Are Mia Tui bags good?

[NefretForth]

My work bag is giving up the ghost and I'm considering buying a Mia Tui one to replace it as they look so practical. However, I can't go and look at them in RL as there's nowhere locally that stocks them. What's the outer fabric like? I'm a bit concerned that none of them are leather.

[MinesaPinot]

I had one. They are, as you say, sold as being very practical, with lots of internal pockets, a bottle holder and the additional clear plastic wallet and clutch wallet (depending on what size you go for).

However, the first thing I noticed when I got mine was that it smelled quite plasticky. That did eventually wear off. I also found that when I put stuff in the internal pockets as suggested, and bottle in the bottle holder, that ate into the internal area of the bag, and I couldn't get as much in as I had thought (if that makes sense!). I ended up unpicking the bottle holder and getting rid.

I had mine for about a year and then gave it to the charity shop as I just wasn't using it. I wouldn't rush to buy another to be honest.

[NefretForth]

Ah, I was worried about them possibly being rather plasticky. I might see if I can see one in real life before I spend the money.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

They have some on QVC (and loads of videos of the products)

I haven't tried one because I don't really want a light colour but I don't like the white stitching on the dark colours.

But I'd buy one as I don't use leather.

[MinesaPinot]

If you want practicality what about a Kipling bag? Lightweight with good organisation depending on what style you go for. I notice TK Maxx have them in fairly frequently - I picked up a cross body bag in there a couple of weeks ago which I'd actually seen on QVC, but mine was a fraction of the price they were charging.

[treaclesoda]

I have one and I love it for it's practicality. But, I have found that the outside marks very easily and it has ended up looking quite shabby within a short timeframe.

I do love the design though.

[NefretForth]

Hmm, I've always been a bit underwhelmed by Kipling bags but will see what the local TK Maxx has in. I definitely want one with handles rather than a shoulder strap, though.