Pink Lining: Bramley Tote (Review)

Bags.

I'm a bit partial to them really. In truth I've got more than I need, and my mum roles her eyes when I take delivery of another. However bags, as with jewellery and shoes, are never about whether you need them or not. Bags make me happy, probably because they don't complain if I eat an extra chocolate bar or not, and therefore I ignore my mum's rolled eyes and enjoy their wonders.

I was recently sent one of the new season of Pink Lining bags for review.

I was lucky enough to review a Queensdale Tote last year and adore it; the delicate all-over design, and the detailed embroidery of beach huts and bunting on the pockets were a winning combination for me over the Summer months. I've also recently spent several months tracking down a rare Black Cabs Queensdale Tote, and it's fair to say I love the design of the Queensdale.

However, Pink Lining have discontinued this design in order to keep their range fresh and therefore I was asked if I'd like to review a Bramley Tote instead. I'm not a big one for change, but this bag is fantastic! I chose a Bramley Tote: Cream Bows on Pink. While the Bramley Tote doesn't have the front feature pockets like the Queensdale did, it does have the missing factor in so many bags: zips!

No-one wants to show off a messy bag with children's half-eaten chew bars, wet wipes, and ladies personal products, nor do they want to advertise the exact location of their purse, keys or phone. A zip is a must and the Bramley Tote has these in abundance with one main section and two large side pockets.

The main section has: a thermo-insulated bottle pouch (as with other Pink Lining bags although this one is detachable); a changing mat; a zipped plastic wet bag; two large, side pockets which are ideal for wet wipes and nappies, or in our case a colouring book and pencils; two smaller slim pockets ideal for a phone or iPod; key fob; pen loop; and a detachable mirror. Once all these pockets are loaded up, there's still plenty of space for a tablet PC, purse, make-up bag, children's snacks etc. And the best bit is that the long zip hides away all this chaos into a classic, attractive bag. On the outside of the bag are two zipped pockets; one large enough for ladies personal products, and the other large enough for a complete change of clothes for a child, or a tablet PC.

The straps are wide and thick-woven fabric so they are comfortable to wear; they are also detachable which makes it easier to hang from the handles of a pushchair, with metal clasps and reinforced metal holes on the bag. The bag, as with all Pink Lining bags, is made from 100% cotton canvas laminated with EVA coating which makes it wipe clean with a damp cloth and detergent.

I took this bag with us when we went to London recently for the Britmums blogging conference and on 'me' days I could fit the various bits I needed into the bag with no problem (purse, iPad, make-up bag, drinks, notebook, etc.), and this was easily added to on the 'mummy' day with snacks, The Boy's cardigan and his entertainment.

Do I love this bag? Yes.

Would I pay £75.00 for it? Honestly I'd think two or three times before entering my card details, but actually yes I would.

You get what you pay for, and we went through two of those free Pampers/Boots change bags before I realised that the reason they kept breaking was because they were rubbish quality. Pink Lining bags are well made, very well made, with well thought out designs which cater to a modern woman's needs as a mum and person in her own right. And they last well; I'm forever slinging this bag around and dumping it on the ground whether it's sand, tarmac, mud, paving or grass. The four metal studs on the bottom of the bag prevent the fabric from becoming scuffed easily.

The best bit about this though is that Pink Lining currently have the Cream Bows on Pink Bramley Tote in their sale with 30% off: £75.00 down to £52.50. Now that, I would definitely pay for this bag.

I was sent this bag for the purpose of this review, my opinion is honest and unbiased.