Final Votes, please - Modalu large Pippa versus P and M Milly. Need to resolve my dithering!

[polyhymnia]

I'm sure people are fed up of my indecision by now but I really do want to decide on a 'work' bag - preferably in time for a presentation I have to give next week.

So please help. Votes for:

• www.modalu.com/shop/pippa-480.html

Would get in oak or black croc. Ordinary shoulder strap. Weight:1.2kg. OrPrice: £195.60.

or:

www.peonyandmoore.com/product_info.php?cPath=0_12&products_id=145
Would get in oak probably - but possibly black (another dither). Strap supposed to fit easily on shoulder. Weight: 0.75 kg. price: £265.

Love the modalu oak, and it's cheaper.

I love the Modalu Pippa but wouldn't work for me because of the lack of long strap. If that's not an issue for you I would go for that one.

I am still not convinced by the P and M Milly but the long strap is a bonus.

The Pippa does have a long shoulder strap you can attach, but I don't think it's specially designed to sit on the shoulder, like the Milly. Very important factor for me, as I commute by tube! But the price difference is significant ...

Is this the pippa? Confused as it doesn't come in oak and it's not a shoulder bag.

Yes, sorry, the oak colour is described there as brown.

On shoulder strap, had assumed it did have a detachable long strap as I have the smaller version, and that does. But perhaps I'm wrong to assume - I need to double-check! Thanks.

I like the brown croc pippa, but there are no d-rings in sight at the sides to attach a long strap. Don't think it would look at its best worn with a long strap either, sorry.

Milly one is much nicer.

Have just double-checked on site myself and reckon you're right - well spotted and many thanks again.

So the large Pippa is like a more feminine version of a briefcase. Guess then I need to go into John Lewis if they have one and check how well the handles sit on my shoulder, for those times when I need my hands free.

Meanwhile, further views on two designs welcomed.

The Pippa in Oak gets my vote, if you can live without the long strap.

I like the modalu in brown, it looks more classy and more expensive than the p&m, and it also looks more of a work bag imo.

Black Milly as a work horse bag that won't look scruffy with lots of use. -

Bump for any lunchtime votes!

Def black Milly as the Modalu pippa is everywhere now...plus I prefer milly shape tbh.

tbh, why not order both and see which fits you best, I think sometimes you need to feel and touch a bag to decide?

Yes, that's a good idea. Will try to fit in the direct encounter with the Pippa in John Lewis if I can (nose to grindstone on presentation at moment!), but, if not, I think both companies are good on returns.

PS madame, as a P and M conoisseur, would you go tan or black on the Milly (my Lucia is choc if it makes a difference)??

If you have a brown bag already, i'd definitely go black in that case, it looks more professional imo. Plus will go with anything your wearing...

Thanks for your patience, Madame - I've probably been round this loop before! Just don't want to make a mistake specially as, though both brands more reasonable than say Mulberry, £200 is still a lot of money!

pippa in oak you can get it on Very.com..dont know how to link sorry! but i'm biased!!!

I completely agree though, I think you have to make sure the bag is right for you at that price as its not cheap polyhymnia! I think dottie had a good plan to order or see both irl to make a decision.

I would also suggest writing down your wardrobe essentials, ie colour of jackets/trousers/shoes etc, and also a list of where you would need the bag to take you. Then look at both bags again with the lists infront of you.

I do think sometimes the bag that you hanker after most is the one to pick, as you'll always make it work for you. I've bought some bonkers bags in the past, totally impractical, but as I loved them I made them work for me...

madame, know just what you mean. But won't really know till I touch them both, I think.

clarabumps, sorry if I've asked this before but do I presume you don't find the bigger Pippa heavy to cart around? And can you get the handle over your shoulder OK?

It's not heavy to cart around. I have loads in it!normally nappies, wipes, make up perfume phone Ben 10 toys diary and it's an ok weight. Not heavy. The strap goes over fine and it's comfy. With any bag if you were to wear the strap all day with a laden bag it would start to dig in but for walking for 20 mins or so it's fine. Hth- I do love the other one too but it was just out of my price range.

Pippa in oak, is better imo.

I love my large Pippa. Long handle just attaches to the large metal hoops for th short handles. No problems there. Tons of space inside. I carry shedloads of papers, kindle, make up, filofax. I got mine before the 'It' bag status and have treated it with sod all respect (might be nicer to a new one, but can't justify 2 in 1 year....). It still looks great.

polyhymnia - if you're in London pop down to John Lewis on Oxford Street. They had the large Pippa in Oak and Black Croc yesterday and they both looked lovely in the flesh. The straps fit over my shoulder when I had a blazer on when I looked at them last week. They're also a lot lighter than something like a Bayswater and I figure won't be that heavy to lug around when packed with crap essentials.

It's definitely on my Christmas list in oak.