Ongoing Fashion Disaster - please assist in the search for a stylish handbag

[Earlybird]

......thought I'd revive this quest, as I am hoping a new handbag season will conjure up a suitable and appealing bag for me.

Here are the criteria:

*Somewhat fashionable....or even alot fashionable
*Zip/buckle closure for security reasons
*Long shoulder strap or straps so that hands are free (to help dd carry book bags, sports kit, etc) and my own bag isn't constantly falling off shoulder
*Big enough to carry personal things, but also various items needed on a whole day out on my own or with dd (waterbottles, book, notebook, small birthday pressies for dd's friends, camera, etc (Am a bit of a packhorse as I don't drive so can't throw stuff in back of car)
*Price not a particular issue - willing to stretch to an 'investment' bag if the right one can be found

I currently traipse around London like a tourist with a rucksack that looks dreadful but fills my needs. I keep thinking there is a lovelier bag out there somewhere, but have not been successful in locating it. Is it a trendy rucksack? Messenger Bag? Something else entirely?

price not a particular issue

if i recommend something costing £500 will you flip?

Not necessarily - as long as it's practical, versatile, good quality, appealing and will last.

Pre-rucksack I used a Prada bag that I wore out, and it probably cost in that region.

What do you have in mind?

i asked because i just got the mulberry elgin bag

stays on shoulder pretty well, and i got it as it's big enough for baby and toddler detritus

mulberry has irritating site which means i can't link, but if you go to mulberry.com and then shop online, ladies bags, every day

i got elgin in chocolate - here it is in oak

it may be too handbaggy and not pratical/rucksacky enough for your needs though?

Tutter - that's very nice, and might work - would have to see it 'in person'. And you've just given me an idea. Our sometime babysitter works in a Mulberry shop, so perhaps she could purchase things at a staff discount....think I'll have to make a trip to see what they've got.

lucky you!

they do have a messenger bag, which would be v practical, but it was just a bit too masculine for my tastes

if i didn't have a toddler i would have got the elgin in a lovely buttercreamy colour, but it would be a mistake

if you get it i'll be

I don't know where you are geographically but if you are very keen on Muberry, they have 2 factory shops I know about - one at Bicester Village and also one at the factory down near Bath - both do quite good discounts if you're close to either...

I've just bought a beautiful bag from Radley - they have a few shops, as well as concessions throught department stores and on line (I'm tryiong to remmber what the website is called). They do really nice unusual bags that are worth a look at...

FB - I'm in London, so not near the locations you suggest. But thanks anyway.

Anyone else know of good bags?

tkmaxx is worth a look

lots of leather designer bags at massive reductions

picked up a smith and canova bag today for 15 squid, they are usually about 80

Thanks for the tip spykid. I don't live near a TKMaxx, but for those prices, it might be worth making a trip!

Anyone else have other ideas/suggestions?

also look here
www.reddirect.co.uk

some lovely bags

Might not be to your taste but I love the Orla Kierly bags - funky fabric covered in plastic, nice shapes, could be messenger style. Not sure how "fashionable" they are, am not very up on catwalk styles and just like what I like usually!

Another nice make is Ollie & Nic. Quite reasonable prices and cute designs.

My personal faves are Coach and Kate Spade - neither of which are very easy to get hold of this side fo the Atlantic - I have to get friends going the the US to get them for me, and I haven't had a new one in a while now I blame global warming, they're all going to Cornwall now.

lots of ollie and nic in tkmaxx yesterday

BIG savings

Orla Kiely stocked in Fenwicks on New Bond St

Ollie & Nic store on St Christopher's Place