I love Mulberry but can't bring myself to spend that much. Alternatives please?

[amusedbush]

I've wanted a Mulberry for years and was all set to buy a New Small Bayswater in oak when we go through Heathrow in March. However, the more I think about it, the more I think I just can't do it. Even at the duty free price of £720, it's just so much money.

DH is baffled by it all and would really rather I didn't buy one, but will obviously not stop me as it's coming from my "fun money".

Where else can I get a classic, great quality every day leather handbag? I don't even know where to begin looking! I was always a Radley fan but I'm not so keen these days and I'm not sure why. Caveat: I don't like crook-of-the-elbow bags, and will do shoulder if need be. The main selling point of the Small Bays is the cross-body strap.

Thanks in advance!

Coach! Lovely bags. They have the classic leathery look with no garish labels that Mulberry have. And the traditional vibe.

Do you live anywhere near Somerset: they have a factory store and do a cheaper version. Having said that I splashed out when I started work on a handbag/briefcase thing from Mulberry in 1988 and am still using it regularly now! Still looks as good as new, in fact a bit nicer as it is a bit softer!

Mulberry are such stupid prices now for a relatively basic bag. I go to Bicester Village regularly and they do have the small
Bayswater occasionally. However for less money I can usually find a better bargain in Tods. I have found amazing bags in Gucci which are way more stylish than Mulberry which is essentially not a world wide brand.

Occasionally there is an Alexander McQueen there too and plenty of Burberry bags. I do like Ralph Lauren ones and they are well priced. I think waiting for the sales on net-a-porter is definitely worthwhile. DeMellier look excellent for the money and Radley if you can remove the dog are well made and good value.

wheresmyphone

I'm in Glasgow, I'm afraid, nowhere near any of the outlets! They will post out to you if you phone them but whenever I've called before, they never have any "classics" marked down in price, only the seasonal colours, etc.

I love lk Bennett. What about this one?

www.lkbennett.com/product/BTCASSANDRASAFFIANOLEATHERTanTan~Cassandra-Leather-Tote-Bag-Tan

God it was In stock a min ago, have a look at what else they sell though, I’ve got several of their bags and thr quality is excellent.

Mimi Berry were recommended on a thread ages ago. I don't have experience of them but if you like classic leather bags I think they look lovely: www.mimiberry.co.uk

In breaking news, just discovered this brand on Insta and it has piqued my interest!!

www.loxleyengland.com/shop/product-category/handbags/

And thank you all PPs for bringing DeMellior to my attention!!

I love my Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel. Cross body (though can wear over the crook of your elbow) and has loads of pockets. In a similar style to the Balenciaga City bag. Practical and stylish

Get a second hand one on one of the many mulberry selling pages on Facebook. All very good, real and lots of helpful advice.

I got a Mimi Berry for Christmas last year from DH & love it.

Before that, I had a Coach for about 7 years.

Have a look at the selection of pre-loved Mulberry and others on npnbags www.npnbags.co.uk I've bought many from Shian on this website - she's lovely.

My Bayswater piping wore through after a year. It cost me 60 quid to get it fixed. I have had no such issues with my Coach bag, my Fossil ones or my Osprey bags.

I really love Coach. They are made as well as my mulberry. And there's 20% off this weekend.

Really did not need to be introduced to De Mellier bags just before Christmas 🙄
They are gorgeous.....thanks Mumsnetters!

Op I love my mulberry. I bought it at Heathrow for £500 (£100 saving). I love it and haven't bought another bag since infact I've not even looked at another bag.

Have a look at modalu and jaeger as well - even jigsaw and mint vrlvet

I love Kate Spade. You can order over the phone from their outlet in Bicester. They are very helpful. They've also got a good discount currently on their website so worth looking their too. Good luck!
Personally I'd go for the Prada classic rather than mulberry

Mimi Berry bags are gorgeous. Really top quality leather and lovely, classic designs. I just wish I could still afford them!