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.

Enjoying looking at these beautiful bags - and ohhh not to have life where I could have a white bag, sighhh

sorry to resurrect the thread rather than start one of my own but you seem such a sensible and knowlegable lot - can you help me choose between these ones
current shortlist - Aspinal London tote - large in wovwn tan or burnt orange
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/aspinal-of-london-london-interwoven-leather-tote-bag_R04199300/#colour=TAN

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/aspinal-of-london-london-large-leather-tote-bag_R04264085/#colour=ORANGE

or Aspinal Regency tote in tan or orange
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/aspinal-of-london-regent-logo-embossed-leather-tote-bag_R03770141/#colour=TAN

I’m not knowledgeable at all, but I prefer the Regency, the overall proportions are nicer IMO.

@stillplentyofjunkinthetrunk I really love the look of the orange large leather tote, but I would ask what you plan to use it for and whether it is heavy.

If it's for work and you plan to fill it, will you be comfortable carrying it in the crook of your arm? Especially if it's heavy when empty.

If it's not for work and you are comfortable not carrying a bag over your shoulder or cross body, then I really do love the orange.

The most practical is probably the Regency though. I could only see the tan version

@LadyBird1973 The most practical is probably the Regency though. I could only see the tan version

here's the regency in orange, I do like the contrast with the blue lining.
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/aspinal-of-london-regent-logo-embossed-leather-tote-bag_R04264098/?&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0bWvBhBjEiwAtEsoW6NQb9p01_E5m-lPumAOdx_Hbj74tLKiWIhHTGUEeVA8gUx7lwcnlRoCBJ0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#colour=ORANGE

I wouldn't be using the bag for work, more shopping and outings with kids, where I always seem to have too much to carry.

I am quite strong but would definitely prefer the option of putting it over my shoulder rather than carrying in the crook of my arm.

"Designed to last a lifetime, this must-have leather tote bag can be carried by the soft top handles or worn over one shoulder." - aspinal website.

I think people concerns that the bag is too wide to sit comfortably and one strap will keep falling off my shoulder are probably spot on. I think you'd have to expect to use a hand to basically keep it in place most of the time. But that's probably ok for me given the age of kids.

I think you need to test these out irl rather than buy online, so you can test whether the handles are comfortable, whether they slip off, especially when you're wearing a coat, where it sits on your body and if it looks 'right'.
I do love the blue contrast with the orange, but I'm not sure if on the regency the orange looks cheap. Even though I love it in the other bag. Websites are hard to see the real tone and for that kind of money you want to be certain it's right.
I do think the regency is probably more user friendly.

yeah I think it's a fair point - a trip into London may be the only way to be sure

THe handle drop on the first tote is not that large - 7.2 inches as opposed to the Regency and the orange tote (which I think is the East West not the Regency and doesn't have a top zip) which is 9.5 inches. The former might be quite hard to carry on your shoulder over a winter coat. If you wanted one with the zip top then can recommend this which is a similar size (with a liberty print lining that pops) https://www.anyasushko.com/collections/bags/products/london-shopper-tote-bag-orange I have one of her totes and the quality is amazing as she uses Italian leather. She also does a reversible tote where the orange leather comes with the option of about 7 different lining colours including royal blue and fuschia and the option to bespoke and chose your own if you want something different. https://www.anyasushko.com/collections/bags/products/kent-shopper-in-orange-and-pink

I have the London in smooth tan, it is a beautiful bag but isn’t for the shoulders, I usually hold it as a tote.

Thanks @Fuschia01 it's really helpful to hear from someone who has one.

I think that one is much more the proportions I need thanks @londonmummy1966

They are really fab bags - the leather is just the best.

It’s not Aspinal but the Polene Cyme has two sets of handles so can either be carried by hand, crook of arm or shoulder. Definitely not as structured as those you’ve posted so suits a more relaxed style.

Of the ones you’ve posted, I like the woven tan, the texture will add interest to an outfit.

https://uk.polene-paris.com/collections/cyme?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0bWvBhBjEiwAtEsoW2R0olKmfdJpYcbYxCSyPSSHIv2NzCeXlv-66Su86Be_O-udNu3M8RoCXZgQAvD_BwE

I have the Aspinal London tote in taupe and agree that the handles are slightly too short to go over the shoulder comfortably- it's probably possible if you are petite and very slim and/or wearing very thin clothes but not with a heavy coat. I usually hook it over my forearm or carry by the handles. It's great quality though.

Thanks everyone I think people suggesting I try them in person have a good point

My lovely, well-worn brown leather tote becomes lusted after all the use. Since their designs are frequently straightforward and timeless, Explore more no one will be able to tell that it's actually Radley if the dog is removed.

www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/zipped-east-west-leather-tote-bag-in-smooth-tan