Mulberry Bayswater...worth the money?

[GherkinTheMerkin]

I'm really tempted to buy a Mulberry Bayswater Buckle.

www.mulberry.com/shop/whats-new/whats-new-all/bayswater-buckle-poppy-red-shrunken-calf

Usually I spend about 40 on a bag but want to buy a classic which will last. Is it complete madness to buy a bag that will cost about the same as we spent on my engagement ring?

I know there is a Mulberry factory shop at Cheshire Oaks, I know they want have this particular bag because it's new but is it worth a look before splashing out?

gherkin it reminds of the willow which I think is a more fresher and nicer design.

mrshodgilbert you are absolutely right,yes they said they will lower the prices,but That doesn't mean that a bayswater will be £600 again, mulberry are going through a rough time, they've bite off more than they can chew, very poor profits, a big expansion in Asia that is not going well,and trying to compete with big names like chanel and Prada and failing, these issues won't be solved by price cut backs,I believe that if a cut back ever happens it will backfire, they should concentrate on big sales,and no spike in prices for a few years,

I agree with santamaria. I think the prices of new designs will come down - the recent continuous price hikes have done a lot of damage to the brand and alienated loyal customers. However there is no way they will cut the price of the core bags like Bayswater - it would be crazy to do so. I think they will leave core prices roughly the same until inflation catches up.

I really love the Bays. I have 2 and find them great workday bags which are pretty indestructable provided you look after them. It just needs a good dousing of colonil every now and then and treating them with some leather gel to keep the leather supple and hide any little scratches.

The shrunken calf leather on the bag you like is totally lush in real lfe and seems very hard wearing.

If you're not sure I think going to the outlet or waiting for the sale is a great idea. The next sale should be in June. If you sign up via the website you should be emailed a link to the sale preview which means you can snap something up before the sale opens officially.

I also recommend having a browse on the Purseforum (tho be warned - if you do you'll end up buying one for sure!)

Thank you all, you definately given me lots to think about!

mrsrhodgilbert I have seen it in the oxblood and the black but not yet seen the red in real life.

santamarianovella I did actually do I double take when I saw the willow tote as it was much bigger than I thought and has the added extra of the smaller bag you can separate from the front.

BloodFlower you make a good point about the handles as I do tend to carry bags on my shoulder.

Scousadelic I do love the Vivienne Westwood stuff but really want red. I called into about 3 different VW shops or concessions yesterday and looked at nearly every bag but just didn't like anything enough.

I think i'll have a look on the purseforum and have a look at what everone says. I really wanted to splash out whilst i've got 0% on my credit card so I can avoid having to spend my actual money all at once. It would be an everyday work bag for me and not saved for best. I'm not known for my patience so it's just if I can hold out or not

I had a black Somerset with nickel trim and it wore very badly very quickly - the base metal started showing through within a matter of weeks. They swapped it for me twice and the same thing happened each time, before I ended up swapping it for a chocolate brown one with matt brass trim. Which has been fine.

The more affordable range of bags that Mulberry has introduced include a bag called Tessie.

Article here. fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG10857682/Can-Tessie-turn-around-Mulberrys-financial-fortunes.html

I looked at the Willow when it first came out but although it is a clever idea I don't like the exposed zip teeth you get on the ends of the envelope bag when you separate it from the main bag. I'd be worried they'd snag my clothes.

I have 4 mulberry bags, all if which bought before the price increases. At the new prices, no they are not worth the money for wear etc.

The Tessie is the first mulberry bag in a long time I have liked (the slouch hobo one)

The willow looks dreadful up close - it's just not pretty, it looks clumsy.

Spend £1000 on a trip to Thailand and buy a £200 fake that's better quality than the original.

I have a black Bayswater (real, bought duty free years ago when I was richer) that I use for work; it tells my clients I'm successful and is also extremely practical as it is big enough for a4 folders etc. but bare leather on the inside, no pockets or anything, really the current prices are all wrong.

I bought a Bayswater with my first ever bonus a good few years ago. It's a beautiful looking, hardy bag but I never use it as I find it far too heavy for everyday use. The handles are too short to wear it on the shoulder and it makes my arm ache if I do that crook of the arm thing. Mine was "only" about £600 back in the day. I wouldn't spend that on one now so the current prices are ridiculous IMO!

If you love it then buy it...frankly it's your money to do with as you wish!....if I had the money, I'd buy a Mulberry Alexa without a moments hesitation!

But make sure you love it...if you're not keen on something then wait until you've fpund the perfect one with perfect length straps and perfect hardware or you just wont use it!

I love Mulberry bags, have the Alexa, Antony & now a Bayswater two bought for me on special milestone birthdays, the Alexa I bought myself from some money left me,... I adore them,they are expensive but the way I see it, I don't have holidays abroad, drink or smoke But these are my one luxury now my children are grown that I enjoy, often they are a good investment too :) ... I think it's wrong many are being made abroad now.
Mine are all made in England ...beware where you buy though as some very clever fakes about,..even a fake Mulberry website, the Bay is quite heavy, as such thick leather, the Antony is lovely to wear & very comfortable ...
Best to go in a dept store or a Mulberry shop, & try them ....if buying 2nd hand there is a forum think it's called The Purse Forum it's a big site & has a Mulberry forum among others, where they will check the authenticity if your buying on eBay, it's a free service .. :) i

I bought an Alexa in the sale on Net A Porter five years ago and have used it every day. I love it, it's stylish and practical. I have a fake Bayswater that my friend got from Hong Kong and I used it for two days then dumped it at the back of the wardrobe as the flap got on my nerves, I found it really impractical to use and it got in the way constantly, I'm so glad I got a fake one as I was going to get a real one and I would have been gutted that I didn't get on with it. So as was said earlier, if you're happy with a tote then great, but I much prefer one you can wear on your shoulder.