Need a handbag, have up to about £400 to splurge, any ideas?

[msrisotto]

I've saved for ages and my bags are all cheap and falling apart. I'd love most of the bags from Mulberry but they're out of my price range. Any ideas? Just a decent sized handbag, I like strong colours but I'm not too fussed. Not for work, just for shopping, the odd restaurant, day out etc.

Where are you in country? Might be worth a trip to a mulberry outlet as you might just get one with £400 if you really would like one! Or hang on til the summer sales in Selfridges or net a porter etc and you will get something substantial for £400. What style were you after?

Another thought if you like strong colours, do you like the Paul smith coloured swirl print? I have a few and love them as can go with anything and the leather bags are excellent quality and around your budget?
m.houseoffraser.co.uk/mt/www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Handbags/193,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Paul%20Smith%20London&sz=12

I have been to the Mulberry shop in Bicester before but they were still too pricey. I love the entire Bayswater range but I prefer the larger size bags. Maybe I should look at the smaller ones though...
Thanks for suggesting Paul Smith but the swirl is a bit pastely for my taste actually.

Is there a brand that is a bit cheaper than Mulberry etc but still leather?

I'm in North London by the way.

DD got a Bayswater from the Shepton Mallet shop for just over £500 - might be worth beans on toast for a month?

Personally I really like anya hindmarch bags beautiful leather and they have a shop at Bicester and in sale would squeeze in about £400. Have a look on net a porter bags section for inspiration to give you an idea of whats around your budget. If you REALLY want a mulberry I would keep saving and wait for the summer sales as there current season stock has some very bright colours which will no doubt end up with about 30% off and if you are spending £400 I would spend an extra £100 to get the thing you really want or you will lust after it forever and whatever you buy will never quite match up!

I like Peony & Moore, this one gilly in red is a lovely if you want a bright colour....

www.carmenwoods.com/

These any good? She's lovely and friendly.

I keep recommending Liebeskind Berlin bags cause they are fab.

They cost about ?250ish and are so well made. The leather is soft and buttery, great designs and colours.

You can order them online, sometimes have to search a bit for them though.

madammecholet - I like the Mariella.
And you guys shouldn't have told me about the Net A Porter website!!! Lethal.

Dilemma, save more for a Bayswater in sale? Can I really justify spending £500+ on a handbag?

OooOooh

MmeLindor, I like the Hazel but how do you see how much it is? Do you have to find a shop because you can't seem to buy online?

I love Peony & Moore Mariella but I want it in tan! I love Mulberry's Evelina in tan too but I can't pay £800...I'll be watching this thread with interest, I can pay around £400 too but I can find nothing like these two bags for that money. And I don't want obvious branding, or anything too blinging.

I have exactly the same dilemma - actually think there is a gap in the market around this price point!
I looked at Marc by Marc Jacobs and see by Chloe but decided I didn't like their leather
Love mulberry :-(

Have you looked at second hand bags on EBay?

I think [http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Coccinelle+Bags+Luggage+Handbags/BRAND_COCCINELLE_193,default,sc.html Coccinelle] is worth a look. Also Furla. Lovely quality Italian bags and the right price bracket. I have several Furla bags which have lasted for years.

Coccinelle link!

LK Bennett spring reductions!

Buy one for £20 and put the rest towards something less pointless?

Try Furla, I have a lovely purple bag from there. They tend to be around your budget IIRC

Bit unnecessary picncbasketcase - the OP has saved her money and is entitled to spend it on whatever she likes. She wasn't seeking your approval. I suppose you carry your possessions in a brown paper bag?

Personally i love radley bags, and i would be spending the full 400 pounds but maybe on two, or one with a matching purse (fantasises)

Whatever you decide i hope you get just what you are wanting for cos you deserve it!

I got a Bayswater on ebay around three year ago at just under 400 pound. I recognised the sellers name as being on the purse forum.

I would consider looking at ebay and asking on there for it to be authenticated.

Also as I remember it the outlets in the past have had an extra ten percent off on bank holidays...
There is also a site online selling preloved bags where you would find something around your budget...I will have a look to see if I can find it

Here it is www.lovehandbags.co.uk/designers/mulberry/all/

I agree with crazy accountant. It is worth saving up for the bag you really want. I am saving up for an Alexa and put a little each month in my handbag fund. I have mistakes buying other bags thinking that they will do instead, but still have not been able to get the Alexa out of my head.

Make a plan to go for the one that you that you love, you have saved quite alot already.

Also as ladies above have said , the non-seasonal colours, are likely to be reduced by 30% in the June sale.