Bearing in mind that I intensely dislike handbags...

[PacificDogwod]

... but still from time to time need one (damn you, smart women's clothes with inadequate pockets!), what do you make of Osprey London's offerings at TK Maxx?

I gather Osprey is their house brand, yes?
Is it worse than embarrassing to be seen with them?
I do like leather and well-made stuff and AM prepared to spend money on fashion and shoes but just find handbags so unutterably boring and tedious and annoying that I struggle to find the motivation to spend money on them.

Any better ideas?

I need a grab bag/shoulder bag in an every day colour, probably not black.
I hate stuff with obvious logos or branding, but am happy to spend money on history/workmanship.

I am 50, professional job, 4 kids, a dog and generally need to look sharp without being all out fashionable or 'try hard'.
Over to you

[Fuzzypeggy]

I don't have any advice other than that I don't think osprey are made by or for tkmaxx

[CMOTDibbler]

Osprey isn't made for TK Maxx. I've had one of their bags for years, and it has lasted really well and is very practical. I don't think they do mine anymore, but its dark brown soft leather which goes with everything

[SavoyCabbage]

I thought Osprey were quite posh makers of leather goods. I don't think they have anything to do with TKMaxx.

[PacificDogwod]

Oh, is it not their house brand then? I'm sure (or not) that I read it on MN - must be true then, dontcha think?!

Yes, I have one of theirs too, cross body, leather, tan - it's a bit too small for what I need now, but it did serve it's purpose well; I did like it well enough.
I suppose I feel more need for gravitas or summat without being TOO middle-aged about it, and am looking for a 'serious' bag.

Oh, I dunno.

Have I mentioned that I hate bags?
Shoes, otoh....

[Mbear]

Osprey isn't a tkmaxx own brand - however like quite a few retailers they run main chain (full price) shops and outlet shops. There is often little difference between the products you find in either, but the outlet stock is made cheaper in some way. Cheaper grade leather, less fancy linings etc.

What complicates it sometimes is that genuine main chain stock will make it into the outlet shops as it hasn't sold even at sale price on the high street (full price shops).

Osprey sell their outlet stock to tkmaxx.

Osprey are popular.

I have Russell and Bromley which I think are good value to quality and a beautiful Milli Millu bag - which was more expensive but it is really lovely.

[PacificDogwod]

Oh, I love Russell and Bromley! for shoes

Paul Costelloe?
Some other obscure Italian brands?
Or maybe just obscure to me as I don't know much about bags?

I should just stop looking at TK Max shouldn't I?

Thanks for explaining about Osprey - I know feel I owe them an apology.

[Mbear]

ooooo try house of Fraser, normally good reductions.

Otherwise go to Marks and Spencer and buy a bag you think is good and see how you get on with it. If no good, that will help you decide what you do really need in a bag.

My list includes being able to wear cross body, not to slouchy or hobo, a pocket on the outside, and for the love of all that is holy not bloody lined it sodding can't see anything black fabric. Drives me nuts, can't find anything. Hobbs did a cream lined bag, best thing ever - except it was too tan colour and too slouchy!

I possibly need to get out more, or I need a hobby 😝😝😝

[Silverthorne]

I love Hobbs bags.

What is your budget?

This is reduced from Hobbs:

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0116-1209-020000&productvarid=0116-1209-020000-MANDARIN-ORANGE-1SIZE&refpage=bags

[Itrynotto]

Mimi berry bags are fab. They are designed in the UK by Mimi and made in the UK too. I have a few of them and love them a lot.

[PacificDogwod]

My budget is probably around the £200 mark (would stretch further for something I really liked, but no more than £500) - it would have to be something I'd use forever).

