I’m not a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination, however, I do love some fashion accessories – like handbags.
Handbags, purses, totes – whatever you wish to call them – are one of my weaknesses.
I probably inherited this love of handbags from my mother. At 83 years of age, she still loves her handbags. In fact, she often changes up her handbag selection for the day – just to match her outfit. I totally admire my mother’s effort when it comes to looking “put together”. I’m still amazed at how (usually) her clothing, her lipstick, and her nail polish all match her handbag she is using on a given day.
Then there is me, someone who runs out the door with my hot pink handbag that stands out like a sore thumb against the backdrop of my autumn brown outfit – with nary a thought of how I must appear!
It’s always the look of a handbag that catches my eye but, of course, it’s the functionality of a handbag that really matters.
Beside-U Canada handbags have it all. They not only look great, they come with some pretty fantastic, and useful, features.
I had never heard of Beside-U handbags until recently when they reached out to me to ask me if I would like to review their handbags. Beside-U handbags are available in 14 countries around the world but, have only been in Canada for the last 2.5 years.
Of course I could NOT say no to reviewing a handbag! My excitement was ramped up a notch when I was asked to choose whatever handbag I would like to review, AND then asked if they could send me a second smaller bag, better suited to an evening out.
Just wait until you take a peek at the Beside-U Canada website. You’ll understand the difficulty I had deciding which bag to choose. I was actually glad that Beside-U had already made choice #2 (a STEPH bag) for me!
Not only did the vast number of styles available at Beside-U Canada make my choice difficult (they have 17 different collections!), the choice of colours added to my dilemma! Each collection has its own unique logo plate, zipper pull and inner lining, giving every collection its own unique touch.
I knew I wanted a larger bag in a nice bright colour, so I decided on the Ink Blue “LUISA” Bag.
The first thing I noticed (besides the fabulous colour!) when I took a close look at my Luisa handbag, was the exceptional quality of this well-made bag. There is great attention to detail in every stitch. Every piece of hardware on the bag appears very durable.
The Beside-U tags inside my bag caught my attention. They remind me of the quality tags found in clothing my mother used to wear in years past. Such an “insignificant” detail yet, in my opinion, if the tags are top-quality, that says a lot for the rest of the product.
I chose the Luisa bag as it is a bag that can carry a lot of “stuff”. For my day-to-day bags I often find I purchase handbags that are too small for what I tend to carry (which often includes my partner’s “stuff”!). I adore the size of my Luisa bag! It’s big but, it’s filled with all kinds of pockets – so the little things don’t get lost at the bottom of the bag! The Luisa bag even comes with a pocket that is large enough for a tablet or small laptop.
For me, I can see the Luisa being a great bag for traveling. I can use it as my purse but, it’s large enough to carry a few extra items I want as carry-on on a plane.
There are SO many features to love about the Beside-U Luisa bag:
- Water resistant nylon material with debossed pattern
- Foggy silver hardware finish
- Custom puller and logo
- Sleek zipper with peek-a-boo metallic teeth
- External pockets
- Front hidden zip pocket
- Front and back zip pocket
- Interior pockets
- Open slip pockets
- Padded compartment for tech items
- Fully lined fabric interior with graphic print
- Small exterior tab with D-ring
- Folded handles for hand or shoulder carry
- Adjustable and removable cross body strap with strap keeper
- RFID pocket for your wallet,
When I travel, I love to have a bigger bag like the Luisa but, I usually bring a smaller handbag as well – for a night out when I just want to carry a few essentials with me.
That’s why I love the STEPH bag.
I chose a black STEPH bag but, this Beside-U Canada bag comes in 2 other great colours. The STEPH bag is new to the Beside-U collection and comes with some pretty fantastic features.
The STEPH bag may be little but it packs a BIG punch:
- Embossed striped pattern on the front zip pocket
- Foggy silver hardware finish with custom puller and logo
- Sleek front zipper with peek-a-boo metallic teeth
- Customized debossed stripe nylon twill webbing
- Adjustable drop length with strap keeper for shoulder or cross body wear
- Front zippered pockets allow easy access to items such as loose change, a parking voucher, ID cards and more
- Fully fabric lined with printed graphic
- Cell phone pocket
- Pen holders
- Open slip and zip pockets
- Full RFID zippered pocket for your wallet
- Key clip
- Custom inside label
- Additional tab for dangle attachment
- Zip-top closure
I especially love the security features of the STEPH handbag. This bag has a click hook to lock the main compartment, making it nearly impossible for pick-pockets to easily access the main compartment (see photo above). The STEPH even comes with a detachable security whistle – and boy does it work! Tiny yet powerful! My dogs DID NOT like the whistle – but that’s a good thing! The majority of the bags have a zipper on the back of them which allows you to keep your most valuable items closer to your body – and more difficult for someone to steal!
