What Mulberry bag?

[SparklingZebra]

I have decided I would like to get a mulberry bag.

I've been lusting over them since visiting the Mulberry factory in Somerset when I was in sixth form. We visited for a textiles field trip. 

I never buy myself nice things, so I decided when I gave up smoking I would put the money that would of gone on fags into a separate savings account and when I hit £2.5k I would go on a spending spree. At the end of next month I will hit that target. So I am looking at getting a bag and some new clothes.

I know I would love a Mulberry but I don't know what one would be most practical. 

I am self employed and work from home so it doesn't need to be big.
I need to fit a phone the iPhone plus, vape mod, a pen, keys and a umbrella but I could get one of those really small umbrellas so the bag doesn't have to be huge. 
Would like one with a shoulder strap that preferably goes over the shoulder. But not a clutch bag . 

What bags would fit this criteria?

Also has anyone visited the Mulberry outlets? There is one about 30 minutes from me so I think that I should go there.
Do they sell seconds and brand new bags? 

What bags have you all got? 

[NEmum]

I have an older style oversized Alexa, it's probably too big for your requirements but I love it & the leather really does just improve with age.

For your needs I'd recommend the Antony. Also definitely go to the outlet as they have sale bags, clothes, shoes & other accessories...enjoy! X

[girlelephant]

I have the previous shape Bayswater and I love it as I can for lots in it and use as an everyday bag. Your circumstances may change so it may be worth getting a bag bigger than you need incase of this.

I would love a Lily and as it comes in different than sizes that may be a good option?

Sorry no experience of Mulberry outlets

[PNGirl]

All the bags are new in the outlets - they sell some which are labelled seconds (my Bayswater in printed oak was supposedly a second, but there's nothing wrong with it) plus some colours made specifically for outlet. I really would recommend visiting as there have been some of the more slouchy bags in there for around £350 when I've been.

As I mentioned I have a Bayswater. I do love it but one of the corners has worn through on the piping which happened after about 18 months and I haven't mustered the will to pay the £100 to have it fixed that they charge. I also have a Rosemary which is a mini Roxanne from years ago which I got from labelsmostwanted.co.uk who sell preloved bags.

[chloechloe]

Congratulations on giving up smoking! What a great way to reward yourself!

What about a medium Lily (think the regular sized one is too small for a day bag). Can be worn as a shoulder bag by doubling the strap or cross body. Also it's a classic Mulberry design.

It's definitely worth visiting the outlet if you are nearby. Also I've heard the staff are generally very helpful so if you have something in mind you can call up to see if they have it.

[CantChoose]

Well done on the smoking! I'd recommend a lily too. I have two, both the normal size ones. I find them just about Small enough to still look good on a night out but big enough to fit everything you've listed. I just about squeeze my average sized fold up umbrella in the top.

[CantChoose]

In my regular lily I can fit iPad mini, iPhone 6, an average sized purse, a couple of bits of make up, car and house keys and a pair of sunglasses or an umbrella. It's def full but it all fits!

[Catdogcat]

I have an Alexa, a del ray, a Bayswater and an Effie satchel.

I think an Effie, an Alexa or a daria would be good?

I find my Bayswater way too heavy to use and don't like the lack of strap but that's just personal choice.

I saw a girl yesterday with a new maple bag in taupe colour and it was gorgeous, next on my list.

[Catdogcat]

Lily is also gorgeous, outlets definitely worth a look as you can buy now discontinued styles like the Alexa

[BobbieDog]

I have a daria hobo and regret buying it.

It's very heavy even when empty. It also falls off my arm. I got a matching purse and that is also heavy when empty.

Both have been barely used and cost over a thousand together.

They sell for next to nothing though

[SparklingZebra]

Ive had another look on house of Fraiser and self ridges and looked at all your suggestions. 

I love the look of the Daria Hobo but I had a bag years ago that look almost identical and I couldn't use it as it kept slipping off my arm.

Love the Alexa, did they make a smaller version or just the oversized one?

Love love love the Bayswater small satchel in oak maybe need to look in a shop of the actual size as I'm wondering if it's bigger than I think in my head.

Also love the small Bayswater zip tote but the price is £1250 possibly a bit more than I was looking to pay. 

The Freya satchel has caught my eye as at £595 that seems a amazing price.

I'm so undecided as I love the different bags in different colours. Was originally thinking oxblood but love the oak too. 

Maybe I need to get the Freya satchel in oxblood and the small Bayswater in oak that's only £1400 for two bags seems a good price. But of course I would need the matching purses. And a key ring.

Omg I'm so going to blow all my budget on bags aren't I? 

[MarsBarsAreShrinking]

Ooooh, my favourite subject; Mulberry bags!

The SBS (small Bayswater satchel) in Oak is unlikely to be at an outlet as it's a core colour and a current style. If you did find one at an outlet it would be more likely to be a sub.

