Large leather bag that says quality

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I work in an industry where I mix with millionaires on a daily basis. I’m not a millionaire. I need a large brown leather bag that screams classic class. It needs to look country rather than office. It will have to be preloved as I can’t afford new for the quality I need but it’s an investment so no budget limit for suggestions - I’ll make a budget decision when I know what I want.

Have a look at the Matches website. I bought a large Versace for £700 less than official shop/Selfridges.

Just wanted to say I love your username. That's my cats name 🩷

What about a preowned Mulberry Bayswater in oak or chocolate brown leather? I used to have one and it sounds like it would fit the bill perfectly, if you like the style of course. The leather also looks better the older it gets.

If the budget really isn’t an issue I’d look for a pre-loved Bottega Veneta like this one. Definitely “stealth wealth”

https://www.the-hosta.com/products/bottega-veneta-brown-intrecciato-leather-shoulder-bag

What's your budget?
Rowallan are good quality at a high street price. You could probably find something for under 100 quid.
I would avoid names and logos if you want to look classy .

I'm personally not keen on vintage- I like to make my own vintage by keeping nice things a long time and buying classic. I'd go for something from Tusting- expensive but not designer priced and seen on the likes of Prices Catherine. They have some fabulous large leather tote bags!
https://www.tusting.co.uk/product/savannah/

I have one of these in a bespoke colorway - the quality is really excellent and I've seen a 10 year old one that has aged beautifully. You can choose the colors (if you want a different combination they'll bespoke one for you. The leather is really lovely and supple and it is reversible so you get two bags in one.

It's made in England in a small workshop - the designer used to work for Alexander McQueen.

https://www.anyasushko.com/collections/all-products/products/kent-shopper-in-brown-and-orange

I'd look at Coach - they are total workhorses, really good leather for the price and have very good sales.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315119681079?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cregvz8os4o&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=qDip6HP8TKm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186275920456?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=JSbOvcQqSUm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=qDip6HP8TKm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/women/the-logo-bag/logo-tote-bag-502793W85422800.html

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166581192207?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lWc2qc8RT1y&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=qDip6HP8TKm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I’d second Coach.

Loving the Tusting link.
Have you thought about the foldable Longchamp tote. They're very handy and versatile and classic. I'd rather have something suitable and new.

I’d go for something from Smythson. Absolutely no visible / obvious labels or embossing. Quiet money.

Coach is lovely but would be seen as ‘entry level’. Ditto Kate Spade (I have bags by both company’s so no judgement from me). The Gucci is amazing but old money would (politely!) sneer that it wasn’t a bamboo handled, un-logo’d hard handbag passed down from Great Granny.

Mulberry ‘workhorse’ could work if it were very old / not from the last 20 years (quality not as great since they stopped making them in the UK).

The Row do beautiful, simple totes with eye watering prices (£2k and up). See if you can hunt a resale?

Those Tusting bags look great.

I particularly like this one

Tusting tote

Smythson's a very good call. I bet not many come up on pre-loved sites.

I'd still consider the Longchamp though. I suspect the people you are working with/for wouldn't give half a thought to a simple something you can afford rather than struggling to create an image with something you can't really. The difference in price should be spent on you and you alone. Because the real you is worth it.

A Mulberry Bayswater is a classic that ages very well. The older, the more character. I have a chocolate that is great for laptop, files etc. It's about 20 years old at this stage.

You can pick up vintage ones on eBay/vinted/depop. I think a slightly battered one would give the vibe you're going for.

I love Radley bags and you can source some lovely pre loved ones ebay. Also have a look at the RADLEY website as they have some good deals in the Outlet section at the moment which might suit. I’ve just bought the Southwark Lane large tote in black, but they also do a brown one. Good luck.

Here’s a link. https://www.radley.co.uk/offers

I love this, has a slightly weathered look from new https://www.vagabond.com/gb/stockholm-bm08-001-31/

How about Aspinall? John Lewis have a brown tote on sale currently
https://www.lyst.co.uk/bags/aspinal-large-paris-pebble-leather-tote-bag/?reason=feed-product-image&link_id=1009767006&previous_page_type=feed&previous_page_sub_type=designer_type&origin_feed=%2Fshop%2Faspinal-bags%2F

A big longchamp, definitely

I'd go Durbarry personally. Good quality, a fairly luxe country brand... won't break the bank.

I've just given a Tusting Kimbolton to a charity shop if you are in the Beds, Cambs region.

I just never got on with it and now have a much much smaller bag.

You could display what a discerning employee you are with a Rocket (you won't get closer to your 'classic class' brief - it's a V&A design classic, no less!). Arm candy actually has a Bill Amberg Rocket for sale just now...!

armcandybagco.com/collections/frontpage/products/bill-amberg-rocket-bag

That Vida bag looks extraordinarily cheap (because it is) and I'm concerned you are unable to see just how bad it looks. Please do a lot of research and don't waste your money. They will be able to tell if your bag is quality or not. Some of these designer recommendations are expensive and not especially good quality and do not look old money/country either. If you can't afford to spend much, I'd reflect on whether the purchase really is necessary. However, if you are serious Frank Clegg bags are top quality and what would be considered old money classic style and construction. Obama's briefcase was Frank Clegg, to give you an idea of how premium the brand is. In your position, I would opt for a FC tote in a brown or tan colour. If you're interested look under Tote and Women section.

https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/

Tod’s and Ferragamo.

If you're ever in Edinburgh, Handbag Heaven have a huge selection of pre loved handbags, accessories and footwear. From mid high street up to Gucci etc.