Funchico.com - Funky, Chic & Cool Laptop Bag News

New Laptop Bags from Alesya

Almost two years ago, I wrote about the amazing laptop bags from Alesya Opelt, a new laptop bag designer from Charleston, South Carolina. Well, Alesya is back with Version 2 of her bags! In addition to some delightful new colours (with great names like Technically Green, In the Cloud and Hot Spot), Alesya has also made improvements to the zippers (one of my pet peeves for Version 1) and the leather.

Take a look - they are beautiful bags and a smart design! They retail for $289 USD and are available at alesyabags.com.

My iPad is cooler than I am - Review of the Platforma iPad Messenger Bag from Strotter

Platforma iPad Messenger Bag

I was hanging out at our local sports bar the other day with a few friends, as you do. I'd had a few pints and when a couple of biker enthusiasts came in, shrugging off their leather jackets, my inside voice became my outside voice and I exclaimed "I could totally be a bad ass biker gal!"

All my friends looked at me...they all know a Vespa Scooter is really more my speed.

"You mean like Pinky Tuscadero?"

"No. I was thinking more like .. what's her name? The GoDaddy girl?"

"You mean Danica Patrick? Well, she IS bad ass, but she's a race car driver not a motorcycle rider."

Aaaaand that's why I belong on a Vespa.

I may only be able to dream of being a bad ass…but at least now my iPad can live that dream, thanks to the Platforma iPad Messenger Bag from Strotter. Strotter is a new bag design company and they have got something really special going on for iPads. They sent me over a review copy of two of their cases. First, I checked out the Platforma.

The Platforma is a vertical messenger bag designed specifically for the iPad. You can wear it across the body or, with a little reconfiguring, across the shoulders like a backpack. Its exterior features a mix of sexy black pebbled leather and black nylon, solid seams, high end hardware and a sleek silhouette that can flatter any bad ass's figure. The bag fastens shut with magnets, which makes it fuss-free to get into - handy when you're on the road.

Of course, the truly unique aspect of the Platforma is that with a few quick manoeuvres, it can act like a portable desk, leaving both your hands free to actually type or play games on your iPad. The iPad doesn't just rest precariously on the bag - you put your iPad in the Platforma's special Apple Smart Case compatible case and then snap that onto the back of the bag, where it's held in place by very strong magnets. I think this is ingenious, really - you can use it standing up, sitting down, or leaning against your Harley outside the diner, waiting for Pinky to get off work. In the video below, Serge (the founder of Strotter and designer of the Platforma) demos its very cool functionality.

The Platforma's front flap features two slim zippered areas, for things you want to keep secure and get to quickly. Under the front flap, there are two more slim zippered areas, a good size for notebooks or perhaps a magazine. The bag's red interior section brings a welcome splash of colour, plus makes it easy to see what you're carrying. The interior of the bag is divided into two parts - a slot for your iPad and a wider slot for whatever else you're carrying. I try not to cram my bags too full and the Platforma's sleek design helps out in that area - there's room for your iPad and some essentials (wallet, phone, snacks, etc.) but you're not putting your gym shoes in there. Bikers know how to travel light.

The only thing I didn't find easy about the Platforma was reconfiguring the strap. At one point, I was simply trying to lengthen the strap and somehow managed to remove all the hardware from it instead - I didn't find it quite as intuitive as Serge does in the video. Note: there is a crazy sexy video of the Platforma on Strotter's homepage that you can check out as well - it might explain my Pinky Tuscadero association in addition to showcasing some great closeups of the bag and how the functionality works.

I may never actually hit the open road, wind in my hair, iPad strapped to my back - but now I could if I WANTED TO. The Platforma is compact, smart and stylish as hell - a must have for the bad ass geek in all of us.

Find out more about the Strotter Platforma on their website. The Platforma retails for $169 USD.

Photo Credit: All photos mine except for the lead image - that's sexy Serge  from the Platforma site! Yowza!

Does your laptop bag shout SPRING?! This one does!

Bright. Cheerful. Summer in a Bag.

April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring? The Cool Laptop Backpack from Hadaki, that's what. The folks over at Rainbrooke kindly sent over the backpack-style laptop bag, and I am in love. How could I not be - it's called "Paradise Aqua". Its bright aqua and hot pink floral pattern has hints of citrus colors and is a divine addition to my spring wardrobe.

