Everyday bag help for total idiot

[babycornplease]

It has dawned upon me that I need a new handbag. And I need help.

I am currently sporting my daughter's old Cath Kidston stripey changing bag as an actual handbag- please don't judge me.

I basically need a shoulder bag that has room and pockets, and that doesn't cost the earth. My last 'proper' bag was a fossil shoulder bag that was great until the handles gave way under the weight of the crap I carry around (need to streamline my crap!)

Pre child, I used to like the actual Cath Kidston bags, ones that weren't designed to cart shitloads of baby crap around. However, these seem to now have ridiculously cutesy prints on them and also seem to have doubled in price.

Please can someone recommend something that is sturdy, yet stylish, that I can use for work (teacher) and at the weekend. Preferably one that lasts. My budget is about £80 and I have a John Lewis voucher that needs using, but apparently all I can get for that sort of money is a flipping clutch bag.

Help!!!

The Longchamp Le Pliage is a great work bag and available from JL in your price range .

£80 is a difficult budget for what you want in John Lewis. Can you look in Next? There's a lot of nice bags for less in there.

Kipling? Or yes to Longchamp, but Kipling ones have lots of pockets.

I've given in and embraced the backpack, it's a beautiful leather one from Fossil but more than your budget. Worth looking at backpacks though

There are some lovely leather hobo bags and backpacks in budget if you look at the "kin" brand.

They are quite minimalist but really good quality when you see them in person - you might like this one for example -

www.johnlewis.com/kin-slouch-hobo-bag/chocolate/p5065287

I have this leather backpack from M&S and really like it.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-backpack-bag/p/clp60215243?intid=mobileappppdpshare

Longchamp definitely. I can get so much stuff in mine but it still looks good

I've recently discovered Pure Luxuries. Leather bags for around £100 but often with 50% off. They're not "exciting" but for a decent everyday bag I find them lovely quality for the money.

I was going to say le pliage too.

Another vote for Longchamp Le Pliage... with a bag organiser inside if necessary.

Kipling Gabbie cross body bag. The larger size one. The perfect handbag, as far as I’m concerned

I've just got a Gabbie, and agree that it is great.

I really like Concka bags.

i second john lewis kin

i've got this, it was £65 and i love it

www.johnlewis.com/kin-sia-foldover-backpack/grey/p4851229

The kin ones are leather effect. Look good though

I always get my bag in sales (usually post Christmas) do your happy to wait!

You could head down to TK MAXX for a nosy? Will be lots of options in that price range. You could look at a Fiorelli or Michael Kores tote? Totes tend to be cheaper so you could get something nicer for that, plus they’re pretty hardy and very practical, while looking stylish

£130 but gorgeous (Coach, reduced from £275 at TK MAXX):
www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/black-jacquard-grab-bag/p/11066750

Easley: £70 from £159 www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/mango-reptile-effect-cross-body-bag/p/11265651

Tote £24.99 www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/dusky-rose-tote-bag/p/11225098

Red tote £90 www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/red-leather-mini-maddox-tote-bag/p/11242066

Wime shopper £25 www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/wine-shopper-bag/p/11120883

Also might not be your style but I love them: handmade in England by Polli and Jo, got a lot of compliments and around budget: poliandjo.com/collections/classic-tote-bags

(Would really recommend the Polli and Jo ones btw: amazing quality and look pretty wow. They’re saddle leather and the canvas used for land rovers, so will keep looking fab for years—quality is way over the price. Not very girly but have a cool military vibe.

(Also the small is quite large!)

I've got a Radley tote, its wipeable and holds loads of stuff. I've got a bag organizer in mine and I can still fit my lunch bag in.
www.johnlewis.com/radley-pocket-essentials-fabric-large-zip-top-tote-bag/navy/p5091045