I like the Hobb's bags; I've looked at them before.
I would like to see this one in RL

[Floisme]

I feel the same way and really resent how the designer bag trend has inflated prices everywhere. Anyway.... I normally buy them at TK Maxx though never tried Osprey. Sorry, I can't remember any brands - I just go for totally plain, no logos or bling. The current one was £50 and I've used it pretty much every day for 5 years. I don't think it's worth my spending a lot more as I have a chocolate habit, attract leaking pens plus zips hate me. Maxx prices have gone up but I'll probably still buy there as the thought of shopping around for a bag makes me want to weep.

My only other suggestion is that I also have a couple of cross body bags, picked up in vintage shops for around £20. They don't scream 'vintage'; they're just well made, in tough old-school leather that someone else has already broken in. (I'm tired of buttery soft nonsense but that's for another thread.) They also fasten with buckles, which I much prefer to zips. The only snag is they don't have inside pockets but I think you can buy bag organisers that lift in and out.

[PacificDogwod]

Floisme, I feel the same about inflated designer name prices.

Otoh, I do like the history and craftmanship that goes with some of the older fashion houses

I know I said 'not black' but now I am looking at this

I think I should just stop looking online and just go in to our local hospice charity shop

[Floisme]

That's a good point about craftsmanship. It was the sudden price hike on (for the most part plug ugly) designer bags that made me If I thought the extra money was going to the people who made them that would be different, but I doubt it.

Assuming the size and colour are right, I look for total anonymity - cannot abide logos, cheeky feckers - and secondly for absence of bling. I can't zoom in close enough on your link to be sure about the first and it would then lose marks for the studs and decorative handle. But that's just me - I am very particular and very grumpy and arsey when buying a bag.

Also, I find it's the small things that usually go wrong: the zips, the magnetic clasp, the strap where it rubs on your shoulder. I've always assumed that would happen however much you've paid but is that correct? If there was a bag that came with a guarantee so that I never had to go shopping for another one then I might consider shelling out.

[blodynmawr]

I have found my people!
I have had plain non-bling TKMaxx bags in the past. I need a large-ish tote sized to accommodate laptop and other work detritus as don't like to have a separate laptop bag. Current work bag is a Boden tote bought off their ebay site about 3 years ago for £50. It is plain but patent leather, and generally lovely, but the bottom and straps are starting to wear. They haven't had anything remotely similar sized since then.
I too would be happy to spend £££ if it meant the bag lasted the rest of my working life!
Have fancied Orla Kiely bags such as this one but scared of the price tag (even at sale price) and them not lasting as long as I would like for the money. Anyone have any Orla Kiely experience?

[blodynmawr]

PS The Hobbs tote linked by Silver looks like a good candidate too!

[PacificDogwod]

Hm, I'm back looking at Hobbs - how about this one?

No idea about Orla Kiely - I don't really like her graphic design but some of her bags have caught my eye in the past.

[PacificDogwod]

Oooh, Adlington in pewter - we may have a winner

[Eliza22]

Just lurking. Haven't bought a bag in years as have a leather bucket bag I got in Florence, 20 yrs ago which despite owning others, is the bag I always return to.

Coach have some nice stuff.

[PacificDogwod]

Oxblood red Paul Costelloe

I wish somebody could give me a slap and make me stop dithering!
I am beginning to bore myself.
And I don't even like bags
Maybe Santa could make the decision and bring me one of the above?

[blodynmawr]

Agree Pacific the pewter Adlington bag is lovely plus is bargainous for a leather bag! Very tempted to purchase too and keep as a back-up in case the strap on my Boden one does give way.... Please report back on what it's like when it arrives .

[blodynmawr]

Nah the Hobbs one goes with everything and will be more 'year round' . The red PC one would be a bit dark for the summer no?

[PacificDogwod]

Ooh, good point about seasons - I had not thought about that

Ok, consensus seems to be that the Hobbs bags are good quality, yes?
I will let you know what it's like when it arrives.

Oh, relief at a decision!

[Floisme]

Looks like you've made a decision but I'd have said the Hobbs pewter one too. Hope it's good when it arrives!