Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Handbag help for dd 21

78 replies

SouthWestmom · 02/09/2019 20:06

Hi all

So I'm more All Saints, Zara, undercut and glitter in no particular order. This does not help when looking for stuff for dd who is more preppy, pretty, Clueless, Legally Blonde, KMiddleton etc

She would like a bag for her birthday. I will spend up to £600. Not Michael Kors, not Westwood, she likes boxy, cute, classy things

Any suggestions? She likes smooth leather not the crinkly stuff

OP posts:
Sooverthemill · 02/09/2019 20:10

Look at Russell and Bromley

Original poster
SouthWestmom · 02/09/2019 20:23

Thank you - both of those are very her, didn't think Mulberry would be in budget!

OP posts:
IloveJudgeJudy · 02/09/2019 20:25

Have you looked at Aspinal London?

Lucked · 02/09/2019 20:30

I like some of this years Kate Spade bags so worth a look. They certainly fit the cute and preppy vibe and they come in under budget.

Original poster
SouthWestmom · 02/09/2019 20:53

Kate Spade is a good idea. Will look at R and B but I know my mum loves it so not sure dd will like that!

OP posts:
ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 02/09/2019 21:07

Check out brandalley they sometimes have Mulberry on sale.

Paul Costello as another option?

HundredMilesAnHour · 02/09/2019 21:16

Mulberry is so mumsy (hence loved on MN). I don't know anyone in real life who likes Mulberry (at least not since Luella left back in the 90s!)

Have a look at Aspinal instead - popular with the Middletons, especially the Lottie bag:

www.aspinaloflondon.com/leather-handbags/aspinal-signature-styles/the-lottie-bag-collection

Don't forget to look in Aspinal's outlet section. Some good deals on 'duffle bags' in classic colours:
www.aspinaloflondon.com/outlet/handbags-and-accessories

applesandacorns · 02/09/2019 21:33

Some suggestions from me:

ATP Atelier
Marc Jacobs
Coach (personal favourite)
Rixo
Kate Spade
Tory Burch
Wandler
See by Chloé (the younger line of Chloé)
RED Valentino (the younger line of Valentino)
Jil Sander
Staud
Marni

I personally wouldn't go for a Mulberry, they're a bit dated now.

HundredMilesAnHour · 02/09/2019 21:42

Wandler (as per previous poster's suggestion) is a good call. They're very 'in' right now. Staud are a bit last season (and were heavily discounted in the sales recently).

Also have a look at Danse Lente, particularly the Phoebe Bis.

Rejina Pyo's Olivia was very 'in' late last year but seems to be becoming a classic, especially the snakeskin one:
rejinapyo.com/collections/bags/products/olivia-beige-snake-leather-box-bag

Nanushka is also a hot name, particularly her vegan leather (clothes, shoes & bags).

It depends how fashion forward your DD is.

Original poster
SouthWestmom · 02/09/2019 21:54

Oh exciting, lots to look at now.

I wouldn't say fashion forward in an edgy way but definitely follower of mainstream trends.

Likes to look groomed, classy, minimal - pretty silver small jewellery not gold or chunky or 'interesting'.

OP posts:
Sooverthemill · 03/09/2019 09:05

IMO R&B does classic stuff. Not necessarily cutting edge but not so in your face as others. Strathberry did some nice bags but the Meghan effect made them sell out. I don't like mulberry bags at all. They seem so heavy and thick and dumpy but others will disagree. MUI MUI have some nice ones.

pinkstar01 · 03/09/2019 09:15

Shrimps
Staud
Mansur Gavriel

All cute trendy bag!

I would personally look at shrimps, super cute bags that would suit her age and style

bluebury · 03/09/2019 09:44

I'd say Mulberry would be a good choice. I don't think it's mumsy at all.

If she's a label lover your budget might just stretch to a LV but they aren't as hard wearing as a Mulberry.

If you buy somewhere like Selfridges they might do an exchange if it's not the brand she wants. Or could you take her on a special day out to choose a bag?

nooddsocksforme · 03/09/2019 10:30

I would also say that if you are spending £600 on a bag you are better with something timeless and classy . Surely you want it to last a few years and not just be the latest trend .

Ninkaninus · 03/09/2019 10:41

I think Kate Spade fits the bill for age/style.

Aspinal or Mulberry would be my personal choice of the brands mentioned on this thread. Mulberry is still great in terms of quality and design, and definitely not mumsy unless the person wearing it is doing so in a mumsy way. Plenty of young women wear Mulberry, it’s still a young brand too.

R&B is a bit old for her IMO.

Ninkaninus · 03/09/2019 10:44

I agree, for that amount of money I’d let her choose the bag, that way you know she’ll love it.

Mulberry sale is done but Aspinal still has an outlet section on their website.

Ninkaninus · 03/09/2019 10:46

Also, once she’s narrowed it down to a few bags I’d recommend watching a range of YouTube reviews of the specific bag(s) as that can be very helpful for making a final decision.

Original poster
SouthWestmom · 03/09/2019 11:39

That's a good idea. She has asked for a surprise but maybe I will get her to short list some instead.

Lots of good ideas though. Definitely don't want something that will look dated within a year.

OP posts:
BubblesBuddy · 03/09/2019 12:37

My DD is 24. Keen on bags. We go to Gucci at Bicester Village. Their cross the body bags are definitely within price. You would get Mulberry at sale prices too as they have a shop there. DD does look at Mulberry but prefers Gucci. Make a weekend of it - its very crowded at weekends though. Late night on a Saturday is quieter! Prada, Burberry and Alexander McQueen all have stores there too and you can pick up bargains.

DD (27) is keen on The Outnet. She has picked up a Victoria Beckham and several other really good "designer" bags for less than £500. It is always worth a look. Never buy a 21 year old a bsg eithout their approval. There will not be much at LV and hat thrre is will be canvas. No sales either!

BubblesBuddy · 03/09/2019 12:41

Some of the makes above by posters are very mumsy. My DDs would not take a second look at Kate Spade when you can get a Gucci!

Ninkaninus · 03/09/2019 13:18

Yes Gucci is a great option too. Certainly if she wants a crossbody that’s a brand that does a few fab options.

Gonegrey31 · 03/09/2019 13:31

Try Chylak bags, my fashionista daughter adores them, she's similar in style/tastes to your dd

(sorry, can't do a link for some reason)

Own website plus I think Net-a-Porter stock some styles. Good value for the excellent quality. Chic and understated and not ubiquitous

Aderyn19 · 03/09/2019 13:38

I don't think either of those linked mulberry bags were mumsy. I thought they were classic shapes but still young. And for £500 you'd want something that was going to last and not date in 5 minutes.
I love Coach but I don't tend to think of them as a 'young' brand.