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Longchamp Le Pliage bags

11 replies

flibbertigibbert · 28/10/2010 22:10

I have a £100 John Lewis voucher left over from my graduation last year. I'm being very precious about spending it. I want to buy a nice handbag suitable for work.

I'm struggling to find a nice black leather bag in JL, but I noticed some Le Pliage bags last time I was there. I like boring classic styles so I'm considering a black Le Pliage bag. Only problem is they seem to be EVERYWHERE at the moment in London. Have they become too popular? What do people think of them? They fit the bill in terms of size and shape but I don't want to look like a fashion victim.

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animula · 28/10/2010 22:57

They are everywhere, aren't they? I posted a thread on this, and there were very few takers, so I'm glad you've noticed, and I'm not hallucinating.

I don't think you'll look like a fashion-victim because it's not a fashion thing. My theory is that people have this bag for the same reasons you've homed in on it -- it's incredibly sensible-and-useful. The white, cotton shirt of bags, indeed.

The demographic of the bag (I have noticed,) is very wide; young and old, trendy and not-so-trendy, but hugely popular with Japanese women.

I love mine. I bought the one that's large enough for a laptop and goes over the shoulder. I've had it for about a year now, and it's still going strong. Frankly, I'm amazed. It's been carrying the laptop all that time and bits of shopping on the way home. It's waterproof. It goes with just about everything I wear. I am very pleased with it.

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polyhymnia · 28/10/2010 23:08

I love mine, for all the reasons animula sets out. Definitely a classic but in a good, not a boring, way.

I've tried other things since I bought my first 5/ 6 years ago, but always come back to this style in the end because nothing beats it, particularly if you have lots of papers/ books and a laptop to carry - and sometimes a bit of shopping. So light and fits perfectly on my shoulder.

I now occasionally indulge my hankering for variety by buying one of the 'limited edition'ones Longchamp produce a few times a year. Have just fallen for a silvery pewter beauty, with a discreet pattern which will go with all my coats, etc. But the plain ones come in a good choice of colours too.

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flibbertigibbert · 28/10/2010 23:08

When I first noticed them a few years ago they seemed the preserve of chic middle aged women, often European. Now, everyone has them.

Animula - Its good that you mention them being reliable. I've never spent that much on a bag before, so it has to be something that'll last - both in terms of not falling to bits and still looking good in a few years. The fact that they've been around for so long makes me feel reassured about the last point.

But there is a part of me that can't get my head around paying that much for a bag that isn't leather.

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polyhymnia · 28/10/2010 23:09

Or of course, stick to black - my first one was black and is still going strong.

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bluecardi · 28/10/2010 23:11

Longchamp bags are lovely - how super for you to have a gift vouncher

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flibbertigibbert · 28/10/2010 23:12

polyhymnia - that's a good point about the bag itself being light. I do a lot of walking so really need to start thinking more about my back. A nylon bag would be much better than leather in that respect.

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flibbertigibbert · 28/10/2010 23:15

bluecardi - the voucher was a lovely present. But it's such a large amount of money for me that I've been worried about spending it on the wrong thing, hence why I still have it a year on.

I have admired Longchamp bags for so long, but I've never had anything that expensive and I'm scared of going through with the purchase.

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otchayaniye · 29/10/2010 07:29

I use mine (big brown one) as a baby bag on the days I don't work. I sling my toddler so it's great as the handle drop is long and it will take everything including picnic stuff and a big bottle of water.

If you don't want a longchamps bag because they are ubiquitous, you could get an Herve Chapelier one. Same idea but they come in more interesting colourways although I don't think the handles are as comfortable as the drop is shorter. Fenwicks sell them.

I don't worry about them being fashionable or not. They are just a simple shopper. But of course preppy, so in right now.

Oh, they do wear at the corners something dreadful, so won't stay pristine for long.

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otchayaniye · 29/10/2010 07:31

Also, if you are wanting it to last and it's a big purchase for you (congratulations, by the way) I'd advise a dark colourway as they can stain. I like dark brown.

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blackwidowspider · 29/10/2010 07:33

I've got one of the Tracey Emin ones in the loft - daren't use it....

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faustina · 29/10/2010 08:20

I've got several and none of mine have ever worn at the corners. The lighter ones do stain though, like otchayaniye says. They are brilliant if you're looking for a no nonsense lightweight chuck everything in bag. I have never been careful with any of mine by the way, and the brown and the black ones look the same as the day I bought them

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