Orla Kiely Backpack review

Orla Kiely Stone backpack

I am not known as a designer bag girl. I have friends whose cupboards are filled with thousands of pounds worth of beautiful bags; who transfer the contents of their handbags daily, so they can sport the perfect tote for their day, or their outfit. Personally, I’ve never seen the point, when there’s so much money to spent on shoes, and holidays, and gorgeous food. Until now…

Orla Kiely backpack review

The Pod Company – possibly spotting a style need in me – offered to send me an Orla Kiely bag to review, and another one to giveaway. Now, I may not covet bags, but since becoming the parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, and acquiring all the paraphernalia that has to be taken everywhere with us, I have needed a bigger bag. Bigger bags lead to heavier bags, so for me that means a requirement for comfort. And as we all know, comfort is hard to come by when trying to maintain a modicum of style.

A backpack is the most comfortable bag to carry, but those are usually functional, and boring. High street ‘backpack’ style bags are usually not sturdy enough to carry all that I need, and die within weeks. So when I spotted the Orla Kiely backpack I was keen to give it a go. I haven’t regretted it.

Orla Kiely Backpack

 

Orla Kiely Backpack

The handbag of a mum

What I love about this Orla Kiely backpack:

  • It can be carried comfortably in a variety of ways – slung over a shoulder for a run to the car, as a tote when you want easy access, or backpack style when you’re on a mission to get somewhere, or have extra hands to hold!
  • It is spacious! Check out all the junk I have to carry around whenever my children are with me (yes, those are weighing scales). Even when I take giant text b00ks to read on the sidelines of football pitches, it just swallows them up like Mary Poppins’ magic bag.
  • It has slots inside for my phone that actually fit my phone, so I can always lay my ands on it.
  • The quality – this bag is going to last me. Which is good, because it is now my favourite bag. Which means I don’t have to do the handbag transfer thing ever again. It also means I’ll always have a bottle of Lucozade on me…
  • The design – it’s gorgeous!

Now, such is my naïvety around the significance of a designer bag, that I wasn’t prepared for what happened the first time I took this bag out. I went to a hospital appointment, and the nurse commented on how lovely my bag was. I thought she was just being kind, but the next person to comment on it was the ultrasound doctor. A middle-aged man examined my bag and exclaimed that it would be just perfect as a gift to his daughter, who is going travelling soon, and needs a sturdy but gorgeous bag. Where did I get it? he wanted to know. The nurse decided it would be just right for her daughter, who is starting GCSE year soon and needs a good bag for all her files and books. I sent both of them to The Pod Company, and I have no doubt that they both have very happy daughters right now!

So I’m a convert. It’s designer bags all the way for me now. Although I don’t think I’ll be needing another one for a while…

The Pod Company are giving Actually Mummy readers the chance to win an Orla Kiely backpack in the stone leaf design pictured at the top of this post. For your chance to win, simply complete the options in the form below.

You can also find The Pod Company on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

 

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions

1. By entering this giveaway, the entrants consent to their email address being passed on to the promoter

2. Entry is open to UK residents only, excluding anyone professionally associated with Actually Mummy or the Promoter.

3. One winner will win an Orla Kiely Stone backpack worth £120 from The Pod Company. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and there is no cash alternative.

4. The prize draw starts at 12.00am GMT on Monday 11th May 2015 and closes at 12.00am GMT on 25th May 2015.

5. Entry is free and must be made by commenting on this blog post answering: ‘What is the name of The Pod Company item that most caught your eye?’ Bonus entries can be obtained by sharing the giveaway with your friends, tweeting about the giveaway, visiting The Pod Company on Facebook, visiting Actually Mummy on Facebook, Following The Pod Company on Twitter, Following Actually Mummy on Twitter, and tweeting about the giveaway.

6. The name of the winners will be published on this website within 14 days of the giveaway closing.

7. The winners will be drawn at random using Rafflecopter and they must have commented on this blog post for their entry to count.

8. The winners will be notified by email. They willl have a week to respond, after which time a redraw will take place.

9. In the unlikely event that the prize becomes unavailable the Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value.

10. The Promoter’s decision on all matters is final and binding on all entrants. No correspondence will be entered into.

11. By taking part in this competition you agree to be bound by the competition terms and conditions.

12. The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify any entrant and / or winner in its discretion and without any notice in accordance with these terms and conditions.

13. The Promoter is: The Pod Company, Pod 24, The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DS

Disclosure: The Pod Company provided me with a bag for the purposes of review, and an admin fee to run this giveaway. All editorial and images are my own. 
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Competitions at ThePrizeFinder – See more at: http://www.theprizefinder.com/content/orla-kiely-backpack#sthash.SZfSQPjH.dpuf

393 thoughts on “Orla Kiely Backpack review”

  1. I really like the origami gold parrot necklace. This bag is also fabulous – so great to find a practical and stylish bag!

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  2. Well, you know how I LOVE a bag, especially a designer one. I love Orla Kiely prints – I am thinking of getting one of her duvet covers for our bedroom!

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  3. I’m just like you – not into designer much of anything, esp bags (life’s too short to be changing the contents of my bag!) but I ADORE Orla Kiely’s designs and this looks gorgeous. Her Multi-stem bags are beautiful. I love that turquoise colour too, though I’d be happy to put up with the Stone Backpack! Lets see!

