To buy a Mulberry bag?

[catlover1987]

So I was recently promoted at work and got a pretty decent (5k) rise. The backdated pay for 2 months plus my Christmas bonus means I will be able to afford my much coveted mulberry bag.

I'm not normally in to labels and don't own anything designer but I love these beautiful bags and have wanted one my whole adult life. BUT I just don't know if I can part with the best part of £1000. Would you? (We have some savings already, no debt and my DH is fine with it.)

Their quality is nowhere near as good as it once was, nor is the resale value.

201newme Well the channel flap bag has been out since the 50s and it is still as desirable and as popular now. Hermes Birkin bags don't really lose their value so I'd say they are investment bags and if I'm ever lucky enough to own one of those (in my dreams) they will still be as relevant after 2 years.

Definately buy yourself a designer handbag. There is a few I have my eye on ( non-Mulberry). If you can hold off until the January sales you might save a bit on the bag you want.

The Chanel bag and Hermes Kelly are on my wish list. And they increase in price every year and so if you sell second hand, you can get more than what you paid for it. However, not all designer bags hold their value and aren't good investments.

Colby, an extra £200 will not afford the OP a Chanel or Hermes. I bought my Chanel bag in 2009 for £1400 (tax free, airport) and it is now sold for £3500. They are a lot more expensive than Mulberry, and Hermes even more so.

Buy the bag OP. My Chanel bag was my most extravagant purchase, I was 20 years old and slogged my arse off doing overtime to afford it. It's a classic, they retain current value and it's my pride and joy. I'm sure you'll feel the same about your bag.

god, I'd LOVE a hermes birkin. A colleague's husband bought her one; they went to Paris to choose all the colours etc and then she had to wait for it to be made. It wasn't quite like her baby, but maybe like her puppy!

t's a classic, they retain current value and it's my pride and joy. I'm sure you'll feel the same about your bag.

Really? Why would anyone pay £1,000s for a second hand bag?

If you can afford it, buy it. Never got the 'bag thing' myself.

I wouldn't. Mulberry's prices have soared and their quality has dipped. There are far better bags you can get for your dosh at that price point.

Mulberry are not as well made as they used to be. I gave mine away. If you only buy one bag that cost that much buy something that will keep for longer.
I don't know where you live but a trip to Bicester would be helpful.
For £1000 you'd find better ones.

Mary I wouldn't but many do. You can also buy them worn and damaged which Chanel will repair. They can basically refurbish the entire bag.

Here's the sold listings on eBay. All sold for more than originally bought for. www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=chanel%20jumbo%20bag&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

I must be a weakling as I found the Bayswater too heavy so went for a Tessie tote instead.

Buy it. But it. They might even be doing the jingle bell wrapping again. That was lovely!

Great suggestions on which bag to buy and also using Black Friday to get a bargain.

Another possibility is seeing if there is anything on eBay or advertising in Wanted if you have a company intranet. You may get one of the earlier better quality ones for less! Caveat with eBay, see it before investing the money!!!

DO IT! You've earned it, it's something you've been longing for for so long, and now you can have it! you'll feel a little giddy every time you pick it up, I don't think that feeling ever wears off

Congratulations on your promotion. I have five Mulberrys and adore them.

There is an alternative to spending that much though. There are a few Facebook groups for selling pre loved Mulberrys. Often they are practically brand new and you can get real bargains.

In my opinion they are not as well made as they used to be and I don't like the new Bayswater. You get your best value for money in the 'pre loved' market.

I have had two one I sold on eBay when I was desperate for money the other is packed away for when I desperately need money again. Both bags have surprisingly dated I didn't think they would but nice bags

They have some lovely bags (some of them) my favourite bags that I have are from francesco biasia some of their bags are too glitzy for my liking but I have two about 12 years old and still look good

I have a lovely satchel that I bought in Covent Garden about 25 years ago (I don't know if anyone remembers the guy who had a tiny little shop making leather bags) it'still looks good I chose the buckles so it is my bag like no other bag I have

Are they worth the money I don't think so as they are not individual and so many fakes around (and good fakes) but saying that if you think it's worth it then it is to you

swooosh I'm amazed people paid those prices for second hand bags they presumably hadn't even seen. Suckers.

I would get a bag but not a mulberry for the quality reasons mentioned. Spend a bit more and get a LV in epi leather, that will last at least 10 years. But if you want a mulberry really badly then go for it!

The thing is, quality aside (and it still will be good quality), this is the bag the OP loves, so it's the one that is going to bring her joy and that warm feeling. If she's looked at it, felt it, inspected it and is happy with it on the day, then that is the bag she should have. These things are emotional not rational, and another bag that is a more sensible choice, from whatever perspective one makes that judgement, is going to be a waste because it won't be the bag she loves and has wanted for so long.

Well then surely she should just buy it? I never understand why people look for the blessing of the MN hive mind for this kind of thing.

Because for a lot of people there's a fair bit of guilt or at least self doubt attached to these things. Particularly where one is not used to spending this amount on a) one's self and b) a 'frippery'.

Oh and also my comment regarding 'sensible' choices was specifically in context of handbags - just pointing out that another bag might make more sense from an 'investment' perspective, or from a quality viewpoint, but what one is spending the £1000 on is the way the bag makes you feel, not actually the bag itself.

Do it as long as it's not going to cripple you. A friend of mine has a ritual whenever she gets a big promotion - she spends the first month's difference in pay on a treat for herself.

Do it, I love Mulberry. I'm planning to buy one at the Heathrow store next year during a layover.

Def get the bag