Handbag help!

[Sherlock35]

I'd like some advice on a new bag, please.

I love handbags. I buy quite a few but none of them really seem to be the right one so then I buy another one. I was wondering if anyone can help find a bag like this...

1. Must be able to have my hands free wearing it
2. Needs to zip across the top
3. I want one main compartment, not divided.
4. Maximum budget of £100
5. Need to be able to fit in an A5 notebook and/or paperback

I have a Kipling bag that I am using at the moment but it's got two sections so all I do is hunt around for things in it all the time

All suggestions, links and pictures gratefully received

Are you me?! No advice I'm afraid but I could've written your post word for word. I too keep buying bags in the hope of finding the perfect one, but it hasn't happened yet. Your list of requirements is identical to mine too. Hopefully someone will reply who can help with the search

sherlock I have just seen THISS* bag in Next when I was out browsing and it caught my eye as the sort of thing you (and I!) might be looking for. It was very roomy, with a long zip top so it opens up nice and wide. Didn't have anything A5 sized with me to check for certain if it'd fit but I think probably would.

I nearly bought it there and then but I personally find a wider strap more comfortable so it was very nearly perfect but not quite! I may go back and buy it anyway

Nice colour but snakeskin effect?

I've bought a Cath Kidston rucksack on eBay and have got my eye on a Fat Face bag too. Will keep you posted...

It didn't look that snake-skin-y in real life. In fact it wasn't until I looked it up online to post the link that I realised it was snake skin effect. Hadn't thought of Fat Face ... might look there myself I really don't need any more bags

Kin and weekend at John Lewis often seem to fill this niche for me. I've just bought a Coach Turnlock hobo in their sale which is perfect for these needs but was £165. Worth keeping an eye on for further discounts?

Coach are definitely on my list if I ever come into some money but they are sadly out of my price range at the minute.

Quite taken with Herschel and their stripy linings...

I just want all the bags.

Le pilage should be within budget but depends on if you don't mind nylon.

Radley currently have a sale on, so quite a few cross body leather bags, that will easily fit in A5. I bought one recently, www.radley.co.uk/regent-large-zip-top-cross-body-bag-50ae19/

I am sorry to say I already own two Radley bags. But quite small ones...

The problem with expensive bags is I tend to not want to use them and spoil them. I want to be able to fit at least two notebooks in there and maybe a Kindle or paperback without ruining the bag...

I know. I'm demanding

Rowallan

Fossil

Yoshi

Jones

eBay links are just to get a sense of the shape/function you like

Out of those, probably the first one.

Joules Belsize? In the sale at the mo, too. Sadly not leather, though.