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Original poster

Designer bags - worth it, which ones? and Ash boots

40 replies

MissDD1971 · 20/08/2013 13:32

I keep on seeing some nice designer bags (saw a nice Marc Jacobs one this morning) and my aunt has a gorgeous Fendi one from a few years back (simple, hardly any logos or metal ware), ditto Celine bag I saw a few years back.

Are they worth the money? Should I save up? Which ones to go for? The MJ ones with the metalware writing almost like like River Island which slightly puts me off. I sort of come from a generation (am 41) where IIRC designer bags were not as popular as they are now - although you did see the Chanel quilted chain ones and Gucci logo ones.

I LOVE quality bags but with hardly any (or small) logo and don't mind metalware on it but not too much - does that make sense? don't like bags you can carry small baby in or miniscule trendy ones (both not practical for me).

and every 2nd woman I see carries Mulberry and they're not really me.

At the moment I have various suede/leather bags, Whistles ones etc.

Ash boots - are they worth it too? which ones? keep seeing them mentioned on here. I love skinny jeans so they'd work well with those.

OP posts:
Allthingspretty · 20/08/2013 13:50

This thread is going to have reaponses that fall in to two main camps.
Camp A- If you can afford one without living on baked beans and being able to pay your bills then yes they are worth it.

Camp B- Overpriced and they aren't any different to high street bags and people don't understand how you can spend £££on a bag.

I fall in to camp A. I have found that the bags I have look good after yers of wear unlike high street bags that start ime looking tatty within around six months. If you choose wisely then your bag will be instyle and not date for years to come.

Allthingspretty · 20/08/2013 13:52

..and OP Chic and Seek and Naughtypidgins next sell preloved designer bags.On chic and seek you can pick up designer bags for not that muvh more than a top end high street bag.

MrsCampbellBlack · 20/08/2013 13:58

Golly, you're brave starting this thread Wink

I love a designer bag and have a variety. However, the recent price increases across the board have put most out of my reach. £500 sort of ok but over £1k - just too much for me.

So, I'd buy one if discounted but not at full price. Worth checking out the sales and places like Bicester.

If money was no object, I'd go for Bottega Veneta, Celine or Chanel.

justasecond · 20/08/2013 14:04

I don't have a problem with people spending however much they like on bags and I'm not sure why we get so many bunfights about them on mn, no one would bat an eyelid at someone going on a luxury holiday or spending ££ on hobbies.
I do not have any "designer" bags (apart from an ill advised purchase of a Dior Saddle bag when I had more money than taste), however I do have quite a few quality leather bags that I think are probably not that different quality wise to the likes of Mulberry, Chloe etc and will last just as well.
Its worth checking out some lesser known makes for something a bit more understated if you don't like the blingy hardware.
Btw TKmaxx have Abaco Paris bags in atm. Not v well known but amazing quality soft slouchy leather.I have just ordered one for £129.99 down from £503.
Also Ash boots are great!

MrsRogerSterling · 20/08/2013 14:06

Yes worth it. I have quite a few bags, Mulberry, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton etc, all are over 5 years old, get used daily in rotation and still look in great condition.

Agree that prices have gone mad recently, especially Mulberry. Rusell & Bromley do lovely leather handbags without paying a designer price.

I have Ash Jalouse and Spirals, both are lovely, slightly prefer the Jalouse as the toe shape is less rounded.

jimjamspam · 20/08/2013 14:10

Brand Boudoir have a good sale on Ash boots atm - I have 2 pairs of spirals, fab with skinnies

Vintagebeads · 20/08/2013 14:12

I would have one if funds allowed.
They never will, but If I did I would have a Miu Miu or Chloe bag,I don't see them much here but Kate Spade bags are lovely too.

Kezztrel · 20/08/2013 14:16

OP if you like really simple leather bags you might like Mimi Berry - don't know if they count as 'designer' but definitely worth it IMO - I have a tan satchel from them that's lasted years and just gets better with age. No logos, no ugly shiny hardware, just lovely leather and good design.

justasecond · 20/08/2013 14:23

I like those Kezztrel ,the Frank style in navy looks lovely.

Kezztrel · 20/08/2013 14:37

I literally just pinned the navy Frank onto my Pinterest style board justasecond :) Good job it's sold out or my bank balance would be in trouble.

Original poster
MissDD1971 · 20/08/2013 14:38

Thanks for all your responses!

Kezztrel I think you are my new style buddy on because of the other jumper thread!

:-)

OP posts:
Kezztrel · 20/08/2013 14:39

Haha, I didn't realise it was you when I posted on this thread, I'm not stalking you honest :)

MrsMarigold · 20/08/2013 14:45

I hate logos but like handbags and a few years ago I discovered this brand called Blondie Mania which is very reasonable, amazing leather and ages well.

MrsMarigold · 20/08/2013 14:46

I also like that Frank bag mmm

Kezztrel · 20/08/2013 14:48

They have the Frank bag on the John Lewis website in other colours. Not in the sale though sadly.

Original poster
MissDD1971 · 20/08/2013 14:55

LOL I have a stalker Kezztrel. No worries LOL. :-)

OP posts:
Original poster
MissDD1971 · 20/08/2013 14:58

Finally worked out how to add a Smiley LOL [ :-) ]

OP posts:
Original poster
MissDD1971 · 20/08/2013 14:58

damn... [:-)]

OP posts:
Original poster
MissDD1971 · 20/08/2013 15:00

god I'm such a dipstick... Smile

OP posts:
Vintagebeads · 20/08/2013 15:05

Well done ..lol Thanks

Kezztrel · 20/08/2013 15:05

MissDD Grin Grin Grin

Bertrude · 20/08/2013 15:10

I have a few, from a very gaudy Alexander McQueen clutch which I love when I want something well over the top for going out, to my Marc Jacobs one for every day and two Fendi 2jours in black and red.

I think they are well worth it, again if you're not going without every day necessities to fund them. Mulberry have gone crazy priced recently, but I've had a couple of bargains the sales, as have Burberry.

Bags always fit, even on fat days and bad hair days. I'd rather have a couple of very nice bags than lots of cheap ones to mix and match

Vibbe · 20/08/2013 15:19

Honestly, don't bother with Mulberry. It's terrible quality. I currently have 3 items (2 bags, one purse) that needs to go in for repair, but my DH forgot to take them with him to London this morning.

I have quite a few Mulberry things and the majority of them have either already been repaired, needs repairing or has been replaced because the item I originally had couldn't be repaired. I doubt that I've just been unlucky with all of these items.

I'd go for Celine, LV, Miu Miu, Chloe or similar brands instead. My impression is that the quality is far better. Marc by Marc Jacobs is supposed to be quite good too (and a bit younger and cheaper than Marc Jacobs).

Allthingspretty · 20/08/2013 15:25

VIbbe I have a few.Mulberry bags a d the only repaurs thatbhave needed to be carried out were due to my lack of care however most are becore the prices got bigger etc.

santamarianovella · 20/08/2013 15:26

Some designer bags are totally worth every penny,and some not that much,and think its not that superior to high street ones.the lining of the Philip lim bag, i saw recently looked looked very cheap,on the other hand a celine bag I have looks much better,the stitching is far superior,so is the leather.