Which high end work bag?

[labradorsandgin]

Hi! Now am returning to the office I would love to treat myself to my first more luxury work bag, having previously only ever bought Monsoon ones etc.

I'm not likely to switch it up much so want something that works with most outfits and that's quite quite classic. Budget of up to maybe £700 or so, but very happy to spend less!

Have always liked the mulberry Alexa and Bayswater- the Alexa was on sale in the colour I wanted on JL and with a voucher I have it took it within budget- but I didn't bite the bullet as not sure if it's practical enough, and also if mulberry is just a bit show offy somehow?

Have also seen the Emily bag by Cambridge satchel company and the loxley and Windsor bags by fairfax and favor, but none seem perfect somehow!

Any other suggestions?

Aspinal?
www.aspinaloflondon.com/leather-handbags/large-handbags

I think Aspinal have got some lovely leather totes ar around that price point - or a bit less actually. I know some people don’t like them, but I find leather a bit heavy for everyday and I now use a longchamps tote most of the time . I also have a lovely quality mandarina duck nylon bag which I use more often than my leather bags.

Cross post with @helpel!

Coach bags are amazing for the price! Fab leather

@Pattygonia

I think Aspinal have got some lovely leather totes ar around that price point - or a bit less actually. I know some people don’t like them, but I find leather a bit heavy for everyday and I now use a longchamps tote most of the time . I also have a lovely quality mandarina duck nylon bag which I use more often than my leather bags.

Coincidentally, I've just had a sale email from Aspinal. 50% off.

Another vote for Mimi Berry. Beautiful, classic but not even a bit boring. The quality is fabulous, on a par with Mulberry in its heyday.

Aspinal are my go to. I've got a midi London but there's a Madison tote which is just about in budget and beautiful.

Smythsons and Aspinal do nice work bags of really good quality. I have several smaller mulberry bags abs I do love them. They really aren't all that flashy as a brand (in a show off way).

When I commuted a hideous distance I carried a Samsonite laptop backpack for practicality & took in a small designer pouch to carry while at work. Lots of women did have Celine, Mulberry’s and LV but the bags all looked absolutely battered within months due to shoving a laptop in it.

Anya Hindmarch.

The Tory Burch Perry Tote. Really practical and very hard wearing. I've had mine nigh on two years and it's still like new even after everyday use.

I also have the Bayswater and just love it because it’s stylish and practical.

Does anyone know why LV are Not Available atm? I wanted one but can’t get any of them in stock!

@Mixitupalot

I also have the Bayswater and just love it because it’s stylish and practical.

Does anyone know why LV are Not Available atm? I wanted one but can’t get any of them in stock!

LV have stopped making the monogram icon bags, going towards more exclusive/limited editions.

Have a cupboard full of Coach bags which I never seem to use these days 🤦‍♀️ they really are very good quality leather & age well too

I would order from massaccesi. There are a lot of different leathers I have a minerva in tan vachetta for my work bag, but there are lighter leathers too. You choose the lining and can make modifications and several different styles would fit the bill for you. Unique, timeless, rich but not showy.

Really loving the suggestions of less well known brands, there are some beautiful bags out there!

I had a look at the Mulberry Tote, I really like it.

LV have started doing the neverful as a leather bag, its lovely and quite understated for them - but more than double the OPs budget do not a good suggestion.

I cant believe I forgot to recommend Aspinal! They have some lovely bags and have a couple of friends whove been carrying their bags about for a long time and still look good. Under budget as well.

I’ve seen the Senreve Maestra bag reviewed by some bloggers. Looks a well designed work bag with laptop compartment etc and can be worn on shoulder or as backpack so seemingly versatile.

I recently treated myself to an Oxblood Bayswater rucksack from the Bicester outlet (they had in tan and black too as per pic) Am waiting for Autumn to use it!

@Dontfuckingsaycheese

I've just bought this one £8.99 on Ebay - it's gorgeous

I recommend coach; I have one that can take a laptop and all the normal gubbins and still looks like a handbag rather than a briefcase.
I also have a rucksack type bag from a brand beginning with K (sorry). Pre Covid, I used to do a lot of travel for work. The rucksack bag was really smart (and not too dreadful) so I could go straight from airport / station to office.

So many lovely suggestions, thanks everyone

montblanc? or
(im a bit smitten with too many to choose)www.youngbritishdesigners.com/shop/type/bags/

Tusting have beautiful bags. Gorgeous heritage brand and well within budget.

https://www.tusting.co.uk/product/twyford-tote/
I don't have this style but I always go back to a classic black Tusting bag. Love my LV Neverful for sheer practicality although DH calls it my bin. Not sure the bigger Alexas would keep their shape filled with work stuff but that might just be me. Adore the mini though.

I have a Blondie Mania bag, had it for forever and love it. Really hard wearing and I love the contrast interior - mine is the Chocolate leather with hot pink suede interior.

It’s the Marmara - although it might be a little small for a laptop more iPad Pro / netbook sized.

DH bought it for me from a stall at RHS Hampton Court at least 10 years ago & it looks like new.

Should have said they are a little cheaper than others mentioned but I like the fact that they are less of a ‘known brand’