Handbag recommendations needed ✨️

[LoveableLou]

Hello, I'd like to buy a handbag for the occasional special event, .e.g. afternoon tea, races, posh dinner. Incidentally, I don't go to these things often but I realised the other day I don't have a suitable I could use for such occasions.

There's so much choice out there, so I thought I'd pick Mumsnet's brains first. I like classic designs, preferably brown or black leather and big enough to hold the usual things. I don't like clutch bags or anything fussy.

Any suggestions please?

Morning! What is your budget, and are there any styles you particularly like?.

What would be your budget for this?

Hello! My budget would be around £150 but cpuld go up to £200 if I saw something smashing.

Would you like something to hold just a minimal of items, or something bigger? Do you prefer something held in the hand, or shoulder or cross body?

Have a look at Coach.

I have a baby Longchamp which I love and is perfect for what you describe, but it’s not leather.

If it could hold a minimum number of items for a day or night out that would be great. If it's too big I feel a bit like it's taking over the outfit.

I'd like something with two handles, something along the lines of Lulu Guinness but without the hefty price tag.

Thank you, my mum has a Coach bag I'm hopefully going to borrow, so I may well treat myself. I was thinking Longchamp too. Not against the idea of faux leather if it's decent quality, I think it's come a long way in recent years.

@LoveableLou

would second Coach

this, if you would consider shoulder/clutch?

Mine isn’t faux leather. I think it’s nylon.

Is it Le Pliage? The ones in canvas? Love those and they look like they hold a lot. Do they stay clean?

Longchamps le pliage last for years, literally. They are very durable and very light. They don't have internal sections, bar one small pocket though, if that's a problem.

At that budget I would either look at preloved or somewhere lower end like Coach or Kate Spade which are still good quality. You might find something in an outlet store or T K Maxx.

TK Maxx is a good shout, they have a lot of variety, and good prices. I would go for a good look around.

It’s tiny but holds a phone, purse, mini brolly and lipstick. It’s not canvas - it’s the same fabric as the le Pliage. Mine is black and still looks as good as new after a couple of years.

Cambridge Satchel have some lovely bags and six monthly sales with some decent discounts https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/products/the-mini-poppy-black-gold

That is lovely and right up my street too. Will check it out now, thank you 😊