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Which high end work bag?

101 replies

labradorsandgin · 13/08/2021 21:52

Hi! Now am returning to the office I would love to treat myself to my first more luxury work bag, having previously only ever bought Monsoon ones etc.

I'm not likely to switch it up much so want something that works with most outfits and that's quite quite classic. Budget of up to maybe £700 or so, but very happy to spend less!

Have always liked the mulberry Alexa and Bayswater- the Alexa was on sale in the colour I wanted on JL and with a voucher I have it took it within budget- but I didn't bite the bullet as not sure if it's practical enough, and also if mulberry is just a bit show offy somehow?

Have also seen the Emily bag by Cambridge satchel company and the loxley and Windsor bags by fairfax and favor, but none seem perfect somehow!

Any other suggestions?

OP posts:
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Dontfuckingsaycheese · 13/08/2021 22:02

I've just bought this one £8.99 on Ebay - it's gorgeous Wink

Which high end work bag?
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thirstyformore · 13/08/2021 22:02

@Dontfuckingsaycheese Grin

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thirstyformore · 13/08/2021 22:04

Following as I would love a really classy work bag which is big enough to hold a laptop but haven't found one yet...similar budget to OP

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gracelessladyhottramp · 13/08/2021 22:05

I just googled the Emily bag after reading your post and oh my goodness op it's gorgeous. Like you I've never had a proper work bag and sometimes wonder what if get and like you, I wondered about Mulberry (but don't love it) ... I know have my answer. If I ever get an expensive work bag it will be the Cambridge satchel Emily bag in bay Celtic grain. Thank you op!!

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labradorsandgin · 13/08/2021 22:10

@Dontfuckingsaycheese kind of love the owls Grin

OP posts:
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labradorsandgin · 13/08/2021 22:11

@gracelessladyhottramp Yes the Emily is the one I keep on coming bag to, and does like quite practical. Not 100% though!

OP posts:
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PenguinLove1 · 13/08/2021 22:52

I use a Mulberry Bayswater Tote and i love it

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teaandcake22 · 14/08/2021 08:51

I'm also looking for a 'posh' work bag. I've got a Mulberry Iris the larger one and I also feel it's a bit flashy and probably a little too small for me. I commute so do have lunch etc too.

I do also like the brand Furla, they are a little cheaper.

Ive saved some birthday money, so wanted to treat myself with something special. But struggling to find the perfect bag!

Following...

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labradorsandgin · 14/08/2021 10:24

@teaandcake22 I know what you mean about mulberry feeling a bit flashy. I'll have a look at furla, thank you.

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MargosKaftan · 14/08/2021 10:49

I really like the Mulberry Bayswater Tote, which is in your budget but not as "I am carrying a fancy bag!!!" as some others. Its quite plain.

I just can't justify it now. Coach bags are lovely and there are some nice plain ones with nice leather you could fit all your work crap in, they are a lot cheaper.

I also like the Michael Kors raven bag, but I know lots on here are very judgemental about Michael Kors being common. (I am quite common though and the bags do seem to last looking good for a long time).

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LadyWithLapdog · 14/08/2021 11:05

Michael Kors has a few models which are non-leather (though not vegan). I’m looking for nice non-leather bags at the moment.

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Loubiemoo · 14/08/2021 11:10

Someone posted a Smythson bag the other day that was lovely.

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UnicornMadeOfPinkGlitter · 14/08/2021 11:47

I use a mulberry tote daily and it’s really practical. Can even fit my laptop in it. However it’s not got a zip so have to keep an eye on the weather.
Coach have some lovely bags and are reasonably priced the shay or willow range is very versatile. Or Kate spade? Nice weather and a good brand that lasts and is classic.

Also John Lewis own brand range of real
Leather bags are good quality and some nice designs.

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Squills · 17/08/2021 13:10

I have a black Mulberry Bayswater the old style one which I believe are now in the Heritage range. I've had it for years and it looks better and better the older it gets. The leather is fabulous - thick and supple. I don't baby it other than putting some handbag gel on it from time to time. It is a very practical bag and has an understated style which I love.

If you look on the Mulberry website they have pre-loved bags for sale
www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/pre-loved-womens

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KaleJuicer · 17/08/2021 13:15

I have a Smythson lap top bag which I love - depends what you need to lug around. I’m a lawyer so always need notebook, lap top, pens and paper. Smythson have a good sale on now if you’d like something more “handbaggy”. I also have a 15 year old big Louis Vuitton epi leather which was my first “proper” hand bag. It sits in its dust bag as it does rather scream LOOK AT ME and even though it’s huge I can only fit my lap top in vertically so it looks a bit stupid.

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CuckooCuckooClock · 17/08/2021 13:17

There was a bag thread recently with some lovely work bags linked to. All out of my budget but I have been dreaming ever since …

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/4322142-What-do-you-think-of-this-bag

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chocolatesaltyballs22 · 17/08/2021 13:18

Ooh I love a bag thread! This is my work bag for the occasions when I go in the office.

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/graceful-pm-damier-ebene-nvprod630094v

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Larach · 17/08/2021 13:26

Worth looking at Meli Melo, Strathberry and Mimi Berry.

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PizzaBreath · 17/08/2021 13:37

I have the Bayswater for work, can fit everything and kitchen sink in it, it’s fab!! Have the Alexa for casual, depends how much you need to fit in it I think, can’t get my laptop in mine.

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MrsKDB · 17/08/2021 13:44

I’d get the LV neverfull. Perfect for travelling too. Although they’ve all been out of stock for ages on the website, not sure what’s going on.

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Paulinna · 17/08/2021 13:50

Mulberry is dated. It went the same way as Burberry and LV - chavs started wearing it so it went out of fashion. The people who used to buy it are buying brands like Strathberry and Anya Hindmarch now.

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MayorGundersonsDogRufus · 17/08/2021 13:56

I've been eying up this Kate Spade one (big enough for my laptop!) but I've just been reading about how it's not a very ethical brand:

https://www.katespade.co.uk/en-gb/handbags/all-day-large-zip-top-tote/PXR00387.html?dwcolor=CHALK-PINK#gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy6Cd9o2s8gIVlu7tCh0ViQuTEAAYASAAEgJWyDD_BwE&start=1&page=1

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MayContainNits · 17/08/2021 14:06

@LadyWithLapdog

Michael Kors has a few models which are non-leather (though not vegan). I’m looking for nice non-leather bags at the moment.

I was looking for the same type of thing and bought a BEAUTIFUL Elvis & Kresse tote last month, made from recycled firehoses. I can get a laptop, file pad, purse, water bottle, newspaper, etc etc in there and still zip it up.
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MargosKaftan · 17/08/2021 14:52

I do understand why posters recommend their favourite brands - but really, when the OP has said her budget is up to £700, why all the recommendations for brands who's totes are all over £1k? If you can't make an alternative suggestion that's at least close to budget, don't post ideas.

People only seem to do this on bag threads. The rest of S&B are able to make suggestions in budget or leave the thread.

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MrsKDB · 17/08/2021 16:21

@MargosKaftan

I do understand why posters recommend their favourite brands - but really, when the OP has said her budget is up to £700, why all the recommendations for brands who's totes are all over £1k? If you can't make an alternative suggestion that's at least close to budget, don't post ideas.

People only seem to do this on bag threads. The rest of S&B are able to make suggestions in budget or leave the thread.


Usually easy enough to find them in the second hand bag market if the style appeals
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