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.

The Furla really is beautiful. Slightly smaller than I expected but I have to stroke it every time I look at it. I also bought an old and moderately gnarly tote from The Bridge, which looks glorious after being treated with some leather balm. So good that DH has bought himself a ‘man-bag’ from them. My third bag is a vintage Texier. Excellent quality but very structured and a bit like something you’d expect to have seen HMTLQ carrying. I’m not sure how much I like it but it definitely ticks the “inherited from Granny” box.

And I’m going to commission a couple from the makers recommended by @Lilsoph as they’re individual, very me and will make a great talking point.

OMG! You got that for£30?!

I need to follow these threads with more than a passing interest 😬

The R&B is an awesome purchase.

Is a quote from a chick lit..loving it. I aspire to reach this level of existence!

Hahaha if it was chick lit I’d find a way not to leave at the end of the day! I do sometimes get house envy.

So pleased to hear this. I have a couple of bags from both Sarah and Tracy. I always try to support individual artists. You'd probably enjoy the craft fair in Cheltenham Town Hall which starts next Friday for the weekend. All excellent quality artists/crafts - textiles, jewellery, prints, ceramics etc.

Now that is a beautiful bag!

@Cwtshcwtsh I've got the Russell & Bromley bag in navy - bought it in their sale. It's still one of my favourites even though I've had it a long time. That is a fabulous buy for the price you paid!

I have a Celine Macadam and Triomphe bag - both bought when I had money and I actually don't like them much now to my shame... the Celine tan and Gucci brown on the first page is what I'd be tempted to go for.

The Bottega Veneta (I don't have one) is lovely. I'd be tempted to get a Le Pliage in leather or Russell and Bromley.

Half the designer bags I have (Chanel Boy, vintage Mulberry) were either bought for me by boyfriends, my auntie (she loves Mulberry and bought when they were much cheaper!) or inherited or just bought when I had money. I sold a few last year or two simply because they were stuck in my wardrobe and hardly being used.

And also OP, your clients are d*cks if they judge you by what your handbag make is! I actually heard of one woman who worked with wealthy clients and one year when she'd gone the extra mile for them, she was gifted a designer bag (can't think which might have been Gucci) which she'd seen when out with them, for Christmas. She didn't expect it and I think carried a Mulberry Roxanne (the only designer one she had) which I personally think is fugly!

Also if you go abroad to e.g. Italy/Spain you can get some stunning non designer bags but which are simply high quality. I often see Adolfo Domingo ones in Barcelona/Madrid when I go, never bought but they do look nice. Designer bags to buy now, just isn't a thing for me anymore!

Do we like this one? And are the handles large enough to loop over a shoulder?

www.ospreylondon.com/women/bags/the-adaline-leather-workbag-black-croc-print

I like this. Handles long enough, what's Osprey quality like though?

I personally love these styles inc one linked below as simple, classic and for me, not with a big logo/name at all. In fact I love any of their bags! All of them seem understated, classy but with a twist, so also modern.

[[https://www.adolfodominguez.com/en-gb/responsible-leather-sopper-bag-woman-266141550141.html

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain
Also if you go abroad to e.g. Italy/Spain you can get some stunning non designer bags but which are simply high quality

I agree with this - some fantastic leather shops in Florence for example where I have bought bags and not hugely expensive either. Many have online shops too. I don't think you can beat Italian leather tbh (although British leather is a close second). Tanning is key!

I have a couple of Pratesi bags - the leather is tanned in Italy and bags are made in Florence. Some of them even have an interior light which is a genius idea when you are scrabbling around in the dark looking for something!

www.pratesishop.com/king-cognac-p-1365.html

100% agree with all you say. My next trip to Florence should I need or want a new bag it will 100% be that brand.

To be honest, Spanish/Italian etc leather/suede boots/shoes I find much nicer than English ones, they often don't import them to UK, but the colours, finishes etc are second to none.

Very true ☺️ and the smell is so much better - I know, I am weird, but the senses are important to the enjoyment!

Now wondering whether I can persuade DH we need to take the DCs to Florence to broaden their experience of the bags arts…

Well you have to get them out of the sun/heat at regular intervals...

I have this in red in the smaller size, lightly used to be honest (my first 'fancier' bag) but 15 years on still looks pretty much like new. Nice quality but quite structured and rigid wouldn't pass the stroke it for fun test compared with some of the bags discussed here, but smart for more formal occasions. I like that you can put it down next to your chair at a restaurant or converance and it keeps it shape and looks as good as when you're holding it. Less suitable for 'dumping between the dogs and the silver' imo.

“Stroke it for fun test” 😂 I’m stealing that one.

If you go before the oppressive summer heat it'll be cooler, but from recollection Florence is always busy!

I know a fab restaurant which does the most delicious baked veal dish (it's a place where the farmers come to eat when they come to Firenze) if you'd like the name!

Never a wrong/bad time to broaden DC's experience of arts. I prefer Siena and Lucca though really and hate to say it but apart from the tower, Pisa I found to be a dump...

If you go before the oppressive summer heat it'll be cooler, but from recollection Florence is always busy!

True @Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain but then you don't have the excuse to cool off in the shop!