New handbag.... Mulberry or something else?

[GreenGarden22]

I've just received a bonus from work and am delighted! I've saved most of it, but now have enough to splash the cash on a fancy new handbag.

But what to buy?! Budget.... anything really, but I suppose comfortably up to £1,000 if it's truly wonderful.

I usually spend less than £100 on bags, most under £50 tbh.

Currently daily bag is an under the arm job, and carries small laptop, hairbrush, A4 notepad, keys, glasses, water bottle, kids snack etc. Zips up so quite big.

A big bag would get used daily for commuting to the office, always with a small laptop

A small bag would be mostly evenings and weekends, prefer cross body bags, holds keys, phone abs maybe a snack .

What's your coveted luxury handbag please? I don't know where to start!

I did the same and treated myself to a large Kate Spade satchel in a berry colour, I love it.

Personally I think mulberry is very outdated. Try Mansur Gabriel for that budget they do some beautiful bags.

I have a genuine LV and I love it, had it 8 years used every day and it looks brand new.

LV are one of the best brands for quality IMO

The Facebook preloved mulberry groups often have great deals on bags that are almost unused.

Mansur Gavriel is a great shout, as is whoever suggested 2nd hand. Look what’s available on Vestiaire Collective (I just got a bag from there - immaculate condition / certificated and authenticated by the site, an absolute bargain. Some people have a LOT of bags and barely use them!)

Tod's. Then again, I should be their brand ambassador for the last decade or so, DH says I collect anything Tod's. Phah.

Always get Mulberry second hand. There are some amazing FB groups.

I have the original size Lily and whilst it's absolutely fine for daytime, I tend to keep it for evenings. It only fits wallet/phone/keys and a lipstick, but it's definitely enough.

It does come in a slightly bigger size and if I bought another I think I'd buy that one. More practical for things like weddings or other daytime events. It's a lovely simple bag.

I used to want a Bayswater but the feedback about the weight really put me off. People love them but seem to stop using them quite quickly if they have to lug them on trains etc.

For work, I have an enormous Longchamp Le Pliage which is amazing as its waterproof, indestructible, has a zip and the newer ones have a really decent pocket for your phone, weighs next to nothing, and fits half your house. I have lockers at work and I like that I can stuff it in willy nilly.

I have a number of LVs and the quality is really good. They don't seem to really age. So I do like the brand for that reason, and they have about 200 bags so they definitely play to the widest audience possible.

You can get plain Neverfulls BTW, in black and beige and white with red straps. But I don't know how much they are.

I'm going to have a look at pre-loved bag sites - any recommendations on which sites have a good reputation? I love a bargain!

These are all on FB:

Mulberry Buy & Sell

Totally Addicted to Mulberry Buy & Sell £600 or less
Just mulberry

I bought myself a loewe hammock about a year ago. I love it so much.
Some LV bags are gorgeous but the never full is so boring and ubiquitous.

Have a look at fairfax & favor. I have 2 of the mini Windsor’s which I love but they do a larger windsor too which is similar to the mulberry Bayswater. Costs much less but the quality is amazing. Please keep us updated on what you choose. I love handbags!

Have you had a look Mulberry Darley? I have one and it’s great for day or evening use. Quite a classic shape too.

I’m so envious- would love to be able to afford myself a Mulberry bag. Congratulations OP!

I think in your shoes I’d go for the Mulberry Bayswater.

Mulberry have their outlet stock online atm

www.mulberryfactoryshop.com/

I have a beautiful Maxi Zip Satchel by Anya Hindmarch which I've used every day for 9 years and it still looks amazing. Gorgeous leather and brilliant zip sections for all your bits. Love it.

Here it is... https://www.anyahindmarch.com/products/maxi-zip-satchel-in-satin-calf-indigo

I do love this one:

www.mulberryfactoryshop.com/shop/s1c2/amberley-satchel-hibiscus-red-silky-calf-geo-floral-3d-applique

I hate that they don't zip at the top though, same with my Alexa- I love it (bought second hand) aside from the shape it goes when there's not much in it and the lack of zip. I am always very aware when out and about that due to the sagging it's possible for stuff to fall out without noticing, or easier for someone to lift the flap and grab. I'm probably more paranoid about it as I've been mugged before!

@GreenGarden22

Thanks everyone, keep the inspiration coming!

So here's what I've found so far... not keen on the Mulberry Antony as it looks a bit too bulky. Is the smaller version a decent ish size for phone & keys?

Liking the look of the belted Bayswater's.
The Bayswater tote actually looks perfect for daytime, definitely the right style for me and I'm loving the green. The classic Bayswater is also lovely.

The Lily (and the medium) looks perfect for an evening or daytime over the shoulder bag. Does anyone have one - are they ok for daytime or only evening?

I don't like the look of longchamp.

LV never full - great shape for daytime but I just can't get passed the LV logo - all I see are the fakes in the markets in Thailand , and the high street blatant copies. If you have a genuine LV do you love it?

Celine- beautiful bags but nothing jumping out at me. Also on the website there's nothing to compare size to so it's really hard to gauge if it's a small / medium / large bag. They need a few more human models.

I've got the standard sized Lily and it's only really good for evenings, so times I managed to cram just about enough in it for a day at a wedding or similar event.

They do a larger lily now though.

I have a Bayswater belted satchel for the day and it's perfect. Just wise I'd not brought it in tan, if it was black I'd be able to get away with it for the evening too.

@Sansaplans

I do love this one:

www.mulberryfactoryshop.com/shop/s1c2/amberley-satchel-hibiscus-red-silky-calf-geo-floral-3d-applique

I hate that they don't zip at the top though, same with my Alexa- I love it (bought second hand) aside from the shape it goes when there's not much in it and the lack of zip. I am always very aware when out and about that due to the sagging it's possible for stuff to fall out without noticing, or easier for someone to lift the flap and grab. I'm probably more paranoid about it as I've been mugged before!

Is that website genuine? Some great bargains...

Congratulations on the bonus!

I love handbags and LV in particular. The quality is fantastic and they hold their value on the resale market. A Neverfull sounds like it would be perfect for you and the ones with the Damier Ebene or Azur prints are a bit more low key than the model with the logo. They wear like iron, being canvas, plus fit loads.

@BigBeachWales yes it is, I asked the shepton mallet outlet before whether it was as I was suspicious!

[quote Sansaplans]@BigBeachWales yes it is, I asked the shepton mallet outlet before whether it was as I was suspicious![/quote]
Thanks! Looked too good to be true!

Yes it’s absolutely genuine. They have just listed items online due to shop closures. I know the outlets are doing WhatsApp calls to go through their stock too and posting out.

I have several mulberry’s (3 Bayswater) and whilst I like them they are heavy. Last year pre lockdown I bought a LV never full in Damier Ebene and I just love it. So comfortable and goes with everything!

My Bayswater is about to be given to my stepdaughter because it’s too heavy for me. I use my Tessie satchel in steel blue every day in the summer. I’m after a black one now.