Mulberry - again sorry.

[mrsrhodgilbert]

Looking to get a Bayswater in oak. Cannot decide between the plain leather or the printed/mock croc. As its quite large (for me) I would like it to be quite squashy and I'm not sure the printed leather would squish much. Does anyone have any user knowledge please?

The printed leather doesn't squish as much as the plain, but it is beautiful! I bought the plain leather in chocolate about 2 1/2 years ago and it's squashy and saggy and looks lovely and lived in (I appreciate I'm making it sound tatty, it's not but I think grainy leather looks lovely when not pristine). My sister has the printed leather and it has held its shape more than mine, though is also aging beautifully.

I want an East/West Bayswater in printed leather at the moment, but they don't do them anymore. Much to my disappointment!

Thank you, that's what I thought. I'm going to have to get myself to a big store where they might have both to compare. I got an East/West Bayswater in printed chocolate leather in the spring, but it came from the York outlet and was made for the outlet stores. It has no studs on the bottom, but with 1/3 off I'm not complaining. It still looks perfect but i.e. has not gone squishy which for a smaller bag is fine. Have you tried the outlets, I've seen them there several times? It's a great size.

Yes, I went to the outlet at Shepton Mallett yesterday and was disappointed. I guess it's not meant to be!

I have both bays. My oak is printed and doesnt need as much babying as the non printed oak. Is very sturdy and holds its shape. I have one in spongey leather and its quite squishy but lighter to carry.

Been to lurk in the Mulberry section of local store again and they brought me a printed version out to look at. I now know I will go for the plain leather, although both are lovely. The assistant did say they have a new price list which they will be applying, but she wouldn't say when. Not sure if that was a sales trick or genuine.

I have heard that the oak takes some looking after - in what respect please? I was also shocked to see that Russell and Bromley had an almost exact copy of the Bayswater in their window for just under £300. It was very nice but the nerve!

The oak will massively show water marks. It has to be sprayed ALOT and be careful in the rain.

I have a red Bayswater. I love it. DH gave it to me for christmas 8 years ago as a...ahem....alternative to a nappy bag :o. He got it from the Bicester Outlet for £350.

In those 8 years, I have never polished or protected it. Just let it age gracefully. It looks as gorgeous now as it did when I received it.

Go for it :) You won't regret it.

I sprayed my oak with collonil once. I take it out in all weathers and it's not stained at all, but then I am v much of the belief that it's a bag that looks better the more used it looks