Large leather bag that says quality

[Cwtshcwtsh]

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.

That Vida bag looks extraordinarily cheap (because it is)

Sorry, but I have to agree with this.

If you want a bag that can be tossed on the floor and doesn't need 'babying', I'd go for a grainy calf leather. Smooth leather will show every scratch and often looks a bit cheap.

I think Polène make by far the nicest 'budget' bags. The quality is extremely good for the price and they wear incredibly well.

https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/numero-douze-camel-graine

https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/numero-un-eucalyptus

I also like this, it's a more 'country' look, IMO, but the suede will take less abuse.

https://demellierlondon.com/products/the-new-york-mocha-suede-mocha-smooth

An oak Mulberry Bayswater or Roxanne.

Strathberry

https://www.strathberry.com/collections/the-strathberry-designer-collection/products/the-strathberry-midi-tote-chestnut-aw23

https://www.strathberry.com/collections/the-strathberry-designer-collection/products/mosaic-tote-tan-with-vanilla-stitch

https://www.strathberry.com/collections/the-strathberry-designer-collection/products/the-strathberry-basket-large-large-raffia-leather-tan

This one is in the Sunday Times Stye section today on the same page as ££££ stuff, I really like it and have some classic Mulberry bags etc too
https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/head-over-heels-tote/?category=tote-bags&color=020&type=REGULAR&size=One%20Size&quantity=1

The Exchange Designer and Vintage clothing Agency in Kendal have some which I think will tick your boxes, they are on Facebook and there are some nice tan Mulberry’s on there…

Can’t do a link but this is what I mean…

Don’t think you can go wrong with a tan Mulberry Bayswater

I have a black Mulberry Bayswater which I bought years ago. I still love it for its quality leather, unemblished design and functionality.

By the way, the oak Bayswater posted above looks like it's had a hard life and starved of any care. Mine looks lustrous and, in my opinion, the older it gets the better it looks.

Now bottega screams out class!
I remember watching Collateral Damage yonks ago, and it being mentioned and me thinking 'One day!'

grainy calf leather. Smooth leather will show every scratch and often looks a bit cheap.

@SnowDiaries - I always buy smooth full hide saddle quality leather as I just think handbags that have an artificially textured surface just look cheap, hard and plasticy! I love the feel of leather (or suede) and need a bag I can stroke 😂and which feels smooth in my hand - each to their own I guess!

It's not too hard to keep saddlery looking good for decades and it's the same with a smooth leather handbag or briefcase.

@Cwtshcwtsh , where do you live?

I got an Instagram post the other day of this girl that goes to charity shops in expensive Areas of London and finds great stuff.

What about an old Celine bag (old meaning from Phoebe Phillo era). Lots on Vestiare. They are subtle and excellent quality - maybe a phantom?

That said, I wouldn't say no to an Aspinal Mayfair - Aspinal recommended above is a good shout - I would kill for one in English Lavender - totally impractical though and I will probably cave and get a navy or green one. But a deep tan or good brown shade will last a lifetime and age well.

I gave up buying black bags years ago for economy/they go with everything. Gotta live a bit!

I have a Mulberry Elgin which would fit the brief and they often come up used on eBay or NaughtiPidgins Nest. It’s less recognisable than a Bayswater and is in the old Darwin leather so is beautiful quality and a complete workhorse.

I love the rider shoulder bag. Exactly what I have been searching for. Might need so start saving…

OP, if I were you, I'd write down all the names on this thread and then go searching for them on Vinted and E-bay for starters, unless you live near any great shops. Be wary about fakes though. I would not buy some of these online without receipts/dust bags/original stuff, even then it's a chance.

I've realised why I don't look classy, I'm too stingy to pay even more than £50 on a second hand leather bag!

I am really not sure about that. As a Londoner who used to love browsing charity shops all over London, I think that ship has well and truly sailed…. Charity shops are either full of rejects that can’t be sold on Vinted or anything half decent is stupidly priced.

@Notcontent oh, thanks for letting me know, I guess I can’t believe all that Instagram feeds me…

Browse The Handbag Clinic, they have lots of 2nd hand 'designer' bags, they buy and renovate as needed, i think their assessments of condition are good. I've seen some lovely Bottega Veneta bags there. Still not exactly cheap and a bit too 'city' for your needs perhaps...
I also like Furla bags in the mid-price range, i've had lots of compliments from other women on mine. Also Spanish brand Lupo , similarly mid price (inder £1,000 in the main) for beautiful soft leathers.

I second the Mulberry Bayswater suggestion

https://honeyandtoast.co.uk/products/copy-of-large-half-moon-bag-black
This brand has good reviews for the quality of its leathers, bags are made in the UK.
I'm currently coveting the large half moon bag.

Demellier
Tod’s
Metier London
Bottega Veneta
Tusting

All fairly subtle country class that could go to London if necessary. Labelly bags in the country make you look like a tourist. Or a twat.

Labelly bags in the country make you look like a tourist. Or a twat.

😂😂😂

A fantastic shape & colour. But very unstructured for work purposes I would have thought.Though I would buy one for everyday wear. The Alexander McQueen bag maker ones are absolutely beautiful & unusual.

I think this has been a fabulously helpful thread so thank you for starting it @Cwtshcwtsh. I hope it's been as useful for you as it has been for me.