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Original poster

Handbag recommendations needed - please help!

16 replies

DaveWatts · 14/12/2023 17:10

I need a new handbag and I have quite a large budget as this is a joint present for Christmas and a big birthday.

My criteria are:
Must be big enough to fit a book
Must be wearable cross-body
Must be something that I can use for years and years, ie fairly classic design

I was looking at the Chanel classic flap as these are my dream bags (vintage, obviously, can't afford new) but the only one big enough to hold a book is the medium which has too short a strap to wear cross-body, it looks a bit silly. So now I'm totally stumped as I know nothing about handbags - currently I either use a tote from the local butchers or my 20 year old Mulberry Roxanne for smarter occasions!

Does anyone have any recommendations?

OP posts:
SummaLuvin · 14/12/2023 17:12

YSL Cassandra?

Original poster
DaveWatts · 14/12/2023 17:17

Ooh that's lovely but I wonder how comfortable it would be to wear with just that single chain as a strap?

OP posts:
rubyslippers · 14/12/2023 17:20

Loewe have some beautiful bags
mulberry Alexa is lovely and they do diff sizes

SummaLuvin · 14/12/2023 17:43

DaveWatts · 14/12/2023 17:17

Ooh that's lovely but I wonder how comfortable it would be to wear with just that single chain as a strap?

this is the one I was thinking, not a chain strap, but fairly narrow leather. I have this smaller size (mini) which I adore and you can fit a kindle in it, but not a proper book. I find it comfortable to wear but it would weigh less than the medium, so can't really advise.

Original poster
DaveWatts · 14/12/2023 18:02

Ah I see, yes that could work! If it fits a Kindle that would probably be big enough for me too. Has it worn well?

@rubyslippers I went to school with Alexa Chung, funnily enough! That's a great bag too though, I'm quite taken with the yellow.

OP posts:
Mercurial123 · 14/12/2023 18:02

It's cheaper than your budget, but these bags are beautiful and pretty classic. I visited the shop in Paris and purchased the tote bag as I needed something bigger.

Handbag recommendations needed - please help!
SummaLuvin · 14/12/2023 18:08

@DaveWatts yes it has worn well, but only had it for around 18 months so can't really comment on longevity.

Original poster
DaveWatts · 14/12/2023 18:44

Mercurial123 · 14/12/2023 18:02

It's cheaper than your budget, but these bags are beautiful and pretty classic. I visited the shop in Paris and purchased the tote bag as I needed something bigger.

Wow I am really taken with that one, hadn't heard of these guys before so thank you for that recommendation! I like the look of the Grooming Cob bag too (such a great name)

OP posts:
Original poster
DaveWatts · 14/12/2023 18:46

bunnybunnybunnybunny · 14/12/2023 18:22

Loewe Flamenco bag. Chic, understated, beautiful leather and available in a variety of sizes and colours. Don't be deceived by its name, it's not a clutch bag, it has an adjustable strap and can be worn on the shoulder and/or cross body.

Edited

This is lovely but maybe a bit too unstructured for me?

I am finding it's very hard to get a good idea about bags online though, I might have to just go to Selfridges and try a load on to see what actually works on me. It's a lot of money to get it wrong!

OP posts:
bunnybunnybunnybunny · 14/12/2023 18:57

I disagree, it's surprisingly structured and holds its shape well. It's more interesting than YSL bags , well, to my eye at least, but then as many on this board know, I don't like YSL leather goods whatsoever. I wear a lot of cross body bags and while I agree re. Chanel straps being a little on the short side, I find the flap bags too boxy/rigid to wear comfortably and the larger sizes are too big to wear cross body and look silly. But, that's just me - we're all different - what works for is dependent on the individual.

And yes, go to Selfridges and try everything on that takes your fancy. Take your time and be sure to take all the things you need the bag to fit so you know for certain it works for you.

Do report back should you buy!

Ihateboris · 14/12/2023 19:01

I've got this one...very comfortable cross body bag, beautiful hard wearing leather and much cheaper than a Chanel

www.lanvin.com/gb/leather-melodie-hobo-bag-lw-bgthm0-pien-h23692.html

londonmummy1966 · 14/12/2023 19:15

Longchamp box trot cross body or Strathberry East West?

SummaLuvin · 14/12/2023 19:22

yes definitely check them out in person!!! I had coveted the Gucci Dionysus for years, finally went to see it in person fully intending to buy, only to find weighed a ton and had a thick chain strap I knew I would find uncomfortable after 15 minutes.

PepsiMaxLime · 14/12/2023 19:26

How about the Loewe Puzzle in small or medium? I think it’ll become a classic if it isn’t already, it’s interesting to look at but isn’t obviously like a Gucci or YSL. I’d love one.

Original poster
DaveWatts · 14/12/2023 19:34

Some great recommendations, thanks all! I think the Guibert bags are just edging it at the moment although I won't be able to see them in person without going to Paris which is a bit of an issue...

Definitely going to check some of the others out next time I'm in London though and will definitely report back!

OP posts:
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