Anya Hindmarch maxi zip cross body vs Mulberry Lily

[Saurus72]

So, in the spirit of buying less but better, moving away from disposable items and towards things that I want to buy and enjoy for years, if not decades...

I am considering what would be my first very expensive handbag purchase (I do have some nice bags, but have not spent a huge amount on them due to a combination of gift vouchers/outlet bargains/presents).

The two I have my eye on are very different - the small (not mini) Mulberry Lily and the Anya Hindmarsh maxi zip cross body. I don't have a particular need for a bag to fill a particular gap in my wardrobe, but I am looking for something to use a lot - I don't want to keep it 'for best'. I would ideally, like to get one in the Summer sale, although that is not an imperative.

Does anyone have experience of either/both of these bags? I have never owned any item by either designer. I have friends who have Mulberry bags and they love them, but I have also heard that Mulberry quality is not like it used to be.

Any input/experience gratefully received.

[EldonAve]

I prefer the Anya as I don't like chain straps

[123Jump]

I personally think Mulberry have gone a bit Michael Kors. They lose their desirability when everyone has one. also not sure the quality is as good as it once was.
I'd go for an Anya.
Mulberry Lily.
anya.

[FrugalFashionista]

I had a tough time with a Lily (bought circa 2012?), the chain broke after a few uses and could not be fixed although I sent it back to Mulberry. I eventually exchanged it for a Bayswater but had to cover the price difference. I've really liked my Bayswater as a work bag but after a couple of years it is looking quite worn, the colored leather has worn out in the corners, and to my surprise the dye is on the surface only, not aniline dyed, and it now has some bald patches. I will probably try to get it fixed but do not feel that the bag was worth the high cost.

I have several other higher end bags and none of them have caused these types of headaches - Anya Hindmarch, Chloe, Dior, Chanel have all been far superior quality. The Chloe Mini Marcie is my favorite bag, I wear it more than any other bag in my collection.

[Saurus72]

Thanks for your replies. Frugal, not good re: Lily chain breaking and that would be a worry, as I really don't like to baby things I own. I look after them, but I don't won't to worry every time I use them. I love the Lily - I tried it on in Oxblood yesterday and it was just beautiful but the quality issues are putting me off. The Chloe mini Marcie is a beautiful bag - does it work well as a weekend bag?

[Goandplay]

I have a Mulberry which is quite old now and the hard wear hasn't lasted.
I've had an Anya bag for about 6 months and I love it. You also get a warranty with Anya and the bag can be serviced.
I also like the personalisation service they offer.

[Saurus72]

Not looking good for the Mulberry!

I really like the little names of the sections inside the Anya Hindmarch bags. I find it's the little things that make me love a bag!

[Goandplay]

Me too!

[LaurieFairyCake]

The anya is the best bag ive ever had - love it so much

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I have both and prefer the lily. I have the navy medium size and got in the sale last year. It has taken a lot of use and still looks immaculate.

I used to love Anya but have gone right off her with all that frosties crap she's now doing.

I was in Selfridges yesterday and was unimpressed by both Anya and Mulberry to be honest. I'd only buy either in the sales.

[FaintlyHopeful]

I have the maxi cross body and I love it. this was a major commitment, not the kind of thing I buy ordinarily, and I swithered between that and a coach bag (still lovely, and considerably cheaper)
Anyway- no regrets, I love that it's a bit under the radar, not the kind if thing that shouts expensive and flash, just really lovely in itself.
It comes with a shorter strap so you can wear it as a shoulder bag, or take the strap off for a clutch. I sound like a saleswoman, but I'm still thrilled with it.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Is never buy any of the silly Frosties or malteser bags but the maxi zip isn't like that.

I don't have a lily though

[Jackie0]

Mulberry have hiked their prices and lowered their quality. A lot of people are boycotting them now?
Anya I like , not those awful cartoon pieces though, but she just doesn't have the heritage IMO.
Louis Vuitton might be worth a look. A speedy 30/35 for £500 ish.

[Katnipp]

I have an anya - the maxi zip which I've used daily for work and casual for 2 years as its lasted well. One strap clip broke but was fixed (I had been overloading bag). I like it so much I'm hoping to get a cross body in different colour. I got a neutral colour and found it has worked for smart and casual.

