Nice handbag special birthday under 300?

[BagLady32]

Hello, I'm a regular but have name changed as I realise this is a bit of a privileged problem to have. I have a special birthday coming up (30 in October) and I would really love a very nice handbag as I've never had one before, I exclusively shop on ASOS and mango
/zara etc.

Anyway I'm looking for advice on what the best bang for buck in the under 300 range would be? I think i would like something in black as I want it to go with everything, a little bit of a 'statement' big enough for phone, wallet, waterbottle and a book-not tiny but not big enough to fit the kitchen sink!
I'm generally a boots and leather jacket, worn jeans kinda person, I'm happy to wait for sales etc and have seen there are a few about and I'm also happy to purchase on ebay but a bit afraid of being had with a fake!

So far I like the look of; Kate spade, vivienne Westwood, see by chloe (but possibly only tiny bags in budget in the sale). I really like coach too but I feel that they're a bit dull? Im not really a fan of Michael Kors but that's the only brand I'm really ruling out!

So, wise mumsnetters can you help me a) advise if there are other brands I should look to b) who to steer clear of in terms of quality or anything else or C) post any nice bags you've seen

P. S first in with use a plastic bag and give the rest to charity is getting reported :p

How about Russell & Bromley? I was given a black Quilty bag about 7/8 years ago and I still use it all the time, it's a classic! IMO you get the quality without the big name so more for your money 🙂 happy shopping!

I would look at pre loved from a seller such as Labels Most Wanted .
Great brands , some new at bargain prices .

Have a look at Coccinelle. Sale on at the moment.

Thanks, cocinelle looks really nice they'd not really been on my radar before. With regards online such as the outnet, brand alley, stylette etc does anyone have any idea on how reputable these sites are? Thanks

For that budget I would go with Kate Spade, try and get to an Outlet shop if you live near one and you might even get a nice bag and a purse!

Coach have some lovely classic bags. Excellent quality and good sale on just now.

Just sen you thing coach are a bit dull, Kate Spade are nice in that kind of budget too.

www.campomaggi.com/cm_gb/woman.html

I love these bags and bought 1 for my 40th

Brand alley are reputable - I’ve used them a few times. If I was spending £300 I’d probably look at Coach, Kate Spade or Tory Burch. God I remember my Louis Vuitton speedy costing me £350 brand new 15 years ago. Try looking at The Outnet - discounted arm of Net-a-Porter.

The Outnet are reputable - they’re owned by Net-a-Porter I think.
Also, how about trying Longchamp? They have some nice black bags and still have some in the sale on their website.

It's not a well known brand or a label but I really like OMyBag for lovely handbags, really beautiful material used.

I believe the Kate Spade brand is owned by Coach.

De Mellier or Carloe, I love the new Lottie bag.

I use Brand Alley a lot, genuine bargains to be found.

Sezane do beautiful, good-quality bags at that price point

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/lauren-by-ralph-lauren/large-marcy-satchel-700465

I’m currently coveting pretty much everything that the Cambridge Satchel Co have on their website 😂

www.cambridgesatchel.com/

Try tusting or osprey - look gorgeous. I just ordered an osprey bag reduced from £165 to £65 and hoping it looks as good in reality. Also loving the tusting holly bag which is £285

Lots of lovely options here, thanks! I'm really loving some of the Cambridge satchel ones, a lot of the Kate spade ones and some of the coach which I didn't think I would. Haven't found anything to compare to the Vivienne Westwood ones I like so far (especially the medium Sofia) but I think i would still prefer something a bit slouchier. I have a kind of rocky/alternative aesthetic so want something to fit in with every day weekend wear. I may need to up the budget slightly but still it's a nice dilemma to have!

Could you go to Bicester Village OP? They have most of the brands mentioned above (Kate Spade, Vivienne Westwood, Coccinelle, Longchamp, Furla, Mulberry etc) and for £300 you could get something lovely.

Unfortunately I'm in Northern Ireland @moomincow :( Derry to be specific but willing to travel all over the island of Ireland if anyone knows of anywhere! Could have taken a trip to see my brother in England but gestures wildly at pandemic etc

I have a Coach hobo which I really rate. It's slouchy and the leather improves the longer I have it.

@BagLady32

Unfortunately I'm in Northern Ireland *@moomincow :( Derry to be specific but willing to travel all over the island of Ireland if anyone knows of anywhere! Could have taken a trip to see my brother in England but gestures wildly at pandemic etc*

Oh that’s a shame. The company that owns Bicester have a few outlets around Europe. I believe they have one called Kildare Village in Dublin? Will probably have the same(ish) stores there too.

All saints

Slightly over budget but I have the slightly smaller version of this Coach bag and love it, but wish I had brought the larger one www.johnlewis.com/coach-dalton-31-leather-shoulder-bag/p5066136