Tell me, do I need a Mulberry Bayswater?

[breaktime]

I have been hunting for the perfect work bag. Must hold an ipad, notebook, headphones, wallet, snacks, etc. Take laptop home at weekends (13in but heavy). I currently have a cheap Kipling cross-body bag (A4 size) which is looking tatty and grim, and a Uniqlo soft briefcase. Kipling not really rigid enough for an Ipad anyway.

Colleague tells me that Bayswater is best as it is tough, holds loads, keeps its shape, can get rid of having two bags, lasts forever. But doesn't have any pockets (I'm addicted to the pockets on my Kipling) and not cross body (although i think I wouldn't want to take laptop in a cross-body bag, too heavy). The lighter bags tend to collapse if you stuff too much in them - something I've found with my Kipling. But I've got used to how light it is. I don't want a briefcase (too ugly). I think my ideal would be a Proenza Schouler satchel but I'm being realistic...Those Knomo bags look a bit too heavy really. I think what I like about the Bayswater is the streamlined look of it.

Do I resign myself to buying a small handbag and then a Bayswater as well? Or can I get by with just a Bayswater for work? Is there anything else I should consider before I fork out £700? Do they ever go on sale (I would want either black or oak)? Is there something like a Bayswater but with more pockets (and not too heavy).

And for those who want to exclaim about the extravagance of spending so much on a bag, my DH has got there before you so no need really :)

A bayswater is a good sturdy bag which will carry a laptop without breaking. I would not personally choose to lug a laptop around in one though, it would be just too heavy for me. In the summer the leather strap will seriously rub your bare arm if the bag is fully loaded. Also oak is not a great everday colour if you want to keep your bag looking good (oak NVT leather marks in the rain and is liable to staining quite easily-one spill and you are fucked).

You are unlikely to score a black or oak bays at an outlet. Yes , they sometimes have them in but they are usually snapped up instantly, the resellers who visit the outlets everyday will make sure of this! You could be waiting a long time to buy one this way. You could buy an outlet special edition in congo leather (often with no feet or cloche) but the snob in me says don't waste your money on an outlet special. If you are going to pay 70% of the retail price you might as well pay the full whack to get the real deal. Mulberry also now exclude themselves from all discount days in department stores too so you will no longer find them in House of Fraser 20% off days. Oak and black do not go into the seasonal sales either. A cheaper way of getting a Mulberry bag would be to buy from a reputable Mulberry ebay seller like 'Auctionista_2' or Naughtipidgin. Be careful with random private sellers though as there are lots of fakes out there.

All in all though, even if you buy a new oak or black bays at full RRP, it should hold its price provided you look after it. It is a good investment buy as designer bags go.

I have got a bayswater in chocolate brown and use it for work. It is heavy, I agree, and I can only carry it on my arm or in my hand. Its fine for an A4 notebook, ipad and papers etc and other rubbish necessities, but it is a squeeze to get a laptop in it and it is then really heavy and awkward.

I have also got this which is fantastic. It is much nicer than it looks in the photo. I have it in purple and strangers on the train or that I meet are always commenting on it, much more than the bayswater. Three of my work colleagues have now got one. I have had it for two years and it still looks great and is really strong. I recommend it for a laptop/work bag that you can also get your other bits and bobs in so don't need two bags.

there's an outlet thread

Thanks all, particularly PropertyNightmare who sounds highly knowledgeable!

I may see what goes in the sales next week (ever hopeful) - and maybe replace my Kipling with something a bit more respectable...

Have you had any luck with the sales? I know Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser have started theirs. I think Mulberry.com starts today or tomorrow.
I just bought a black Mulberry postman's lock satchel from HofF sale. Not what I originally had in mind but it is lovely and a better size for me than my bayswater.

no sales for me, I've been stuck at work/home. DH has said I can go out Sunday which is a bit late really. But suspect I will think ahead to when I fly out of Gatwick later in August instead (might kill my luggage allowance with Easyjet though).

I love mulberry bags. I have 3. Have you looked at the oversized Alexa. It's less rigid than the bayswater but has a pocket inside. It would probably fit a small laptop and is across the body but can also be carried with the handle.

I really wanted a Bayswater, but never can afford full price and in the outlets they always seem to be dodgy colours or designs. Nothing nice enough to justify paying that much.

I have a Michael Kors Hamilton similar to the one you linked to. it's like this but in this colour. I also have a matching iphone wallet to go with it.

It is brilliant. I def wouldn't go for a bayswater now. It has LOTS of pockets. I can fit a macbook in one side, ipad slides in the middle pocket, phone in pocket, keys in a pocket, makeup in a pocket. I love the way it organises everything for me. It is pretty heavy but the strap is wide enough not to dig in, or I can use the handles and the chain makes it feel more robust.

Michael Kors also do outlet versions which are identical apart from they don't have the padlock hardwear on the front, just a gold plate. I got mine from Bicester, and I think it was around £200.

oh and the hamilton comes in two sizes, I have the large, which def fits a laptop AND ipad.

I LOVE Bayswaters! They are so classic and stylish, I have just bought my third in the Mulberry sale online, which I think started today or yesterday.
I have an oak and a patent black already, the one I have just bought is a light beige colour, this - www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c6421/6799/moreviews so still, in my opinion very classic and will go with everything.
I often go to Bicester Village and they always have Bayswaters in stock, but they are generally the seasonal colours rather than anything very classic. They are very helpful if you ring and ask what colours they currently have in stock. I have never seen an oak or a black there, however I have seen an oak Alexa there once.
I would definitely go for an oak or a black initially. (I am sure you will want another one once you have one!)

sounds like you need a wheelbarrow not a handbag!

Think about your shoulders, dear- not good to carry all that stuff on one side.

why not get something cheap ish like a Longchamp Pliage and a smaller handbag- or a proper case for the laptop and a handbag?

I really think it's bad for your health- seriously- to be carrying a heavy laptop etc etc etc in a bag on one shoulder.

Always buy mulberry and never disappointed!! Fabulous quality and timeless! Sale began online yesterday!!

I hit my oak one from Bicester outlet about four years ago and have used it every day. It gets better and better with age. I use a VIP bag liner inside which has lots of pockets and you can pick up to move all your crap between bags easily

Only draw back is that it's a tight fit over my fat shoulder.

Have you looked at the bayswayer satchel? Much the same but with a shoulder strap

Mind you I'm not keen on new mulberry leathers, give me goidbold, heavy Darwin leather any day

Obviously they're fakes ^

OP- Just a thought but Mulberry did collaborate with Apple and did a Bayswater/laptop bag. Maybe visit an outlet to see if they have any/ring an outlet. It might be more suitable for your needs