Personally I don't think the lilly works as well for casual so may depend on what you use it for the most.

The anya gets admired a lot.

[Saurus72]

Couldn't agree more about hating the Frosties etc from Anya Hindmarch - I just can't imagine anyone IRL who spwould spend that much money on a novelty bag.


Laurie and Faintly feeling the Maxi zip love

One of the reasons the Maxi zip appeals is that it can be a shoulder bag it a cross body, PLUS there is the option to remove the shoulder strap if you just want to use the longer strap - best of all worlds as far as I can see.

Jackie thanks for suggestion, but Louis Vuitton definitely not for me.

[justasecond]

The lily in oxblood does sound gorgeous. I also love the maxi zip but have been put off buying one because of the canvas cross body strap. It would look so much better with a leather strap. That said its still a great bag.

[LaurieFairyCake]

I use the short strap as over the shoulder - comfiest bag ever

My tits are too big for any of that cross body shite

[LaurieFairyCake]

The short strap is a very substantial leather btw

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I know the maxi isn't like the frosties stuff but for me it de-values the brand. Apparently all that stuff is for the overseas market.

I like the gucci soho disco as a crossbody bag.

[rubybleu]

I have a maxi zip crossbody and whilst the quality is great, it's a pain to use. The zips are annoyingly awkward to get stuff in/out the bag as you have to fully unzip both sides to access inside.

[Annarose2014]

I saw the oxblood Lily in store and it was heavenly in real life. Perfect colour.

I have a Lily (the one with the scalloped edge) and I love it for "going out" but I can't imagine using it as a day bag, even if it were bigger. Its perfect for wallet/phone/lippie/keys as its easy to get in and out of and you can use the strap at 2 lengths.

BUT I wouldn't trust that chain strap for anything heavy. It also only has one pocket which is very small. Keys only.


I've always loved how AH bags have loads of pockets, but not sure how annoying the zips would be on that one, tbh.

[HolgerDanske]

It would be the anya maxi zip for me, definitely.

[Coastingit]

They are my two favourite bags OP you have good taste

I'd go for the Lily personally - I think it's great with casual wear personally, imagine it over denim, stripes, summer dresses, with sweaters and jeans... it's sort of like a Chanel in that it just looks great with everything.

I love the Anya but it's a big bag, it seems more like a nappy bag to me! But I only usually carry small bags and big crossbodies give me backache. Plus the faff of getting in and out of it puts me off totally. I had the small version and sold it on almost immediately as it was such a faff, and I ordered the grey full size one from the Outnet a couple of years ago and it just swamped me.

I'm saving for the black mini Lily at the moment - just big enough for iPhone, keys, cards, compact brush / mirror and lippy. All I actually need, and children crap can go in a Le Pliage under the buggy.

[Saurus72]

Thanks Coastingit, if only I had the budget to indulge all my good taste . So pros and cons of both then it seems. My problem is that if I spend that much money (it would be the most money I've ever spent on something for myself, apart from a car) I kind of want it to be something that I will love unconditionally and will last for years. I really really don't want to think about straps breaking. Maybe my expectations are not realistic. Hmmm...

[carrielou2007]

How about Mulberry Tessie in Oxblood?? I have a Lily I use as a 'night out' bag and Tessie as a small bag just for my things so I can leave a nappy bag hung on my buggy and have my purse/phone etc to hand. There are always Lily's at the outlets though not Oxblood as it's a core colour. Last visit to SM pink and green I think were £526

[MrsMillions]

DH bought me the AH bag as a joint valentines/anniversary present this year. Love it. He got it in the January sale, I think they were discontinuing the colour. Initially used it as a shoulder bag but started using the longer strap last week, I like having the choice. You can fit a decent sized umbrella in and also a B5 notebook, which make it great for work. The zips on the main pocket are a faff but I generally don't bother with them, the magnet is quite strong. I think they would ease in with use though so should probably make the effort.

Mulberry's oxblood leather is gorgeous, my purse is that colour and probably 5 years old now - holding up very well, so must be from before the quality dropped.