I love Mulberry but can't bring myself to spend that much. Alternatives please?

[amusedbush]

I've wanted a Mulberry for years and was all set to buy a New Small Bayswater in oak when we go through Heathrow in March. However, the more I think about it, the more I think I just can't do it. Even at the duty free price of £720, it's just so much money.

DH is baffled by it all and would really rather I didn't buy one, but will obviously not stop me as it's coming from my "fun money".

Where else can I get a classic, great quality every day leather handbag? I don't even know where to begin looking! I was always a Radley fan but I'm not so keen these days and I'm not sure why. Caveat: I don't like crook-of-the-elbow bags, and will do shoulder if need be. The main selling point of the Small Bays is the cross-body strap.

Thanks in advance!

[lal17]

Not sure how helpful this will be to you but I know 2 people who did exactly this then spent £200 on a bag they didn’t really love and so eventually bought a mulberry later. It will last you forever and prob bring you joy every day....

[LiquoricePickle]

In all honesty, I'd get the mulberry. If you live out and it's your fun money, then went not have what you want? If not, getting an unbranded good quality leather bag made might be cheaper.

[RidingWindhorses]

I've always disliked Mulberry.

I'd go for Coach or Furla.

[littleorange]

I've got two posh handbags, both Ralph Lauren. Not too pricey, so I'm not too worried taking them out. I think I'd feel anxious carrying a Mulberry! They are excellent quality, classic styles. They clean well and look brand new after more than a year

[Brokenbutbreathing]

My opinion - Mulberry is rather over now, the Bayswater is an old design and there are hundreds of thousands of fakes out there that you can't tell apart. I would not spend my money on one of those now (as the owner of several Mulberry handbags). If you want a good, solid, beautiful leather bag there are lots of others to go for which don't charge quite as much for the name - try:

Coach
Anya Hindmarch
Hill and Friends
Aspinal
LK Bennett
Kate Spade

[Piffpaffpoff]

I’ve got this and I love it. Beautifully made, suede lined, adjustable strap so I can wear it cross body or on my shoulder. Currently my most used bag.

[amusedbush]

Thank you for the suggestions, I'll look into all of them.

Brokenbutbreathing

I bloody love Kate Spade bags, I'd forgotten all about her!

We're going to NYC in March (hence the trip through Heathrow) and you can usually get great deals on her stuff over there.

[Brokenbutbreathing]

This thread also might interest you! And here I recommended buying the Gucci

Talk me out of buying a Gucci handbag please!http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/styleandd_beauty/3088698-Talk-me-out-of-buying-a-Gucci-handbag-please

[Brokenbutbreathing]

Oh happy happy Kate Spade shopping in NYC

[ZaraW]

I've had my Mulberry Bayswater for eight years and still love it. If you really want one check out the outlet shops or wait for the sale.

[amusedbush]

ZaraW

It's the oak I want and as far as I've seen, they're really unlikely to turn up in the outlets/sale. The staff say that the New Small Bayswater is part of the core collection and won't be reduced, hence looking to buy it duty free

[RidingWindhorses]

Bayswater is such old hat, if you want to get a Mulberry at least go for something more up to date.

[ZaraW]

ambushed mine is in oak and I love I don't really care if people think its old news. Have you checked out the Facebook sites you can get some really good deals and the bags are authenticated.

[amusedbush]

RidingWindhorses

It's the new Bayswater, not the old style one.

I've pored over the website and I don't want any of the others. Most have a chain strap which just makes it look too dressy. I like the Small New Bayswater because it has a leather satchel strap so you can wear it cross-body. There is also the New Small Zipped Bays but it doesn't have the postman's lock.

[DontDrinkDontSmoke]

I’ve never got on with my mulberry Bayswater. I only keep it because it was £800, 5 years ago.

The piping on the edges wore down really quickly.

[BoredOnMatLeave]

I have a few DKNY bags and I love them. They all look new even though I use daily. One has survived being a changing bag too.

[RidingWindhorses]

I know what the new ones look like OP. Exactly the same as the old ones but smaller. They're all passé.

For £700 you could find something much nicer in the sales.

[SelmaAndJubjub]

Personally I don’t like Mulberry- they are over-priced & over-exposed. But I’d still say go with the Mulberry, if that’s the one you love. It’s daft to spend £300 on a compromise that will never give you the same joy.

If you want to save money, try the outlets and reputable second-hand, rather than denying yourself the bag you really want. Life is short.

[LentilBaby]

I’m a big Mulberry fan. They are expensive but I tend to buy one and carry it everywhere for about 5-6 years. They are all so classic and tend to go with everything. I don’t buy any cheaper bags in between. Price per wear makes it a bargain......at least that’s what I tell myself!
Also check out the Mulberry outlet stores in Bicester Village or in Somerset x

[LentilBaby]

Sorry just read what you’d written about the one you want not being available in outlet stores!
Oh well, treat yourself!!!

[MinesaPinot]

I've got a Bayswater that I bought in 2010. In reality, I think I was swept away with being able to afford one (I'd just got a bonus) but I've never really been happy with it. It's quite heavy, even without anything in it, the leather marked as soon as it rained, even though I'd waterproofed it first, and like Don'tdrinkdon'tsmoke the piping on the corners on mine have really worn.

That said, in a lot of ways it's really robust, and I don't mind slinging it in the car or under my seat at the footie. I wouldn't buy another one however.

My faves at the moment are Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade. However, someone (whose name escapes me at the moment) mentioned DeMellier bags on another thread. Oh my days, lovely stuff on their website and good pricing, although I will head up to their store in London to have a look at quality, weight etc.

If you love the Mulberry and can afford it then get it, but there are better brands out there IMO.

[amusedbush]

MinesaPinot

Ooh, those DeMellier bags are gorgeous! I really like those.

[LaurieFairyCake]

I was just about to say the De Mellier ones ! Someone linked to those the other day and I spent a very happy half hour browsing.

I'm definitely buying one the next time I need a bag. I love the navy tote with the discreet chevrons on it.

[MinesaPinot]

Aren't they lovely? I was very taken with the Berlin in red (I'd love a red bag).

DH has been shown the website, and he suggested a trip to the shop.....watch this space!

[Allthebestnamesareused]

Get the Mulberry - you won't regret it!