Mulberry dilemma.

[Howdidthathappen1]

I'll start with not even a stealth boast! My lovely dh bought me a mulberry kite (eek!!) in midnight haircalf (double eek!!) from duty free at Heathrow.

Now the however!
Bless him I've gone on about owning a mulberry since we met never actually thinking it's gonna happen. The one he has bought - though stunning is the least practical bag ever. The hair calf makes it very special occasion bag only and as boring old foster carers with no actual life we don't go anywhere special. Ever!! And that's not likely to change.

I've got an emailed receipt and the box is (very slightly) battered from him carrying it home. It's been out of the box for me to stroke a few times. I love it but I would love one I can actually use a bit more.
Anyone any advice on this? Because it was duty free will a store take it back and swap? I assume I'll loose loads of the value if I sold it and I don't really want that as dh took soooo long to save.
Dh will understand I think. He just keep shaking his head and saying 'I tried'!

Thats gorgeous, I'd wear it everyday? As long as you don't rub the hair too much it'll wear fine?

The store will take it back tho, as long as unworn & within specified time, plus you'll have to post it. Give them a ring..

Mulbs cust service is excellent. Give them a ring tomorrow and explain the situation. I would also work out what bag you'd like instead. They are always going to be more understanding if you say 'the Kite isn't for me but I am desperate for a Tessie' IYSWIM.

If they won't return it for some reason then I'd consign it at Naughti Pidgin's Nest.

Go on their website and find one you do like, call customer service and explain. They will be fine and won't care about the box. Just that you haven't used it the bag etc. If they won't exchange I'd be very surprised. And come back on here!

What a gorgeous bag! And what an amazing DH!! If you are tempted to keep it at all then it is pretty easy to treat calf hair to make it dirt and waterproof. My DH did it for a pair of boots I (accidentally) bought and loved. Good luck either way, it's beautiful!

I had a Mulberry Lily that broke beyond repair after a few uses and they allowed me to exchange it for a larger and more practical bag as long as I paid the difference in RRP.

Oh Mrs villiers please tell me how to treat it - I've googled and googled and I've only found that basically bits will shed everytime it's used. And I don't really have any 'best' occasions to save it for! I don't mind a bag looking used but bald haircalf sort of ruins the point of haircalf imho!!

Please see above Mrs villiers - I only just worked out there's a reply button!

DH just sprayed mine with an expensive suede protector (which was what he'd found on the Internet). My boots were 'only' £150 so I don't think I'd necessarily suggest it for your bag but I have worn them quite a bit and haven't noticed any shedding or marking so I'd guess there's an even better way. Most good shoe repair shops will also treat handbags. Or you could ask Mulberry themselves?

I'd change it for the same model and colour but in leather. It's lovely but agree the calf hair will be a pita.

OMG that bag is gorgeous .I know its not up to me but a) I would be amazed if my dh chose something that lovely and b) I would embract the luxury -you can get a workaday bag any time not jealous

embrace not embract

My dh just bought me the mini kite in oxblood. It is a thing of beauty and usable everyday, I think, if you were looking for an alternative.

That bag is blimmin gorgeous.

I don't believe in saving things for best - I would change it for a more practical leather and use it constantly.

My every day bag is a Bayswater. I chuck it around, sling it on floors and it still looks great after over a year.

It is so beautiful! But totally wasted under the bed!
Dh is gutted as he thought he had done the best thing ever - which he did just not the most practical!
I'll give customer services a ring tomorrow.
Thanks all

Agree with Benny. I have hammed my bays and use it almost every day & 6 years on its a bit trashed but a lovely burnished golden brown (is an oak VT bays)

How big is the mini kite iwill?

The height is 25cm, width 28cm and depth 15cm. Mulberry website says the handle drop is 20cm and the shoulder strap 45cm.

I am only 5ft2 so it is the perfect size for me.

I've just googled and it's a lovely bag ,looks like an everydayness bag to me ,I was expecting an evening clutch or something!

I feel your pain though, dh bought me a Mulberry 17years ago and I've never used it.

OP, you are very naughty posting this. I am now in love with the kite bag I think the original size is too big for me, the mini looks better. Although the midnight hair calf does look completely gorgeous.

Hope you manage to change it OP, let us know what you go for.