What do you consider to be a classy handbag?

[WingsOnMyBoots]

Photos would be good.

Snape - that's beautiful.

Theothermum - I got my lining mended by someone who owns a local art/craft shop and does leatherwork. If you're anywhere near Oxfordshire I can give you her name.

Thanks fools & flo I managed to get a steam mop with handheld on freecycle yesterday, so intend to gently steam it on arrival (I steam everything at the moment!) it looks like just my thing, big enough for work stuff, not too generic. :-)

It's really interesting to see everyone's different tastes. Some lovely bags here.

KimchiLaLa

You don't need to jump through hoops to buy a Birkin, whatever you may have been led to believe. Both of mine were purchased with no previous client history at that particular store and each were to my exact specification. Kellys are currently much harder to obtain though.

Chanelprincess I've read so much on PurseBlog and similar sites about how much you need to buy beforehand...how you need a SA relationship...the hoops people jump through to get an appointment at the Paris store...it just seems so frustrating to me

KimchiLaLa

You honestly don't and I hate that myth. You will need to queue to get an appointment at Paris FSH but I'm pretty sure you'd be offered a bag unless you were very unlucky. I know quite a few people who've bought a Birkin or Kelly this way but they were quite flexible with their choice of colour, leather, hardwear etc. You might need to be persistent and try your luck in lots of different boutiques but don't give up.

I don't wander onto handbag threads ...feel free to kick me out.

I like the look of the Bayswater but I'd never own one. If I wanted one I'd save up but I don't do leather. My own choice .

My personal anti-classy bag is anything by Lulu Guiness , I watch the QVC shows and it really is Emporers New Clothes.
They are ££, they look plastic even though they're leather (though they do a Non Leather range but I still wouldn;t ) , I don't like the Lips or Dolls Eyes logo.

As you were .

Kimchi - I have more than a couple birkins and can categorically tell you that I have never played the wooing the SA games which are spoken of on TPF. Perhaps in the US it is necessary to kiss ass to be deemed worthy of asking for one, but not here, and not FSH. There are certain boutiques which are "easier" and , unfortunately in my experience, it is easier if you are with a man or if the man does the asking.

Also definitely agree that Kelly's are harder to get now then birkins - I don't even use mine anymore due to the Kartrashian effect and the sheer number of Z list celebs toting them around.

I personally think Birkins are ugly and clunky, but I'll never own one, so it won't be a problem! True about Lulu Guinness bags, they're very expensive and don't look particularly classy. I used to buy Enny bags, but I think they've stopped making them.

I have a few Mulberrys which I love - a mini Kite in navy blue, a tan large Antony which isn't particularly pretty but is very practical and an east west small bayswater in purple patent that I haven't used for ages.

However my current favourite bag is my Strathberry midi tote in pearl grey that dh bought me for my birthday this year

I personally think Birkins are ugly and clunky

They're perfect holdalls for long-haul travel due to their size, shape durability and secure fastening. They're definitely not a bag one would carry as an elegant handbag, but then they were not designed for that purpose.

I've only seen people use them as handbags eg Victoria Beckham and the like.

I agree with ChanelPrincess - they are a sturdy, well designed tote bag. I used mine when my children were younger and I had loads to carry (snacks, wipes, toys, extra changes of clothes) and I still use them for travel. However, the small sized ones are cute for the day (30 and 25 cm), but again not really elegant.

following this thread as I'm looking for a laptop bag that doesn't look like a laptop bag and holds everything but the kitchen sink without being huge. Also needs to be very strong, so no straps that will break.

Does anyone have any stylish recommendations?

flopsyandjim Just tried looking online but I can't where sells it. I have pretty much what you decribed. It's 12 years old and going strong, Fits my laptop and all my handbag stuff in it and a cardigan. Strap is super strong. It still looks good after everything I've put it through. Its a Black leather Emmerson bag, I think its a richmond.

Mominatrix

You probably have wonderfully toned arms thanks to your Birkins

Chanelprincess - I call them Birkin Biceps!

@Brendatheblender I love the look of that bag. Do you know what it is called? I can't find it on RLL website.

I have quite a selection Hermes bags,including Kellys and Birkins, bought my first one right after graduation many moons ago, I don't wear them that much now for the reasons monitraix mentioned, they are just too popular and it makes you think that it's not as elusive and hard to get as its led to believe, considering selling some and just keep one of each as I use 35 black for travelling . there are many other Hermes designs like lindy, plume, bolide, and garden party, that are availble to purchase without jumping through hoops for a kelly or Birkins. you can't find a more superior bag than Hermes , they are just so exceptionally made.

the Constance is a very classy bag , but the big H logo bothers me, the celine box bag is very similar and probably modelled on the Constance but the clasp is much more understated plus it has a lovely patina that developes with use.

Mominatrix

Hi Pincard, I’ve just replied to your PM, it’s the Newbury x

I've just bought this, couldn't decide between this colour or tan but just looked more classy to me

Pressed post too early

But spends for me I never spend much on bags usually but such a good price it be rude not to 🙄