I have £2k for a beautiful bag - which one, though?

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I am fortunate enough to have been given £2k by a very dear relative and instructed to treat myself to a new handbag.

This will be a treasured item (because of the person I will always associate with it) and a massive, unprecedented splurge.

So . . . what do I get? I want beautiful quality rather than the usual brand names . . . and not a work bag, as I work from home. A small crossbody, probably. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Yes there is! You can contact any of the high end shops and book an appointment with one of the assistants at whatever shop you’d like - it’s another world!

For a special birthday we booked at LV for our DD and we were given a tour of the flagship store. I told the shop our budget before hand so she just helped my DD with different styles.

She also arranged for us to look and try on from their vintage bag collection (the ones upstairs in locked boxes and picked up with gloves!) and wander around the apartments upstairs that host catwalk shows and where the owners son stays when he is in London.

DD picked a small crossbody bag so yes it was expensive but minimal to what the average spend would be and yet she was treated like a Princess. It was a lovely experience for us all.

OMG this is gorgeous 🩷 like butter!

I love the Bottega bang bang vanity. The quality is amazing. Loewe puzzle is also lovely but I find the opening a bit more of a faff.

Hi OP, if you’re city based maybe take a look at somewhere like Harrods/ Harvey Nichs and just look about and get a feel of what you might like all under one roof.

I’d then book an appointment at the actual store. It’s usually less busy and you don’t feel rushed. Can I just say I’m giddy for you!!

Please come back and let us know what you choose x

@LightDrizzle snap! I have the same bag (maybe a different size, but same colour) and I love it. It’s by far the most I’ve spent on a bag, but I have got so much pleasure out of using it.

The Loewe logo is subtle, so I feel comfortable using it all the time without work colleagues/friends who aren’t interested in bags having any idea of its value or being judged for the money spent.

I bought it in store in Liberty, mostly because of the loyalty voucher scheme (£10 for every £200 spent, so a £100 voucher for a £2000 bag). The sales lady was lovely and helpful, and actually buying it was itself a lovely experience.

I'd buy one from fatface and stick the rest in my savings

@AprilLady and @LightDrizzle - that's a beautiful bag. It looks as if it's strong without being rigid.

Thank you so much, everyone - lots to think about. I love the idea of this being an experience as well as a purchase - because this is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me. Having said that, I think I might have fallen in love a little bit with the Loewe mini puzzle bag - it doesn’t look ostentatious, I think it’s the perfect size for me, and from what I can tell and have read, they’re beautifully crafted.

I’d also love a pre-loved Chanel but something a bit less recognisable than the black quilted ones . . . don’t think the budget would stretch to that, though.

I’m really grateful for all the ideas and suggestions, thank you.

I think the experience would be the real treat! Loewe are such excellent bags. Enjoy!

If you want a high quality handbag I suggest Marco Massaccesi. OK, he is not a name that you would know, but he produces amazing bespoke bags. You choose the design from a large range, then the leather and colour, and finally the hardware. He has worked for high end designers but then set up on his own. I have about ten of his bags and they are gorgeous. He is very responsive and will work with you to design the bag that you want.

There is a thread for his work on the Purse Forum and also on Facebook if you are interested. And I am not a sales person for him, just a huge fan!

https://www.marcomassaccesi.it/

I preordered the large one for £2600 last week, so the crossbody should be less

I would recommend a Dior… if you go for it I can recommend you my rep and she can give you the champagne and macarons treatment!

Agree...my mistake Balenciaga are the awful ones.

Which one did you order? I've been looking at the cross body bags.

This one!

I too think you have Bottega & Baleciaga confused.

Thanks!

I'm not 100% sure but I would think The Row would be out of budget.

Bottega and Loewe are one of the few brands (alongside Hermes) that still handmake their bags. Chanel used to but their quality has declined.

The OP has already explained the circumstances

I’ve got my eye on that Loewe Puzzle bag. I like it in light moss.

Would you? Even given the sad circumstances?

Or did you not read the OP's further posts?

I would avoid a Preloved bag. I have one and after 1 year, it is unusable and needs an expensive repair so it has now been put away until I can afford it.

Unless the bag is limited edition or previously owned by a dead movie star, it is not going to appreciate in value.

You're better off buying something in gold.

Inspired by this thread, I've just bought 3 (different colours) leather cross body bags for under 80 quid inc delivery....
ok, not high end designer but they'll do me until I can afford the real thing :-)

https://assots.co.uk/products/sophia-cameo-blue-pebble-full-grain-leather-crossbody-sling-bag?_pos=3&_sid=30ab2ae5a&_ss=r

I'd buy jewellery over a bag.

It lasts longer, you'll get more use out it, and you can pass it on, still looking good.
In your shoes I'd buy a ring or a necklace.

I think beyond a certain level of craftsmanship, you're paying for the name and a status symbol.

I'd ask myself, it this exact bag had another label on it (anything from Radley to Longchamp/ Coach/ Kate Spade) and was 1/10th of the price, would I like it?

I think it's delusional to think that a bag costing £2K is better than one costing £300.

But...whatever floats your boat.