Is Mulberry Bayswater worth it?

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Hi all

I have lusted after the Mulberry Bayswater for years. I can't afford and it would probably take me about 5 years to save up for it.

Soooo before I start thinking about saving I wanted to ask, do you own one? Is it worth it? Does is last for ages. Which colour would you say is best and does it last in rain etc.

Also, does anyone know if it ever goes into the sale?

IMO, no it isn't, and I say that as someone who bought one about 9 years ago when they weren't quite as exhorbitantly priced as they are now. I find mine very heavy and difficult to carry (the straps are a bit too short to wear over the shoulder comfortably and I hate carrying bags in the crook of my arm). The quality is lovely and mine still looks good but if you get a bit of water on it the mark is very difficult to remove (I have an oak one - possibly other colours not so bad).

They do sometimes have them in the Mulberry sale, and I think the less popular colours can be found at outlet stores like Bicester Village. I wouldn't personally pay full price for one now as I think there are better (and less ubiquitous) bags out there for the money.

The "classic" colours of oak (tan), black and chocolate would never be reduced at a non-outlet stockist. You would get reductions at sale time of the more unusual colours that change with each season, perhaps 30-40% typically.

I bought my oak Bayswater in 2008 and paid much less than they're currently priced at- mine was £500 and they're now £795. I have worn it to death and it's seen better days! I'd say it's worn better than your average high street leather bag but I wouldn't buy another for the guts of £800. If they were closer to the £500 mark I'd consider it, but that £300 mark up is just crazy and I can't justify it.

All well known designers have massively inflated the prices of their bags and shoes in recent years as they've discovered people will pay it. So on that basis alone, it isn't worth it, as the value is all in the brand and marketing and not in the product itself.

No.
Mulberry is as dull as ditchwater. One of the few bags that can be easily reproduced without any loss of quality

This will be music to my DH's ears! I actually have family in Dubai at the moment and they have said you can get a 'similar' bag from certain shops for a fraction of the price.
Perhaps I should do that and pay about 1/6th of original price!!!!!
Thanks for your advice.

Its ridiculous isnt it the price of these things now.

I've had a mulberry handbag now for a good few years and I cant believe the price of it now. I agree with craic I wouldnt part with £800 of hard earned money whereas around £500 I might be persuaded.

I have a purse in oak too and its got a bit stained in the rain. I'm a bit overprotective of my bag now as I know I wouldnt replace it if it looked less than perfect.

Therre are so any Mulberry fakes around that when I see a Mulberry I usually assume it is a fake. However I don't know if that would be an issue as knowing it is real is enough to give you a little boost from owning it. You wouldn't feel the same way about a fake one.

Sorry i have no experince of mulberry bags.

But I do wonder about your idea of saving for 5 years. Really??. You are going to save 3£ a week for 5 years just to get a bag? if you have a reasonable income , you could just forego a coffee or some sweets . But them if you have a good income, why not just save harder for a shorter time? And if you are really hard up, it's a lot to spend on a bag compared with other things that might change your life for the better.

If I had to save or 5 years for something, I woudl want it to be more exciting or life changing than a bag. Like the deposit on a property, a training course, a fantastic holiday, IVF.

Just my opinion

+100000 KristinaM....The world has surely gone mad

I have one and it is very lovely (mine is navy and sparkly, so a little more unusual, and cost £650 back in 2009) but it is not my very favourite of all my handbags, hell, it's not even my favourite mulberry. It is a gorgeous bag, but it is heavy and the lock jabs me in the arm or ribs when I wear it over my shoulder. The only bag I'd consider saving that length of time for is a 2.55, and even then I'd get bored of waiting that long. Not worth it IMO.

I save f;or things a tiny amount a week or month - you don't notice what you are putting by and when you can buy an item ( for me it is Brora cashmere) it is a wonderful and painless experience.

No. Silly prices for overrated products.

I bought mine on ebay for well below the price you pay now. I love the Mulberry bags that I have but I wouldn't pay full price for it at the prices they are charging.

I have two Bays. Black and printed oak (best option IMO if you want oak). I wouldn't buy another tbh. They are very heavy and very big. I must admit I always feel a million dollers when carrying it but its a hell of a lot of dosh to part with. yOu will definitely be able to get one at the outlets. Even if they are subs sometimes the flaw is so tiny you can't even see it.

I bought a second hand one as I had lusted after them for ages. But I don't use it as much as I thought I would. It is very heavy and you can't put it over your shoulder. In all the time I have had it no-one has ever commented on it. I have another Jasper Conran work bag which cost £50 and everyone comments on that, even complete strangers and men!

I'm another who thinks Mulberry are just so boring and ubiquitous - as well as being a silly price. Not a style statement, if they ever were.And I hate heavy bags too.

Too heavy, don't do it....your shoulders and back with thank you when you are older!

I have two bayswaters but would agree that the vast inflation in prices over the last couple of years has been ludicrous. Bays is not a comfortable style, it is more a strike a pose bag. Worn in the crook of the arm it can look pretty good. If it will take you five years to save for though then don't do it. It is really not worth that level of saving and sacrifice. It is just a bag at then end of the day. Plus in five years time God only knows what stupid price it will then be elevated too.

I loooove mine. Got an oak Bayswater in Aug for my birthday. They (H of F) let me use my Ds2s student card to get 10% off. Still pricey I know, but I am v happy with mine.

Thanks everyone for tips and honest opinions. Am not lusting after it do much now! May check out what alternatives at a fraction of the price in the winter sales.

I love mine. Wouldn't part with it... It was a special birthday gift and if I'd saved myself ( which I was doing) I would say yes expensive but so worth it, I don't smoke or drink and I say if you love it and have the money or someone wants to treat you, why not :) a weeks holiday costs more & only lasts a week ..