From the pink topstitching to the little feet for it to rest on, the Cool Backpack's details had me at "hello". However, as a *totally* scientific laptop bag reviewer, I put the bag through rigorous testing:

The outside of the bag features two netted side-pockets. One fit my water bottle and the other, a compact umbrella (for any unexpected meteorological conditions). The front of the pack features a deep zippered pocket with a pretty zipper pull. I've slipped in a makeup bag for easy access. My cherry blossom gloss is a must-wear with this backpack!

The Cool Backpack boasts two roomy, top-zippered sections. Each is lined with hot pink, water-repellant fabric. As my tests confirmed, contents are easy seen contrasted against this hot pink lining. Furthermore, hot pink stimulates the pleasure centres of my brain.

The front section has pockets for my iPhone, earbuds, pens. There's also a key ring so I don't have to rummage around like an idiot at my front door. Of note: there's no interior zippered pocket, which is where I would want to put my wallet. Instead, I'll just stow it in the bottom of the section. There's plenty of room for leftover Easter candy and a romance novel a healthy snack and a book, too.

The back section of the Cool Backpack houses the padded area for my laptop. My MacBook Pro slides right in and is secured with a strap and buckle. The backpack should fit most laptops up to 15.4", and my 11" MacBook Air stows away nicely, too. This zippered section is very roomy and easily fits my cords, power adapter as well as notebooks and documents. The Cool Backpack maximizes its use of space so the pack remains very streamlined.

As part of my research, I performed an impromptu test: ten minutes ago I spilled half my coffee on the pack. The Cool Backpack's coated fabric repelled most of the coffee, and the residue easily wiped clean.

In terms of comfort, the padded back and adjustable straps are extremely comfortable, and they are backed with a breathable mesh to get me through a hot summer.

Here's some more science: HADAKI products are AZO free. They don't use Phthalates/DEHP, DBP, or BOP. I'm wondering if their eco-friendliness is why the bag doesn't have an odour. Even right out of the packaging, there wasn't any plasticky smell. Instead, I was only overwhelmed by how adorable this backpack is. (I took lots of pictures. You can see them all here.)

This backpack is my must-wear spring and summer accessory.

The Cool Backpack from Hadaki is available for $70 USD from Rainbrooke in six(!) different patterns and color palettes (including some adorable pink patterns, Rainebrooke's signature colour), each bright and fresh. I may have to "test" another one... or two...

The Akiko Laptop Bag for Men - Another Hit from Mamtak

Mamtak Bags already holds a special place in my heart with their lovely Aya laptop bag. Well they've done it again - this time with a bag for the gents. Behold, the Akiko Laptop Bag for Men.

Like the Aya, the Akiko bag's style immediately conjures thoughts of Amsterdam. The bag's familiar pannier shape references cycling in the Netherlands: delightful jaunts past tulips, windmills and those special Dutch cafés where you can get more than just a coffee.

Even with its roots in Amsterdam, the Akiko's style and edge easily fit into any North American metropolis, well, any metropolis really: Vancouver, New York, Tokyo, Paris, or Berlin. (Hmm, maybe I should test the bag on a world tour? That's reasonable, right?). It has a sophisticated yet casual look, something that I would expect from a unisex bag; however the design remains unexpected and simply modern.

The Akiko's pannier shape means it holds my laptop vertically. It's also tapered, wider at the bottom than the top, letting me carry a lot while it remains rather slim overall. There are two options for carrying the Akiko: you can use the sturdy, well padded hand grips or the generous detachable shoulder strap.

Akiko is Japanese: aki, "sparkle" and ko, "bright". The review bag I received is the Blue Zodiac version. Its exterior is a rich, bright blue tone. And while the bag may not sparkle, the water-resistant canvas does have a nice sheen, giving it a cool waxy appearance. The interior lining keeps it simple with a subtle charcoal and black pattern. The Akiko also comes in Umber and Ochre - both with the same cool sheen.

Under the Akiko's top flap, there is a zippered main compartment for my laptop and other storage. My MacBook Pro (15.4") slid into the interior sleeve and is secured with a velcro strap. There is definitely room for a thicker PC. The other section of the main compartment has a pocket that fit my cords and AC adapter, and there's plenty of room, too, for books and documents.

The front of the bag has an exterior pocket, which has a covering flap secured with snaps. Now, this part's brilliant: The front pocket snaps are on little loops so I can EASILY snap them! When I first saw the loops, I thought, sure, they look cool, but then I put my shiz in the front pocket and tried to snap it. It was then I realized what those little loops do: using the loop, you can snap the pocket shut between your finger and thumb. Smart!

