Help me find my unicorn bag

[CandleWick4]

Not actually a unicorn bag! I want a bag I’m not sure exists and I’m hoping you lovely s&b people can help!

I would like something;
big enough to fit in a glasses case, make up and a purse (maybe even a little brolly!)

the strap needs to be able to go cross body but also double up to be a shoulder bag

nice but day to day, I don’t often do a lot of evening social things and dress casually mostly (jeans, jumper trainers or boots kind of style) so something that’s versatile.

I like a chain strap (better if it has a leather shoulder part) but also don’t mind a thin leather strap
Id like something semi-luxury, so willing to spend some money as I’m hoping this will last a long time but I don’t want to go over £1k.

I really like the Aspinal of London Lottie but feel the normal size is too small and the large maybe too dressy?
I also like the mulberry Lily but as above, I need something in between the sizes I think
I also like the small Iris but not sure if I like the bucket style - maybe something more structured.

as you can see I don’t ask for much!

in an ideal world I would be buying the YSL LouLou (absolute dream bag) but my finances are no longer going to stretch to that.
TIA

I'd recommend Pinko and Vivienne Westwood, both do chain straps.

This reminds me of the Loulou?

www.pinko.com/en-ma/big-love-bag-puff-maxi-quilt-100037A0F2Z99Q.html

Thank you. I like the style but not keen on the buckle

Something from Paris64 or Polene? Not sure Paris64 do a chain strap though.

I could have written your post! I had a bag hunt a while back and considered pretty much all the bags on your list. The aspinal Lottie is very beautiful and well made - the pebbled leather are less ‘dressy’ than the quilted if that is a concern. Also there’s a big Black Friday sale at the moment. Mulberry Lily was nice too but i felt it was a little overpriced for the quality. Alternative brands you might like which aren’t crazy expensive are Polene (numero un or Beri?) or Coach (tabby maybe?) which are beautifully made, or DeMellier which look fabulous (but I was less impressed with quality up close). Kate Spade also have some similar to the Lottie if that’s your thing (although for me the Aspinals are better made and likely to last longer). I also looked at higher end brands such as Gucci and LV but think they are out of your price band (although theres a nice Marmont shoulder bag for about £1300 I think). I spent ages trying, buying and returning bags, but I ended up with a LouLou as nothing else quite measured up 🙈

Strathberry are also beautiful but a bit formal for what I needed.

A.P.C and Sézane (Milo) might also be along the right lines, but can’t vouch for quality/longevity! Whistles also do surprisingly nice bags at a much lower price point.

Oh no don’t say that 😆it’s such a beautiful bag isn’t it. It ticks all of my boxes - except the price. I could save up for a little longer and get it but it pains me to spend that much.
I think the issue is I’ve fallen in love with it and so everything else I look at doesn’t hold up and I suppose whatever I go for is a second choice. Fingers crossed for a lotto win this weekend eh!!

Sorry 🙈. I actually thought I wanted a Celine Triomphe at first, but absolutely could not justify the price. Dithered over a Gucci horsebit for ages, tried it on a few times but still too pricey and something was holding me back, then saw the YSL solferino and loved that, but it was a bit small. Nearly went for the Gucci Marmont flap bag or the LV saumaur BB and then fell in love with the toy LouLou! Still very conscious that they are all way overpriced and you are totally paying for the name, and actually on a day to day basis I’m more likely to use my Aspinal Ella or my Polene Beri, but all very beautiful bags! I do like a nice bag 🙈 (they are my one vice!).

You got the toy? How do you feel it is size wise? I was eyeing up the small but the price is eye watering. The toy has a detachable strap so I could buy a chain strap for special
occasions and have the leather for day to day? It’s better price wise isn’t it?
oh look what you’re doing! You’re talking me into it 😆

I did! It’s not a big bag, but I can fit my phone, card holder and sunglasses (but only in a soft case) in. You wouldn’t get an umbrella or a hard glasses case in though. I’d say it’s probably similar to the regular Lottie in size. I’m short and don’t like a bag that’s too big, and I’d rather carry a separate tote for extras. The strap is detachable and adjustable which was a big plus for me as I find the drop too long on a lot of bags.

Try Strathberry! I have my eye on the Mosaic and the East/West Mini Soft for Black Friday 👀

I’ve just discovered Polene after a recommendation on here, have similar criteria to you and think I’ve narrowed it down to the numero neuf. Worth a look at Polene if you’ve not already checked them out.

https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/numero-neuf-beige

Ooh the east west mini is catching my eye! Very pretty!

I was coming on to say Strathberry East West - either the mini or the regular size - don't think you'd get an umbrella in the mini but you'd get one in the regular size. The Crescent Satchel is probably worth a look. I think the quality of Strathberry matches up well to Mulberry.

The quality on these is great and she might be prepared to bespoke a chain strap for you as her Severina range have the mainly chain with a leather bit at the shoulder you said you liked https://www.anyasushko.com/collections/crossbody

Also somewhat different style but Cambridge Satchel Bowls bag has a top handle and a cross body strap and I can get a surprising amount in mine. https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/products/bowls-crossbody-bag-black-celtic-grain?view=sl-DE516432

Longchamp? Most of theirs come in several sizes and are aspinal price range

Sarah Haran bag? Amazing quality really well thought out

I almost bout this bag from Guibert when I was in Paris but ended up buying a tote bag. The quality is excellent for the price.