Can you help me find the right handbag?

[AalyaSecura]

Having tried and failed....

I'm looking for a navy handbag. Leather. I only want one set of straps, and they have to go over my shoulder - no crook of my elbow or cross-body business. Style-wise, I don't like a super structured hard casing look, but also not very slouchy hobo either; I'm after something in the middle really, defined shape but still relaxed. Size not crucial, not enormous though - Le Pliage size would be too big. And I'm not into bling, I like more minimal styling.

Budget - having looked for ages, I might be prepared to throw money at it a bit - so while I'd normally max at about £250, I'd maybe look at up to £400 of so

Pleeease...

Have you looked at Peony & Moore stuff? I saw a link on another handbag thread on here the other day to a Peony & Moore bag and now I want it. I think they have some stuff in a suitable style although navy is quite hard to come by. Also Russell & Bromley?? They have a big navy variety.

Thank you - Russell & Bromley would normally be right up my street, I really like their styling - but their current range of navy bags is all clutch / cross body / tote with too short handles / slouchy hobo. I love most of their totes, but the straps are mostly too short - this one is the only one with longer straps, do you think it looks like it's trying too hard to look like a Bayswater?

Just checked Peony & Moore, only three navy ones, two too slouchy, one too structured!

Yes I see what you mean about the Bayswater imitation thing. There are a few on TK Maxx at the moment, how about this one? Or this?

It's so frustrating when you want something particular. I bought a lovely bag from Reiss last week (after an approx 2 year search for 'the' black bag) and I am going to send it back, it's too slouchy so it's awkward and annoying to open the zips and it will just annoy me. The best bag I've ever had is a cheapo brown Osprey one from TK Maxx - I've bashed it around for years and it still looks perfect and it's totally open at the top (not secure, but oh so convenient) and the straps go over my shoulder. I want the same thing in black I think!! And tan as well! It was only £60.

Check out Michael Kors. Not all are blingy and you can take the MK dangly thing off. Check their American website to see the wide selection.
DKNY ?

Is this any good? I'm coveting it.

Ooh, I love that bag ThisBitch, could be tempted to break my 'just one set of straps' criteria, I love the texture.

Will have a look at Michael Kors and TK Maxx too, thanks.

Not sure how this shapes up straps wise but in case you haven't seen these Nat and Nin

I'm also coveting the Ghost one after seeing it on the dies my bum look 40 blog. Also consider Boden, Hobbs or Celtic sheepskin if you haven't already looked.