Recommend me a designer handbag

[Wardrobemalfunction22]

I've unexpectedly come into some money and want to buy my first ever proper designer handbag. Budget up to £2,000.

Ideally tan or beige, something which I can use summer and winter for going out to dinner, drinks, smart family lunches. Shoulder bag or clutch.

I'm probably going to be using it for the next 10 years so need something timeless. I've been looking at YSL envelope bags but they're not really grabbing me.

Would love to hear your recommendations

A loewe
Love them

Like this

I bought two for £1000 each only because I know I would’ve got bored with just the one so I got a very neutral YSL camera type bag and a mulberry. You literally can’t go wrong

I really love the gucci Jackie 1961 as well

Which brands date the best? I don't know Loewe at all.

I'm also not a huge fan of big logos so unless the Gucci is understated its probably not for me. I think that's why the YSL ones put me off slightly.

Mulberry is a good suggestion I'm looking at the Lily and mini Alexa now.

I have recently purchased a Mulberry Iris and a YSL black college bag with gold hardware. Both very nice and should age well. Fendi, valentino and LV have good beige bags that are not overt with logos. I second Loewe as a choice for gorgeous quality designs.

Burberry also.

I have a small cross body Kate Spade one which I love. The largest are around £400 but the leather is great quality. I do like quite an understated bag though.

@Wardrobemalfunction22

I have a few designer bags and my favourite by far is the mini Alexa in chalk. It's so versatile and nice to use. Fits a decent amount too.

I just also bough the LV Croisette in the light cream and pink and also love it (but I think the mini Alexa is still better!).

Bottega Veneta cassette. Little bit over budget though.

jackie 1961 comes in a few colours and there is the classic patterned pattern as well as plain

I don't usually go for pattern but I like the classic jackie 1961 pattern would love to come in to two grand for a designer bag!

I wouldn't buy a mulberry, they're like over priced Cocinelle (love Cocinelle).

Another vote for bottega Veneta. No tacky logos and last very well

Don't get the YSL envelope, mine has been replaced multiple times because it shows wear really quickly. I highly recommend the YSL Mini Lou Quilted Leather Camera Bag in pebble leather. I love this bag, fits loads, works with causal to dressy and you can be really rough with bag and it still looks great.

I also love Strathberry and find that they make beautiful bags at half the cost of a YSL.

Ooh thanks, lots to look up!

Colour wise I'd like a light cool toned neutral, so was thinking beige or tan but would an off white work all year round? I'm more of a classic/traditional dresser and wear things for many years than keeping up with what's in season. Trying to revamp my entire wardrobe but it'll take a year or so ar least. I want this handbag to be my inspiration!

I have the mini Alexa in chestnut and I love it. It's a really nice shade of tan and although the bag is small it actually holds quite a lot. There's a gorgeous deep green colour as well that I was tempted by. I do think they're a tad overpriced though.

I was also looking at the Chloe mini Marcie handbag (not the saddle bag) and it was a toss up between that and the Alexa but the Chloe was just too small for me.

A camera/crossbody bag. You can wear it with almost any outfit. Across the body or as a shoulder bag.

YSL Lou Camera Bag or a Gucci Soho Disco, both come in a nice neutral nude colour.

I've got quite a few designer bags. I bought a Gucci Disco at the start of Covid so I could have my handsfree for washing/sanitising. I still use it almost every day. I have a few lovely Furla crossbody bags as well. Coveting a YSL Lou now.

@Wardrobemalfunction22 You want to be careful about colour transfer from denim to a light coloured bag. I would stay away from off-white and go for a darker neutral. In YSL that would be dark beige. What I love about YSL is how classic they are and yet still have a modern vibe.

I love Strathberry too, the quality is unreal.

To blow the budget though I'd probably get a Loewe puzzle.

I would be looking at Loewe, Bottega Venetia, and Chloe. Also have you seen the Saint Lauren Manhattan? It's classic and understated, very chic.

Tip: If you're looking online, I prefer browsing on Matches fashion, they have great close ups, 360 degree video and on model pictures so you can really get an idea of size and styling of the bags.

Of white will mark very quickly unless your super careful?!

@florianfortescue Completely agree. I was blown away by the quality and find it right up there, if not better, to YSL and LV. Out of all of my handbags, my Strathberry East/West is the only one that people will stop me in the street to admire and ask about.

I do like the look of Loewe too but I don't own one so can't really comment on quality and practicality.

I would buy a Loewe Flamenco clutch medium size in the tan leather. Take the strap off to use as an evening clutch, add the strap for everyday.

They’re beautiful bags, understated, beautifully made, classy and classic and less run of the mill than mulberry.

@rosewater20 I have an East/West too!

I don't own a Puzzle but lust after them.

Personally I don't think Mulberry offer very good value for money and lots of the bags don't age well. If you look at second hand Lily or Alexa bags on eBay they often look like complete crap, floppy and worn and scratched. If you are spending £2k you want the bag to look good for years and/or not to have to treat it with kid gloves.

@Wardrobemalfunction22 - my chalk mini Alexa is very easy to keep clean and doesn't mark easily at all!

@HiGunny I also have the mini marcie (not the saddle bag). Biggest waste of money as it's so tiny and fits barely anything!