This naughty, little Kipling Monkey has been scarce around these parts because of Facebook.  The latest links and photos are being shared there, so come on over and be a fan, or click “Like” on http://www.facebook.com/KiplingMonkeyPage.  See you there!

Posted from Kipling Monkey

Kipling make[s] the most exceedingly good bags – for ALL occasions.  Stylish, colourful, practical, lightweight and durable – as you can see here from our EXCLUSIVE  celebrity gallery.

I couldn’t agree with you more, Sultan of Swag! Check out more Kipling & Celebrity photos!

This is what I’m using at the moment.

With a stop light, green means “go” and yellow means “slow down”. With a banana, however, it is quite the opposite. Yellow means “go”, green means “whoa, slow down”, and red means “where the heck did you get that banana?”

- Mitch Hedberg

Just in case you blinked and missed it, I’ve been on a furry-monkey-crinkly-nylon Kipling high recently, and have begun to saturate the net with my apparent compulsion to own, and talk about, Kipling bags – so much so that Kipling – the company, the peerless provider of high-quality purses, luggage and accessories – has noticed.

About a fortnight past, I was contacted by a lovely lady from Kipling. She was quite “thrilled” to learn that I have dedicated an entire site to my true love for Kipling that, I reckon, she just had to find out for herself, if I were an authentic article. Why yes, I am. This is the real thing – a genuine avid Kipling fan: Me.

In her letter, she asked a few questions to learn a little bit about me and my take on the Kipling brand and products. She wanted to know why I loved Kipling so much. Unfortunately, I think I might have been a wee bit overwhelmed by the initial contact, and got too excited about the whole thing, that in my reply to her I forgot to answer the most important question:

Kipling, why do I love thee?
For many years, I have enjoyed this mild obsession with Kipling bags. You can ask my family and close friends, and they would testify to this silly, yet practical and fashionable, infatuation. The funny thing is since I started blogging about Kipling, and have explored the web to find others like me, I found that:

1) This place, www.kiplingmonkey.com, is the only not-for-profit, personal site (of which I am aware) that is almost exclusively dedicated to blogging about Kipling bags and monkeys;

2) There are so many other Kipling lovers out there – some of whom are far more compulsive, and bigger Kipling collectors than yours truly! Well, that just tickled me giddy – this cheeky monkey is not alone!

What’s not to love? The Kipling product construction is almost scientifically immaculate. You can probably take a magnifying glass to check out the stitches, and they would almost always be close to perfect. Most bags are made of 420 denier Nylon material that is stain- and water-resistant, and are easy to clean. It’s like having an umbrella to protect your stuff! Now Kipling also produces luscious leather bags. Oh, how I lust for leather!

Kipling designs vary from classic to trendy. They are fashionably distinguished, fun, flirty, subtle, and ready to steal the spotlight. Your Kipling fashion statement can be as unique as your mood, or personality; which is why so many Kipling fans own so many different styles!

One day you could be the demure lady at the office, donned in your business casual attire, proudly toting the true blue Fairfax medium handbag. The next you could be ready for Friday – femininely forceful in your high heels, blue jeans and black suit jacket; your Fergie collection purse hiding inside that extra file drawer – while you patiently wait for the clock to strike happy hour.

That’s one of the best things about Kipling – its versatility. Being the moderately mercurial girl that I am, it certainly makes it convenient to have a bag that can keep up with my ever-evolving mood and mode.

I love Kipling because it can be beautiful and bold, without being obnoxious. It fits my seasonal styles. Kipling keeps my stuff safe and my social sanity intact.

How about you? Tell me what you love about Kipling…

Silver Kipling monkey, a la Terminator, photographed by Rebecca Dzombak as posted on Black & White & Chic All Over. He can also be spotted intimidating (or being intimidated by) beautiful flowers, portrait shots and cats at Flickr.

(via bwchic)

The Art of Being Outstanding Without Standing Out

These days, your bag is an accessory that has become essential. One of the cult objects of today’s life, it is an integral part of our personality – show me your bag and I’ll tell you who you are. Trendy, practical and informal, your Kipling bag is part of what it means to be a woman today, standing up for yourself and making a point – gently. Whether you’re just getting about, travelling, going out or working, you can hold your head up high and look great without ever being a fashion victim. You know better than anyone how to find the balance between looking smart and feeling comfortable. Kipling has been advocating this philosophy since day one. In fact, it’s what the whole brand is about.

Visit Kipling to find out more about the brand, the company, and the monkeys. Join the Official Kipling Fan Page and Kipling-USA on Facebook. Follow @KiplingUSA on Twitter.

If you’re not familiar with Kipling, they’re a really good brand. Also, each bag comes with a monkey attached to it, like you can see in the photo. Each monkey has a tag on it with a name. My wife’s bag, on the left, has a monkey named Lorena (scary right?). My bag has a monkey named Clotilde on it. Sounds like some sort of heavily muscled Norse woman to me.

Regardless, the bags are nice. They’re made of a good quality and should last us for quite a few years. I want more!

Glad to know that I’m not the only Kipling fan on Posterous. While “Amused Spectator” isn’t necessarily a Kipling fan site, I was just pleased to find another blogger who appreciates Kipling bags — a man, to boot — who wasn’t afraid to share that appreciation with the public.

Check out Brad’s Posterous Profile Page. You can find his other blog at Amused Spectator on Blogspot.

This is Fergie showing off her Fergie for Kiplng Collection on the MySpace fashion TV show, The Fit, from last year.

Honestly, I’m not crazy about these designs. My favorite has always been the Kipling Basic Solid collection; though I own a few items in the Kipling If Print.  One of these days I might get something (a few things) from the Kipling Vintage Leather line.

Do you have a favorite Kipling Collection?

If you just don’t have the time and energy to drive to the mall, or your local luggage shop, the convenience of online shopping is a most welcomed benefit.  But, how do you make sure that you’re not getting swindled by fraudulent proprietors?

One of eBay’s Top 1000 Reviewers, bagmonkey, wrote a guide on eBay (complete with photos) detailing how you can spot a fake Kipling item.

Main things to check out before you buy:

* small pictures
* country of origin
* sellers’ feedback
* auction title
* shipping costs
* money back guarantee
* plush monkey characteristics
* missing monkey
* rubber logo patch
* stitching quality
* special edition pins
* tags/product details

If you’ve purchased a Kipling, and doubt its authenticity, note:

* Fakes are heavy
* Zippers have metallic ends
* Monkey, hang tag and details
* Interior tag is missing

Read more here: “How do I tell if it’s a fake before buying?“