Stop me buying bloody bags

[TheDogIsInCharge]

I LOVE A BAG.

I really do. I don't have expensive tastes, I just like having bags that "work" for when I need them.

BUT I have had a run of very unsatisfying bags. I generally like a cross body bag for everyday and a backpack for work. But with hybrid working I don't use the backpack as much. Just as well really, as my old backpack smelled of feet and the zip was wrecked so I a few months ago I bought a new, swishy nylon one in navy from TK Maxx. The straps are horrible thin nylon, uncomfortable and dig into my shoulders. My old one was perfect but is no longer available and I don't like the ones that everyone else seems to adore and that can be found on many a commuter. Anyway, for the few days I use it, I will cope with the shitty backpack.

It is the cross body bag that I'm... cross about. I don't like camera bags, I don't like those wide patterned nylon straps, I don't like the Uniqlo bum bag style, I don't like bags that are just a black hole of misery with no side pockets or just the one measly miserable tiny non zipped pocket that barely holds a card holder. I don't like very rigid bags - I have one of these and it's disappointing in its rigidity. I like a bag to have multiple, secure pockets, preferably on the outside AND inside. I like them to be London safe - so a secure fastening, preferably a zip over the main part and if there IS an outside compartment, to be on the inside of the bag, so not easy for someone to open and dip into. I also want them to be large enough to hold a large iphone, kindle, keys, various lip balms and tints, airpods, a rolled up bag for shopping, a lucky stone and possibly a small umbrella.

I have a bag that I got from a Leclerc in France that is pretty much perfect in that it is a soft, squishy, satchel type bag with a small rear zipped pocket , a fold over flap with a contact fastening, a zipped main section which has a capacious zipped inner pocket for cardholder, keys, lip balm etc AND - my holy grail, two inner pockets opposite the zipped one, one larger than the other, where I can put airpods and my phone. However this bag is white and just feels very wrong in the winter. I don't wear anything that works with it in the winter.

I recently bought a blue bag from Sainsbury's (online, so didn't get to feel it) that's quite nice but too bright blue for winter as, again, I don't wear that colour as soon as it gets chilly. I wear, greens, black, dark red. It also does't have many pockets.

So.. I need to find a lovely green bag that will be my bag of the winter... I think a nice bottle or sage or dirty green would work. Basically something that isn't a bright or apple green. Leather, pleather, suede... is preferable. Probably not fabric or very plastic. I have not found one anywhere that isn't ££££ as I'm not currently minted. Around £50 would be a dream. And this bag would then stop me buying all the various bags that have, frankly, let me down.

Please feel free to drop this meme in the replies, if I get any!

OP just an idea but any chance of selling some other bags on Vinted to raise funds to bridge the gap and get the one you really want? I’ve been there with buying quantity not quality or settling for OK when you have something so specific in mind. When it actually comes along (the Santorini?) it’s just gold dust.

Good luck! I like your wit, by the way, in the face of some of the more bonkers/off brief links.

Sadly I don't own any bags worth selling really. Not sure the shitty backpack would raise more than a fiver.

I have been lost on the Wanderers site for a while now... they are on another level.

This is a beauty too. Somewhat over the £50 budget though! Might go through my wardrobe and see if there is anything I can sell for the bag fund.
https://wandererstravelco.uk/collections/crossbody/products/stella-handbag?variant=40049897635915

that bag should tick all the boxes but for some reason doesn't.

I think it might be too serious for me. Like it would judge my choice of TV viewing in the evening.

Have you tried searching the French bag on eBay/Vinted? Generally I prefer those places because you get to see a lot of different things in one place

That's a beauty. Very pricey though. Okay not Chanel* pricey but still... a teen would have to go without eating for a month at uni and I think that's a step too far.

I bet you are going to really enjoy that bag. It is very elegant and the shape is special.

• I just found out Coco Chanel's involvement with the Nazi's in the second world war and, let me tell you, I was shocked. How did I not know?

@TheDogIsInCharge

I am also a total bag junkie and have a range from designer down to supermarket too.

I have a couple of wanderers bags. Not the ones you have shown, but a few others in various sizes. I like them enough to have bought more, but I'd say that they are not worth the full price and I wouldn't pay full price for one unless I was totally in love with it and it was being discontinued.

They do however have regular sales / discounts, and often come with a free purse too which is a bonus (although they are definitely not worth buying I picked some of the pouch style ones and use them as little co-ordinating make up type bags). If you get it on sale - I'd say go for it.

The leather is lovely and soft, and the range of colours is nice. The azzuri colour is lovely in person - a sort of dark teal/blue/green and is striking without being in your face - I think it might be what you are looking for. I also have the burgundy, tan and the chocolate colours, which are nice but the azzuri is that bit different.

