Decent leather handbag

[Blutterflies]

Reading another thread got me thinking about handbags.
At the moment I’m sporting a changing bag as I have a baby and there’s no point carrying two bags. When that glorious moment arrives where I no longer have to lug nappies and all the other bumph that comes with a baby; I’d like to treat myself to a lovely new bag.
I’m not one for labels but don’t mind spending money on something well made. It would have to be durable as it would be my general every day bag.
It would be lovely to have something made in the uk but not a deal breaker.
Any recommendations?

It rather depends on your budget. I rate Fossil bags for being good quality and not too blingy.

Mimi Berry, in a heartbeat. Beautiful bags, last for years (I have 4 and adore them all). They are expensive but the quality is superb and they will recondition them for you when they get too battered (not that mine have yet).

Runner up would be Kate Sheridan. I think she and Mimi Berry might have neighbouring shops in Hackney in fact!

On the high street Whistles have lovely bags, also Jigsaw. I've been surprisingly impressed with John Lewis's own brand offering too. And Sezane's bag offering is strong, but they're obviously not British.

Have just been browsing the Mimi Berry website. They’re lovely bags. And they look classic which is what I’m after.

Surfing around I’ve also stumbled upon Aspinal bags which do handled bags I quite like the look of. Does anyone have experience of these?

I don’t have an Aspinal bag (yet!) but I’d love one, their bags are lovely quality. I’d definitely go for one rather than high st if your budget allows. They have a sale on at the moment.

I have some Aspinal bags. They're fabulous. They quite often have a sale on, too. I also like Coach bags. The leather is lovely quality.

I love Coach for affordable, good quality bags. Always have good sales and good ranges in their outlet branches.

Also love my fosil backpack really good quality great sales too and I got it for £30 down from £209 at an outlet store used it most days since

@IloveJudgeJudy so tempted by Aspinal Gigi bag currently in the sale. Which one do you have?

I have a Fossil bag and I love it, great quality and very roomy

I've been buying my bags from Aspinal for about 10 years or so. Beautifully made, understated and classic. I can highly recommend. They wear really well too - one I (used to) take to the football every week. It's still in great condition despite being placed on a concrete floor and having a flask of coffee thrown in it every week!

I've got the large Florence and a crocodile backpack (can't remember the name) plus various purses 😳. The leather is wonderful. I do really like their crocodile finish. That Gigi bag looks great. I'm a one large compartment handbag kinda gal. None of your various different bits for me; I always lose stuff in those. I very often get compliments when I use them. I lent DD a purse and she also got complimented when she used that. The hardware is top rate, too.

@S0CKS

Also love my fosil backpack really good quality great sales too and I got it for £30 down from £209 at an outlet store used it most days since

I absolutely love a bargain. That’s a stonker

If you’re happy to spend a little extra, then Smythson and Anya Hindmarsh do beautiful quality.

Or Mulberry is British too and the main shop bags are lovely quality but outlets often do outlet specials that aren’t as good.

Can I throw Osprey into the mix. I bought my work bag over six years ago, have used it everyday and not been particularly careful with it and it still looks like brand new.

I have Aspinal, Coach, and Osprey bags, and they are all lovely. You can also often find all of those in TKMaxx at great prices.

I don't rate Fossil in the same league at all, not to knock those who love them, apologies.

Osprey bags are lovely. I've just ordered one in their sale. Beautiful leather, lovely shapes and understated.

I have a beautiful Aspinal bag. Day to day with Dts it's not workable. I use a leather fossil backpack.being hands free with twins is essential!

Im not sure mulberry are still made in the U.K. tbh.

I have 2 Fossil bags so can thoroughly recommend them. Great quality leather, solid brass zips and keep their shape. Very good price.

I want absolutely nothing like a changing bag @WorkingMumofTwins but I will check the link as in the foreseeable future I’ll be carrying all sorts of baby stuff around with me.
It’s my emancipation from the changing-bag bag 😂
From experience I know there comes a point at about 12-18 months when I can get away with having a small bag with 2 nappies, change of clothes and water bottle in which I can keep in the car/ bottom of pushchair. This is when I’ll start to use my “proper Lady” handbag.
Before I got pregnant I had this Jäger bag www.brandalley.co.uk/16043357.html it’s still fine and looks great but I want to treat myself to a great quality one which will withstand being lugged around with me.

Well that link didn’t work. It was the jaeger Quinn handbag in black.

@lookingfovely I would definitely agree with your point about fosil not being cute as good quality, I think my coach handbags etc have a lot more longevity to it and the hardwear on the fosil isn't as good quality I do still love mine though its a backpack and perfect for taking the dog out etc and just general day to day.

Oh my! The osprey bags are gorgeous. I especially like the slouchy ones. I’m sure there’s an outlet near me too.