The back of the Akiko features a slim zippered pocket, designed specifically for personal items: my wallet, keys, and Eurorail pass.

From the adjustable shoulder strap - with swivel hooks! - to the magnetic clasps and sturdy zippers, the metal hardware is simple, handsome, and high quality. After using the Akiko, you really can't help but admire Mamtak's attention to detail. A lot of thought has gone into this bag's function. The folks at Mamtak describe their bags as beautifully designed, but emphasize they're also made for "intensive daily use". From what I've seen, their products hold up to their promise, and demonstrate that style need not be sacrificed for function.

The Akiko Laptop Bag is available from the Mamtak Online Store for 89.85 Euros or around 120 USD. For more news and their latest designs, find Mamtak on Facebook or Twitter.

And ladies, lest you think this bag isn't for you, fret not. Even if it doesn't suit your personal style, take a gander at the model they used in their recent photoshoot.

Photo Credit: Mamtak Bags - from their Facebook Page

The Alesya Laptop Bag - a Sure-fire Southern Charmer

The Lovely Alesya in Eggplant

When I think of the contemporary Southern Belle, I think of a sophisticated woman with grace and style. I think of a woman who's crafty -- in all senses of the word. I think of Julia Sugarbaker from Designing Women. I grew up watching Julia simultaneously shatter, embody and ameliorate all Southern Belle stereotypes: smart, fashionable, clever, outspoken, polite, enigmatic.

I adored Julia.

When Alesya Opelt from Aleysa Bags sent me her new bag for review, I knew I had found a bag that Julia would embrace. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Aleysa Bags embody the style and charm of modern Southern culture.

Plus, there's definitely more than meets the eye with this laptop bag.

First, Alesya's Southern charm actually starts BEFORE I even get to the bag. The packaging is delightful. The bag is cosseted in its own bag which came with Alesya's standard card as well as a personal card and note to me. And the whole kit-and-caboodle was packed in a sturdy, stylish box.

Below is a pic of the card as well as the initial impression upon opening the box; you can see a full slideshow of the unboxing on my Flickr.

When I first examined the Alesya bag I thought, "Wow - a gorgeous shoulder bag. Wait... it's a laptop bag?"

Yes, it is.

A shoulder bag, in supple leather with well-appointed hardware and careful stitching, is designer Alesya's disguise for toting around a laptop. The laptop sleeve is hidden under the bag's front zippered flap, at the widest part of the bag. Fully secured under an adjustable velcro strap, my 15" MacBook Pro is fully protected and concealed. Out for sushi with friends after work? No one will ever know I'm toting a laptop.

Clever, right? Really smart design. Now, the hidden sleeve is a tight fit; my Macbook Pro 15 cinched her girdle (ahh, the price for fashion) as I slid her in. An Air or a smaller Macbook would be perfect. If you have another laptop model, you're going to want to measure it and check w/ Alesya to make sure it will fit. And I was super-careful when I zipped up the bag to make sure it wouldn't scratch my Macbook - the zippers are very close to the corners and edges of the laptop when you're closing it. This is necessary to make the design work and keep the bag a reasonable size. I think this will get a little less dicey once I use the bag a bit and break in the leather and the zippers. (If you want to see this in action, there is a great video on the Alesya Bags site.)

The front flap of the bag provides storage with its own zippered compartment. Inside are pockets made specifically for pens and my iPhone. These are easily accessed, even while wearing the bag on my shoulder. The bag's back zippered compartment provides access to a large storage space. Books, work documents, notebooks, all easily stow away for me to take home.

My fav smart feature of this bag is the zippered top pocket - Alesya explicitly designed it to avoid "the black hole syndrome." Oh, yes! No more rummaging around in the depths of your bag! While at first glance, the bag's top compartment might appear to be the main pocket, it's actually a clever shallow space for storing keys and lipstick. It fits my small wallet, too.

The strap on the Alesya has an 8" drop, and the width of the strap (1.5") means the strap doesn't dig into my shoulder when I weigh my bag down with stuff. I packed the Alesya bag full, and it sat comfortably under my arm. There are some great pics of the Alesya stuffed full on her site.

Other great things ... The colours: my bag is purple - called Exquisite Eggplant; it also comes in Equestrian Tan and Kelly Green Girl - year-round colours for a year-round bag. The feet: there are little feet on the bottom of the Alesya (you know how I love little feet!). I had trouble standing it up with how I had packed it, but, at the same time, I'd never put this baby on the floor. It's a bag that needs to be shown off.

