If you had about £800-900 to spend on a handbag, what would you get?

[DontmindifIdo]

that's about it really. Basically, I have some money to buy something to remind me of someone who's died. I've a lot of very good jewellery already that I don't actually wear that much (normally the only jewellery I wear is my watch and my wedding and engagement rings), I was going to buy a piece of furniture with it, but we have just bought some new furniture and don't need anything.

so I was thinking a 'good' bag might be something I'll actually use. I have been looking at the Mulberry Bayswater or Alexa, but just wondered if any more stylish ladies had any other suggestions.

Thanks!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I'm not sure - I mean I like nice handbags and would love the Chloe marcie but I know I get bored of them so I wouldn't get one to remind me of someone. I'd probably choose a picture or something.

Or I'd get an Anya Hindmarch bag in the sale for half your amount.

[Emo76]

I would buy an Anya Hindmarch Gracie or Ebury, possibly in the sale which is every 6 months. Maybe a vintage Chanel or Hermes?

Depends on what your needs are for a bag as well to get max use - do you need one to carry A4 size papers, kids bits, do you need to be able to be hands free, in the past what sort of styles have you had the most use from? I only ask that because an Alexa is quite different from a Bayswater in that regard in some ways.

Anyway, happy shopping!

[DontmindifIdo]

Thanks,I get what you are saying about changing your bag a lot (I have a few) but the person I'd be remembering was somewhat obessed with her bags if that helps understand why it seems fitting! She'd never had spent that much, but regularly had new ones that where described "snazzy" and was always obessed with keeping them clean and safe.

Plus I like to get one thing with it as I've already taken a bit out of the total amount I was given to pay my car insurance so don't want it to just go on lots of little things IYSWIM. (Although not feeling the need to spend it all!)

Just looked at the chloe Marcie shoulder bag, I like that.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Thinking some more how about a day bag and a clutch? You'd get both in the sales for that price and clutchs seem to date less probably because you use them less often.

Its lovely to remember your friend like this though

[DontmindifIdo]

Emo - I'm not sure, the Alexa looks like something I'll use when out with DS (and expecting DC2 at the mo, so something that I can sling across my body and wear rather than carry would be good - with DS I had a bad habit of just putting purse, keys, phone etc in the changing bag, then leaving said changing bag hung over the handle bar of hte buggy while I went into a shop/cafe, or handing the changing bag to DH when he took DS out and then suddenly realising he'd got all my stuff!) - however for work, I think the bayswater would be more practical.

[LaCiccolina]

Mulberry Gucci or Louis v

Three exceptional brands who will make you feel like a goddess in the store. The wrapping is fab.

[Charliefox]

Go to Bangkok for a few days, have a lovely holiday and go get a couple of fakes. That's what I'd do anyway!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I've got the east west bayswater and found it a bit dull. Also have gucci and louis v but have totally gone of them - a bit too obvious for me I think.

It depends if you want a workhorse everyday bag or something that makes your heart skip a beat. The marcie did that for me in the blue colour. I find black/brown bags never quite capture you in the same way although they are undoubtedly practical.

I have an anya studded shoulder bag in tan from a couple of years bag which is great and works well for summer and winter.

Can you tell I'm very into anya at the moment - the mini gracies are gorgeous and her glitter clutches are fab.

[suburbophobe]

I'd buy one for about a tenner on the market and put the rest in the bank for a rainy day or a week in Havana

[Tweetinat]

Balenciaga? Day or City depending on what type is size/style you prefer.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Gracie in navy

is gorgeous.

You need to get Selfridges or somewhere like that and try all the handbags out for how they look on you, how they sit and how heavy they are.

[BiscuitMillionaire]

Sorry to be po-faced, but I would spend £100 on a good-enough handbag and donate £800 to a hospice, women's shelter or other local charity in that person's name.

[nowrinklesonamelon]

For me it would have to be a one off bag that I would never have bought before something special something like this
A complete spoil to keep for a lifetime for that sort of money on a bag . . . .

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Gosh biscuit - really did you need to say that? People spend lots on handbags all the time and who knows what else they give to charity.

[KentuckyFriedChildren]

I wouldn't spend anything like that on a handbag!!! I'd probably have a bench done in the person's name or something. If it had to be something to keep I would probably have a painting done of a photo or something along those lines.

[DontmindifIdo]

MrsCampbellBlack - I fear I have to kipnap you and make you come bag shopping with me! I've just looked at the marcie shoulder one in grey, it's very pretty and practical (and would give me £50 left over for lunch up in town!)

The Gracie is lovely too. Might have to do some lunchtime shopping next week...

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Honestly handbags could be my specialist subject

Enjoy the shopping. I am very sorry for your loss though - sorry forgot to say that earlier.

[mumof3teens]

I have a Bayswater in oak and absolutely love it - classic style and colour goes with everything. Think it is a lovely idea to remember your DF by.

[legalalien]

I'm a watch and wedding ring person, i'd go for something luggagy that will last a lifetime and make you pause for thought each time you get it out to use.

Maybe something like this

m.louisvuitton.co.uk/mobile/eng_GB/Collections/Women/Travel/products/Keepall-50-DAMIER-EBENE-N41427

[myalias]

Have always loved this Balenciage Lariat bag www.elleuk.com/star-style/news/return-of-the-sac#image=1

[madammecholet]

Chloe Marcie or paraty all the way for me... in tan or a metallic..

[myalias]

Balenciaga

[MarshaBrady]

I love Céline atm, so I'd get a new one of those.

[AmberNectarine]

Oh my god, could all the naysayers just leave it out? The OP has already said why a bag is appropriate and I'm assuming if the lady in question had wanted the money left to charity she would have done so.

I too like the Balenciaga's, they are so classic. I also like the Proenza Schouler PS1, the Chloe Marcie or Paraty or a Celine mini luggage (bit over budget though on a few of those). Why not take yourself off to Harvey Nics or Selfridges and have a good old look?

Sorry for your loss, but lovely that you are finding a way to remember this lovely-sounding lady.

[DontmindifIdo]

Madam - the paraty is about £500 out of budget and I can't afford to pay the difference, as gorgeous as it is!

thank you all for suggestions, think I need to go into somewhere like selfridges with an hour with DS and have a good look/try on.