Peony and Moore bags

[suntodayplease]

I've completely missed these bags been carting a battered changing bag around for too long and I'm finally going to buy a new bag. My pre baby choice of mulberry is out if the window, plus once I've loaded it up with all the gubbins I cart around my Roxanne is way too heavy. I like the look of the Peony and Moore mariella. I've never bought a PM bag, but they seem to get a lot of good reviews on here. I can't find any discount codes at the moment, and its not available through Red Direct. Where is the best place to buy online? Oh and does anyone have it in Navy? Does it mark easily?
Huge TIA

[BRANdishingMistletoe]

I just bought a Mariella (the snake print one). I bought it from the website in my link with a 15% discount code that was posted on here by a MNetter. I think they do a discount fairly regularly so it's worth Googling. I have had it long enough to know if it marks easily, but it's beautifully soft and strokeable.

[suntodayplease]

Thanks, hoping a discount code appears soon today
Snake looks lovely too

[madammecholet]

They did a code a few weeks ago but may have expired, I have Mariella in pink from last year, tis gorgeous, not scratched a bit.. Navy looks lovely. Bought all mine from their own website..

When I registered I got a first order code, but that was 18mnths ago??

[nowrinklesonamelon]

REG01 worked for me when I first ordered . . .

[herbaceous]

I just got an aubergine Mariella for my birthday, lucky girl that I am. It's really lovely, and the best quality bag I've every had. The leather straps are so lovely and stiff!

[Gingefringe]

I bought the Lucia which was highly recommended on MN but I was disappointed. After about 4 months the front flap of the bag has gone very wrinkly looks like an elephant's arse and floppy compared to the rest of the bag. This despite keeping the bag for 'best' and not using it on a daily basis.

When I contacted P&M about it and said I wasn't happy they didn't want to know - basically they said that all their bags are slightly different and the hide differs from one bag to the next. So please make sure you are 100% happy with your bag before you decide to keep it! I wasn't impressed with their after sales attitude to be honest.

[madammecholet]

I've always thought their service was excellent. I know what you mean about Lucia leather tho, it's far grainier and much softer than the Mariella i've got. I like that tho - looks more expensive imo... it's personal taste tho I think?

[rabbitonthemoon]

I bought the lucia after hearing rave reviews on here. I was so disappointed. The clasp leaves the bag quite open and I often felt that someone could just whip things up out of my bag. The leather got mucky very quickly after just a month even though I sprayed it well. I know people love it in here but it was a mistake buy for me.

[novelsituation]

I had a black Milly which lasted for six months at work, then looked marked, scuffed and out of shape. It compares very unfavourably with a black Jaeger bag I used for four years and which still looks immaculate.

[polyhymnia]

I too bought a Lucia. Nice leather but I also regret it rather and haven't used it much. Design not ideal for me - no long strap for wearing on tube etc and clasp not good - also too heavy.
Also bought chocolate but it doesn't tone as well with my winter coats as it might - mainly my fault but tan or grey both of which are more versatile - weren't available.
For me, Mariella in toffee and aubergine too shiny. Also if I have a bag that big I like it divided in middle so one part is for laptop/ tablet and rest for normal handbag clutter. Don't want them all mixed up together.
So tho the people are v nice and I want to like P and M bags none has really been right fir
Me and it's a pretty small range.

[polyhymnia]

Sorry for phone typos!

[ThePathanKhansWitch]

I, m always looking on ebay for a Peony and Moore, have yet to see one, which led me to think they are indestructable and bags you never tire of.
Good luck with your search Op.

[polyhymnia]

In fairness, if it's a navy Mariella you're thinking of, it won't be shiny - the navy is matte, which is much better IMO- I don't like my leather shiny unless it's patent. The lack of an internal divider so evrytyhing is mixed up together in a large bag may just be a personal objection of mine which wouldn't worry you/ others.

On quality, quite honestly I haven't used my Lucia enough to be able to comment on whether it deteriorates quickly. The leather certainly feels good now.

When I mentioned the word 'heavy', btw, I meant the clasp on the Lucia is quite heavy - as well as being less secure than a zip - not the bag itself.

[suntodayplease]

Thanks for all your replies, so before I commit hard earned ££ are there any other brands/bags I should be looking at? I'm after a bag in the style of the Mariella and similar budget...

BTW I registered with P&M and didn't get a discount code but REG01 gave 10% when I almost ordered for anyone who is looking for a code.

[nowrinklesonamelon]

Thanks for trying that SUN I still want the Mariella in Aubergine for Xmas so will leave the code lying on the computer for DH to find !!! - Might help him to dust the moths off his wallet!!

[doglover]

Radley? Clarks? Yes, Clarks! Some of their bags are gorgeous!

[polyhymnia]

I really really don't like Radley - it's probably irrrational, and I'm sure they've improved since the boring early doggy ones - but I just do.

L K Bennett or Russell and Bromley are favourites - specially the second.

[LRDtheFeministDude]

I'd put in a word for L K Bennett. I have a gorgeous patent burgundy bag from them, which I've had nearly a year now and which I've stuffed fit to bursting to take as my carry-on flight bag. It is beautifully light when empty, but strong enough to take everything I throw into it (and I mean hardback books and a laptop, so heavy stuff for the size). It was down 40% in the sales and worth every penny - and from what I see they always have some bags marked down in the sales so it'd be worth a look out.

I would like to like Peony and Moore but they never seem to be quite the right design for me.

[EIizaDay]

I've got a couple of P & M bags and of course it is personal taste. The service I got was very good but I'm not overwhelmed by the bags and I think they are overpriced.

I can't see me buying another one as I much prefer to see things in the flesh. (I'm overseas so can't really send stuff back).

I always think John Lewis have a great selection of handbags - all different styles and price ranges. They are usually my first port of call.

[Kagriff]

I have always been very satisfied with their bags. I've got two of their clutches which, although they are evening bags, I take out pretty much every time I go out. They still look just as good a few years on. Then a couple of months ago I took the plunge and bought one of their 'big' bags - I got their Olivia and have worn it day in and out and still looks fab.

[FestiveWench]

I bought a P&M Lucia on Ebay (£70) and I bloody love it :)

[Bottles76]

I've had a lucia since xmas 2011 and it's still one of my favorite bags! Yes its crinkled a little with time but the leather is so soft i expected it to? Thats just what soft leather does and it isn't a fault - ever broken in a leather jacket?? Anyway tbh i love its lived in look...

Actually I was lucky enough to meet the Peony and Moore team at the Mary Howard christmas show a couple of weeks ago and they were brill! I had a good drool over some of their new bags whilst one of them cuddled my DS! Hinting hinting hinting at my DH that i want the new Eva... Not sure how much more obvious i can be...

[polyhymnia]

I must say the P and M team do sound really lovely on the phone, and so helpful. Makes me all the more sorry I haven't yet found one of their styles I can really love!

[Bottles76]

So what did you decide suntodayplease?? I had a good look at the Mariella toffee at the xmas show...it is gorgeous and i love it almost as much as the Eva. I like that the Eva has more pockets though and the leather is really rich and luxurious. Mind you the slightly shiny leather on the aubergine also makes it look really luxe... Too much Choice!!!!!

Don't P&M do free returns in case you didn't like the Mariella when it arrived?

[polyhymnia]

Yes, they do. Have returned two bags to them.

Alas, it's the very shininess on the toffee Mariella I didn't like - very lovely, but IMO it makes it less 'everyday' and more 'smart' than matte leather. But all depends on what occasions/ lifestyle anyone wants a bag for. I want something really versatile, for both dressed up and down days.