Customer Reviews Kipling Defea Handbag

First of all, I love Kipling purses. They are quality made, light weight, and last forever. This bag is no exception. I like that it has pockets, but not so many that I would get confused when looking for things. Can you tell that I don't think numerous pockets, slots etc.. add to a bag. This is one of the simpler of the larger Kipling bags. The only thing that I didn't like was the handles. I am very very short and because the handles are so long, they hang down, causing the strap to touch the floor. The handles were a nuisance, falling over the zipper opening. I wasn't about to adjust the strap every time I wanted to wear it Bandolareo style, which I do most of the time. I was all set to return it. :-( and hubby and I after a lot of consideration (and I don't advise this for any one else ..), with a single edge razor, he sliced off the four handles from the rubber/plastic that they were sewn into. We held our breathes and guess what, it was a piece of cake and with a little careful trimming, the handle problem has disappeared. So now I have just the bright red casual bag that I wanted for a long time, and I am thrilled. So thrilled that I am going to order a black one too, and perform the same surgery. Again, if you like the handles and/or are uncomfortable with altering the bag, don't!

I love Kipling bags, but this is the first one that I felt looked nice enough to use for work. I own it in black, which is always dressier, and I removed the shoulder strap. I was surprised how easy it was to carry with one hand; I always wore cross-body bags before. As far as weight and organization, these bags can't be beat. I try nicer leather bags for a day and always switch back.

Love this purse! I looked for months for the perfect purse to hold my cell phone, iPod, and work card keys in easily accessible but secure spots and the front pockets on this were perfect! It's big enough to carry a wallet, camera, water bottle, etc., but not so big that it's like carrying a suitcase. Highly recommend and I plan to purchase in other colors for other seasons.

I really like this bag. It is very user friendly. Plenty of pockets on the outside. All zippered for security. I have 2 Kipling handbags. The fabric never wears out!

I love this purse...bright red, well made, and lots of pockets. I have several other Kiplings and over the years Kipling have continued to maintain their excellent quality. The zippers slide beautifully and I like the contrast between the color of the purse and the large silver zippers. I rated this bag 4 stars instead of 5 because I am under 5' tall and when I carry it by the handles, the shoulder strap hits the floor. I don't want to have to keep adjusting the strap every I put it over my shoulder. This would be fine for a taller person, but not for us shorties. It is a minor point for most people, but not me. If the handles had been a few inches shorter that would have solved my problem and they still would be comfortable to wear over my shoulder. The red is gorgeous and I will be using this bag regularly. Thanks again to Zappos for fast service and excellent customer service.

I love this handbag! It is made to last, light weight and highly organized. The bag looks great and I am someone who really has a difficult time finding a handbag. This one is a keeper.

Great bag! Comfortable and doesn't slip off your shoulder. Many pockets to keep yourself organized. The black color has some contrast in it and the shading is beautiful. Very well made. Highly recommend this line of bags!

I love this bag for college mainly because of its durability,pocket orginization, and style for a bag made of nylon.The plethora of pockets may be a plus for some, like myself, because of the separation between smaller items.I love how I can fit all my books without carring a bag larger than myself too!

I love this bag! I used to have to carry 3 bags, my wallet, diaper bag and lunch bag. I have 2 girls, 1 and 3, so I needed to have something not so big. This bag is perfect; it has room for everything. We went to Disney World and that's all I needed to carry for 7 hours. I had enough room for snacks, water, milk, diapers, extra clothes for the girls, etc. I didn't want to be dealing with a stroller as I like to have my hands free. The bag has a shoulder strap so it was perfect. I had my 1 year old in a baby carrier, my 3 year old in one hand, and the shoulder bag. So efficient!

I absolutely love my bag, it's just the right size when we travel. My Kindle has its own zipper compartment and the bag has just enough for all the misc. small items and snacks we pick up. I now have the black and brown handbag. I would definitely recommend!

Bought this bag after an overseas trip with my current crossbody (faux leather) bag left me realizing that something light could be good idea. The bag is hugely roomy - can get my iPad in there - and has an excellent number of pockets and compartments. The nice wide one on the back (that faces the body) will hold my passport and travel documents.

Bought this bag after an overseas trip with my current crossbody (faux leather) bag left me realizing that something light could be good idea. The bag is hugely roomy - can get my iPad in there - and has an excellent number of pockets and compartments. The nice wide one on the back (that faces the body) will hold my passport and travel documents.

Over the years I have spent more money on various bags and brands than I care to admit. In the end, I always come back to Kipling. The bags are well made, have plenty of pockets and can be worn in a variety of ways. They are easy to clean and are extremely sturdy. I work in a field that requires me to have a lot of small gear with me at all times. The Defea in particular lets me put everything in its own place with room to spare. Even when loaded, it is not heavy or too large. I think this would have to be my favorite Kipling style. Now, if Kipling USA would bring some of the vintage styles/colors of the DeFea from the UK to the states, I would be thrilled! Overall this is a great bag; you will not go wrong with this bag.

This bag has room for all the essentials such as: cell phone, wallet, comb, hand lotion, and checkbook. It's material is interesting yet feels very durable. The shoulder strap is a good length. I bought two others as gifts. I did not want to risk a stock out.

Great size, great color, great quality, very comfortable, very light, what more can I say. Totally worth it. Also goes well casual, for work, and for everyday wear.

Kipling's "Defea" bag is the best because of its interior and exterior pockets. It is the perfect work and commuter bag. I got it in black so it goes well with everything. Thank you Zappos for shipping it in time for my overseas trip.

I am really happy with my purchase! The Kipling Defea Handbag is the perfect handbag! Everything about this handbag is amazing. I love the colors i.e. black and silver and the many different ways I can wear it. Also the pockets on it are awesome because I can carry a lot and it is still light weight. Thanks to Zappos I found my perfect handbag.

Perfect diaper bag. Our third child was just born and I wanted a smallish diaper bag that would still hold plenty and this does the trick. Highly recommend!

I had a similar bag from Kenneth Cole that wore out very quickly. This bag is sturdy--both the zippers and the material. The outside pouch pockets (there are actually two on each side) are perfect for my phone, wallet, and keys. The outside pocket with the buckle is actually a velcro closure, so it's easy to get to. I'm short and had a similar experience that other reviewers mentioned of the long strap hitting the ground when I carry the bag by the shorter straps, but the long strap is removable, and I love that I can fit the shorter straps over my shoulder. The only downside to this bag is that it only came with one gorilla keychain, which my children fought over.

LOVE THIS BAG!!!! It has lots of pockets. It is well-made and durable. The cross-body strap is easy to adjust and stays in place. The forearm straps are comfortable. There is plenty of room for everything I need plus my Kindle. I will have this bag for many years to come!

I have had this handbag in teal for a year and a half and despite daily usage, I can see no wear marks on it. This is the second Kipling purse that I have had and I do not know if I will ever buy a different brand.

Love it. It's the perfect bag I've been searching for. Not too big, not too small; holds everything neatly. Neat and functional. Outside pocket perfect for cell phone, room for everything (including my little camera) and easy to find what I'm looking for.

I got this Defea bag for my sister and she absolutely loved it! She said the blue color looked really nice and goes with everything! Nice and light and holds a lot! Great functional everyday bag!

I love Kipling bags because they are so lightweight and have a place for everything. The Defea is probably my favorite style, not too big or too small, and the true blue is a nice dark navy. Love it!!