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?

I lucked out with a Small Zipped Bayswater in the sale at John Lewis for less that £700 a year or two ago www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/gifts/mulberry-icons/small-zipped-bayswater-black-small-classic-grain mine is Oxblood and beautiful. Not flashy and loads of room.

@Ozanj

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.

I do this as I take the tube. Have a horrrible old backpack for laptop, chargers, shoes etc and a tiny Aspinall camera bag which I wear cross body.

I wouldn’t shove my laptop in an expensive bag and then take it on the tube, it would get really battered and grubby within days.

I do need to replace the backpack though.

To whoever asked LV are still selling the neverfull online but they sell out instantly, took me a couple of weeks checking twice a day but I did get one!

Bayswater tote or look at Tory Burch?

Loads of good work bags within budget here:

www.allycapellino.co.uk/

I’ve got one of their rucksacks which I use for a laptop from time to time - had it about 4 years and it’s still in great condition.

I'm following though my budget is about 75!

Aspinal have some nice classic bags in your budget OP. If you are after a satchel style theirs has lovely detailing.

I'd buy this one www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/midi-london-tote-in-warm-grey-pebble

Sorry completely missed the second page of the thread can see this has already been suggested.
Let us know what you buy op!

Check out Mansur Gabriel they are around your budget and beautiful.

Polene bags too.

Please, please don't but mulberry

Sorry Mansur Gavriel *

I have an Ally Capellino tote which I use for work to lug laptop around . It's super soft & looks fab & I'm v happy with it. On the days I use it I don't bother with any other bag as I've loads of room for wallet/ phone/ makeup/ keys etc in there

I have a question though, some posters say they wouldn't use a nice bag on the tube as if would get wrecked. How? Surely you have the bag in your hand or on your shoulder & if you're sitting it's on your lap? How are bags getting wrecked? I'm just curious as I don't live in London!

Try squishing in the tube at rush hour @NalPolishRemover you won't be sitting down, you're lucky if you can breathe in normal times!

I recommend a look in TK Maxx, or even on the website. They have an enormous range of bags and I've bought Coach , Radley and Osprey before. Also seen Kate Spade and Michael Kors.

I commuted for years on the overground and underground at rush hour when you were squeezed it. I can honestly say no handbags were damaged. (Coats were when I made mistakes like sitting down when a seat became available in a cream coat then having stains on it, but bags didn't.)

Damage on public transport thankfully won't be an issue as I'm lucky enough to have a short walk to work.

I use the tube and I have to put my backpack on the floor - it’s too heavy to hold all the time or have on my lap.

I have a Longchamps bag and use it every day, it’s so practical and great value

I got a Hill and Friends Tote recently, it’s amazing quality x

Have a look on HEWI (Hardly Ever Worn It). Excellent selection!

I’d go with Coach. Cheaper and less in your face for work, although I do like Mulberry.

@Dontfuckingsaycheese

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

I love this bag. Used to have a similar one with dogs on it but it cost £25 feel I was ripped off.

I wouldn't buy a Mulberry. They are going the way of Micheal Kors because too many wannabes buy them as status symbols. Also Mulberry bags used to be a lot cheaper. They deliberately hiked the price to make the brand appear more 'exclusive' while simultaneously reducing the quality, so it's not the case that you are even getting what you pay for.

I think that brands such as Aspinal are better quality and less tacky.

@Dontfuckingsaycheese

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

Are you a teacher too?

knomo.com/

Knomo do the most wonderful laptop bags for both men and women. I've had one for years and did a lot of travel with it. Tempted to treat myself to a new one