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Original poster

Inexpensive, not plastic, large handbag which is smart enough for work?

25 replies

BeatriceTheBeast · 04/12/2019 09:29

Not that I have a job yet, but I'm hoping to go back to work or study next year and am looking for a suitable bag, which holds a lot, is comfortable to wear and looks smart. I am asking someone to buy me it for Christmas. We don't tend to spend hundreds on each other, so it would need to be under £50...

Am I asking for the moon? Quite possibly!

I also hate plastic, so don't want a plasticy "vegan leather" one if possible...

OP posts:
Original poster
BeatriceTheBeast · 04/12/2019 14:46

Bumping!

OP posts:
Goawayquickly · 04/12/2019 16:14

For your budget I’d try Dune, 20% off at the moment

BlingLoving · 04/12/2019 16:21

I would take a look at Accessorize. I'm always impressed with the quality of their bags considering the price. Especially if you can pick something up on sale.

BlingLoving · 04/12/2019 16:23

Also Fiorelli bags are quite good value and are on sale at John Lewis and probably other department stores right now. Not super exciting, but do the job.

LellyMcKelly · 04/12/2019 17:16

Have you thought of going on eBay and getting a second hand Jaeger or Russell and Bromley one?

Original poster
BeatriceTheBeast · 04/12/2019 17:27

It's for someone else to buy me, so I'm not sure about ebay, as it's a bit of a lottery!

Thanks for these. I've seen some nice cotton ones, which I reckon I could get away with at (hypothetical) work, but they're either too small or no crossbody strap.

OP posts:
Goawayquickly · 04/12/2019 17:31

What kind of size are you after?

Original poster
BeatriceTheBeast · 04/12/2019 17:35

Laptop size but not massive.

OP posts:
Powerplant · 04/12/2019 17:46

Mia Tui sale lovely bags

goose1964 · 04/12/2019 17:48

Try TKMaxx, they have shedloads of bags.

ArthurEyeTits · 04/12/2019 17:55

These leather bucket bags are lovely, I've bought two of them:

[https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LADIES-NEW-GENUINE-LEATHER-BUCKET-DESIGN-VERA-PELLE-CROSSBODY-SHOULDER-BAG/222607426653?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649]]

ArthurEyeTits · 04/12/2019 17:56

Oh just seen your post saying you're looking for laptop size.

professionalnomad · 04/12/2019 19:30

I second Mia Tui
Their Jennie bag is amazing

justonecottonpickingminute · 04/12/2019 19:33

But Mia Tui only make bags in "vegan leather" (plastic) and OP is clear she wants leather and hates plastic...

Original poster
BeatriceTheBeast · 04/12/2019 19:56

It doesn't have to be leather, as think that is expecting a lot for the budget. But no, I'm not keen on vegan leather aka plastic at all.

OP posts:
Goawayquickly · 04/12/2019 20:03

I’ve just been browsing Debenhams Handbag department and there are some great bags at low sales prices like this
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_63238+19PL85BLK_-1
Lots of other styles available

monkeyblonde · 04/12/2019 20:09

Zara always good for a range of fabrics/prices.

XingMing · 04/12/2019 20:14

I think I'd look in TK Maxx, who can have smashing bags, and at Parfois.com which is Portuguese equivalent to Accessorize. I bought an £18 Parfois cross body two years ago, and despite the warning that it wasn't likely to wear well, it is still going strong and my is my most used bag. It's not leather, but it doesn't look cheap, although now the chrome plating on the fittings is wearing out a bit.

Original poster
BeatriceTheBeast · 04/12/2019 20:32

Thanks - I was very close to buying a heavily discounted Fossil bag in TK Maxx just now, but I wasn't sure. Loads of leather backpacks in Debenhams, but I'm not sure a backpack is smart enough for work / going out..?

OP posts:
OpheIiaBaIIs · 05/12/2019 15:00

OP, I'd hang on a few weeks for the sales. John Lewis have some lovely leather bags in their own-brand range and they often reduce them to half price by mid-January. Ditto M&S - I bought a laptop size leather tote from there for £40 in the sale two years ago and it's still going strong.

Original poster
BeatriceTheBeast · 05/12/2019 17:44

Thanks, I might do that ophelia.

OP posts:
JaceLancs · 05/12/2019 22:33

I buy and sell a lot on eBay look at tote style jaeger or knomo
£50 will easily get you a fab bag

JaneyCartmel · 05/12/2019 22:35

M&S or Zara.

Beketaten · 06/12/2019 00:58

Can you stretch to £80 for a Longchamp Le Pliage?

May be on sale somewhere. Big enough, stylish, lightweight and very durable.

www.longchamp.com/gb/en/le-pliage/003/le-pliage-original/003302/

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