Mulberry handbag recommendations

[11Orchard]

I’m looking to buy my first mulberry handbag, for my 40th birthday.
Has anyone got a style that they absolutely love?
I’m looking for something I can use everyday and won’t date.
My children are 5 & 7 so don’t need to carry baby bits in it, just usualS: purse, phone, keys, bit of make up, brush etc.
I’m only 5ft so nothing too big.

How much are you looking to spend? New only or would you consider used? Most styles (and manufacturer) will date so just buy something you love and use it would be my opinion.

I love my Bayswater satchel as it’s a long strap and a slightly smaller bag so easy to carry

They are currently in the sale

Honestly, I wouldn't bother buying new. The quality has gone down as significantly as the price has gone up over the years.
I would look at an East West Bayswater (less deep than a regular Bays) or an Ledbury (which is a mini Bays)

Look on Ebay, but get it check for authenticity on ThePurseForum.com

Bayswater

I have an Amberley medium satchel which I love.

I have an amberley and I love it

Small Leighton

I wouldn’t touch them now - the quality has gone right down while the price has skyrocketed.

I have the zipped baywater in black, timeless, not too big but big enough for daily work essentials (not A4 folders).. plus Black goes with everything...

I LOVE it.. here

I don't think that black does go with everything. I would only use a black handbag during the cooler months. It wouldn't go with any of my summer clothes. I find I use my oak Bayswater all year round. Stylewise, my favourite is the discontinued Del Rey.

They have quite a few in the sales at John Lewis. Worth a look.

I don’t think the quality has gone down. They used to be unlined and a bit basic years and years ago and in many ways that’s the way they are now. Just more expensive. Buy in the sales. The Amberley is a good choice right now. Bayswater’s are big.

I have a OAK Bayswater. I think I’ve used it 6 times in 2 - 3 years. Normally for funerals and weddings 😂 i find it to heavy and awkward to carry and you can’t fit much in it
I much prefer my cheap Mia Tui Eleanor 😂 I could probably buy the whole collection and have change for the price of a Bayswater
The matching purse I got at the same time is worth every penny of £300 I use it every day and it’s worn really well

Sadly I wouldn't go near them now. A few years ago they doubled their prices overnight, without any corresponding increase in quality and I just don't think they're worth the prices any more.

Have a look at Aspinal bags instead - absolutely gorgeous quality and design, and feel very luxurious. You might find a bag in the tail end of the sale which is on right now.

There’s a mulberry sale on at the moment , and their mulberry outlet store is online.
I an 5 ft 4 . I find the classic Bayswater is far too big for me. The Small Bayswater satchel is a smaller bag - and looks much better on me.
I have a small Amberley satchel which I love - although you can’t get that much in it- phone , keys , lipstick, small purse. I had the larger size satchel but again didn’t take to it as it felt too big and formal.
I love a lily - but probably more of a going out bag .
I recently bought a belted Bayswater satchel in the sale. I really like it but haven’t had a chance to use it yet given lockdown.
My first was an Alexa which I loved and was very practical but you can only get them second hand or as specials in the outlet shops now

How big is the belted Bayswater compared to the small Bayswater satchel?
I’m also 5ft 4 and been eyeing them up in the sale.
My small Bayswater satchel perfect size for me

I might treat myself to a lily otherwise. (Emilia fox uses one as her work bag on Silent witness)

What sort of bag do you need for your lifestyle? Do you need to be able to carry a lot daily (like books, spare shoes, a lunch etc) or do you just need to carry a purse, phone and keys?

Do you like bags with a strap for cross body or prefer to hold in your hand, or to wear over your shoulder?

I have a bayswater from about 8-9 years ago, I dont tend to use it much now as my job/lifestyle has changed and I don't need a bag that big. I have just treated myself to small amberley in the sale and that's perfect for what I need now.

I don't tend to do 'posh going out' all that much, so it feels like a waste to buy a going out style bag at that price point. If you are out more often, then something more formal might suit you. (Like a small lilly).

oh and I agree they seem very expensive for what they are now, although in the sale/factory outlet they do seem more the price they should be, if that makes sense. I don't feel I got a bargain in the sale, I felt I paid the right price for the small amberley.

Thanks everyone.
I’m looking to buy new this time only because it’s my first mulberry bag and it’s a treat, I’ve wanted a mulberries bag for years so I’m quite excited about finally get one 😂.
I want a bag for everyday use (if I’m spending that much money on 1 I want to get maximum use out of it).
I only really carry purse, phone, keys, tissues, hand gel, hair brush, a bit of make up and a good away shopper bag a d that’s about it.
I really like the Amberley but think the small might be too small for what I want to put in it but not sure if the standard size might be too big or heavy?

@Rebelwithallthecause the belted Bayswater is a perfect size- flatter and maybe slightly smaller than the Bayswater satchel but sits better. It has 3 compartments rather than 1 open space inside but that suits me better.
I use my lilies through the day if I’m out somewhere but because of the chain it’s not a bag I would use everyday - the chain can get a bit uncomfortable.if I only had 1 mulberry though I would use a cheaper bag day to day and have a lily for going out with.

I have a large Amberley and a large Leighton. I alternate and use them every day.

The Amberley for smartish and the Leighton for causalish. I've taken the chain strap off the Leighton.

10/10 would recommend.

I have a Bayswater tote which I use for work everyday. I was worried as it doesn't zip closed but it's fine.

It's Rose in colour and I find it goes with everything

I have a black Bayswater also which was a gift for my 40th. I love it.

OP - did you pick a bag?!

Apologies for reviving an old thread but I'd love opinions on which bag is a better choice for daily mum life (in and out of car, running into supermarkets and swimming lessons etc), the mini Bayswater or the small Amberley?