my dream scenario may have arisen. I may be in a position of picking an AMAZING handbag

[SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome]

It's a significant birthday and DH/family are clubbing together.

I am finally in a position of having a truly investment-type handbag. It's a dream!!!

Honestly, this is just my idea of heaven, I'm not a jewellery person or a watch person and I spend very little on myself these days as it all goes on DD so this is a Big Moment!

I think the budget will be approx up to £800 [faints] and I think I have narrowed it down to two very different choices. A Penelope tote from Longchamp. Or a small Bottega Veneta shoulder bag.

If I was less uselss I could link - sorry!!!

The Penelope bag (£540 ish) is stunning, I absolutely love Longchamp and one of their less expensive bags has lasted me YEARS so the quality is great. It's the perfect bag style-wise for my life, I want something I can use day in day out, yes it's an investment bag but I want to USE it and love it, not only bring it out for special occasions. So I really am drawn to this one.

The other bag is just about the smallest Bottegae Veneta you can get. So it wouldn't work as an all day every day bag for me, BUT I would still use it a lot, just not constantly. ie it wouldn't be a special occasion only bag but it is that bit less practical.

It's STUNNING. (And £820...)

The reason I'm drawn to this one is because about 20 years ago I first saw BV bags in Italy and was just blown away by how much I loved them. Obv most of them are in the 2k range which isn't in budget. But this particular, small one is in budget. And I love it.

So, for a significant birthday (OK, I'm 40) wwyd? I guess on another birthday, if I did happen to have a lot of dosh to spend, the Longchamp might edge it as it's definitely that bit more practical, I will use it to death etc.

Buuuuuut... for a 40th, when I suppose I'm looking for something symbolic and Significant, in a way... would the more expensive but less day-to-day Bottega Veneta be the one you would choose?

I had been thinking of a watch (ie I'm definitely thinking about the need/opportunity to get something Significant and long-lasting) but I'm such a bag demon that it HAS to be a bag.

But which...??

I do realise btw that this is a ridiculously fortunate problem to have. Hence why I'm only daring to post here and not in Chat

Sorry again that I don't know how to link pics.

[botemp]

Your heart seems to be with BV even though perhaps the bag itself is not your first choice.

Longchamp is sensible but the occasion isn't really asking for sensible, now is it.

Neither seem to be the perfect choice, my suggestion would be to keep an eye out on The Outnet(as in check their just in page religiously every morning), occasionally they have a BV bag with a discount that might just put it in your reach, or alternatively patiently await the sales but those are a long way away or consider a preowned one from Vestiaire Collective or Rebelle.

Or go completely 40th crazy and book yourself a weekend to Venice and visit the BV outlet store.

[SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome]

Wow thank you botemp that's such a great post!!

The Outnet is an excellent idea. I did actuslly spot another one on there that was in the running but it's been edged out now and I haven't looked there for a week or so. Will keep an eye on it though. I love that site.

Ooooh, Venice for the outlet store... Now there's an idea...

No in many ways neither one is quite right.

But you're right that my heart is set on the BV option now... The Longchamp is just beautiful but... But...

[botemp]

I'd totally go to Venice, even if you don't come home with a bag you'll have a fab time and if you do buy 'the' bag in Italy it will forever be attached to (hopefully) great memories and your 40th. Since it all started in Italy it's only right it should end there . Can you tell I'm desperate to visit Venice again

[justasecond]

If you are anywhere near Bicester there is a BV outlet store there. Maybe you could call beforehand to find out what they have in stock.

[Joan0fArc]

I just googled them and I prefer the bottega venetta but i'd prefer a bag that was big enough to use every day. any other options!

[cutspujumas]

I think you need to buy something really classic with that money. Like a Mulberry, a Louis Vuitton, a YSL or a Prada. Longchamp's lovely, but it's functional. When you have £800 to blow, you don't go to Longchamp. Make this a landmark buy. Not functional.

[mysteryfairy]

I think if you've dreamt of a bottega Veneta for 20 years then nothing else is going to do. I'm a massively practical shopper and would be waiting for the winter sales and nabbing a seasonal colour at a discount. Not sure if this would fit with a big reveal on your birthday though...

[WhooooAmI24601]

I think the BV would win. Though it's only tiny and occasional-use I'd still go for the prettiest one.

[Joan0fArc]

how much can you put in it?
can you link to the very one?

[Joan0fArc]

how much extra is the bigger one?

I think you should tell yourself that you were considering going to Italy to choose a bag and add the price of a flight on to what you spend.

I have been looking at beautiful coats on line and I just bought a coat from jaeger outlet and it was £130 which is a lot for a coat that underwhelms me. I'm left wishing I'd just put that money towards a nice max mara coat that really excited me.

