What do you think of these bags?

[afishcalledmummy]

I've been trying to smarten myself up of late and have just about managed it, though am woefully let down in the black handbag department - I seem to have had a blind spot on buying them, and feel that I need one to look a bit more polished when wearing a predominantly black outfit. My usual port of call, Mulberry, let me down with all their horrid blingy new season stuff and the factory shop was bare, so a trawl around the internet has revealed these - can I have honest opinions please, or other suggestions?

Hobbs - is it a bit too grannyish?

Modalu Olivia - too boring?

Pippa Bag will it be everywhere?

Small Pippa Bag - too small?

Any opinions would be gratefully received!

Thank you.

[GhoulishGlendaFestersAgain]

I like the small pippa best out of those.

[NewChoos]

I do like the Pippa's. Have you thought about an Osprey?
www.ospreylondon.com/item.php?product_id=677&product_name=THE-SAMBA-SHOULDER-BAG&gender=7&subCat=216

www.ospreylondon.com/item.php?product_id=146&product_name=THE-VAMP-SHOULDER-BAG&gender=7&subCat=216

I love this, but can't justify it at the moment......
www.ospreylondon.com/item.php?product_id=3087&product_name=THE-AMIS&gender=7&subCat=216

[polyhymnia]

I like Hobbs generally but not keen on their bags - OK, but just seem to lack a certain something.

I have the small Pippa and find it quite big enough for most purposes, and I carry quite a lot stuff in my bags. Obviously, I wouldn't carry my lap-top in it. I like it but, because I bought the very light grey one, don't feel it's so useful in autumn/winter. Comes in several colours, though.

I also have one of the famous (on MN) Peony and Moore Lucia bags, which come in black, and must say I like that even better. Just seems a bit better quality, and the metalwork is very restrained which suits me, as I hate too much gold (absolutely agree about Mulberry, and it sets my teeth on edge every time I see one of their Darias, with the vast 'gold' tree medallion on front!). This is it:

www.peonyandmoore.com/product_info.php?products_id=141

P and M's new Petra looks lovely too, but so far only seems to come in brown.

I also very much like the L K Bennett Annina and Anna bags:


www.lkbennett.com/bags/signature-collection

[polyhymnia]

PS - really like the Pippa black croc finish - makes it a bit more interesting.

[polyhymnia]

PPS - also think in practical terms the Pippa is better than the Olivia because I find pockets on front invaluable for oyster card, etc.

The Olivia is rather retro and, to me, would need more 'carrying off' than the slightly more relaxed Pippa - but perhaps your new 'look' is elegant enough to do this.

[Clarabumps]

i've just bought the pippa and everyone has commented on it. cannot express how much i love it and the detailing is lovely! plus you can fit hundreds in it!

[polyhymnia]

Do you have the small or medium, and which colour?

[watersign76]

I like the Pippa too. I'd always go for the larger of the two though.

I wonder if lots of companies have started naming their products "Pippa" to cash in as an ode to Ms M.

I like Nine West stuff too. www.ninewest.co.uk/bags/day-bags.html

[afishcalledmummy]

Thanks for all your input! I think I'll wander along to House of Fraser this afternoon and take a look at the Pippas in the flesh. I was pondering them in the gym and think they're my favourites at the moment.

NewChoos - the Osprey ones are lovely, though the first one is a bit too similar in shape to a bayswater and the others aren't what I'm looking for this week at the moment. The one you're lusting after will definitely be on my Christmas list though!

Polyhymnia - thanks for the input on the size of the small Pippa. I'm not super keen on the Lucia (I know, Mumsnet blasphemy) as I think it looks like it's trying to be a Mulberry with the postmans lock, grainy leather and muted metal, and I've probably got enough that look like that already!

I hope that the black croc versions that are showing in stock on John Lewis will still be there once I've got home!

[Clarabumps]

I have the large Pippa in brown croc!Its beyoooootiful! I was so sceptical at first when i read others reviews but it really is lovely! i'm a handbag addict..this is by far my favourite!

[polyhymnia]

Mmm, brown or blackcroc would definitely be my choice if I were tempted to go for a large version. Glad it's as nice in RL as it looks.

[polyhymnia]

afish if you do see the Pippas in the flesh in JL, do report back on your reactions if time.

[afishcalledmummy]

JL had both the small Pippa in brown or black croc and a red large Pippa. Both are gorgeous but I wanted something small so plumped for the smaller one. It's a thing of beauty. I was almost swayed by the bigger one as the grab straps are long enough to go over my shoulder whilst wearing a blazer but it didn't fit the brief of my black bag quest.

That said, I was planning on spending mulberry money so I might buy the larger one in another colour....

[polyhymnia]

Excellent! Good plan.

[blondnc]

Haha did anyone else read this and for some reason think this thread was to do with Peppa pig? Hahah a true mother!

[Bossybritches22]

No I read the thread & thought

"good god - THAT much for a bloody handbag??"

I love handbags as much as the next woman but how can you justify spending that sort of money in this climate?!

[afishcalledmummy]

Gosh, how rude bossybritches! I feel that I am reflecting our current economic woes by purchasing Modalu rather than Mulberry! Or, rather, some of us have sufficient disposable income to purchase whatever we choose regardless of the "current economic situation". How about you don't judge me?

[polyhymnia]

*afish8 is right. One of the nice things about S and B is that it discusses, usually in a very good-humoured way, clothes, accessories, and cosmetics in low, high, and middle price ranges. So there's something for everyone. Wouldn't like to see discussion of the mid to expensive items censored.

[polyhymnia]

afish!

[Chandon]

yes Fish, please use a Tesco bag for life, and donate the difference to the poor Greek!

[NewChoos]

I don't anyone should have to justify what they are able to buy. You have no idea of personal circumstances. It's a nasty trait to be jealous/judgemental.

I absolutely no not envy people that have loads of Mulberry's - much :)

[NewChoos]

I mean 'I don't think anyone'

< too cross re handbag justification to be able to form a sentence>

[Bossybritches22]

Not judging anyone just genuinely

Good for you if you earn enough to splash out & get more than one highly expansive handbag, just couldn't do it myself even if I had £££s.

[madammecholet]

So if you had the £££ what would you splash out on? Because you can bet someone on here would be at your choice.

You see, thats the thing, its your choice, as it's afish's

Enjoy your Pippa afish, I have the P&M Lucia and love it, i don't think its trying to be a Mulberry tho as its not £800!

[polyhymnia]

clarabumps sorry to prolong this but, having got the smaller Pippa in too summer-y a colour to use now, I'm tempted bythea larger one in croc Oak or black. Am slightly worried it'll be heavy to cart around, though. From what you say, you don't find this a disadvantage, is that right?