When I was pregnant the first time round, the one purchase I was most excited about was my changing bag. As someone who has an obsession with handbags, it seemed only right that this purchase was very important to me. I really liked the one I chose, but to me it screamed 'Nappy Bag,' and this is exactly what it was.
I used it for ages, until Mads got a little older and I just shoved her things in a regular oversized hangbag. But not my Marc Jacobs, that is staying in the wardrobe until she is old enough not to need an abundance of paraphernalia carted around with her.
This time around, with baby two on the way, I was looking for something a little different. Something that was functional and practical, but didn't look like I was carrying around bum cream, sick cloths and bribery biscuits. I wanted something stylish and fashionable.
I was hitting a bit of a dead end. That is until I heard about Sugarjack.
Sugarjack have been on my radar for a while now, partly down to communicating with them on social media, but as soon as I saw their website I fell in love with their beautiful bags.
Sugarjack started in 2011, founded by two fathers, who decided to try and develop changing bags that still retained a sense of style and fashion. And believe me that is exactly what they have done.
First up I had the hard task of choosing which changing bag to get. They have the most beautiful selection of bags that have been seen on the arms of some rather glamourous Mum's, including Una Healey, Jenni Falconer and Jodi Kidd. I could have chosen them all, but finally decided on the Gabi in a gorgeous tan leather colour- the bag is a messenger/satchel style bag which will never go out of fashion. But more about that later.
The bag arrived on Thursday and I was blown away by the attention to detail, thought and care that had gone into the packaging. I was almost afraid to open it because the packaging was just so lovely.
The beautiful high quality box that the bags come in doubles up as a memory box for your new arrival- perfect as I need one for the new baby.
All the accessories come in an environmentally friendly bamboo dust bag, which would be perfect as a tote bag for shopping.
The bags come with two removable pockets/pouches, that are completely wipeproof.
They also come with a bottle warmer and a changing mat- all made from high quality materials and in the same style as the bags.
The first glimpse of Gabi- a truly gorgeous changing bag.
On first inspection, after being totally surprised by how lovely the packaging was, I was blown away by the bag I had chosen. The Gabi bag is a gorgeous tan colour, that will go with everything, and is one of Sugarjacks most popular bags. It is in a messenger/satchel style that is ever so fashionable at the moment, but is also timeless so won't go out of style any time soon. It is made from the softest leather, and all the buckles are made of high quality metal, with Sugarjack stamped on to each one.
The Gabi has exposed statement zips which increase the depth of the bag and it easily can hold just what you need for one or two babies. It has extra pockets on the front of the bag which I find handy for my phone and purse- meaning they are easily accessible at all times without having to rummage through the rest of the belongings. There is also a fold over zip compartment, and a zip pocket on the bag of the bag- there are lots of little spaces which really appeals to the neat, organised part of me.
As an extra treat you can purchase a keyring for yourself or your loved one and have it personalised with your chosen word- perhaps a nickname, or your baby's name. The keyrings come in the same colour as your chosen bag and are made from the same high quality metal.
I think the thing that really appeals to me about the bag is how easily it can be used as a normal bag rather than a changing bag- with all the other changing bags I have found you can easily tell that they are exactly that, whereas I would use the Gabi as a normal bag too.
Overall I have been blown away by Sugarjack and their changing bags, and it takes me a lot to be completely blown away by a product. From their website, to their customer service, and the detail and time spent on the packaging, to of course the bag itself, there is absolutely nothing I could fault them on.
The bags are pricey, the Gabi retails at £288, but in my opinion it is completely worth it. I have spent more on designer handbags in my past life (!) and these can be used as handbags after your child is old enough not to need to have so much baggage. I see them as a lifelong purchase that you will be able to use again and again.
Sugarjack also do occasionally have offers on, for example they have a fab Christmas offer coming up on their Holly bag, so it is worth following them on twitter and facebook so you are first in the know.
If you are in the market for a new changing bag, then I 100% would recommend them- I know I am a typical girl but I absolutely love mine!
I was sent a Sugarjack changing bag free of charge for the purpose of this review but my opinions are completely my own.
