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Can you help me find a good biggish every day cross body bag please?

37 replies

Snappyteabread · 15/04/2014 21:58

Looking for a nice every day bag, big enough to take the usual stuff, but also with room for some wipes, muslin and toy if out with the kids. And a book and diary etc.

This is the kind of thing I'm after but this would be a major splurge for me.

www.fossil.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=32553&langId=10&catalogId=25005&categoryId=335749&cm_vc=335749&pn=&productId=22555130&imagePath=ZB5258206

Any suggestions?

Requirements are as follows;
must have a zip fastening, not just a button as I always worry stuff will fall out.
Must have a decent cross body strap, ie thick enough that when the bag has a fair bit of stuff in it, it won't dig into your shoulder.
Looking for leather ideally. But would also consider cheaper alternatives.
Probably brown or a dark neutral (I love the blue Fossil one but I think in the long run, brown is more practical) definitely not black.
Don't want lots of the usual gold and silver buckles and tassels etc.
don't want a big logo on the front. I hate "names" being on show
Budget anywhere up to £200 (only because that's the price of the Fossil one. Until now I've only ever spent around £40 on a bag)


Hoping you can find something. Everything I've seen is too handbaggy and blingy. Hate that!! I've always refused to call my bag a "handbag". I want a bag. A handbag to me, is something my Mum had when I was little!

Let the search commence!!

Ps I've realised I'm very fussy so thanks in advance for any responses that I rule out!

OP posts:
magichandles · 15/04/2014 22:00

Following, because I have been trying to find exactly the same for about 6 months now!

Bluestocking · 15/04/2014 22:05

That Fossil bag is lovely. One of my friends has had the smaller version (Explorer?) for well over a year and uses it every day, and it still looks great, so although it's a splurge it would probably be a good investment. I love the Espresso colour and am tempted myself!

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 15/04/2014 22:08

Sorry, been searching for similar for months

sonlypuppyfat · 15/04/2014 22:09

Kipling bags are fab really strong but very light.

ilovepowerhoop · 15/04/2014 22:14

I have just ordered a Kipling bag from Amazon which get good reviews. They are not leather but seem to be durable and come in lots of colours

ilovepowerhoop · 15/04/2014 22:14

x-post!

PigeonPie · 15/04/2014 22:18

Probably too late, but I'd go for a Health Back Bag.

Can be used across or just on one shoulder and designed to put loads of stuff in without damaging your back.

Snappyteabread · 15/04/2014 22:21

Thanks for the suggestion, but looking for something a bit smarter. For ages I've looked like a student so trying to be a bit smarter.

OP posts:
PigeonPie · 15/04/2014 22:25

Sorry, thought that the leather ones might suit.

BikeRunSki · 15/04/2014 22:29

I am looking for sometyhibg similar, and I am considering this one from White Stuff.

White Stuff Cruz Bag

Snappyteabread · 15/04/2014 22:40

PigeonPie - hadn't realised there was leather too. However I think they look like tennis bags. Very practical, but not quite what I'm after.

OP posts:
WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 15/04/2014 22:42

I had one of those healthy back bags years ago, but hardly used it, I like bags by my side rather than on my back, and found it too vertical, you had to take stuff out to get to the things at the bottom.

Snappyteabread · 15/04/2014 23:02

Bikerunski - thanks for the White Stuff suggestion. Checking out their bags.
This one is nice
www.whitestuff.com/amber-foldover-bag-prod408400_brown/?src=ls
However it looks like the strap is quite thin.

OP posts:
BillyBanter · 15/04/2014 23:05

Can you put a photo in a post as the page isn't loading the actual picture for me.

ProcessYellowC · 15/04/2014 23:07

Do you have a local TK Maxx? Usually pretty good for bags, you just have to be a bit dedicated and try at least a couple of visits until you find what you want...

Snappyteabread · 15/04/2014 23:11

Processyellowc - yes I thought I might strike lucky in TK Maxx. Have visited 2 recently but nothing there. Actually there were a few nice men's ones, but they were really a bit too big or just a bit too functional looking.

OP posts:
Snappyteabread · 15/04/2014 23:21

Going to check out Kipling bags now....

OP posts:
Pannacotta · 15/04/2014 23:21

How about this one from Fossil which is similar but a bit smaller, cheaper and perhaps smarter without the fold-over bit? it also has a shoulder strap so you can use it either way.

www.fossil.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=32553&langId=10&catalogId=25005&categoryId=331139&cm_vc=331139&pn=&productId=22369877&imagePath=ZB5503235

I was looking for a cross body bag and bought a lovely one from White Stuff in the end (Fossil too pricey) but the strap is too thin so have ended up just using the shoulder strap.

Fossil is pretty much the only brand with thick comfy straps I think.

Pannacotta · 15/04/2014 23:23

Sorry just realised it doesn't have a zip fastening on the main section so that probably rules that one out.

Snappyteabread · 15/04/2014 23:29

Panacotta - yes I wanted that one, but button fastening was the problem. I hate that - you see a bag you love, only to find it has the wrong fastening. So frustrating.

OP posts:
Maisie0 · 15/04/2014 23:46

Are you guys after a baby bag ?

Okay, these are some of the ones I have seen that were leather, which I also almost bought but decided to pull out last minute. Am still pondering over this. Please do not scream (if you do happen to like it). Smile

www.radley.co.uk/handbags/cross-body-bags/
www.radley.co.uk/handbags/baby-changing-bags/

I also personally love this site too. It covers a lot of small labels which you find in Europe. I like Liebeskind. Which is mostly made from leather.
www.zalando.co.uk/bags-accessories-womens-bags/

TheFarSide · 15/04/2014 23:54

I've got something very similar in soft brown leather made by Maurizio Taiuti but try as I might I've not been able to find anything as good. I got it from T K Maxx and have had it for several years. It's looking a bit battered now and I'm slightly traumatised at the idea that it won't last forever. The Fossil one you linked to is about the best I've seen in a long time - I would just go for it if I were you.

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Pannacotta · 16/04/2014 00:06

Oh the Liebeskind bags on the Zalando site are really good Maisie.
Do you have one and if so what is the quality like?

racmun · 16/04/2014 00:16

Markberg Inga bag is beautiful cones in black or natural and it's £199.

Sorry can't link but google and it will come up

zipzap · 16/04/2014 00:38

Try miatui.com/ - they have some fab bags in a range of colours and sizes, and come in under £100.

I have a couple of Grace bags and a Matilda Mae - love all of them.

Part of the reason for this seems to be that they have been designed to be functional first and foremost and then made into a nice bag.

So good features (at least on mine!) include:
*No showy logos on them, just a discreet star zip pull.
*All have zip across the top to secure things in, plus a zip pocket on the outside
*Inside is brightly coloured so you can easily find things - it's also waterproof which is handy and has pockets to separate stuff out or to use for the smaller bags mentioned below
*Lots of pockets including a neoprene one that's the right size for a bottle (baby's or water bottle of your own!) or an umbrella
*Comes with separate smaller bags to organise your stuff (I think a clear one and one to match your handbag, depends on which bag you have and you can order more or build up a collection as you build up a collection of bags!)
*Long elasticated clip for your keys
*Thick adjustable strap

They've only been around a few years but have done really well and won quite a few prizes. My pewter coloured grace bag seemed to be permanently attached to my shoulder last year and could hold loads. I also had loads of compliments about it - from both friends and strangers that came up to me to ask where I got it from.

If you look on their facebook page or twitter feed they often have an offer on to improve prices even more.

And no, I don't work for them nor am I connected to them in any way other than owning some of their bags, I have just found them to be great bags!

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