cross-body bag - advice on which would be better quality

[TempersFuggit]

Hi there, I am toying with the idea of a proper grown up handbag. I usually buy from Oliver Bonas, or Zatchel, so not completely au fait with expensive bags, and only really need one to carry my phone, lipstick and keys. I like neat and un-blingy with lovely leather.

I really like this one from APC:
Mini Leather Demi-Lune Bag

and also this one from Mulberry:
Small Darley Satchel

Would both of these be good quality and wear well? Or can you advise if there are other brands I could be looking at that would fit the brief.

Thanks in advance :)

Yes it’s lovely isn’t it :)

Thank you for taking the time to post, but they’re really not my cup of tea. Too alligator-y for me. 🐊

Yes lovely 😊

Ooh thanks - I’ll have a look 😊

I was going to come suggest Polene. Or DeMellier.

I'd go APC, cooler brand and I think Mulberry quality is not what it used to be

Had similar issues with A.P.C. demin lune as others - the zip is sharp and the opening isn't the supplest, so one's fingers are always caught. Although the shape of the bag is lovely, there's something hard, almost cardboardy about the shape.

Have you considered Wandler? Their mini Hortensia bag can be worn crossbody, and the leather is really beautiful. It's one of those bags that instantly makes an outfit more polished.

I prefer the mulberry one but i don’t actually like it that much. I prefer the old mulberry bags when they weren’t so ‘nice’ and expensive, now that I’m a mum I have I fatface and a fossil just because I can’t look after them. I like the ‘pebbled’ leather look. I recommend the mulberry outlet as pp have mentioned. I keep meaning to go in hope of finding an Older style but have not yet!

I really like Mimi Berry bags, good quality and understated design https://www.mimiberry.co.uk/collections/cross-body-bags/products/francis-plum

Massimo Dutti are not bad for the money.

Funnily enough I was looking at Kate Sheridan bags, and they are produced very close to the Mimi Berry bags in E9, so I might go and have a look.

As mentioned, I am soon to be 55, children grown up, and feel now could be the time for a slightly more expensive bag than my usual Zatchels and Oliver Bonas bags. They are nice at the time, but look limp and lifeless quite quickly. I would like a bag that improves with age, and looks 'quality', in an understated way. I don't really want padlocks and things hanging from it, or too much metal-work, just good quality leather. Lining would be good though.

I tend to wear the a few Margaret Howell/Toast/Smedley/Grenson clothes/shoes with cheaper Uniqlo/Muji/Cos/Arket mixed in, so not looking for anything flashy.

I do really appreciate all of your help though, I have really enjoyed looking at the bags you have suggested.

I'll have a look in there next time I'm in Covent Garden - this one looks very nice.

I saw these in Fenwick at the weekend, very beautiful. I liked the one that looked like a music case. A bit too dressy for me though.

I like a couple of European below the radar makes. Annette Gortz is German and quite edgy. I am currently using a slouchy demi-lune with a clever strap lengthening system that takes it from cross body to close fit. And worth looking at Naledi Copenhagen for Phoebe Philo minimalist styles.

What about the bags they sell in Toast, then OP. They look nice, good quality and non blingy. If you tend to be a bit minimalist - based on the clothes you said you wear- Botemp (had to reference her, rather than offer these up as my own suggestions) listed a few very beautiful, clean lined, not seen everywhere ideas on another recent thread: https://frenzlauer.com/it/index.php. (You can also find the bags on some uk websites) and https://aestherekme.com/collections/demi-lune-pf23. (Can find on lots of websites like Farfetch and Matches - I think) I’ve seen a Frenzlauer in real life and they are lovely- I only didn’t buy it because I thought I’d ruin it 😄

I like plain leather cross body bags too. I tend to buy quality and wear them in to the ground - literally every day workhorse bags. My current Mulberry cross body is on its last legs after 10 years loyal service (I am going to see if I can get the straps replaced).

I am not keen on the current offerings from Mulberry - so I went with a Radley this time. I don't expect it to last as long but it was £170 as opposed to nearlt £800.

I bought a caramel coloured version of this bag at the Adolfo Dominguez shop at Malaga airport last year. It’s really good quality, I wore it loads on holiday. It’s definitely an addition to my handbag collection as opposed to a workhorse if that makes sense because it’s compact. I can generally fit my iPhone 14 mini, a few bits of make up, cards in the (many) card slots and that’s pretty much it. Lovely and I would definitely buy from that brand again.

Mimi Berry - I bought a Francis in black a few years ago in an online sample sale. I’ve been really surprised how much I like ve and use it. I wasn’t hugely excited about buying it weirdly - I needed a black crossbody and it was well-priced. It’s so brilliant though, would recommend.

I have a few Mulberry bags (last one bought probably around 8 years ago and have found the quality to be very good. Definitely recommend the outlets.

This Longchamp has been a good purchase - good everyday bag but not ridiculously priced.

My APC is lasting brilliantly. I got a different style though as I read that the zip on the Demi lune is a bit aggressive on the hand when going in and out.

Polene also make lovely bags, also French

Thanks for those links and to @Botemp they are lovely bags, I can forsee an 'around europe' sampling trip!

Kate Sheridan is the bag maker that Toast stocks, which is where I got the idea from. First stop Clapton and then tomorrow Italy and Paris!

Thanks again everyone

lol sorry I have just looked up thread snd seen someone had already commented about the zip, and suggested the polene bag I was thinking of (it's actually nicer in the flesh but I know what you mean because that's why I got the APC Genève)

Thanks Sarus - I hadn't realised it was that small - my iphone is one of the big ones. Will have to get my ruler out.

How great that you've sampled it though - I didn't think I'd get a first-hand review on a bag not stocked over here.

Looking forward to seeing the Mimi Berry shop too now after your review.

Thanks

Thank you so much for sharing this brand, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m looking for two bags and this ticks the boxes for both of them. Have really struggled to find anything that meets all of my criteria but isn’t £1000 +, I refuse to spend that much anymore.
Does anyone own a Polene? keen to here about usability - accessing zips, also can’t see any pictures of the interior of the bags.

This brand do some nice stuff.

https://honeyandtoast.co.uk/products/copy-of-half-moon-bag-conker

I’ve got a five year old Marc Jacobs crossbody that’s still going strong (although it could do with some TLC as I’ve managed to spill hand sanitiser on it a few times which has left marks) but I now have bag-envy. Not keen on the half moon style though, it looks a bit impractical.

Osprey do some lovely cross body bags

Fly to Spain for a weekend break, buy the A Dominguez bag.

Holiday and bag will cost less than the Mulberry - win win