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Original poster

quality leather bag that will last

32 replies

MCSpammer · 04/09/2014 18:05

My dh is buying me a bag - lucky me - and I want good quality leather that will last. I've read on here that some designer bags are actually shit quality but I can't remember which. I am happy to spend a decent amount of money, up to £500, but don't want to waste it on a bag that is going to fall apart within a few years.

Can anyone recommend something in that price range. I am open to style, size and colour.

OP posts:
HolgerDanske · 04/09/2014 20:35

If you look for the designer bag lovers thread I'm sure there'll be someone who can advise you

lavendersun · 04/09/2014 20:42

Look at Tusting - their bags are lovely, I have four, the oldest one is a leather rucksack made from saddle leather. I have used it almost every day for 15 years and it looks amazing.

Had to return it recently for a strap to be repaired which cost £65 but the bag owes me nothing.

I would choose their saddle or atlantic leathers - my briefcase is atlantic and that looks amazing too.

Not sure if they are pretty enough for you - I have all sorts of designer bags, Tods, Loewe, Mulberry, Gucci - I had a thing for bags in my late 20's and by the looks of it nothing better to do with my cash. The point being that the Tusting quality exceeds the others by far .. but they are classic rather than blingy/pretty.

They do have warehouse sales too - too far for me but if you subscribe to their mailing list they will send you the dates.

Original poster
MCSpammer · 06/09/2014 13:48

Ahh there is a dedicated thread? I saw a thread after I'd posted about non blingy, obviously branded bags and there were some great suggestions on there, I should pop on there and ask about quality. I now find that I have given myself another dilemma as was originally thinking day bag in a colour I don't have but am wondering if I should get a 'special ocassion' bag e.g clutch for dinners/nights out/weddings as the ones I have are a bit tired and not really suitable, just smaller iyswim. I really like this Coach clutch but how much use would I get out of it and how likely am I to lose it when I've had a few too many sherries, it having no strap to slung on my shoulder. Anyway, that's a whole other issue!

I had a look at the Tustings one, thank you - huge selection.

I think I need to go and look in person too so probably a visit to John Lewis and Selfridge's is on the cards.

OP posts:
Awks · 06/09/2014 13:55

Those Tusting bags are beautiful, the Kimbolton in tan is making my fingers itch Grin

ThePrisonerOfAzkaban · 06/09/2014 14:00

Have a look at handmade bags on esty, some will make a bag especially for you, it will be a one off and unique to you. That is unless you want a label. But I had a men's bag made and the quality is much better then any I found in shops, took a while to make and it was late for my DP birthday, but he's had so many commitments about it.

lavendersun · 06/09/2014 14:20

Awks, its my birthday next week and there isn't anything I really need. I was going to have the caramel Kimbolton - honestly the saddle leather is so beautiful. Anyway, I decided on something else but I think I will buy myself that one before the month is out to cheer myself up - currently v ill in bed which is proving expensive, have so far booked tickets to ballet, bought two pairs of shoes and flights to Venice.

Tusting customer service is good too - they changed two zips for free on one of my bags after ten years - the metal pull tab broke - zips still worked but were a bit awkward to use.

The latest repair included removing the lining, restitching the strap and changing another zip - 15 years on - I was happy to pay £65.

I bought my husband one of their briefcases too about 10 years ago, he also has one of their wash bags which must be the same sort of age.

OP - I would't rate Coach alongside Tusting at all. I would go with a classic that you will use every day.

Original poster
MCSpammer · 06/09/2014 17:31

Thanks lavender good to get your opinion on that. Also, ballet! Must look into that for Christmas. Which reminds me, I really need and want a decent pair of good quality (that word again) supportive ballet flats - must start a thread/do a search on that. Rambles on ...

OP posts:
Original poster
MCSpammer · 06/09/2014 17:32

Handmade on etsy? I have no idea what I want!!!

