If you had £200 to spend on a handbag??

[mendipgirl]

It's my 40th in a few months and I know my parents will want to buy me something nice, probably around this price. I thought it's about time I had a decent handbag...usually don't spend more than about £40 myself.

I'd love a mulberry but can't afford that price range so any ideas?

It has to be a decent size, not massive but not a tiny bag either. Want it to be classic and last till the next big birthday at least.

Help please.....

Have you had a look at the TK max website? They have some great bargains, some designer as well.

Peony and Moore do lovely bags. I have the lucia in tan, it has loads of pockets and it a great size. Also loving the Mariella in toffee. Excellent quality and lovely soft leather.

I just got the Modalu Pippa for work, which has been great so far. Fits A4 papers, and carries easily over my shoulder and tucked under my arm, but the straps are short enough that it doesn't brush the ground if you carry it in your hand. Not too heavy either unless I've got my laptop in it.

OP- maybe ring a Mulberry Outlet and see if they have something?

Longchamp bags look nice not sure about prices.

Vivienne Westwood bags are nice too and reasonably priced in the sales. Might not be completely leather but definitly a statement piece!

I would go to John Lewis etc and see what is in the sales. Would you be able to get it then and there if you saw it?

I would second Peony and Moore. I like Mulberry best but was tempted by one of their bags recently.

Thanks all,

I like the peony and moore lucia and the mackenzie tote and the modula pippa.

my birthday is in Jan so perfect for sales so will have a look at John Lewis as well and see if there is anything there to bear in mind.

any more ideas welcome?

I used to love the Mulberry outlets (my bank balance didn't though). Haven't been to one in ages but they're definitely worth a look - there are ones in York and Cheshire Oaks. What sort of Mulberry are you after? They used to do outlet special Bayswaters which had no feet or cloche but were lots cheaper than the regular ones.
My current bag crushes are Blondie Mania and Mimi Berry - have a look at their websites, their bags are beautiful (DH has already bought a BM bag for my 40th next month!).

Another vote for Peony and Moore. Just got one because of glowing MN recommendations and love it!

I like Longchamps bags.

Mulberry site has a sale, a messenger is currently £149

I bought a Nat and Nin one and I love it. Much nicer than my Peony and Moore. Lovely soft leather and a beautiful shape.

Another Peony and Moore Lucia or Mariella vote here - both beautiful soft leather bags that have improved with age and are so everyday useful.!

Another vote for the Modalu Pippa- I have it in the toffee colour which is gorgeous, yet the black zips mean it goes really well with black shoes etc for work. It holds loads, although I find it a bit awkward to put on my shoulder when full, so tend to carry in my hand mostly. I still love it though, ad I say that as someone who is normally a shoulder bag only person.

Captain - have looked at and liked that bag too - nice to hear you love it as I am normally a shoulder bag person too - - - but a change is sometimes just nice to have as an option isn't it?

Yes bunionscomingsoon - actually I sometimes think of my Pippa as a posher, more attractive version of a briefcase, what with it's A4-paper-fitting properties, and I feel smarter going to work with it than with my old tatty brown shoulder bag (which died in a fight with my umbrella).

I just bought a Michael by Michael one from Bicester Village - fairly plain black work type with rose gold detail for £229 down from £350. It was slightly over my budget as I was going for £200 too, but it is lovely quality leather and not so work-y that I can't use it at weekends. They do a few, including mine, in tan leather too. I love it and it's big enough for an A4 pad but not as bulky as a laptop style structured bag. I'm no good with links but I'd say it's a brand worth looking at if you have an outlet close. My last handbag cost double and wasn't nearly as versatile. This one is smart but unfussy with a really practical inner (zip middle interior plus small zip pocket and four pens/phone/bits pockets). I love it! It can be carried by normal handles (just fit over shoulder) or on longer strap so you don't have to hang in the crook of your elbow Posh Spice style if that doesn't feel right. Do have a look if you have a stockist nearby, it's my buy of the year so far.

That should be Michael by Michael Kors.

I've never heard of Blondie Mania bags before but they are lovely!
Mendipgirl - you should get the eldenberry (and give it to me if you get bored of it!)
Also agree, Mulberry outlet, TKmaxx (they often have nice Osprey bags) & LK Bennett. I think French Connection and Toast also do really lovely bags.

I had a Blondie Mania bag once Dancing but found the leather thick and too stiff for me -- and didn't use it much as I wasn't comfortable with it - - I like really soft leather

Last night, I had totally talked myself into getting a Blondie mania bag but I have just read some really bad reviews about them so have changed my mind!
Going to keep saving for the mulberry somerset shoulder bag!

Cambridge satchel?

DancingRoundTheKitchen I've read some bad reviews of BM bags too and I can't understand it - all the bags I've had have been fantastic. The testimonials on their site are (unsurprisingly perhaps!) very positive - one of them is mine! I'd suggest trying one of their sale items first to see if you like the quality, leather etc - they have a lovely purse on at the moment for about £14 (was originally about £50 I think!). To be honest I've had more bother with Mulberry - I've had to return so many of them. The BM leathers are so butter soft too - really thick and smooshy!

Thanks Dizzy, the eldenberry is exactly the bag I have been looking for (a good day bag) so maybe I will give it a go!

Something by Osprey?