All I want is a nice bag with a zip!!

[Zippididodah]

So I've decided to treat myself to a new work bag. I don't mind spending a bit - so £200ish (but not heading into Mulberry territory). But I can't find a 'nice' bag with a full zip! Is it just that most people who buy more expensive bags don't have to worry about pickpockets on the tube/everything falling out?!?

I'm tending towards Radley/Osprey - but are they worth the money??

My ideal bag would be dark brown leather, fairly roomy, which closes properly and - my holy grail - has a pocket on the outside too for my travel pass.

If anyone has any recommendations I'd be hugely grateful!!

Might be something suitable here? https://www.theleatherstoreuk.com/totes/ I've had my eye on them for ages as I too need a new work bag

I always browse TKMAXX for my bags and am never disappointed. They have an online shop, too. How about this one:

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/brown-leather-dixie-tote-bag/p/11277305

Elvis & Kress bags have good zips & lots of styles

www.elvisandkresse.com/collections/womens-bags

Coach outlet. Try the terry hobo or Mara hobo

Tk Max. I got a great leather bag there recently. With a zip .

https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-shoulder-crossbody-bag-99106389355.html

Coach are my favourite work bags and well within budget when they open their outlet. Also Fossil bags are nice, lots in the outlet at the moment that could work for you.

I like THIS one -

www.theleatherstoreuk.com/copy-of-chelsea-large-leather-slip-pocket-shopper-distressed-brown/

• the lining's gorgeous!

The Ashwood ones are nice too...

This may be of no assistance to you whatsoever but I went out last week to look for a sensible but stylish black leather handbag for work etc. I'm not an impulse buyer but fell for a ridiculous and not necessarily work appropriate Mint Velvet furry hobo shaped bag with black leather strap ( and zip) which just sat beautifully on my shoulder and off it went home with me in all its silly glory....

I came to mention Fatface, but I see others have beaten me to it. I’ve got a couple of theirs and love them.

https://www.johnlewis.com/lauren-ralph-lauren-merrimack-keaton-26-tote-bag/black/p4281339

Could also try Hobbs, LK Bennett etc?

I've just got this one - has an outside pocket and also a trolley sleeve

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-florence-nylon-tote-bag-black/p4955210?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2YmC77PdgQMVlIdQBh1SeQoHEAQYASABEgLI-PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Those leather store bags are gorgeous and would age so well!

Thanks whoever mentioned miatui, against all likelihood I have asked for one for Christmas, I rarely love a bag but I love the Jane. Looks perfect, and not leather. Good luck OP

Thanks for the link to the leather store @Flockameanie , I've been been looking for a small cross body bag for ages and they have a couple that look ideal. So many bags seem to have no pockets and are even unlined. I can't be bothered with changing bags, I just want one classic, use anywhere bag with an outside pocket and I may just have found it!

I've got this Osprey one. It has a zip, a front slip pocket, back zipped pocket (my makeup's in there) internal phone holder and is an absolute tardis, I can get a kindle, notebook and a coffee flask in there. In the sale it's slightly over your budget at £225 but worth it I'd say. Might get it cheaper at an outlet?
www.ospreylondon.com/the-large-milano-italian-leather-convertible-cross-body-black

@Kleptronic Good to hear from a happy Osprey owner - had read a few bad reviews. Will have another look.

Am also tempted by this way over budget option... sagebrown.co.uk/products/ladies-leather-15-laptop-handbag-brown-croc

For those who were following... I ordered a couple from the Leather Store. They were nicely made but odd shapes - too narrow at the top-

www.theleatherstoreuk.com/chelsea-leather-slip-pocket-shopper-antique-brown/

So I gave up on the outside pocket and ordered the Osprey I've had my eye on. And it is beautiful!!

www.ospreylondon.com/the-madden-leather-shoulder-workbag-cognac

If you can wait till after Christmas coach sales are great. Sign up for alerts. Quality is also good.

Beautiful Osprey bag! Does it slip off your shoulder though?
Which other Leather Store one did you order? I was going to ask for one for Christmas, but am having second thoughts now

I have a smaller handbag by this brand. It's very well made. It has a zip closure plus zip and open pockets inside

www.amazon.co.uk/Leather-ladies-handbag-shoulder-luxury/dp/B07HKPN5Q4/ref=mp_s_a_1_48?keywords=Made+in+Italy+Handbags&qid=1700728751&sr=8-48