Please learn from me.

[SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome]

I have found my people!!'

I thought everyone would say the Longchamp option was the best...

I really do have my heart set on a Bottega Veneta and I agree Joan that I don't want to spend say £150 less and get something I'm not thrilled with. I am putting a lot of thought into this and it's the only major purchase I will have made in the last 15-odd years, plus I won't have a significant birthday again for another 10! So I want to get it'right'. And I certainly want to feel as if it's a really special indulgent treat.

Lovely though the Longchamp one is you're right cutspujamas that it's not a landmark buy.

Great suggestion to try to wait for the sale. That may be the best bet...

Thanks so much everyone!!

[SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome]

Oh Joan, sorry, the BV one would probably hold: phone, small wallet, lipstick, lip balm, small bunch of keys.

I don't tend to need more room unless I am carting around books/crayons/juice carton/plastic crap for DD. Which tbf a special expensive bag shouldn't be used for anyway!!!

[Buttwing]

I adore Bv it's my favourite brand for bags. I would speak to the outlet and see what they had in stock. I wouldn't want a teeny tiny one (spoilt) I would rather have a decent middle of the range bag from another brand. But if you think you would be happy with it you should go for it.

[MrsAlexanderSkarsgard]

Another vote for the BV bag. I was very lucky and got my one for my 40th. Just like you, I spent a good many years lusting over it admiring it and I love it just as much. You won't regret it.

[Blue2014]

My dream investment bag was a 'quirky' mulberry. I've never ever regretted going for something less practical, it makes me happy every time I use it

[McWeedie]

I'd go for something like the Mulberry Daria hobo

[Whatthefoxgoingon]

BV hands down. They are some of my most used bags. I don't have the really tiny one though, smallest one is a cross body.

[FrustratedFrugal]

Yes to BV and if you can, please do go to Venice off season - Nov-Jan is ideal. You'll get a really special bag and lots of beautiful memories.

[Cheesymonster]

I saved up and bought a mulberry Alexa for my 40th. DH also surprised me with two days in Venice! I say, go with your heart and get the brand you love.

[OCSockOrphanage]

BV make fab bags... if you like them, you will also like Tissa Fontaneda, which are the Spanish equivalent, and a bit beneath the radar.

[SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome]

Oooh, having just had a browse on The Outnet I am falling head over heels with this new brand... the ex-Mulberry head designer apparently.

www.theoutnet.com/en-GB/Shop/Designers/Hill_and_Friends

Would I be properly nuts to consider that green one?

I can order it from them and see what I think, I guess... they're so easy to send stuff back if you don't like.

I also looooove the far more classic smaller black one with the chain strap and the black version of the bright grren... something about that green one is just speaking to me though. Which is odd as I don't usually go for bright bags.

Nuts to even think about something emerald green for an 'investment' purchase? Or is it the right approach to go for something you just love even if black is the more sensible option.

My research also suggests the small chain-strap style comes in a rather stunning dark burgundy colour full-price on their website and I guess on Net a Porter... it's roughly £700 so within my budget.

Anyone know anything about this brand? I've always loved the Mulberry styling but tend to prefer something a bit less obviously branded iyswim, so this really appeals.

Thanks all so much again... have been researching cost of Venice trip...

[SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome]

totally in love with this style now... I think I may have just found The One

www.hillandfriends.com/bestsellers/happy-chain-bag-toffee-gold/

Or, bizarrely enough, the hot pink and burgundy version. But I tend to steer well clear of all things hot pink in general in my life!

Thoughts on the toffee coloured one...? I'm lusting here...

[JinkxMonsoon]

Ooh, I don't think you should allow your head to be turned by that Emma Hill range. I mean, I know you shouldn't buy a bag for the brand name, but this brand is pretty new and unknown (even if Emma Hill is well known in certain circles - I'd still argue that way more "ordinary" people know her famous bag designs, than her name) and if the brand folds in a year or two, would you still love the bag?

I think you'd regret not going for a brand you've loved and coveted for years.

[botemp]

I forgot her name but I believe she left on bad terms with Mulberry about the direction of the brand and the increase of retail prices, or they fired her, it wasn't pretty and all the celebs that used to endorse Mulberry all flounced off with her.

It's not my personal aesthetic (can't stand the smileys) and it's a direct competitor of Anya Hindmarch but if you like it you can always seek one out. I'd still go for BV and Venice, fly to Treviso airport with a budget airline. Book a hotel room through Hotwire. Bring some wellies and enjoy the beauty that is Venice in the mist and the rain, and not a tourist in sight

[SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome]

Jinkx you're right.

Head being turned is exactly the way to put it!!

They are gorgeous though, aren't they?