A handbag one

[Merrilydancing]

I have a big birthday this year and have always wanted to treat myself to a lovely handbag.

I have a budget of £1k and was hoping to get something that would suit most events as I don’t have a flashy, going out lifestyle in general.

However, having followed many handbag threads over the years, I am beginning to wonder whether it is worth the expenditure after reading reports of increasing costs and decreasing quality in the luxury bag market.

Spending such a huge amount on myself is a really big deal so any advice from fellow handbag lovers would be helpful.

Any idea on the style? Tote,crossbody,shoulder bag ? Colour? Just leather or open to coated canvas?
Also,would you be happy with a preloved bag?
Over the years I had bags from LV , Prada,MIU MIU,Coach, Gucci,Hermes and Goyard. For your budget I would suggest Coach,their bags are generally well made and durable.

If you want to wear 'a name' then go for designer of £1K but you really are paying to show the name.

There's a line beyond which quality and design can't be improved and anything beyond that is a status symbol. If you want a status symbol, then do that.

For £1K I'd rather have a nice piece of jewellery (you won't get much in diamonds but silver would work.)

I've found Coach bags very nice and always buy them in their sales when they have 40-50% off.

Would happily have a name as long as it was understated as not interested in having the brand all over the bag. However what I really would like is a well made leather bag that will last.

In terms of style, I tend to like the more relaxed style of bag as opposed to something heavily structured although I wouldn’t refuse a Birkin!

What style of bags do you use at the moment? I would go for that style in a more expensive brand.
I started with Mulberry, still have my first one, purchased a few others as I liked them but they are not the style of bag I use so sold them.
Branched out to LV and have a couple in the style I like and use.
Also treated myself to an extremely early retirement present of a Chanel but I have figured I will get much more use out of it now rather than at retirement!
My lesson learnt is to purchase bags in the style that I like and use if not it's an expensive mistake.

How about the pre-loved market?
£1000 doesn't stretch very far with known names anymore (I know it's shocking!).
I like YSL and Gucci but they are more £1200+. They don't hold their value like LV so you can buy pre-loved for a great price. LV is ridiculously overpriced now, they really hiked their prices after the pandemic and have outpriced what I call normal customers who like a luxury treat but have to save.

You need to have an idea and know what style you like and how big it needs to be for practical use.
I would choose a classic style in a colour which goes with everything (usually black / tan brown)
My everyday bag is YSL Lou camera bag or Gucci bree. I love a cross body as I'm always walking somewhere and like to be hands free.

Ooh I love a bag thread even if it's just to see the snobbery 😀 I have Mulberry, Gucci, LV and love them all. I prefer smaller satchel type bags as I find you can't find anything in large slouchy things.

Me too,just marking my place 😉

I do like both the Gucci brew and Ysl lou so will look into these a bit more.

In terms of size, I’m looking for something that is practical so can fit in the usual stuff you would take if meeting a friend for lunch and a bit of shopping but can also do as an evening bag which both the Gucci and ysl fit the bill.

For years I have followed the handbag threads with huge envy as I love handbags which is why I want one rather than a piece of jewellery which I would never use. Can’t believe I finally can get to invest in one!

Re the pre loved market, is there any sites that you could recommend as I’m conscious there will be a lot of fakes out there.

Look at Coach.

They have plenty of slouchy ones.

Or why not have a look at Lonchamp? Understated and not £££.
You could get a couple of Pilage for your shopping trips and a leather cross the body for other days.

(I just can't get my head round spending £1K+ on a bag even though I could. You are just paying for status and people noticing.)

Re the pre loved market, is there any sites that you could recommend as I’m conscious there will be a lot of fakes out there.

I'll try and remember to PM you some links when I'm logged onto my laptop tomorrow.

Hi @Merrilydancing, maybe have a look at Brandalley, they do a limited range of high end preloved bags. They also do current bags at very reasonable prices! Good luck and enjoy your bag 😊

What about See by Chloe?

As someone who also had a handbag thread, can I recommend Polene?
https://uk.polene-paris.com/

I didn't buy one as they were out of my budget but I think they are beautiful, classy and will age well. Someone on my thread mentioned that they were extremely well made. You could actually get two for your budget - I''d get a Cyme in Cognac for chic shopping and a Tonca (if they had some other colours...)... That's if I had a grand for a bag!

I eventually bought a Wanderers Travel Co "Little Marley" and I'm very happy with it as the leather is nice and it is well made - but it isn't luxurious.

I think I'd buy two - one less every day than the other. Enjoy your looking.

@TheDogIsInCharge I really want the sling style Polene, it's lovely.

My wardrobe hq sell used designed bags

I'd also recommend Polene! Stunning bags, understated luxe, decent value.

Anya Hindmarch bags are also good quality and (on sale) in your budget. I would stay away from any of her bags with eyes!

Anya Hindmarch bags are also good quality and (on sale) in your budget. I would stay away from any of her bags with eyes!

I don't buy for investment, but because I love the bags so I'm not sure if it is relevant but,Jimmy Choo are beautifully made and many are around the £1000 mark.

I'd spend more, or less. I've only splurged once on a Loewe, but it was more than the amount you mention! I've some other bags from Coccinelle and they're good bags. I also got a bag from Chloe See and it's lovely but the strap broke.

Another for Polene, they are really lovely and leaves you some budget for another (or 2!!) For me there are several brands where the quality is better than the "big" brands and the price is far more reasonable. You could get 2/3 bags to fulfill different roles for your money which are still beautiful but a bit more unusual

I have the polene tonka which is really nicely made and looks great - lovely leather and not screaming a label.

www.polene-paris.com/products/tonca-textured-taupe

Also really like Aspinal for a more formal/traditional look - IMO as well made or better as the more established brands -

www.aspinaloflondon.com/leather-handbags

Or strathberry is also fab with lovely leather and a bit more unusual. have an east/west softie which is gorgeous and so well made and thought out - things like the way the handle balances the bag to keep it closed are just perfect.

www.strathberry.com/products/east-west-soft-vanilla

I love the Gucci Jackie bag. LOV|E it

Gucci Jackie 1961 | Shoulder Bags | GUCCI®

I would recommend looking at Victoria Beckham - I was really surprised at the beautiful quality. Also the mulberry sale is on at the moment. Finally you the outnet has some good finds at times.

Polene bags are nice but you have budget for something even more special. I would max out the budget but that's probably bad advice 🤣

I follow a few handbag youtube channels for fun. I've got two nice handbags that were £250 and £350 but that's it for now. Like you I'm considering something a bit special for my next big birthday in a couple of years.

I've seen the below pre loved site recommended as being reputable. I think if you could push your budget to 1500 you could get something lovely pre loved but if 1000 is definitely the limit then buying new from a brand with a lower price point might be better.

https://bagista.co.uk

I like the Mulberry mini Alexa range although I don't think the quality is as good as 10-15 years ago - they don't seem to line them now which I don't like. I wish I'd bought one back then but it was a pipe dream when I had small kids.

You could also try an outlet. I've never been but I believe Bicester Village have a Dior outlet among others.