And shown off, it is. I've taken my Alesya to meetings, workshops and dinner dates over the last few weeks and got all kinds of compliments. Like a Southern Belle, the Alesya has style and sass, and as a newcomers to the laptop bag scene, offers some is stiff competition.

You can purchase your very own online at Alesya Bags for $265 USD (remember, it's leather!). You can also find Alesya Bags on Facebook; and you can follow the designer on Twitter or check out her personal blog.

Fresh laptop bag design from Mamtak Bags - the Aya Laptop Tote

Every once in a while, a laptop bag comes along that makes you shout "Yes! YES!" Most recently, the Aya from Mamtak Bags did that for me.

Maybe it's Mamtak's design roots (Amsterdam and Tokyo - it doesn't get cooler than that)? Or that these folks know how to use the colour green on a laptop bag (both inside and out!)? What ever it is, the Aya has that je ne sais quois that made me fall in love at first sight. And then even after I put her to the test, I still love her.

The Aya is, quite simply, a beautifully designed laptop bag - it would be at home at a café in Paris, in a conference room in Brussels or on a runway in Milan (or even here in North America). The very best of European design is embodied in this one bag. Sleek and modern, stylish and functional, it makes me want to give my laptop a cool European name like Alessandro. Made of leather with a soft cloth interior, the Aya comes in four colour combinations - I have the Green & White combo, which has a fresh, flirty feel.

The front and back of the Aya are identical - each side sports a zippered document pocket, ideal for storing your travel documents, work papers or the latest copy of Wallpaper* magazine. The zipper pulls are covered with leather, which is a nice touch - makes it easier to grip and open any of the zippers on the bag. I always appreciate outer pockets on a bag for easy access - but I also appreciate that these pockets are zippered to keep my valuables from spilling out, in case my Aya gets knocked over on the train to Zurich.

Inside, the Aya keeps it simple. The interior is lined with a soft celery green fabric - makes it very easy to see what's in the bottom of your bag. There's a zippered slot for storing your valuables or smaller items (lipgloss, keys, card wallet, etc.) The middle of the Aya has a nice open area for files or reading material. There are two separate open pouches perfect for power cords or other big gadgets, or even a slim notebook. Finally there's the laptop sleeve, which fastens with a soft, thick tab of cloth with velcro. My 15.4" MacBook Pro fit nicely. The laptop sleeve isn't super padded but the bag itself is very structured and durable, so I'd say it's relatively safe to stash it in the overhead compartment.

The Aya's two handles are perfect for carrying over your shoulder. They're a good length and the slightly padded leather doesn't cut into your shoulder, even with a full bag - no Hunchback of Notre Dame here! And the bottom of the Aya has five silver feet to keep it up off the floor while you're enjoying your café au lait and croissant near Montmartre.

Whether you and your laptop are jet-setters on a European tour or you just want a durable, stylish, eye-catching laptop bag for your every day business, definitely consider the Aya. Allessandro will certainly thank you.

The Aya Laptop Bag is available from the Mamtak online store. It retails for 139.95 Euros (approximately 200 USD). You can also connect with the fine folks at Mamtak on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Tweed Arm Sling

OK, so not only bags are "funchico" - here is this awesome, handmade arm sling - refashioned from the a tweed jacket. There is even a little pocket in front for business cards!

Read more about how to fashion your own arm sling over at the ReadyMade blog.

Does your laptop bag need a Pooq?

Here at Funchico, we're all about the weird names :). So imagine my delight when I discovered (via the ever-informative Miss604) Pooqs.

What are Pooqs?  Great question.  If you visit their website, it might take you a minute to figure out that a Pooq is a foldable purse hook with a magnetic clasp that is small enough to fit in any purse and is durable to hold up to 25lbs. 

 

That means a Pooq will also work for those of us who have netbooks or smaller laptops. Definitely much classier than hanging it on the back of my chair.  There are three Pooq collections: Bijou, Vanity and Paris Magnifique.  The above is the "Mermaid" from the Bijou collection.

Pooqs are created right here in Vancouver and can be ordered via the website.  They retail for $34.99.

Sweet Laptop Tote with Silk-screened Vintage Image

Looking for something simple? Check out this sweet little laptop tote from Track and Field Designs.  They make laptop totes and messenger bags in fabric with silk-screened vintage images. I'm a big fan of damask fabric and find this vintage bicycle image so charming.

