Mulberry Messenger Bag - do I or don't I?

[stringbean]

For years and years I've wanted a Mulberry messenger bag - one of the large ones. About 25 years ago I saved up and bought myself a tiny little Mulberry messenger bag - one of the Scotchgrain bags (cost about £80 which was eye-wateringly expensive to me at the time!) - and have hankered after one of the Antony bags since. However, I've always dismissed it as frivolous (and out of my price range tbh) but have just noticed there is 20% off at John Lewis and wondered if now is the time?

So, the questions is, is it worth it? Is the quality as good as it used to be? I like plain handbags without logos/bling, and a messenger style suits me well. Is there anything else out there you'd recommend instead?

Many thanks!

Not offended at all Vibbe - it's good to hear others' experiences, and worth knowing that the bags need a little care. Another poster has also made a similar comment, so I know not everyone has had a good experience with Mulberry.

My dcs are beyond the age now where I'll be finding squashed apricots and rice cakes in the bottom of my handbag, and I do tend to keep things like shoes and boots for a good many years (dh is always complaining I have too many, but I like to think I take good care of them). I'll make sure I use the leather gel and will hang onto the receipt though, as others have said, JL is usually pretty good at dealing with quality issues.

To be honest, if you're going to spend several, or even many, hundred pounds on a handbag I would hope you'd take care of it. So yes, some care is required, but you don't have to be too precious.

Yes of course mrshodgilbert, I do look after mine by making sure it's stored properly and I give it a polish now and again, but I'm no longer scared to take it out in the rain as I was for the first few months after I bought it!

Yes, Mrs Rhod - those were my thoughts exactly. This is the most expensive item I've ever bought in the clothing/accessory line; it's going to have to last me for years to justify the cost so you can be sure I'll be taking very good care of it!

I've collected my small one and although it is lovely it is just too small, which is a pain the arse 'cos I reckon the large one will be too big :(

The leather is lovely, in my opinion the strap looks too chunky for the size of the bag and the opening is slightly narrower than the bottom which is a personal bugbear. It smells divine though.

So I've just ordered to larger one in oak to try instead. Ready to collect on Sunday. I do love John Lewis...return one , collect one :)

That's such a shame Gypsy - I'm collecting mine today, so I hope I don't find that it's too big! I have an Osprey messenger bag that's starting to look a bit tired now - hence replacement - and I think it's a similar size to the large Mulberry - although more squashy leather - so hopefully will be ok. When I see the larger bag on other people, it never strikes me as too big, so fingers crossed it will suit you.

Yes, I love JL too (sad person emoticon) - I will stroll up to my local Waitrose to collect my bag this afternoon .

Oh dear Gypsy, such a shame. I don't mind the thick strap, I think it suits it and makes it comfortable to wear. I think it's the ideal size for when you really just need purse, phone and keys. I do love the larger one too, I think they're very striking. I don't have one but its the one DH always points out if he sees one, he is well trained at mulberry spotting. Hope you both like your bags and how convenient is John Lewis and Waitrose?

I had an Antony in grey a couple of years ago. Bought while pregnant and I must have been hormonal because while it is a very nice bag it was just a bit too plain for me - ebayed it and got a good return though. HOWEVER, it was really excellent quality - I have several Mulberry bags and have had quality issues but that one was really well made and lovely leather. Shame I didn't like it really!

Good luck to all the bag purchasers on the thread - hope you find 'the one'

I have a funny feeling that this is just a Mulberry itch that I need to scratch, having promised myself all year that my reward for working hard will be one of their bags. In reality I can see that will probably end up with no bag!

No no Gypsy, if this is your reward for your hard work and you've been looking forward to it, you must get a bag. You can't end up with nothing! Mine has arrived and I LOVE it. As Amber says, it's very plain, but that's really my style (I prefer 'classic' but if that equates to boring, then so be it ). It's a great size for me - I just think it looks fab. Very very happy!!!

Gosh MrsRhod - you've trained your husband well! I'm impressed!!

I am so pleased you love your bag stringbean . Did you get a chocolate one? My second one should be in Waitrose tomor so fingers crossed

Yes, it's the chocolate one - it's vair chic and understated (black bags don't really look right on me anyway - wrong colouring or something). Do report back on yours tomorrow!

I will.

stringbean
good choice - I have the large choc antony (also have a small oak - which I have used once ) but it was bought when it was less than half the price they are now - the prices are crazy silly now.
I also have about 14 other mulberrys (older and newer styles) and three purses and have never had a problem with any of them.
I hope you love it - I agree that it is quite a classy, classic bag

babybarrister me too. Think the bench and plastic bag believers must be busy making helpful suggestions elsewhere.

That sounds lovely , I really like the well worn leather look.

Picked up my bag and I love it, it's perfect and I am so glad I went for the bigger one :)

Gypsy - so pleased to hear you love your bag! I'm really thrilled with mine - need to treat it with the gel and then I can start using it.

BlueLagoonz - if I'd won a Mulberry holdall, I'd be gloating too - how lovely to have something like that which will only get better with age (and didn't cost you anything!).

I'm not allowed mine stringbean until Christmas!