However, I suspect they are made in China and shipped into Aus for onward sale. They are a bit rough around the edges in manufacture - not really a luxury finish to the lining, may need to snip a few lose threads etc...

You don't see many in person (although they are often mentioned here), which is another bonus.

I also like the honey & toast bags - again there is usually a voucher code kicking about. They have lovely leather and are really well made. Emma (the owner) is lovely and helpful too - but buy direct from their website rather than john lewis as they have the same models but in better leathers.

This looks interesting- half bag, half back pack, dress up or dress down, so many colours to choose from. Compartments. A bit over budget

https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/we-the-free-soho-convertible-sling/?color=001&familyProduct=1&quantity=1&size=One%20Size&type=REGULAR

Another free people option here - no green but lots of other autumnal colour options.

You might also do well by looking on Etsy. There’s a few sellers doing this sort of bag. Multiple options on size, colour and whether to have an internal zip or not. Nice slouchy leather and a flap. Not sure on internal pockets though, looks like just the one phone pocket. Here’s another seller with much the same thing.

more etsy options

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I have this bag in my basket at Etsy, it goes down to 50% off sometimes. I get torn between the large one in a green or mustard colour.

My personal bugbear is straps that look long enough, but are just that bit too short so they get caught on a hood/ collar every time.

Link would help
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/798894514/leather-crossbody-bag-women-shoulder-bag?click_key=8919fcfa4f7d866f8d8f2f26ea5838866e0f7301%3A798894514&click_sum=e4535f25&ref=user_profile&pro=1&sts=1

I have had a good nose on Etsy now. Some options but I do want to keep screaming at vendors "show me the inside of the bag, THE INSIDE OF THE BAG" because 85 pictures of the model dangling the bag at all angles is omitting the important interior requirements. I think that one looks nice but isn't lined inside.and doesn't have enough pockets.

I'm always a bit wary on Etsy - you'll see the same bag for multiple prices and I fear they've shipped them from China for pennies.

First thought is Fossil or Radley for sensible, durable, bags with pockets and plenty of colour ways. Usually you can get one for £50-100, Black Friday sales are good. Topcashback usually give 20% cashback on a lot of places too around then, as well as original discounts!

What about this from Fatface… no pics of the inside sadly. But it’s slouchy, green, semi concealed front pocket, £55. Possibly too casual, higher price point for leather with many pockets.

https://www.fatface.com/accessories-home/womens-accessories/bags-purses/the-valletta-crossbody-bag/981064.html?dwvar_981064_color=GREEN&cgid=accessories-women-bags-and-purses#pagination=true&start=1

The back zip pocket is great - just where you'd want it and you can fit a ton in there. Also the leather is very soft and it hangs nicely against your body without being too heavy.
Managed to find one on ebay just now for £55. There are some YouTube videos showing all the pockets etc., if you do want to check it out a bit more. Just search "Fossil Preston Flap bag". (Always fun to watch YouTube bag videos if you love a nice bag, haha!).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266422041130?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=XyS7f9dsReW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=w7aA42UrSUW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I have this one in my basket too!

Have you looked at Fablou Bags ? I love the wipeable fabric and sizes. I have a tote and looking at the cross body bags. Last forever and lovely colours

I really like Muji for bags. Simple, not fussy, and water repellent,
I recently bought a rucksack (in grey), and have had a small cross body bag for about a year or so which has lasted well.

I don’t know why you don’t like camera bags, they are amazing?

Like the actual holy grail in Indiana Jones, it’s so simple, you don’t realise it at first.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B08MBXM3S2/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=AZWD4W1HKQUNP&psc=1&th=1

It’s an actual camera bag. You take the inserts out.
I have one similar for years with one strap. It’s the absolute business. Try it.

Fatface have a dark green suede bag in stock at the moment.

I am nearly 60 and have still not found the perfect black leather bag!
I will probably carry on buying bags until I do if it ever happens

But not amazing to me.

I don't like the look of them and the fact that they are everywhere. Everywhere, I tell ya. Every single damn shop has a version and the majority are a single black hole of a bag.

I had one and it was pants. The strap was pants, the inside with its one tiny pocket was pants...

I appreciate there will be lots of them with multiple pockets but I cannot get past the boxy look of them and their comedy straps.

Just clicked on the link - ok so it's isn't the boxy camera bag type listed everywhere as "camera bags", but at least those are mildly glam and leather/pleather/suede. That is... canvas? Polyester? Recycled backpacks from a mountain of abandoned teen school bags? It is very utility and I would like something that I could wear around town and also to a posh London meeting or lunch.

Glad it works for you though.

I have this one is a couple of colours. I think it will fit the bill for you

www.ospreylondon.com/women/bags/the-ellie-leather-cross-body-shoulder-bag-navy-blue

I have seen that Fatface one in real life. It is nice but a bit too slounchy and casual. It does feel good though - has a nice weight to it.