Not sure where to start when choosing a Beside-U handbag? Why not browse their most popular lines: the Endeavor, Creed, Nutopia and Tube Connection collections.
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and promotions from Beside-U Canada by liking Beside-U Canada on Facebook!
The wonderful folks at Beside-U Canada are offering up a great prize for one lucky Canadian Blog House reader! You could WIN YOUR CHOICE of Beside-U Canada (up to $150 value!). I just know you are going to love their bags…so go take a peek and be sure to enter by letting me know in the blog comments which Beside-U bag you would choose if you won this giveaway!
A big thanks to the folks from Beside-U Canada! I know I’ll be enjoying my Beside-U handbags for years to come!
**Don’t forget to read the official rules of the giveaway before entering!
***GIVEAWAY ENDED***
Disclosure: Canadian Blog House received the above two products in exchange for this review. All opinions are our own.
Lynda Cook says
I would like ISABEL or the SOPHIA, it’s so hard to choose!!
Sandy says
I hear you Lynda! I could have chosen a half dozen…at least!! Thanks for entering!
Barb says
Thanks Sandy for that overview……I am looking for a backpack since I do walk to the bus in nicer weather! Looks like it would fit my needs 🙂
Sandy says
For sure – great idea to take a backpack if you are walking, Barb. There are some fantastic choices of backpacks at Beside-U. Did you see one in particular you like? Thanks for entering!
Brenda A says
Whew! Tough choice. Love the back pack styles. I really like the Cora and the Mya. But the shoulder bags are super nice, too. Like I said: Whew! Tough choice!
This company is new to me and the build quality looks super. I can be rough on my bags and these look like they can handle it!
Sandy says
That’s precisely my problem, Brenda – I’m rough on my purses and bags. I have a good feeling about these ones. They appear to be something that will stand up to my rough treatment 🙂 Thanks for entering! Great choices!
Katie says
I’d go for the Luisa bag – big enough to fit all my essential items in!
Sandy says
The Luisa is awesome for having lots of room, Katie! Thanks for entering!
Angelehm says
It was difficult to choose but I did find one called Isabel ,if I stay away from the page I may stay with that choice!
Sandy says
LOL Angelehm! That’s probably a good idea…you will just keep second-guessing yourself 🙂 Thanks for entering!
Jeannie says
So many great bags! I love the Kaitlyn bag!
Sandy says
I like that one too, Jeannie! Love the middle pocket. Thanks for entering!
Suzanne G says
I would choose the TAYLOR/ BER06 in Zinc Grey.
Dawn says
I am thinking the Taylor or Sophia but really I would need to think long & hard because I love most of them!
Renee Downs says
I am not a fashionista either, but I do love my bags. One size fits all right???
Shelley N says
I love the Taylor bag in Zinc Grey -it is very sharp
jan says
Another vote for ‘hard to choose just one!’ The Sleaford in coffee brown is at the top of my list though.
Wayne Lecoy says
It would be great to win
a handbag of my choice from Beside-U Canada for my sister.
In response to your requirement to
browse the Beside-U Canada website
and tell you which bag i would choose if i won this giveaway.
I would choose the Isabel handbag.
Thank you for having this giveaway.
Carolle H says
So many choice , I would get “Leanna”
Viv Sluys says
I would choose the Eliza handbag in black.
Amy Heffernan says
These are SO nice!! I am travelling to ON this summer so I would love to get the Ella travel bag! Thanks!
Judy Cowan says
From first glance I would say the Mia in Black, but they have many great ones to choose from.
Wendy hutton says
I like Kaitlyn handbag in black
Tricia Hope says
I would love the Sophia,what great features this bag has!
Lee-Ann S says
Can’t choose! Carli or Grantham.
Diana Powell says
I would love the Steph cross body purse.
Life of K says
I’d love a new cross body bag but can’t decide on one!
Esther Abel says
I love the cross over bag Awesome :).
