(Designer) Handbag advice

[BornToShopForcedToWork]

Hi,

I have saved a bit of money and would like to invest it in a new bag. The bag should be timeless and classic.

So, fellow Mumsnetter any suggestions?

[Instinctivemum]

There are designer and then there are designer... Until DD came and nappies swallowed all my money, I used to buy one every year.

1. Mulberry - gorgeous & timeless but very heavy with the metal work, so if you use the tube or train or bus to work, theyre inconvenient and bulky.
2. Prada - the leather ones are not value for money, but the rexine ones can be trendy. They're not timeless though and there are fakes everywhere.
3. Gucci - my favourite, stylish convenient and very very good value for money. Remember to get one with a zip - I have two that are 6 yrs and 3 yrs old respectively and I use them both a lot ! Good luck !

[Angel786]

For classic I'd go with Mulberry, Aspi nal (cheaper but still sophisticated), a leather Gucci (not monogrammed)...

[Pseudonymity]

Look at the Mulberry Bayswater.

[Chinateacup]

I would go for Mulberry too, and second the Bayswater.
My sister-in-law is a Marc Jacobs addict and some of her more classic styles look beautiful too.
Happy shopping!

[mrsrhodgilbert]

I would also suggest looking at Mulberry, absolutely beautiful bags especially if you get one of the classics such as the Bayswater. Happy shopping.

[AmberNectarine]

I have quite a few Mulberry bags and they are great, but also really like Anya Hindmarch, which are fantastically made. You also cannot go wrong with Celine (for a minimalist look) or Balenciaga.

[AmberNectarine]

Also Miu Miu are very nice, and if I were to go out tomorrow and buy a new bag it would be a Proenza Schouler PS1, but you're pushing 4 figures for one of those bad boys and I don't know your budget.

[bethelbeth]

I'd go for a prada, miu miu, aspinal, gucci or chanel.
Mulberry isn't particularly well known outside of the uk and so there's every chance that they won't hold their value.
Also prada leather is nicer than mulberry

[BrandyAlexander]

I tend to have bags that are well made but aren't so popular that every tom, dick and harry has one. My current favourite is Smythsons. The Nancy is such a beautiful bag. Its classic in its structure but interesting and distinctive. They also do them in both muted and bright colours

Everyone with a designer bag seems to have a Mulberry. Its safe but dull. And I say this as an owner of a Bayswater (in a suede leopard print) which I use for work and a Mitzy which I use casually. The Mitzy is a gorgeous bag.

If you want black and classic - go for prada.

I would say brown and classic - go for Gucci.

The only problem with prada and gucci is that they are classy but are very distinctive with logos etc so instantly recognisable.

If you want a colourful work bag then the Balenciaga City is great, especially the cobalt blue and the green.

Coach do gorgeous bags but got mine from the US so not sure if they are in the UK yet, heard they were planning to be.

Avoid LV like the plague!

[madammecholet]

Whats your budget born?

[BornToShopForcedToWork]

Hi,

my budget is around 1k, however it can be a bit more for the right bag.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Well I think you just need to go and try loads on

Because many that I've liked the look of just look wrong on because they're too wide and heavy (yes mulberry - I'm talking about you)

I don't worry about holding value or being a forever bag really because unelss I was buying a birkin - well they're all going to date in my opinion and anything you use loads - well you get a bit bored of. I just keep all of mine to hand on to DD.

I like Anya Hindmarch bags and when in Selfridges recently thought the Celine and Chloe ones also looked lovely.

Have fun - I love handbags! But do find I need different ones in different colours depending on the season and what I'm wearing.

[madammecholet]

For me it would have to be a Chloe, but here are a few others too...

chloe marcie

chloe paraty

gucci diana

gucci jackie

Mulberry evelina

[AmberNectarine]

Agree with MrsCB, just go to Selfridges/Harvey Nics and see what catches your eye!

[warmandwooly]

Bottenga venetta (sp) they look good and luxurious without 'shouting' designer bags and I say this as a Mulberry, Balenciage, V Westwood and Anya Hindamarch owner. I would reccomend V Westwood. I bought one nearly ten year ago (fabric tartan) and it's still going strong and spices up my outfits. They are also relitively cheap compared to other makes. Plus with the money you have left you can buy another bag. (I highly reccomend the Mulberry outlet at York). Also have to say I have a Balenciaga Day and it has been my most hardworking designer bag. I love it. Not cheap (bought in the sales) but well worth it! Enjoy your splurge!

[Angel786]

I'm with warm too, sales / outlets can be great if you're not set on anything specific. I've picked up chloes for £4-600, mulberry for £300, gucci for a bit more but still less than the original £1200 price tag!

Not sure where you're based but Bicester has a great designer selection, door, prada, Burberry, gucci, mulberry.

Enjoy!

[Forrestgump]

yes to mulberry, but no to bayswater, every one of my friends who bought thier first mulberry bought a bayswater! its a gorgeous, gorgeous bag, but its the most popular purchase.

[oohermrs]

I have a Mulberry Hobo it is gorgeous. I had a Bayswater and sold it on ebay for more than I bought it for!

[madammecholet]

Secret Sales has Chloe bags this am, including the Paraty for £699

[worldgonecrazy]

If I was choosing one designer bag I'd go for something by Chanel, timeless, classic and holds its value well.

Some of the more expensive LV ones are okay, but I would avoid the cheaper ones.

I really don't 'get' Mulberry, they're nice bags but I feel a little over-priced.

[Jessicaalbastwin]

Another vote for Chloe Marcie and Chloe Paraty, gorgeous styles.

[chickydoo]

I love the Mulbury messenger bag. Quite casual and goes with everything. Also have their hobo bag...lovely! both bags a bargain at around £450-£500
Longchamp do some beautiful bags too.I guess it depends if you want to use it constantly, or for special occasions.

[Mominatrix]

Mulberry, whilst perfectly nice, is just that - nice...and ubiquitous.

I wouldn't wast money on Chanel - their price increases and concurrent quality decrease really make me hesitant on purchasing one of their bags - makes me feel like I am being had to pay 4 times for the same bag I purchased 3 years ago!

My advice would be go for quality and timelessness if you are going to spend that kind of money on a bag - translated, that means Bottega or Hermes. Another option would be Celine.

[Angel786]

I love Chanel but you won't get anything classic for under £1500...