Handbag quandary - WWYD?

[AmberNectarine]

I have been saving my pennies for a bag for a while now. Initially I had intended to throw all my cash at one major 'investment' bag - probably this or this. Then I started complicating the issue, thinking it needed to be big enough to house my work laptop etc etc, which ruled out a lot of nice choices.

Then I spied this little lovely which would obviously house almost nothing. So then I thought maybe I should get that and one of these for carting my work/toddler crap.

And now I'm confused - WWYD?

NB. If the answer to this question is give all the money to charity and stop being so shallow, please don't waste your time

Don't waste your money on the Michael Kors - I was drooling over the same one in pink until I saw them for less than half price on Brandalley a few weeks ago (I wasn't quick enough but there were loads left in other colours). It put me right off, feeling like I'd be ripped off paying full price! I reckon they'll be half price come the Christmas sales.

The Givenchy one is gorgeous if you have the budget for it

Probably right re. MK - I got my white one half price on the Outnet.

The Givenchy has stolen my heart a bit, but I have liked the Balenciagas forever. And I do really like the useless little Gucci as well.

Do you think the bank would notice if I just didn't pay the mortgage this month?

I don't get the fuss over Kors bags either. They're v boring. I'd go with the balenciaga.

Great! Toddlers = time to choose something YOU actually like, then!
Clear cosmetic bags and zip lock bags ( supermarket) are my best friends! Enjoy your glam- bag!

Also, cosmetic bags can be taken out ( found / to refill) so easily. Plus, you can swap them over to other bags. / DP 's pockets. Lol

Spend it all on the Givenchy bag

A) Looks like something Great Aunt Maude would buy - for £11.95.

B) Basic, boring. Get thee to TKmax & buy one for £40

C) Disco Bag

D) MK - Actually looks quite nice & far more practical, wait for the sale, get it half price, job done. Send me the money you save

Bumps need feeling of those that spend thousands on a bag... seriously. It's A Bag to carry crap around. I just cannot imagine loving it enough to do so, using it everyday (park/toddlers/shopping/school run) without worrying about where it's being put down/left & what is being put in it/split on it. Far too 'high maintenance' for a BAG

I love the givenchy. But most of all I love the kors one. I'm going to get that for work :)

Chipping if you saw the state of my bags you'd know I don't worry too much about what happens to them! I take your point that its crazy money to spend on a bag, but I'll be a long time dead!

Amber :) Yes, you're a long time dead indeed and if it's not a lot of money 'to you' then, why not. I don't understand it - but I don't have to!! You probably wouldn't understand the money I'm prepared to spend on a camera/lens etc

Oh, I like cameras too, but I'd rather piss away my money on bags so I soldier on blogging with my iPhone!

I think the Gucci is the prettiest. Do they do a bigger version? If so, I'd go for that, and then a lepliage for all the crap (they have lovely leather ones too but still foldable)

I've got one of those Michael Kors & the straps would be too thin for carting a laptop round (unless your laptop is small & superlight). They will dig into your shoulders & may even break.

I think the Balenciaga is passé & there are too many fakes around. I don't think they look that good in the flesh either.

Personally I would get a good quality leather laptop bag & then either the Gucci or the Michael Kors.

I vote Balenciaga with the disco thrown in too

I love that little Gucci bag but double bagging takes work to look stylish! The Balenciaga is my fave of the big ones.

the kors bags look like beach carryalls,not worth the money,
givenchy bags are very seasonal, you can get them on sale for %30. specially the nightingale,they have a lot of designs.
i would get the balenciaga,as they still look great.

what about celine bags? the ones i have can hold all my stuff plus my ipad,kindle,and still has place for more crap.
or the prada saffiano? or bottega veneta, they are very roomy.

whichever one you choose, get the bag tidy thing,they will protect the interior,they are a lifesaver

Forgot to give my reasons...

If you want to use it during the day, then you need it to be big enough to fit your laptop in, otherwise you'll end up with 2 bags and it'll annoy you.

Balenciaga all the way. It s just lovely.

That said I have two bags for work, a smaller version like the Gucci you linked (except it s not a gucci) and a tote. I like it because there are days where I can drop the second bag or leave it at work over night then I m not lugging a big bag around. Or when I go out to lunch etc. It holds wallet phone small cosmetic pouch, wipes, keys and a notebook.
Thing I ve found is, as the kids get older you don't need to have as much if their crap in your bag, and a bigger bag just collects crap (unless you re disciplined about clearing it out, and even then....) plus it s heavy to carry around when loaded up! So saying I have a lovely Chloe - I never use! The small cool cross body and sexy tote are my friends, but that s what suits my lifestyle at the moment and my job doesn't involve lugging a laptop around. So I ve probably been no help. I m not a Big MK fan if you do go for the small bag and tote search a bit more - would the Sophie Hulme totes work for you ?
But it is a gorgeous bag.

I would go for the Givenchy mainly because my sister had a fake Balenciaga years ago and it has put me off a bit, it is still gorgeous though. The Givenchy is just beautiful. Not too keen on the MK although the colour is lovely.

Of the two big bags, I prefer the Givenchy, but it does look as if it might be heavy so I would pay it a visit first. Definitely not the MK one though, But that is mainly because I don't like that dangly medallion bit - it reminds me of the Radley scottie dog. If you do want something separate for lugging toddler stuff and gym stuff though I'd go for something canvas or nylon that you can sling in a corner - a leather bag that size woukd need a seat of its own every time you go out.

I thought big name designer bags were a bit passe now

That should me a face not a face

turq which chloe do you have?

I love the Gucci, I saw them in Harrrods in lots of lovely colours, and was seriously tempted, but am holding out for a Chanel camera bag. I also love the G nightingale, which is my fave combination - navy with silver hardware.

I have the same laptop dilemma. I am too old to use a rucksack as a work bag, so carry a Chanel reissue and a Tory Burch tote (for my laptop & work shoes) on the days I walk to work. On the days I don't walk I carry my Chanel and a Slim-line Knomo laptop bag, by far the least ulgy laptop bags I've seen.

If I was in your position, I'd buy a cheap(ish) laptop bag, as they tend not to last long, and then a bag you LOVE.

Good luck, let us know what you decide