Tracy D says
I think I would pick the Kaitlyn!
JOY says
Oh Sandy, i need a new handbag so badly — mine is embarrassing. It is just one of those things i don’t buy until i am desperate… a new one would be heaven-sent!! Which to choose??? I can’t decide. The Breonna looks like my style. Or maybe the Mika (it has a security whistle)…if i win i would need more time to decide 😀 Thanks for the contest!
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
Totally love their TAYLOR/ BER06
Debbie White Beattie says
I really like the RUTHIN in black
KittyPride says
The Avery looks like the perfect black bag!
Erika Letson says
I would choose the Haleigh bag in Black, but it was a tough decision!
Carole D. says
I love these bags! They look amazing and I would love the MIKA/ BER10 can’t decide black of blackberry wine
Alayne Langford says
I love the many features of STEPH in BlackBerry Wine!! My daughter has been searching for a good quality bag and guess what, her name is STEPH!! 🙂
Pam says
I would choose the Andover or the Gracie.
Jennifer Lo says
I would like Andover (RFID)
michelle matta says
I hope I don’t have to commit to this or I might need a few more hours to choose.. but I like the Mesa.
Marilyn Legault says
Love them all, but I like the IMPERIA LEATHER TRIMMED SMALL CROSSBODY BAG for travel
Tammy Dalley says
I love the Luisa
Erin W says
I love them all! I think I would choose the Leighton Buzzard, super cute!
Haroon Khan says
I like the Vanesa bag.
kim says
I would pick the Mia – wonderful bags!
Nicole says
I love the Avery in Jet Black
Bailey Dexter says
What a great bag for travelling with the Luisa & looks so great too!
La Cuisine d'Helene says
What a great giveaway, I like the March and the Deasia!
Sunshine G says
I think I’d choose the Avery – but it would be a hard decision!
Elaine G says
I like the Kaitlyn handbag.
Ira says
I’m torn between Ampthill and Imani
maria says
I want the Camilla backpack
Jennifer M says
What a hard choice! I like the Desirae
Tara says
I would have the Meghan Backpack
Suzie M says
I like the Luisa , beautiful color & shape
Erinn Lishman says
They have so many awesome bags but I would have to choose the Luisa in Ink Blue! It is functional, my favourite colour, and I can use it as a carry on or an everyday bag! LOVE IT!
DebP says
The Aubrey is my favorite.
Maritess S says
Should I win this giveaway I will choose the Breonna handbag.
Kathy L says
Hmmm. I like so many of them. The Sophia, Breonna, Lilly, Rachelle…….
Carol M says
Wow, tough to choose, for now I’d choose the Amelia, but reserve the right to change my mind should I win. LOL
chris lee says
YES the steph !
Annette C. says
I like the Isabel!
Cheryl says
I would love the Eliza in Black 🙂
Doris H says
I love the Luisa bag!
Lorraine says
Love the colours and features of these bags, especially the RFID pocket. I like the Mika bag.
lynn clayton says
Leanna is what i like
Barb W says
I love the Luisa bag!
Laurie B says
I really like the Lindsey (RFID) in black. There are so many great ones to choose from… it was a difficult choice!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
A difficult choice to make but I have chosen the Mia, it’s in red which is my favourite colour. 🙂
Lisa bolduc says
I would choose the Mya backpack http://www.beside-u.ca/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=BCR25
Tricia Cooper says
Wow! They sure have a lot of products! If I won I would start with the Mika bag — not sure on the colour yet though! 🙂
Amber Y says
I think I would choose the Juliana bag in black!
Rebby says
I love the Luisa bag!
Julie bolduc says
The Luisa bag is so cute love it
Tainan Lu says
I like the Mika bag.
Kelly D says
I like the Luisa bag!
Florence C says
I would choose the Eliza bag.
josephine evans says
I really like the Luisa bag!
Linda Cassidy says
runcorn is my pick
Joanne Frank says
Luisa is just beautiful but you did make it very hard to choose 🙂
Melinda Jana says
I would choose the Aspen
christina rogers says
meghan backpack plz !
Debbie F says
I like the AVERY bag is red
Jennifer L. says
I like the Makayla backpack.
andie says
I really like the “Madison” backpack. Seen here: http://www.beside-u.ca/product-p/bno07.htm
ivy pluchinsky says
I like the jolie bag
Carey Hurst says
Love the Deasia in Pink . There are so many awesome ones to choose from , but with a toddler the way this one sits is perfect and I love the color
Kim K says
There are so many nice bags, it’s hard to narrow to one. I like the Helston bag in wine red.
