain its shape even with all the stuff I throw in it!