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  4. The Origami Mini Gold Triceratops Necklace is so pretty & unique ive never seen anything like it & i love it.

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  5. My wife loves Orla Kiely and to be honest her affection for her has rubbed off on me! She\’s diversed over the last few years with the Pear design and Car design (to name just two) but you can\’t beat her original Stem design.I love the Embossed Stem Leather Zip Wallet – Cocoa

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  6. The Boho Dress scarf organiser!

    Now I’ve seen this I really feel I need it! What a shame it’s out of stock (helps my bank balance though!)

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  7. As well as the Orla Kiely bags which are simply scrumptious, the Bicycle Framed Wall Art caught my eye. My husband will love it in his office!

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  8. Is it really weird to say the Gruffalo plasters caught my eye? My little one LOVES the Gruffalo and these would definitely cheer him up if he cut himself!
    x

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  9. The silver and grey bar friendship bracelet – I’m going to order it as a present for a friend’s upcoming 40th. Will be lovely. Congratulations on joining the world of Orla loveliness. I spent an entire student loan instalment on my first bag 18 years ago whilst at University!!! Love All Things Orla :))

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  10. The LSA Lulu champagne glasses. Love a glass of fizzy and as these are all different shapes, everyone should remember which is their glass!

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  11. OMG Helen I love bags and love the Orla Kierly Giant Linea Stem Shoulder Bag, I think I need this bag for my hols xx

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  12. I love Orla Kiely so would have to say that beyond this backpack, which would be perfect for work I’d go with the Orla Kiely Giant Linear Stem Midi Sling Bag in Sky. It would be a perfect everyday bag.

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  13. Hard to pin point to one – they have some beautiful items. I’ll be sure to bookmark their website. Love it. Would love to win this as I need to replace my current backpack. Ideal when I’m walking with my twins – keeps hands free. X

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  14. I’m never usually one for backpacks but the fact the bag can be a backpack and a tote is brill, we have a lot to take when we’re out and about too.
    D loved the Kissing Rabbits picnic blanket.

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  15. One of the items that caught my eye was the Almond Hardbake Sling Bag – May Cherry bag by Betty & Walter. Fingers crossed.

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  16. The Orla Kiely Giant Linear Stem Big Zip Wallet as I really need a new purse and it will match my new bag (when I have won it lol)

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  17. I love all of the Orla Kiely prints they are so bold and funky you cant go wrong regardless of which design you choose! x

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  18. Oh my goodness I just fell in love with the Origami mini Triceratops. My son is dinosaur mad & it seems to have rubbed off onto myself 🙂 x

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  19. I love the Heart Shaped Food Keepers and at only £6.95 they’re a bargain. Perfect for the children’s school lunch boxes and my husband’s too.

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  20. I have been looking for a back pack thats stylish yet practical and this one is certainly both these things! Looks lovely 🙂

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  21. I love the Orla Kiely backpacks! I’ve got a (almost) 2 year old and this would be a lovely way to store all his stuff, whilst letting me have a treat too. It’ll also keep my hands free to chase him around!

    Great review – thanks x

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  22. So many lovely items on there! I love this handbag, useful as well as a great colour for me:
    Textured Leather Bay Bag – Slate

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  23. I love the vinyl scribble sunflower Jeanie bag – but there’s so much I love! All the Orla K bags and the rose gold jewellery.

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  24. That website is amazing! Probably the entire lékué collection as its so creative and quirky !
    This Orla Kiely bag would be perfect for when I start uni in september!

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  25. I really like the orla keily wash bags, but it would be great to see an inside shot before i buy. and i love the backpack! thanks, kate

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  26. I love the Origami Jewelry. What a unique and interesting idea but in the colors of gold and silver they’re quite elegant looking as well.

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  27. I love the Umbra Little Pink Dress Jewellry Holder – what a brilliant idea, it’s great to see everything all in one place!

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  28. Aww, the squirrel blanket is adorable! Reminds me of Spring walk with the pram around our beautiful local park xxx

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  29. I love this backpack as it is in a lovely shade of blue and I would have free hands for the boys …Orla Kiely Giant Linear Stem Backpack – Sky

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  30. wow what a fab website, thanks for finding it ! I can see me spending a lot of money here when it gets to birthdays / Christmas ! The origami jewellery caught my eye 🙂

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  31. I tried to put the url so you all could have a look but it wouldn’t let me but have a look at the orla kiely blue leather stem bag it lovely.

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  32. Oh no…. Ive fallen in love with the Orla Kiely Embossed Stem Leather Willow Bag – the Sky Blue one…. but it’s £247.20 – do you think the kids will mind not eating for a couple of weeks?! x

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  33. The Orla Kiely Hanging Washbag – Pink Floating Flower would be perfect for my upcoming holiday 🙂

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  34. Embossed Stem Leather Willow Bag – Cocoa…. is beautiful. Thank you for introducing me to this company. What a fabulous shop! I think i am about to become very broke, very quickly!

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  35. The Orla Kiely Classic multi-stem shopping bag! Perfect for carrying nappies and wipes while looking amazing 🙂

    Reply
  36. Orla Kiely backpack, what a great bag for a childminder! Lots of little pockets, so you can find your phone and keys in a hurry!

    Reply

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