Handbags - where to buy? what to go for?

[Hulababy]

DH has suggested maybe buying me a decent handbag for Christmas. I have never owned one at all, other than 3 or 4 cheap ones for nights out or a ball. But a few times this year I have needed one.

I want something decent, modern and fashionable but not going to date too quick, something I can dress up and down ideally, and something I can use with many outfits. Got to be big enough to fit in:

• wallet/purse
• spare contact lenses
• mobile phone
• lipstick and compact

But not much more really.

Any ideas, especially of places to look online to give Dh some ideas. Although he will probably make final choice when he has seen a few I like.

Ta

this should work

I have just bought the most gorgeous orla kiely bag, bright red leather. love it. am trying not to look guilty anywhere near dp...

hmm must go well woth your pink boots ;)

absolutely!

Do you mean the Chhloe ones Coddy. Have to say not my taste either

shudder

You've got to be bloody mental to fork out even 50p for that green monster!!!

just ask him for an Hermes Kelly as it will never date and always will be fab!! in a classic colour though. You will be best dressed woman of Sheffiled.

My SIL got not one but two for her last birthday from my brother!!!!

the yella one is dross to

the marc jacobs ones are lovely though

yes hoxtonchick when i win the lottery it will marc jacobs aplenty in our house, oh yes!

Just go on that website and search 'bags' - bloody hell. Are they taking the p*???

I think they sit there laughing their socks off while they have a competition for who can come up with the most vomit-worthy bag that complete eegits will fork out a fortune for!!

What about the ones that look like pasties for £630?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?

DERRANGED!!!!

i'm glad i've found someone who would like my orla kiely one sq

surely they are de rigueur round by you, hc? will be treating myself sometime soon (i hope)

ahhh, but we live in deepest hackney now.... though i did buy it in stoke newington.

sorry for the thread hijack

Last year I got an absolutely lovely bag that was the most expensive I've ever had - by far. It is great when I'm living my suburban life, and don't go on public transport or get into crowds. It is completely unusable here in London though unless I want my wallet nicked as it is open at the top. My advice? Get something that can close securely with a zip, buckles, flap, etc.

As an aside, anyone else aware of the great unspoken handbag competition? The mums at dd's school are always surreptiously checking out each others accessories....handbags, watches, etc. Another one of the pleasures of the school gate - but that's another thread........

Just looked at the Longchamps website and they have some nice tote bag style.

Earlybird - I'm not at the 'school gate stage' yet - do I have to dress up?!?

what type of school, earlybird?

Nursery school! It is amazing to see most of the mums with perfect makeup, hair, clothes and accessories at that time of the morning! The only acceptable excuse for not being fully "put together" is if you're off to the gym. And then there's me....who lumbers in.......I don't mind though. But, it certainly is interesting to see how much it matters to others!

Hula - I've got Longchamps luggage, and LOVE it! I would think their totes are good too.

Is it worth checking to see if Mulberry has a website? They used to always have good quality bags that weren't ludicrously expensive. But, I haven't looked in a while, must admit.

Cab't find a website selling them yet though, so still no idea on price.