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Original poster

Really classic designer bag?

111 replies

OneGlamMama · 24/12/2021 19:46

After a crappy year, I want to buy myself a really classic small crossbody bag. That'll be like my grab and go everyday bag to replace my current one I have.

I want something really classy, designer, something that makes you feel powerful but doesn't break the back too hard!

I have never owed a designer before. So break me in gently.
I really like Mulberry just not sure. Thoughts?

OP posts:
WhyCantIBeMoreCreative · 24/12/2021 19:50

I’ve asked for a Darley satchel from mulberry for Christmas. Sounds like it might fit the bill!

Itsabeautifuldaytosavelives123 · 24/12/2021 20:44

Love all things Mulberry, hoping they have a post Christmas sale!

DramaAlpaca · 24/12/2021 20:47

If I was in the market for a designer bag I'd be looking at Mulberry. They are designer but don't shout about it, very classy indeed.

Westerman · 24/12/2021 20:47

Mulberry have quite a few different crossbody bags just now; classy looking, no glaring logos etc. I'd love one, too. Maybe if there's a sale!

Iheartmysmart · 24/12/2021 20:55

I treated myself to a Mulberry small Antony bag in green for Christmas after a rotten year. Absolutely love it, it’s not in your face designer and practical enough for everyday use.

maggiecate · 24/12/2021 21:23

Aspinal do some nice bags: www.aspinaloflondon.com/leather-handbags

TheOpenRoad · 24/12/2021 22:03

Mulberry is classic. I have a Gucci disco bag in black which is awesome, super useful and great for everyday use

ItsRainingTacos · 24/12/2021 22:10

Bottega Veneta Olimpia (baby or small size) - very classic looking. Perfect for day or evening.

Totalwasteofpaper · 24/12/2021 22:13

I find Mulberry gets a lot of abuse on threads like this.

Personally I have a range of nice bags (LV, bottega venetta, Tom Ford, chloe, chanel etc) and one of my absolute go to faves is the mulberry amberley in oxblood.
I have the smaller size and bought my mum a taupe/clay version one size up I think medium ?
She is obsessed too.
Its also amazing and surprisingly practical/fits a lot in.

Aspinal lottery bag in lizard skin are amazing - very nicely lizard had the most deluxe finish imo made but a bit smaller/ holds less.

Check out mansur gavriel or polene!!! For clean lines...

peaceanddove · 24/12/2021 22:22

For my 50th last year DH treated me to a Mulberry Darley in black. It's very classic and very beautiful.

BondedwithLanMandragoran · 24/12/2021 22:32

Have my eye on this bag. Just not sure how practical it is for everyday use

Really classic designer bag?
Jonesy88 · 24/12/2021 22:37

I’d say my go to is my Gucci soho disco as it’s practical and understated. I do have a mulberry Lily I adore though.

If you’re interested in mulberry I would recommend looking to see if there’s an outlet near you (eg MacArthur Glen Cheshire oaks is nearest to me) as I found they had a lot my choice than say a John Lewis sale.

Original poster
OneGlamMama · 24/12/2021 22:54

@Iheartmysmart

I treated myself to a Mulberry small Antony bag in green for Christmas after a rotten year. Absolutely love it, it’s not in your face designer and practical enough for everyday use.
I really loveeee the look of this one. As I like silver hardware more. The dark green has silver I think....
OP posts:
Iheartmysmart · 25/12/2021 20:04

The green does have silver hardware, I’m also not a fan of gold so ruled a lot out due to that.

Manc2 · 25/12/2021 20:09

@BondedwithLanMandragoran I Habe that bag from polene and it’s very practical

Pinkbonbon · 25/12/2021 20:17

Do you like structured bags? Bags with or without visible logos? Price range idea? What style are you going for? Do you want ppl to think - 'oh look, she has that designer bag'. Or - 'she buys quality, look at that leather bag, how stylish'.

Chloe, Louis vutton and burrberry I think of being for the younger crowd. Mulberry is more...'middle class, mid 20s onwards and style conscious' and then your channels and hermes...you either have money or just desperately want people to think you do.

I like the balenciaga city bag. Id especially like one of the Mini size as it carrys a lot but is lighter. It's classic but not structured and it's got a little bit of an edge. That going said, I got my classic one second hand and wouldn't pay full price for one. Its a recognisable brand bag but not 'in your face'.

But your personal taste and what you want the bag to say about you should inform your choice of brand and bag.

Original poster
OneGlamMama · 25/12/2021 22:48

@Pinkbonbon

Structured - sure.
Visible logos don't bother me too much.
Thinking under 1k?
Quality definitely - not just for the sake of a name.

My first thought was mulberry as I always find it's a 'classic' but wanted to see what others thought and had in their collection that they would recommend?

I'm wary of buying secondhand. Just if it's not 'authentic' - any recommendations of places to look?

Thank you!

OP posts:
dumplings1 · 25/12/2021 23:35

YSL designer but not too expensive like Chanel, I've got the camera bag, it's lovely.

savvy7 · 26/12/2021 07:47

I wouldn't buy another Mulberry - the bags are too heavy. I'd prefer something more discreet, like Mimi Berry / not obviously branded.

MrsKDB · 26/12/2021 07:48

Look at the YSL Lou

feelingnaive · 26/12/2021 09:12

I’ve got a Mulberry in a tan colour that I love but tend to use every now and then as it was a lot of money for me (£650 in sale - about 7 years ago).

Last year I bought Aspinal Lottie bag (cross-body). I was trying to decide between this bag and a similar Mulberry. I’m pleased I went with Aspinal, I bought it in a sale and it was about £350 cheaper than the Mulberry. I love it, and it always makes me feel a bit more polished and put together, but the cheaper price point meant I am far less precious about taking it out and I use it every single day.

I think if you are buying a designer bag you should treat yourself to what you really like, buying a compromise at a slightly cheaper price can mean still spending a lot of money on something you don’t really love. But as I don’t buy designer bags casually this made a difference to how much I actually use it if that makes sense! The colour probably makes a difference too. I adore my tan Mulberry and I wouldn’t have wanted to buy a different one. My Aspinal bag is black so less worries about marks and gets worn every day.

mrsnw · 26/12/2021 09:54

I have three mulberry's, all black, Bayswater, Antony and darley. I use bays for work, Antony at weekends and darley for when I go put in the evening. I love mulberry. It doesn't shout designer and they are well made. I've had my bays for over ten years, used it everyday, and it still looks like new. Think about when you will use it. Do you want it for work, everyday use or an evening clutch.

mrsnw · 26/12/2021 09:55

Oh and I do not own any other bags and my daughter already has her eye on them 🤣

UserBot · 26/12/2021 09:59

If I got a mulberry bag (can't buy any bags right now) I'd get the mulberry Iris hobo

If I had the cash, I'd buy a gucci jackie 1961

UserBot · 26/12/2021 10:02

The Saint Laurent 'niki' in vintage leather with chain strap that can be worn as a cross body or doubled up as a shoulder bag is v versatile.

over budget though