An idiots guide to handbags

[Nateismine]

I'm 43 and love shoes but I have never been into bags. I started to look for a bag and then got totally confused with all the different types- tote, hobo, messenger etc. Are there any 'rules' regarding what bag to wear in different situations? Any no-nos?

I looked at some Radley bags and liked them, then I noticed that Mulberry bags are 5 times the price; why is that, is it the label or are they better bags? Any help for a novice please? Up to this point I have been using a corduroy Animal bag for everything!

I put a top handled bag over my arm - I don't grab it all the time. Shoulder bags fall off my shoulders so I prefer grab bags. Russell and Bromley, Jaeger and Jigsaw do excellent leather bags to suit any occasion. I tend to avoid hobo bags as they are casual use only as far as I am concerned. Zara do cheaper leather bags and are worth a look. I have quite a few very expensive bags and I find Guuci are brilliant and my LV bags have not dated as they are classics as is the Chanel 2/55.

Radley do have the horrid dog and some yuk colours but occasionally they produce an excellent bag. They are well made and well priced. Ralph Lauren also do a cheaper range that are well made. They are way more classy than Michael Kors that are absolutely everywhere! Mulberry is a bit of an aging brand. Go to Bicester Village for bargains.

storynanny can I ask which bag it is you have? It sounds perfect size and style!

It might be worth checking out Cambridge Satchel Company. They don't only do satchels (although they're lovely if you like that kind of thing!) I bought a small "cloud" bag earlier this year which fits a wallet, phone keys & lipstick in it, so I use it for weekends. I have been so impressed with the quality. I've had a few compliments on it and it hardly looks like I've used it!
I'm thinking of getting a Poppy www.cambridgesatchel.com/en-gb/poppy-bags/the-poppy-bag/POPNA1005BNH10101.html for using in the week to & from work.
Most of their bags can be dressed up or down. They're made in the UK and are fabulous quality and not too pricy. I think there are often offers and codes for the site as I know I've been emailed a few.
Totally agree with previous posters regarding only buying leather bags!

Its not designer but perfect for me and looks good quality (fake leather) Pavers shoe shop about £30 this season

The Bridge do nice bags. Not cheap, but good quality leather, well made and long lasting.

Thank you storynanny. Will have a look in the shops.