Nancy J Montgomery says
The San Antonio looks interesting.
Robyn Bellefleur says
I really like the Avery bag.
SweetPanda says
If I won, I will choose the GERTRUDE (RFID)
Jonnie says
I would choose the Lindsey. I love the grey colour!
Pam R says
I think I would choose the Mya backpack – it looks like the perfect size for a day pack when traveling!
Elaine R says
I would choose Sophia handbag in black.
heather sibley says
I like the Mya (RFID). Its an awesome travel bag.
Christina H. says
The ampthill! I really like the colour
Krista M says
There’s a lot of creative styles here! I like the Basildon satchel in grey as my top choice!
Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo says
I never knew that RFID theft from within my handbag was an issue. Good to know!
So many great bags to choose from! At a quick glance, I think that I’d choose this one -> http://www.beside-u.ca/product-p/bye109.htm
Love to support Canadian. Thanks for hosting.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
aarone mawdsley says
i like the Deasia
vicki demunck says
RACHELLE
Mary Boudreau says
I like the JULIANA / BER01 in zinc grey
Lori W. says
I like the Lilly or the Helston
Nate Fuller says
Would pick the Aspen men’s backpack in black, I really like it!
Caroline says
They are all beautiful but I would probably choose the Cora and Cherrie.
CL Chin says
So many great designs, I like the Madison. I think the backpack is becoming more stylish, functional and it’s ergonomical too!
Joy D says
Tanna bag really caught my attention, slim and cross shoulder to free my hands.
Ally G. says
If I were lucky enough to win, I would choose the Andover handbag from Beside-U Canada found here: http://www.beside-u.ca/product-p/bnu48r.htm I need a large tote like this, and I like that it has RFID blocking zippered pocket to keep my cc info safe. I love the pink color option it comes in too.
Pat B says
The Mya would suit me perfectly.
Alyssa C says
If I won, I would probably pick the Claudette travel bag .. or another travel bag of some sort at the very least. I am always trying to hunt something down when we go on a destination-trip!
Karla Sceviour says
Ohh,I would choose the Sevenoaks..maybe,.,so many pretty styles oin the site,I want them all!
Lara says
I totally need a new purse/tote to lug my stuff to work/shopping/out with the kids! I hope I win!
Lara says
The kaitlyn or the Desirae would be just the ticket, I think!
Amy C says
I would choose the Monserrat backpack.
heidi c. says
The Claudette Travel Bag would definitely come in handy.
Silvia D says
i really like the Tristan.
Jennifer P. says
I would choose the Madison backpack in Jet Black.
Valerie Mallette says
I would choose the Luisa in Ink Blue 🙂
Sophia M says
It is so hard to choose. I like Sophia or Sevenoaks.
Joni W says
I would choose the LUISA one, or the Steph, or Fiona
tanyab79 says
I would like the Andover #BNU-48R
Lori L. says
The Tregaron in black for when my hubby starts his new job would be perfect! Thanks for the chance to win! http://www.beside-u.ca/product-p/bti12.htm
Tina L. says
I would pick the Juliana handbag.
Jen L says
I would love the Keely! It looks like the perfect size for daily use
Angela Mitchell says
I would love the Amelia bag.
Darlene Demell says
I would choose the Rachelle/BNU-27 in black.
Juliee Fitze says
I would really like to have the Lilly in blue.
chris arnott says
Littlehampton would be lovely
Tiffany Rotulo says
I like the Amelia purse.
Nicole Jubleew says
I think I would choose the lovely Meghan Backpack
Melissa M says
Maybe the Mia or Madison, tough decision
Julie-Lynne McCann says
any of the as long as it’s in pink
@ForeverAngel26
Erica Seaman says
I like the RICKMANSWORTH in pink
ctuomi@hotmail.com says
Ledbury
Rhonda W G. says
I do like the DEASIA / BCR-15 in pink rose alot!
BlessedTA says
Basildon
Catherine R. says
Some many that I like. I would probably get Austin in Oil Red.
Dana Calder says
I would love the TRISTAN
Lisa H says
I’d pick the Meghan backpack in jet black if I won.