 

Funky and Functional Backpacks for Kids

I feel like we're all in full tilt "back to school" mode. I know mainly because one of my favourite commercials is airing up here in Canada - the one from Staples where the parents are dragging the kids through the office supply store to get their back to school supplies singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". 

My goal is to help your kids find a backpack and a lunchbox that your kids LOVE so they won't look as glum as the kids in the commercial.

Now, I'm not an expert on kids' backpacks or lunchboxes - but I know where to find them.  I got in touch with four smart entrepreneurs who specialize in bags (and other items) for parents and kids.  Meet Annemarie from Yoyomama, Sue from Raspberry Kids, Judy from Mountain Baby and Stefanie from Dandelion Kids.

I got great bag and lunchbox anecdotes and recommendations from all of them.  Today, I'll share the backpack stories - on Thursday, the lunchbox ones.

Yoyomama always has great advice for moms and kids.  I asked Annemarie about her bag choices.  She replied …

I've always been a bit of a bag lady and I still have my pre-kid collection of handbags both small and large, each of which had a specific purpose and use. Once I had my kids my new obsession became diaper bags (I was a Fleurville Mothership fan). And because I had two girls, many of my less used purses have ended up in their dressup box so when I took my oldest to buy her first backpack for kindergarten I was interested to see which bag she'd choose. Something had obviously been carried through her genetic makeup as she picked Fleurville's Kid's Messenger which is both a backback and messenger bag. It lasted with aplomb through kindergarten and grade one but now she's in the market for a new bag.

I'm very aware of backpack safety when it comes to kids so I may try and steer her towards something a little smaller that won't weigh her down quite as much. For plane trips she's been carrying Mountain Equipment Co-Op's Dome Daypack which doesn't carry a tonne but is perfect for some crayons, a water bottle and a few treasures.

But I also have to be careful not to go overboard, as I come across a lot of lovely bags in my online travels and if I'm not careful my kids' collection could rival my own and I've have two mini bag ladies on my hands, although I suspect my youngest is more likely to have a shoe fetish...

Sue from Raspberry Kids told me about one of her favourite kid-sized backpacks - those from Beatrix NY.

Beatrix NY (formerly Dante Beatrix) was a bit of a discovery for me and Raspberry Kids.  We were one of the very first retailers in Canada that carried this line and we worked very closely with the supplier to help build their presence in Canada.  They quality is amazing and the cute factor is through the roof.  Everytime they come out with a new style or product, it brings a smile to my face and I adore each of the Maakun forest critters names such as Percival the Dino, Esther the Bunny, Jean-Pierre the Squirrel.  Just like the little and big kids that carry these backpacks, they each have their own personality and amazing expressions.  

We've just been given a sneak peak of a new design that is launching soon and we will definitely be adding them to our offering.  When design and function meet, you cannot go wrong!

Another important reminder on kid safety and backpacks came from Judy from Mountain Baby. Then she and her team put their heads together and picked their favourite backpack.

When we sell backpacks to parents we indicate that for back health children should not carry more than about 15% of their weight - not very much really. And we emphasize that parents need to take a stand on behalf of their kids' well being and let teachers know that young children should not be overburdened with heavy backpacks that strain their backs! The packs come in a variety of kids colours and are rugged and designed to last through several kids, rather than falling apart in a few months and needing to be replaced.

Had a discussion with the staff and we all decided that the Alpine Junior is our favourite pack for the younger children off to day care and kindergarten. It is designed to cover every day basics for a day out including an extra fleece, books, crayons, water bottle, lunch ( in a small lunchbox or bag) etc. It is not designed to carry a large binder, but this is not an issue for the younger crowd.

Finally, Dabbawalla was the backpack that Stefanie from Dandelion Kids chose as her favourite for younger kids.

Bright, modern graphics adorn both the backpacks by Dabbawalla. Dabbwalla bags are made in Taiwan crafted by sewers who earn fair wages in safe working conditions. The backpacks are soft, sized perfectly for children and have a dual function perfect for active kids - grab and go on the run or wear as a comfortable backpack. Cushioned, flexible straps adjust from the inside and can be pulled tight when not in use.

So now you have some ideas for how your kids can be funky, chic, cool AND safe in their choice of backpack.  Many thanks to the moms who gave us these great recommendations for funchico backpacks for kids!  You'll hear from all of them again on Thursday when they discuss lunchboxes!