Handbag experts - please find me a work bag

[Dancergirl]

I have just started a new job and will be working out and about. I have a large Mulberry Antony messenger but it's actually deceptively small and I can't find things easily (too deep I think).

I don't want to spend anywhere near that sort of money, does anyone have any ideas? I need my hands free so cross body would be best. I need to carry - fairly chunky purse, 2 phones, keys, notebook and pen and possibly some A4 sheets of paper. Not too heavy and comfortable to wear.

[KateSpadeAddict]

www.katespade.co.uk/uk/cobble-hill-small-ella/invt/pxru5514?color=black/clock%20tower/hare%20grey

Its 268 - are you looking for more affordable than that? I'm working on the basis that the Anthony must be about 500/600?!

[Dancergirl]

Yes it was kate but I bought it quite a few years ago. I think Kate Spade is probably too much, I was looking to spend about £150 if possible.

[GoldPlatedShitGibbon]

What about something from Nat and Nin? Their bags are lovely and wear very well.

[Dancergirl]

I've never heard of that make, is there a particular style you'd recommend?

[boodles]

www.mimiberry.co.uk/collections/women-bags/products/juno-black

This is my work bag and I totally recommend it. You can wear it on the shoulder or across the body. It holds loads and wears well. There is a bigger version called the Hester if the Juno isn't big enough.

[GoldPlatedShitGibbon]

Have a look on their website, they divide their range by size, with the largest being able to accommodate A4. I just love the colours, the leather is gorgeous and the quality is great.
You can buy direct from their site or Sarenza also stock some of their styles.

[BikeRunSki]

I love this but I am a simple soul. Loads of cross body styles on that website though.

[FiftyShadesOfSporn]

www.jaeger.co.uk/julianne-leather-tote/791016R-00100-ITM.html?cgid=accessories-bags

SALE25 should get you a further 25% off today

[Truckingalong]

God I love that Kate spade bag. Think I might have to purchase!!!

I use Modalu Pippa bags for work www.modalu.com/shop/pippacollection.html

[Dancergirl]

Funnily enough I actually own a mini Pippa bag, I got it in the sale. I hadn't thought about the larger one.

I don't know, it seems like a tote style would be most practical for finding stuff but I wouldn't have my hands free.

Although I work outside often, maybe one large bag would be too heavy for carrying around. Maybe I could get a tote style for all my notes etc which I could possibly leave inside and a smaller cross body (which I have) for purse and phone.

[Dancergirl]

Right, back to the drawing board.

I think I need a tote now. Can any MNers recommend a nice one that's not too pricey?

[DearFox]

I love the emerson place small laurelie on the kate spade website. couldn't afford anything that expensive but I love it.

[DearFox]

liink to it

[goingmadinthecountry]

Am loving that Mimiberry Juno bag but would be looking for something other than black or slate grey - dark tan/brown or navy??

Have gone totally against the grain this year and spent 29.99 on a non-leather Zara bag. Not leather but looks like it and has been much admired. Depends on your job. It's only work and it looks nice - I'm a poorly paid teacher so can get away with it!

[Dancergirl]

I think something price wise between Mimi Berry and non leather, maybe around £100?

[Dancergirl]

I bought this from John Lewis:

www.paulsboutique.com/maisy-patent-black

Mine is a lovely burgundy patent, can't find that one online maybe it's exclusive to JL. It's lovely and spacious and only £70