What are you looking for when you buy a bag and what is your typical budget?

[Thedarklady]

For me, I either like a bag where I can fit in A4 paper or something small and light for trips out. I don't have any bags that are the same colour. I try to buy something classic-ish and either in leather or something that seems like it is going to last. I've never paid more than £150 but that's because I tend to buy in sales with codes and cashback.

My current favourites in my collection include:

• Large racing green messenger bag (can fit A4 folder), leather and hand made in the UK. Cambridge Satchel Company
• DKNY red saffiano leather mini bag, flat square shape
• Large black Modalu Pippa bag
• Oasis leather look tan backpack
• Large horizontal navy leather look tote bag from Wallis
• Joules fuschia/magenta colour A4 portrait tote
• Accessorize yellow/mustard A4 portrait tote
• Longchamp bilberry (dark purple) Le Pliage tote (didn't like these at first but warmed to them. They're so big, useful and they pack away to a small size)

I'd like a more expensive and luxury bag but then I think of all the better ways to spend the money!

I go for bags I can fit my laptop in but am in the market for a smaller one for occasions when I don't need to lug loads of stuff around.

I bought this Kate Spade one in black when I saw it on a 30% off promotion and I'm really pleased with it. It's made of crosshatched leather which means it looks smart but it doesn't lose its shape or get scuffed or dirty at all. I've had about 5 months' hard wear out of it and it still looks brand new except for the inside pocket which is now covered in bright pink lipstick.

I want to find something smaller and lighter for weekends though.

I don't go for 'laptop' bags as work gives me a work rucksack.

I got for a normal tote bag but A4 sized as this carries lots in - my current one is I think a Swedish make, leather and suede and cost just over £100.00.

In the past I've had a similar Zara black suede A4 bag with chains, Becksonderwhatever tan bag, vintage bags etc.

My smart bag and one which I must get fixed is a DKNY fake croc smaller one - but the clasp at the side has broken.

I do have a Chloe Paddington bag but not used much now as I think it's old-fashioned and I have a similar Whistles bag bought in their sale which I don't use much now.

I am thinking of getting a nicer bag like Marc Jacobs or something.

Budget is usually £200 maximum but would pay more for a really nice bag. I don't usually (apart from the Chloe Paddington) go for designer bags as can't stand logos.

Have also had Whistles small silver leather backpack, larger Urban Outfitters brand maroon backpack - really good size etc.

I'm a two bag person in day to day life.
I normally have a tiny cross body bag, just big enough for phone, key and travel card and then everything else goes in a Longchamp pilage bag

I have a cupboard full because I think, like shoes, you can never have too many bags.

I tend to go for good quality Italian leather if at all possible, but that tends to restrict the styles and colours to classic neutrals such as beige, navy, black, tan, brown, taupe, ecru etc.

If I want a fashion bag in a particular colour, then I’ll compromise on other leather, suede, canvas, hesdian, cotton, plastic, bamboo etc..

I dont bother with fitting my laptop in my bags as I have a laptop bag and font carry it around much (I use my iPad and iPhone.

So generally I have big tote bags for day and I’ll never spend over £500. These tend to be neutrals unless for holiday when I’ll go for something in coral or pink.

For evening, I’ll never spend more than £300 as I simply wont get the wesr as I dont go ‘out out’ that often any more. These are more ‘blingy’ or ‘featured.’

Then I’ll have smaller cross-body bags for day, never more than a couple of hundred pounds on these as they get worn.

I dont have a preference as to where I buy but tend to pick unusual bags up when I travel, especially in Italy, France and Spain.

I have a small budget.

My crossbody bag is grey with triple compartments & was £40 from River Island.

My work bag is a pink & rose gold tote bag £25 in the sale from River Island.
I wear uniform to work so it's nice to have a pretty bag.

My gym bag / flight carry on bag is red floral by Cath Kidston £29 in the sale.

My beach bag is cream with a rose gold pattern, £25 from Accessorize.

Even if I have the money I wouldn't spend more than £50 on a bag as fashions & tastes change.

For smaller budgets I rate M&S and Accessorize.