There are now 2 versions of the SBS and they both have their pluses and negatives imo. The old style is softer leather and has an adjustable strap, whereas the new one is more rigid and the strap is fixed. Personally I prefer the old one for various reasons; I think it just looks nicer and I prefer the more subtle hardwear (the new SBS has the bright gold hardwear).

The Alexa is discontinued now so you'll only find them at Outlets. It comes in 3 sizes, mini, regular (about the same size as the SBS) and oversized. Personally I couldn't get on with it (had one and sold it) as the flappy straps on the front drove me crackers! Plus it's a very slouchy bag and I prefer them more structured.

[MarsBarsAreShrinking]

Ps. have you checked out the sale online? I believe it's only on for a few more days though so be quick if you decide you want anything!

www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/sale

You can see how the SBS looks on in the photos too, to give you a good idea of size:

www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/bags/small-bayswater-satchel-oak-natural-leather-with-brass

[HeyRoly]

That sounds like an awesome field trip!

I used be a big Mulberry fan although not so keen on the prices or the designs nowadays. I bought my Bayswater for £495 in 2008!

Having said that, the more classic designs (anything based on the Bayswater, really!) are pretty timeless. My Bayswater is pretty big and heavy but you'll find it's available in different leathers, some lighter than others.

Definitely think you should go down the outlet route and save 30%.

[BusterTheBulldog]

Wow! Well done on giving up smoking-what a great treat!

Defo visit the outlets, some bags are seconds (v minor usually) others new. I have a classic Bayswater for work-fits mac etc in nicely. Also have the tessie satchel in oak, love this one! Perfect for day to day cross body but also nice for some evening things too.

Keep us posted what you get- love a bag thread!

[BusterTheBulldog]

Also keep an eye out for 20% off John Lewis, Selfridges etc - got my tessie in last Selfridges one.

[HeyRoly]

Having said that, don't buy something just because it's reduced. Whatever you choose, it should be the one that really makes your heart sing

[SpeckleDust]

I have a mini Cara in oak which I love and could be about the right size for you (the straps can be configured to wear over the shoulder too). It's in the Mulberry sale at the moment for £796, also sold in Oxblood

Another slightly larger one is the Tessie Hobo which i have been thinking of getting which is also in the sale at £556 I think it's less 'classic-looking'.

There's a Facebook site called Mulberry Buy and sell that I'm a member on which you could take a look at. The bags for sale are vetted by the admin team to ensure they are all genuine.

[Ifonlyiweretaller]

BobbieDog - why not contact Naugtipidgins nest if you never use your bag & purse and get them sold on there. www.npnbags.co.uk/ (if link doesnt work type npn bags into google) Sian who runs it is lovely and very efficient, and has a huge following, particularly for Mulberrys. Her reputation is excellent and commission charge is very fair too.

[BobbieDog]

There was a bag the same last week on eBay and it went for under £300. I would feel like I was giving it away at that price

[Gbean]

I prefer the old styles, the only "newer" style I have is an Alexa (which I adore). Another favourite is my Roxanne and my Alana - both absolute workhorses, sturdy and gorgeous. They ARE heavy though. It depends on what you like. I personally don't like the Anthony (too plain) of the Lily (dislike the chain strap). Def go to an outlet and have a play, wear them and look in mirror etc.

[Gbean]

I'd also recommend the Facebook Mulberry pages, they are very hot on authentication and you could get a lot more for your money.

[SparklingZebra]

Wow thanks everyone.

That sale link was amazing some great bargains on there I'm going to have a look tomorrow at it with a fresh pair of eyes.

Mars thanks for your post re new and old style and if I go with the SBS it will be the old not the new for the one reason of the strap. I would never buy a bag without a adjustable.

Agree to the poster who said about not buying as its in the sale. I'd take a compromise on colour tho. The had the SBS in black but it was snake skin effect if it was in leather I would of gone for it. Love the red in the sale but I think I would prefer a classic colour.

Will check out the Facebook page.

I gather they do sales twice a year do they ever do like 10-20% across all bags?

I think the outlet will be first port of call and if I don't get anything I may just have to suck up the price.

Do any of you use the liners for your bags? I've come across a few images on line and they look really handy.

[WidowTwonky]

The liners are great for the more slouchy bags. Again you can find out more about them through the fb groups. I'm on mulberry swap & sell sand it's great. I've bought and sold through it

[MarsBarsAreShrinking]

Mulberry only do their sale twice a year, Christmas and summer... the reductions vary from around 20-50% off, depending on the style. The ones being discontinued tend to be reduced the most (but then, this wasn't the case with the Cara in the current sale, it IS being discontinued but the reductions were lower than anyone expected).

Some of the stockists (John Lewis, HoF, Selfridges etc) do random 10-20% off during the year on certain styles but it's a case of being in the right place at the right time as they tend to sell out pretty quickly!

I have liners in my less structured bags and they make all the difference imo as I'm not a big fan of the slouchy look!