Every day handbag (high street prices)

[bellamountain]

I've been using a leather rucksack since forever and want to update it this year. A new bag needs to be practical to fit in various items including children's snacks and drinks bottles so not too small but ideally on trend and goes with a variety of outfits (office wear and casual). I can't be bothered to keep changing bags around and taking everything in and out so it really needs to be used for most things.

What's a nice style at the moment and most importantly at high street prices.

Define high street prices as I am thinking of the smallest Longchamp le Pliage.

Thought this looked useful and cheap: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/two-way-utility-bag-459777.html

M&S have some lovely looking bags at the moment

Too small?
https://www.marksandspencer.com/ie/cross-body-bag/p/clp60644783?color=CREAM#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip48g2r2c1

I was in M&S this morning and thought they had some great bags in. I'd have been tempted but am awaiting a bag I ordered last week.

Fern, Fleur or Roka from White Stuff

I find TK Mac great for bags

Zara and Oliver Bonas do some nice bags.

assots.co.uk/collections/all

Mia Tui online is always worth a look

Oliver Bonas have some bags I wouldn’t go for, the cross bodies. But Zara has some great tote bags and others and often in leather/suede if you like that. Cos and Arket can be good for bags too.

T K Maxx is great for bags.

I have this one, and it's so good I got a spare! I don't give a fig if it's on trend or not, it does exactly what I want it to do, which is stuff everything in it and it holds loads including shopping. The only thing missing is a water bottle holder at the side, but I can live without that. I use it on my shoulder if not too full, and as a backpack when stuffed with stuff.

high street can mean different things to different people
As useful features for an everyday bag I rate
black (nothing better for going with everything)
secure
plenty of sections / pockets

there are some practical well made quite timeless options available for under £50 from amazon, tk maxx, & m&s

e.g. this zip top tote for £35
https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/black-dream-weaver-tote-bag/p/11358476

this black leather shoulder bag with grey trim for £40
https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/accessories/handbags/black-leather-shoulder-bag/p/11428401#mz-expanded-view-289370236863

kipling from amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kipling-Womens-Gabbie-Crossbody-18-5x35-5x30/dp/B083YD2D7B/ref=zg_bs_g_1769559031_d_sccl_28/260-7913860-7754065?psc=1

M&S
https://www.marksandspencer.com/faux-leather-top-handle-tote-bag/p/clp60605805?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip29g4r2c2|prodflag_plp_ts_QPH_14

For something more on trend but less timeless this is fun from Oliver Bonas
https://www.oliverbonas.com/accessories/emma-stripe-tote-bags?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping%20UK&utm_term=1709445&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnv-vBhBdEiwABCYQAzv2gf-7whj30ZW-tKvU1wwXZ-f3AfRKb5MJR7k0jR9SFwzL2ndIbBoCDY8QAvD_BwE#selection.color=16

I can recommend the Clarks swift marathon for one water bottle and snacks.

I just got one of these and for the price its brilliant
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HQPC6WV/ref=twister_B09HQNSLC7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Theres plenty of colours to choose from

Size wise, theres 2 small bottle holders and pockets galore. Mine has to deal with brolly, sunglasses, uniform, lunch , medication, as well as the usual handbag junk

Next had some really nice looking bags when I was in-store last week.

@suki1964 Thank you so much for that, I've been looking for a new bad and that looks perfect, I've just ordered one

I wouldn't bother with High Street. Why waste your money on something that won't last. Selfridges and Harvey Nicks have some lovely bags that should accommodate what you're looking for 😉

Because I have an apple tree at the end of the garden and not a money tree....😂

I have found Joules leather bags to be very good over the years. You may still have a joules near you or I found a few BNWT bargains on eBay/vinted

That is a really good comeback @Philandbill 😆
I was being facetious...because every time there is a ££££ handbag thread on here about 200 posters come back at the OP telling them how outrageous it is to spend that kind of money on a bag when they could be buying the same in Primark or TKMaxx.
Nobody has come back at this OP telling them not to buy shit on the high street.
It just shows the differing mentalities of people posting on mumsnet.

I havent used a hand bag for YEARS but now I have to park a bit of a walk to my work and I need aprons, lunch, glasses etc I needed something quite roomy but still smallish. Also I have absolutely no interest in bags, they are thrown at my feet, hung on the banister,left in the car, so cheap and cheerful - and washable :)

Mind Ive seen the same bag in some lovely prints so maybe ordering another :)

I’ve just bought a https://fablou.com/collections/luna Luna bag from Fablou. I’ve got a few of their bags, but I’ve got really bad shoulders so this one is really light. It’s very roomy. I’m going to get another one, in a darker colour, to take on the plane when I go on holiday.

The Olive green one is half price with the code Olive

High street prices I think Fiorelli is an excellent brand. So much choice in style and I’ve had a few over the years and the quality is absolutely gorgeous, they look very expensive. You can get a decent sized one in tkmaxx or a designer outlet for under £50.

Roka!