Written by Clare Elson
With winter bills at the top of everyone's agenda and the Cost of Living Crisis the subject of many conversations ('COLC' we're reliably informed it's now known as), we've been discussing a few of our own top tips for saving energy and keeping warm this winter.
Here are some we've tried or come across, some highly practical and easy to implement and some a bit out there but worth a try.
So what exactly is our core range?
Our Textured Nylon and Microfibre bags have been with us since year dot...well almost. Introduced in 1996 just a couple of years after the original leather HBB was launched, Textured Nylon and Microfibre versions of the bags were a welcome addition to the range.
Not only did it mean cheaper options for our customers but they opened up a whole palette of colour possibilities and meant that it wasn't all about leather. Textured Nylon has a slightly more casual look, Microfibre has a sleeker finish. They quickly became best-sellers and since then, they are always at the core of our range. Always in stock, always plenty of colours to choose from and always popular.
What's the difference between the two fabrics?
Textured Nylon is tough. Hardwearing, hardworking, water-resistant and machine washable, these bags can withstand the toughest of treatments. Take them travelling, take them camping, take them to the beach, throw them around a bit, they're pretty indestructible. That's why we make our Big and Baby Bags out of Textured Nylon.
Textured Nylon Fig Large Baglett
They're lightweight too. With our standard Small size weighing in at just 354g, it makes them some of the lightest bags we sell. The fabric is slightly pebbled, hence the 'Textured' bit of the name and this gives the colour a gentle tumbled effect which in our view makes them perfect for a casual everyday look.
Our Microfibre bags are also ultra-strong. Though don't be fooled by their sophisticated good looks. Made from hundreds of thousands of the finest of fibres, these bags are built to withstand some tough love, they're easily cleaned and water-repellent and incredibly soft to the touch. The fibres also mean that colour saturates the material bringing a richness of tone and density of colour difficult to achieve in other fabrics. This is why our customers love the slightly smarter look and feel of Microfibre for work or going out. And weighing in at 425g also means they are lightweight - great for your back and shoulders all round!
Microfibre Dove Grey Small
Microfibre Neo Mint
Textured Nylon Sage Small
How do we keep them up to date?
Twice a year we carefully plan colour updates to these two ranges which reflect latest trends. Based on research which starts 18 months before each of our two seasonal collections drop, we add new colours to the line ups. We are careful to introduce colours which first and foremost our customers want, colours which are current and trend-led which at the same time complement our existing ranges. Our Textured Nylon and Microfibre ranges therefore will always give you an extensive colour choice across a wide range of sizes.