Everyday bag for under £2k

[buckingmad]

It’s my 30th and I’d like a nice everyday bag. Thinking something along the lines of a Mulberry Lily in brown or black with gold hardware but open to other suggestions. I want something classic and easy to throw on as often rushing around after young children! Big enough to put my phone, keys and a lipstick/small perfume.

Suggestions please!

@buckingmad What sort of bag are you looking for? Totes or smaller? Have a look at Tod's or Bally. As well as Celine phantom. They are really well made and within budget. I also rate Loewe bags.

Have you thuought about second hand? You can get a better bang for your buck from the preloved market, e.g. a Dior lady (a classic but a bit formal) or a Hermes garden party. I think you may even be able to find a picotine in good condition for 2-3k.

@MokaEfti Can you tell me a bit more about your Andiamo? What size of do you have? I have been thinking of the small one. How do you like the shoulder strap and general wear and tear?

What's your lifestyle like? and your style? It's quite an investment so I will recommend considering your wardrobe, what's a style that is going to fit well overall? What's a brand that you feel drawn to? I personally love Chloé bags as they are not so 'in your face' luxury, affordable ish and SO well made.

@helpyhelperton I agree and that's why I tend to keep an eye on the sales. I have Mulberrys that I've had for 5+ years which are now double the price i paid for them. I haven't paid full price in a long time for that reason.

i think for now a small (phone, cards, lippy, keys size) cross body, leather in neutral colour like black or tan (love beigey tones but small children and horses/dog lifestyle scream no).

But would also like a smart tote for when i go back to work. I’ve been WFH for years but recently started commuting back into the city and will be doing so again once mat leave ends. So also looking for something like a neverfull of Bayswater tote for later in the year for laptop, diary etc. Happy to go second hand for this one as will be less special. They’re a “handbag clinic” concession at my local Fenwicks so will keep an eye in there whenever I venture in.

M&S/white company knitwear, straight legged trousers and brogues/simple trainers kind of vibe for work and non horse life. All in mostly black, browns, greens, whites. So I’m thinking a black or tan bag. I think I prefer tan but black could maybe straddle day and night better.

I like Mulberry. I like that the bags feel heavy and sturdy and the styles are classic, they’ve been around for years and don’t go out of style. I think that’s my style. Never ultra on trend, but never out of fashion either. So any other suggestions that fit that kind of vibe are welcome!

I would recommend these ones as they are more timeless. They have been around for a while so kind of classics, not something that would go out of fashion in the next couple of years

https://www.loewe.com/eur/en/women/bags/puzzle?country=GB&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2eKtBhDcARIsAEGTG4141uiittncFFaBwoXVDron7cu7rsOCEJit1DOGYGym9o3EwSo5fHEaAtvUEALw_wcB

https://www.celine.com/en-gb/celine-shop-women/handbags/belt-bag/nano-belt-bag-in-grained-calfskin-189003ZVA.10DC.html?nav=A0306

https://www.chloe.com/gb/chloe/shop-online/women/marcie

https://www.celine.com/en-gb/celine-shop-women/handbags/more-lines/nano-luggage-bag-in-drummed-calfskin-189243DRU.09SO.html

If you can spend 3k https://www.dior.com/en_gb/fashion/products/M9241UWHC_M900-small-dior-caro-bag-black-supple-cannage-calfskin

Also I like these two - quite well-made but not luxury desginer if you are so inclined
https://www.tods.com/gb-en/T-Timeless-Flap-Bag-in-Leather-Mini/p/XBWTSQC0100T5ZB999/

https://www.bally.co.uk/en/products/lock-me-tote-bag-in-light-brown-leather-6302770/

I love the Marcie by Chloé, so timeless but easygoing and it has a long strap for across the body,

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/chloe/bags/drawstring/plus-net-sustain-marcie-two-tone-textured-leather-bucket-bag/1647597310170439

I love the Amberley satchel, but I think the Lily is gorgeous too!

https://www.mulberry.com/es/shop/women/bags/small-amberley-satchel-oak-small-classic-grain

I love the Amberley too. It looks v smart.

Two GRAND on a handbag?!?!?!

If OP wants it and can afford it, why not?

Plenty of people post on MN about spending far more than that on other things.

I wonder if people kick up such a ruckus about a man buying some golf clubs, or a watch…

Am not your daughter (!), but I am her inasmuch as I inherited my mother's collection of handbags comprising several ones by Chanel, Prada and a huge LV holdall. All are around 40-45 years old now, in wonderful condition and I love to use them. Although ridiculously over-priced now - upwards of £5k, they were reasonable/expensive when my mother bought them. More importantly, the quality of her bags is far far better than what is being produced now.

Additionally, and as I have mentioned many times on these kind of threads, handbags, particularly Hermes and Chanel are sound financial investments and are some of the few things that not only hold their value, but actually increase.

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I never understand why those who feel spending anything more than £6.50 on a handbag is excessive, would waste their time commenting on threads where the OP is looking to spend a few thousand on a bag. If someone wants to spend lots of money on a bag, good for them, and I for one am happy to proffer suggestions - Loewe Flamenco bag is my pick but probably not what the OP is looking for. Can't go wrong with a classic Bottega Veneta intrecciato shoulder bag either.

Happy shopping OP!

They look lovely. Never heard of them before.

I have the medium. It is a bit smaller than it somehow sometimes appears online (I might be imagining that) so take a look in person. I love it! It lives up to its name - I can shove everything I need into it, seal it shut with the concealed magnets and go. I've only had it since mid December so can't comment yet on its longevity, but I have used it pretty much everyday including on trains and tube, and it is wearing well so far.

I only use the shoulder strap if I'm carrying other stuff and my hands are full, and tend to prefer hand held. However it never slips off my shoulder when wearing it that way.

I’ve gone and dug out an Anya hindmarch I have - haven’t used for ages as quite bulky and needs a zip repair. It would be perfect on a plane but not sure if suitable as changing bag??

oops forgot the link https://www.anyahindmarch.com/products/vere-soft-satchel-black

Yes and by handbag standards that’s just entry level - no offence to the original poster.

Thank you. I am torn between small and medium so very helpful to hear your views

EXACTLY! Well said, a bag is def a great investment this is why the OP is asking for advice. It's something to wear all the time and the right bag will last so long if you look after it properly. And potentially make you money in the long run. Also an amazing heirloom for a family member!
When a man spends thousands of pounds on some gadget or toy is fine though, right?

I have a neverful. It should be named never-fucking-find-anything because it's so big too stuff through. I even got one of those inset organiser trays for it. No different. Lose my keys in it all the time.

Like your taste @WatchOutMissMarpleIsAbout ❤️

OP I would look at Loewe if your budget can go a bit higher. And I agree about Strathberry, beautiful design and quality. You could get two!

@buckingmad ignore all the silly comments. Hope you find something you love.

No it is not a typo...some of us love and can afford expensive bags.
OP is treating herself for a special birthday.

I would LOVE a Loewe puzzle bag one day ❤️

I do have a Mulberry Leighton which is a similar sort of shape, bought in the sale a few years ago. It was admired by Mulberry staff in JL a while ago.

It’s like this one but I don’t use the chain strap