Handbags... luxury ones....

[alfabetty]

I have decided I am going to treat myself to a 'good' handbag. Having never spent over a few hundred pounds on a bag, I am bit in the dark as to what a 'luxury' handbag should be about.

Am prepared to spend whatever it takes....

A quick mooch online made me think I like Lanvin - soft leather, slouchy, not too big, not too structured. Defintely no big buckles and pockets.

Not keen on Mulberry-style. Had considered a Chanel bag. But is that too conservative? And what colour? I spend a lot of time abroad so the classic black Chanel might not be so wearable in more summery weather.

But I'm definitely going for classic, I don't want the latest 'it' bag that is dated in a few months. And I dress in quite a classic way - think Sam Cam rather than Sam Fox.

Grateful for any guidance

Personally, I'd go for a classic Chanel 2.55, it needn't be in black, navy or camel/beige* are excellent colours if you're abroad a lot.

*lovely bag although a little big!

Otherwise, I'd opt for either a Celine (anything, they're all lovely) or this YSL one which comes in many colours

I disagree with those who say that some Prada/Miu Miu bags date, they now do a few styles that are repeated every season and are incredibly classic.

I'm also contemplating a major handbag purchase and keep coming back to Chanel too, although I think I want a tote rather than a shoulder bag.

Good luck :)

PS. If you do go for Chanel, stick with the classic "CC" lock, the other style is a bit cheap looking.

Also check out Tanner Krolle. Amazing bags and awesome quality - I have a few . I think they have a shop in the Royal Exchange and a few concessions - Liberty and Harrods maybe and Selfridges too perhaps?

Website is also good.

Chanel is an absolute classic beauty but not an everyday bag. Too scared to get scratches on mine.

Anya Hindmarch also does beautiful bags. She has an outlet shop at Bicester. May be you could get both!