can you update me on handbag brands

[SarfEast1cated]

The last time I bought a 'quality' bag, it was a Coccinelle bag from Fenwicks, about 12 years ago. Things seem to have changed rather, and Radley seem to now be expensive! I have no idea where to go for a good quality but not too pricey leather bag. I don't want anything dressy or 'smart' or with tassles and other shiny bits, I want something that is plain, understated but made well. I can't afford Mulberry, but I could go up to £200. Where should I be looking? I like the style of JL Kin, but not sure it they may not be sturdy enough. Redonline used to do some quite nice bags, but can't see them online. Any brands you can recommend?
I quite like this Jaeger bag, but it might look a bit mumsy. I also like this mint velvet bag, but it might be a bit too OTT
Can you inspire me?

Actually I quite like this one
Can someone lend me £600?

Doesn't look 750 worth though, does it? I'm sure you could find a lovely similar bag without a label for a lot lot less. May as well buy Mulberry. Or are all labels overrated?? Discuss!! Radley is naff as hell - nice styles, just flog the crappy dog thing on ebay and make some of your money back. Coccinelle still nice. MK worse than Primark, unless you love it of course it which case buy it antway.

Bottom line, buy what you like. The bags of mine most people comment on are a very old and well worn Prada from about 1998, Zara this year 29.99 and a great suede non label rucsac from Majorca about 15 years ago.

Try debenhams, they have branded stuff in there

My internet's being crap so I can't see your links but try the Outnet. You'll definitely find a good quality bag there for your budget.

I got a really good Tory Burch work bag there last week down from £400 to £133.

I also like Kate Spade tho' you might be pushed, budget wise.

Re: Mint Velvet, all the clothes I've bought from there recently have looked nice but have been IMO poor quality for the price. Don't know if that extends to their bags, too.

Just saw this nice tote on LK Bennett in the sale for well under your budget:

www.lkbennett.com/Collections/Handbags/Tote-Bags/Orla-Leather-Tote-Bag/p/BTORLALEATHERBlackBlack

Fossil bags? Usually lovely soft leather. They wear well too.

That Orla bag is lovely.

My favourite bag has always been a very plain black leather Coach bag. It was a present though so I don't know how much it costs and it was about 20 years ago!!

My most recent bag was from debenhams John rocha range - although less than I would normally spend I'm really pleased with the quality
Other current favourites are jaeger and modalu
I occasionally see ones I like in jigsaw and Hobbs too

All the bags in Debenhams are plastic tat, now.

I did end up with a Radley bag, in my recent hunt, but from the outlet store, where they're actually quite heavily discounted. Plain black with a huge external pocket and devoid of the millions of zips and clunky bits of metalwork that everything seems to have, at the moment. It also has a nice external but out of sight pocket in which my phone fits perfectly, so I don't have to rummage around for it all the time.

The dog lives in the big pocket. I quite like the dog, but not enough to show it off.

Coach is good value- well made , lots of detail, tons of choice and they wear well. Priced well below mulberry.

I use Coach, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, a Michael Kors tote for the kids nappies as they're a good size and wear well.

For your price range id say Coach - leather is nice quality.

I agree Kate Spade is a really good option, and if you can get to an outlet store (there's one a Bicester Village), you should be able to find something for well under £200. Also at Bicester Village are Anya Hindmarch and Marni - I bought a beautiful black leather handbag from the former for £180 marked down from £600 to £180.

Also, I really think Whistles bags are absolutely fantastic - well made, not plastered with logos/naff details, really good quality and excellent value for money if you buy in the sale.

OP - can I just say I am astounded at the fact you haven't bought a new handbag for 12 years! I don't think I could go 12 months without buying a bag, they really are quite an addiction for me! In awe!

Sorry for two £180, I was clearly v focused on that

That Orla bag is lovely ! Also my DD's name . Any excuse .....
TK Maxx have a lot of Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein in at the moment . Coach also lovely as the poster up thread says.

I have a grandala bag as recommended on here. Nice leather and lots of colours.

I don't have any expensive bags but if I was going to get one, I'd maybe go for one of these Liebeskind as recommended on here by Mme Lindor ages ago.

Agree with Coach - you'd probably need to go to an outlet - I got a fab leopard print tote as my 'overflow' bag to hold laptop etc. think I paid about £180 in the summer at Bicester.

I have bought bags in the last 12 years but they have been Zatchel saddle bags. I love them but need something bigger now. Will definitely look at Coach! Thanks everyone.

What's everyone's opinion on Mulberry? I've had a little bonus and quite fancy one and I've seen one I like... Worth the money?

I've got a Michael Kors tote one and agreed that it's worn really well. I even took it down the beach on holidays and no signs of wear! Looks lovely and smart.

I've bought from Peony & Moore, gorgeous bags.. plus Russell & Bromley in that price range. Coach/Kate Spade often lovely but more expensive.. Michael Kors too bling for me, don't like satchels..

You can also pick up complete bargains at Bicester.. ;)

I love the Cassie bag from Peony choo Do you rate their quality?

Radley have a huge sale on atm with 50% off.

I love Mimi berry bags. Hand made in the uk and gorgeous leathers.

They're lovely boodles too expensive for me though