If you were an 18 year old girl, what brand of bag would you go for?

[vigglewiggle]

my lovely niece is turning 18 and I would like to buy her a nice bag. I'm a bit out of touch with what is 'in' for the 18 year old crowd. I don't mind spending a bit on her as she is my niece and is a cracking lass!

She's sporty, but also girly - not sure that that helps!

I just saw that you included the word "new" Doh!

Shit I should read threads before posting. Well if it helps strengthen what everyone else has said...

springforward I like Radley, but so does my mum (66) and that worries me!

Paul's boutique

something from Urban Outfitters. Totes trendy.

trixy we ruled them out a while ago. Some nice Urban Outfitters ones, I see the satchel featuring strongly again!

RLBG, do not show DD1 (14) that Carks satchel. She'd love it. Has a cheep plastic version.

However this doesn't help the OP because DD1's criteria would be can I get a large paperback in it and does the material feel nice. Not is it trendy.

OOH OP- you can get Longchamps with designs on!

I honestly don't know any 18 year old girls (or, indeed, 16, 17 or 19 year old girls) who would want Longchamp or Radley. Topshop or Urban Outfitters way cooler.

Just wandered on to say 2 things 1) ask her, teens don't appreciate surprise and it would be a shame to spend so much money and get it wrong and 2) do not buy her a radley bag, for the love of God

DD1 bought herself a whopping big B Makowsky bag when she had a few paycheques under her belt.

Oh yes, I agree with you Snakeonaplane don't buy anything without consulting first. I stopped doing that with DD1 when she was 13; so many withering looks shooting in my direction when we ventured out shopping I got the hint.

And Noooooo to the Radley bags.

The pliage we bought was the nylon-y one with leather handles. In orange, I think.

DD2 (16) was given a lovely green across the body style Fossil bag in a sensible size by her godmother and she loves it. DD1's current bag is a Dooney & Burke she bought on eBay.

vigglewiggle I live nr cambridge, spend quite a bit of time there, and can confirm that many girls wear the jack wills/longchamp combination.

How about Massimo Dutti, posh big sister to Zara - has some gorgeous bag in atm ..

the lepliage bags last forever, btw - but don't go for one that's too light because they are quite hard to clean

I find when in doubt, ask the mum. We bought a fab Paul's Boutique bag for our niece but she is 11.

Madamme - they are lovely! But I am swayed by the Cambridge / Jack Wills connection!

Longchamp fans - am I looking at a large or small shopper or a handbag?

I hear those who are saying ask her or her mum, but they have form for not being very helpful. I will provide a receipt so she can change it if she wants to.

if i'm not too late....
try scaramanga

if she's into the vintage/distressed satchel type?

I have their small wide leather satchel. Its beautiful.

the big one with the long shoulder straps. Is she at college/school?

She's doing her A levels and then planning a year out!

Go for the ones with the long handles. I have a medium with the short handles and it's not as easy to carry and the small bag with the long handles. You could also get her the mini coin purse.

They do some nice ones with illusytrations designs too but think they may be a little more expensive.

Harajuku Lovers