Slightly Different Handbag thread....

[LaDolceRyvita]

Have Mulberry bag, bought as a "surprise" last year from lovely DH. It's huge, soft, lovely leather but, my nearest and dearest tease me that I look like I'm going on my paper round whenever I use it! Not sure if it's actually a lap top/messenger bag and, as I say, I love it but it's just TOO BIG. Everything I put into it disappears to the bottom. It has no "sides" in it and so, unless it's full, it slithers to the floor.

What can I do with it? Any ideas? I'd like a big chunk of it lopping off to shorten it and some kind of stiffener put under the lining. Can this be done, do you think.

It's a terrific waste not to use it and my DH, bless him, wonders why I hardly use it!

Do you know the name of the bag?

Check out the bag on the mulberry website and post back. Hard to help without knowing the size and shape.

If it's not the right size for you, don't go making alterations to it. Mulberry sells very well on Ebay and you'd be better off giving it a new home and getting something else that suits your needs better.

I'm a 'big bag' fan but I keep smaller items in clear mesh cases (eg make up in one, pens and pencils in another, gadgets in another). Also makes it easier to swap bags from day to day.

How about putting a base in it - ie finding some stiff board you can cover with fabric and placing it in the bottom to create your own base? I've seen a friend do something similar with a bag and it really worked well - she now loves it.

Or sell it. and buy one you like.

I too love huge bags but find it a pain "looking" for things so I have a Cath Kidston "pouch" that I keep the essentials in.

Also could you find a good shoe mender who could stitch the lining together for you, say half way dow, so that you shorten the depth of the bag?

Ladies....we're on the same wavelength!!

Have tried a local traditional cobbler (and tried Timpsons) who said no, it wasn't what they do. Also, a bag shop that does bag mending but again, she said it's a major renovation and she knows how expensive they are!!

I would like to keep the bag. My husband bought it when we were window shopping. I thought it beautiful. He went back 3 days later and bought the bag. The wrong bag. And so, it started. I didn't want to say....."you bought the wrong bag" as frankly, I was flabbergasted at his generosity. I like bags and have parted with large amounts of cash for them but NEVER that much!!!

I never thought of putting a kind of base in it. Also, an organiser type of thing. May go that way. But, ultimately would like it "halving".

Oh, tried a saddlery too.....It was a NO.

Try the base, it worked really really well for my friend and made the bag the size she always wanted.

Can you post a link of it OP? I could suggest all manner of crap you could fill it with . Lucky you for having such a generous DH. Am

Yes, he is the most wonderful man.

That aside, I don't know how to upload a photo. But, many thanks for the ideas. Will let you know how I get on!

I know if I put my mind to it, I could fill, brim full with stuff I don't really need to haul around with me!! It's a genetic predisposition I think, that men, with their little "man bags" will never understand.

Just googled it, is it the Hobo? It's gorgeous! I think it would look better the less you put in it tbh. Enjoy swanning around with it, I would

No, not the Hobo.....more like the Balthezar but, spineless.

Just updating.

Very very happy.....took the bag to a saddlery. The gentleman there (quite elderly and a real craftsman) said "no problem", take 6" off the end and it's done.

Looks great. Practical and my very own bespoke Mulberry bag.

Delighted.

you hacked a mulberry? omg i couldnt do it, mine is coming with me to the grave!

Mine too, now!

It sounds like a crime against humanity, doesn't it? But, before I had a massive square leather shopping bag.....like something you'd put your spuds in at Sainsbury's. When I tell you, it just looked ridiculous, I'm telling the truth. This was NOT a handbag and is now.....a beautiful, slouchy bucket bag. It is usable, still has all it's Mulberry disc and whatnot and is the softest most beautiful leather. I'm delighted because before, it was mostly in the back of the car, as a back-up shopper.

Does your Dh 1. realise you hacked it up? (mulberry or not, if you can now use it, good job :) ) and 2. mind?

Actually, he was pleased. He said, it looks lovely and "I had noticed you never used it and wondered if I'd got the wrong one!". Bless.

It will now be in full time use.