OP posts:
boodles · 06/09/2014 18:48

As I say on all these threads, mimi berry, fantastic bags, beautiful quality leather and hand made in the uk, what more could you want :)

Original poster
MCSpammer · 06/09/2014 19:06

Who is the best London stockist Boodles must try before I buy! In fact which store has the best selection of bags en masse? Selfridge's & John Lewis??

OP posts:
tethersend · 06/09/2014 19:31

I second mimi berry, great bags. Their workshop is around the corner from me, and they do sample sales quite often. I've never bought one, but lust after the beau in tan.

I also would highly recommend the Radley Grosvenor. I KNOW it's Radley, but there's not a dog tag in sight. Wide strap, soft thick grainy leather, great size. I have a second-hand one and I abuse it on a daily basis; it's still going strong.

ArtisanBaps · 06/09/2014 19:39

I have two Jaeger bags which I love. One I've had since 2007 and still use regularly and get comments on. The other is more recent. They are great quality, non blingy bags.

boodles · 06/09/2014 19:41

Mimi has a showroom
ADDRESS

Mimi, Unit 1, 7 Winkley Street, London E2 6PY

Tel: +44 (0)20 7729 6699

Email: [email protected]

OPENING HOURS:

Our showroom is by appointment, as we won’t always be in. Please call ahead to check that we will be open when you visit. Thank you!

Our office hours are Monday - Friday 10.30-6pm. We are closed Saturday and Sunday and on bank holidays. All orders placed after 6pm on Friday and over the weekend will be processed on Monday morning.

Also john lewis oxford street

ArtisanBaps · 06/09/2014 19:45

I also have a Texier work bag a bit like a structured satchel, which is about 20 years old and still looks like new, so would recommend them too. I paid about £250 quid for it back then when I was footloose and mortgage free. Gawd knows how much they are now!

tethersend · 06/09/2014 19:46

That's the one round the corner from me. Bethnal Green is the nearest tube.

UnMasterChef · 06/09/2014 19:51

Wow, those Tusting bags are beautiful, I think I might need to visit the factory shop as it's my nearest stockist

Original poster
MCSpammer · 06/09/2014 21:57

Decisions decisions! Thank you all so much for the info. I can see I need to make a plan of attack and get out there for some a bit of hands on action. I'm at Bluewater tomorrow so will make a start with the John Lewis there. Excited!

OP posts:
Original poster
MCSpammer · 06/09/2014 22:11

Iswym tethers you would never know would you, it is rather nice. Had a similar moment this afternoon on seeing this lovely coat in a magazine ... Blush per una

OP posts:
tethersend · 06/09/2014 22:31

I KNEW Per Una was cool. That's lovely.

Biscoff · 06/09/2014 22:38

Agree about etsy

libertychick · 06/09/2014 22:46

I saw that per una coat the other day and it is gorgeous.

SandInMySandwiches · 07/09/2014 00:15

NV London Calcutta. I have recommended these many times. Lovely, personalised service too

Original poster
MCSpammer · 07/09/2014 14:28

Right, I can report back that the selection in JL and HOF Bluewater is very limited. No Mimi, Coach, Tusting etc but I did get to see the Radley Grosvenor which looks lovely in the flesh but felt a bit odd on, it sat on my hip and my arm stuck out from my body BUT straps are adjustable.

I have fallen in love (list) with this beauuuutiful anya hindmarch oh god I want it. Oversized clutch in beautiful shade if grey with burgendy contrasting strap that can be clipped over to the other side of the bag when adjusted to become shoulder bag or even across body. Perfect for days/nights out, start off as elegant but modern clutch transforming to lose proof bag as wine flows. Could work as day bag if I wasn't taking kitchen sink.

Am of course restraining myself as really need to see some others and really £550 for a not-ever-so practical bag might be a bit much.

OP posts:
Original poster
MCSpammer · 07/09/2014 14:29

List?? I mean LUST

OP posts:
boodles · 07/09/2014 14:31

Miami is only in john lewis oxford street.