Would you still buy a Mulberry Alexa?

[LizardBreath]

Been coveting one for ages, finally decided to get one recently to find they are discontinued! One in a shop local to me still though..

What are people's thoughts? Is it a good investment or not now?

[ElspethFlashman]

They were a bag that didnt really work. I never had one, but I remember people were a bit disgruntled. Basically the strap situation was a bit crap. The buckles tugged and the bag looked a bit misshapen when carried. It looked better when on the ground than when carried and wasnt that user friendly.

Go over to the purse forum and have a look at the Alexa thread before purchasing.

[Lemond1fficult]

Depends what you mean by investment... Resale might not be quite as valuable, now they're not peak fashion, but they are a design classic. People are still wearing and covering the Birkin many years on.

So if you love it, and don't work in the fashion industry where such things matter, I'd say go for it.

[mrsrhodgilbert]

I have a black one in very soft leather. I don't find it difficult to use, yes it is floppy but holds quite a lot. It's quite casual. The later versions were made with a firmer leather so they kept their shape. It's personal taste as to which you prefer. Which do you think it is and is it discounted, you shouldn't pay full price? The outlet shops still have them sometimes at a discount, worth checking there too.

[Scoose]

I have two an oversized one and the standard size and I love them. The oversized one is slouchier than the smaller one but I think it's because the smaller one is pebbled leather so has held its shape better. If you like them go for it

[botemp]

I've always actively avoided so called 'it-bags' so never liked it. Mulberry prices went a little insane at some point so I don't think it would make a good investment, it's lost it's 'it' status/demand and is at peak price. Check Vestiaire Collective for current second hand prices and deduct about 30% from that (commission) to determine what a second hand one is worth if you want to do the math.

However, if you've always wanted it and now can buy it, do so. Don't try to rationalise it as an investment. That really only applies to a few bags/brands (which are never discounted or sold in outlets) and even that is a bubble waiting to burst at some point.

[Cellardoor23]

Have a look at some pre-loved websites. I wouldn't pay full price for one. They seem to have gone a bit over the top with their prices at the moment.

[Greenteandchives]

I wouldn't. I bought one, but took it back as it just didn't sit right, and was awkward to use. Also overpriced IMO. If you love it and can get a good price, go ahead. I really think Mulberry take the piss with their stuff these days.

[LizardBreath]

Thanks all. Not thinking of an investment that will hold its value, more of a 'I'll wear this bag for the next 10 years and not be ashamed of it' type investment. I'm in it for the long haul!

Good tip on the leather, I'd say it's from two years ago? I think I could get it for £800? Worth it?

I have lusted after it for a long time, I'll have a proper look at weekend-in the past I haven't critically looked at it if that makes sense? I want a more casual bag for weekends / casual work use.

[mrsrhodgilbert]

If it's from two years ago I'd guess it's the firmer leather so will hold its shape, but they sometimes did special leathers too. What colour is it?

Worth it is a very subjective thing. If you've loved it for ages, it suits your style, you can afford it and there's nothing you like better then go for it. I don't buy bags with resale value in mind, I buy them to use.

Mulberry gets quite a bashing on here, but plenty of people are still buying.

[sonlypuppyfat]

That's a lot of cash for a bag you are not sure about

[CookieLady]

I love mine. It's one of the slightly unusual ones. It holds a helluva lot. But each to their own.

[chloechloe]

If you've lusted after it for ages then go for it. It's a classic design. I would definitely try it on in the shop so to speak as its not the most practical of bags. The buckles are quite fiddly to fasten despite being magnetic so I tend to close just the middle one (I have the oversized version). Also they tend to look at their best when they are quite full. If you don't carry much stuff around they can tend to look a bit sad and droopy! I agree that the newer thicker leather has done a lot to address that though.

If you're not entirely sure you could wait until the December sale, but probably not a good idea if you're after a classic colour.

[mrsrhodgilbert]

Chloe, the bag isn't in the range anymore so won't be in the sales. It will be available somewhere as old stock and I believe the outlets still have some.

[LizardBreath]

Thank you all. I'm going to go in and have a proper look on sat. If it wasn't for the fact it's been discontinued I'd go for it, that's what is making me hesitate.

It's the Oak (I think-annoyingly I can't find a colour guide now). I have a Bayswater and am really looking for a more casual type bag.

[Talisin]

I bought one in the sale a few weeks back, knowing it was about to be discontinued. Polished Oak and it's lovely. No regrets, I love it

[Champers4Pampers]

I have two. One oak with gold hardware & one black croc print. Got them both on sale.
I agree that they have fallen out of fashion lately but I love mine. I don't see the point in keeping them for good, I use mine every day.
If you don't like the slouchy-ness that comes once the leather has softened you can buy a plastic base on eBay that helps the bag keep its shape.
If you do want to buy pre loved & are worried about authenticity the ladies on "The Purse Forum" are really knowledgable.

[LizardBreath]

Can I ask how much you both paid in the sale please talisin and champers? It's an independent shop and I think I have some room to negotiate?

[Champers4Pampers]

My black one was £725, this was in the December sale about 4 years ago. The oak spine was in a harrods sale & I think it was £750 but this was before they put the Alexa price up to about £1100.

[Champers4Pampers]

*oak one.

[Talisin]

£770 in the July Mulberry sale.

[MylaMimi]

No. I have also pondered this. I think the Alexa was of the moment, I loved the shape, but I think it was maybe too representative of the fashion at the time it was created.

I would rather have the Bayswater Small Satchel. Looks slightly more casual but still classic.

[Superjaggy]

I've also got my eye on an Alexa, it's totally my style and I've wanted one for years. So if I get a promotion I'm going for, I'm going to treat myself. It'll be from one of the Facebook sites probably, and I'll be buying it to use every day.

So I say go for it, if it's the bag of your dreams! Life is short. And you can sell it on if you change your mind - they still seem very popular.

I didn't know about a Purse Forum though - where can I find it?

[LizardBreath]

Thank you both, that is good to know!

I have looked at the Bayswater small satchel, but it's a bit too structured (lovely though it is) , I am looking for a bit more 'slouch'.

[LizardBreath]

Thanks superjaggy I think I will!

I too only found out about purse forum from this thread, I think it's this:- forum.purseblog.com/

[Superjaggy]

Do post a pic when you get yours, Lizard