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

[RedPandaFluff]

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!

But not curious enough to read all of the OP’s posts, where all is explained.

They very much do appreciate in value, and are akin to watches in that regard. Buy the right model and the appreciation is way over gold current inflation prices. My Chanel classic flap has made £2.5k in 4 years (purchased for £4.5k, sold for £7k.)

strathberry bags are beautiful...theyre around £500, beautiful craftsmanship and leather and they look so classy

I have a large and a medium Flamenco and I adore them both. So understated- not obviously a designer bag but so chic. I've never felt leather as soft!

Could you take the person who has gifted you for lunch and to help you look for the bag? It might make it a real occasion.

I had a Selfridges voucher for just over 2k and bought a gorgeous little LV bag which I can wear cross body in the day and has a tiny gold chain for the evening. Although it’s a new design it’s timeless and goes with anything.

Women have well and truly been had by the expensive bag swindle.

Haha I know, can't get them out of my head but for now with a toddler and second child on their way it's Longchamp Le Pliage time :D.

Interesting about Chloe, I've heard a lot bad reviews about bag hardware, what did not work in your case?

I bought a Loewe Amazona in 2000, it is a lovely bag, It is probably my favourite bag ever.

These are gorgeous. I can see the soft quality and love the colours.

If it makes a person happy, so what 🤷‍♀️

It’s the very fact that spending £2k on a piece of fabric from a designer makes you ‘happy’ that is the issue. Why does it? In the apocalypse will we all be thanking our lucky stars we spent our money on bags we’re terrified of damaging

It isn't just the designer though, it is the quality of materials and workmanship that you're looking for, far more than merely a label.

I use my bags, not terrified of damaging anything at all. No point in buying it if you're going to worry about using it for what it is intended for/looking at it in the dust bag.

I am not terrified of damaging my bags and I also make enough not to worry if any of them gets damaged. I am sure we could find something you spend money on that we couldn't understand.

😂🤷‍♀️ quite

Oh dear I think you are confused. There is no controversy with Bottega and child abuse/bondage 🤦🏻‍♀️

It was Balenciaga. Hopefully they’ve been cancelled now.

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2022/nov/29/balenciaga-apologises-for-ads-featuring-bondage-bears-and-child-abuse-papers

sorry I am late to this - and I promise I am not advertising them - but I bought an exquisite pre loved Bottega from a Danish consignment store last year, Collectors Cage. They paid all import duties as well. Really worth looking into

Hi OP,

You could potentially split the money across two bags (25 -75) and get two very good quality bags, one a little cheaper and a lovely luxury one. I’m a big fan of crossbody / smaller bags and go for bags which are probably boring as fuck show off my incredible quiet luxury style 😬.

IMO bags Polene bags are excellent for the price (around £400 - £500) and come in some lovely matte colours. I love the Tonca and Numero Dix, they have accompanied me to a lot of different events and have always received a lot of compliments. The Tonca can fit in a surprising amount whilst still not being too bulky. They don’t come in a huge range of colours, mine is tan which isn’t everyone’s first choice of colour, but they are a fantastic minimalist bag for the price.

Then with the rest you could get something like the Loewe Puzzle Fold or the Loewe Mini Hammock Hobo. I’ve got the Mini Hammock and it’s beautiful leather and not too sttiff despite what it looks like, the customer service is fantastic too. My friend has the Puzzle Fold and uses it all the time and it stands up to a lot of use. I also really rate Toteme, my bag isn’t in the top range of your budget (the bevel clutch) but the larger bucket bags and totes that I slobbered over looked at were gorgeous.

A friends Mum who has worked in luxury departments stores since the 70s, is incredibly stylish and has always worn beautiful clothes and accessories swears by Lanvin if you can’t afford something from Hermes. All her mates of the same ilk say Hermes, that’s over budget but you can pick up a crossbody or small tote second hand for that price.

What a lovely dilemma to have, hope you get something you love!

Same OP. Vintage Kelly bags are impeccably made and mine look as good as new today, you'd never know a particular bag I own was made in the 1950's. I got my first Kelly many years ago before all the hype and before the prices skyrocketed, they are things of beauty.

This clearly isn't the thread for you, so why didn't you just scroll past?

Or, you could see it as my £2k bag will last for years, some even get handed down. Can always be taken back for repair if any damage.

Rather than buying cheap fast fashion that gets dumped within 6 months. And would add up to over the £2k in the end.

I bought what I though was a lovely DKNY bag for about £70. It didn;t last the year. My Bottega just gets better with age.

I hope you enjoy your new bag OP. If I received strings-free money as a gift then it would be simply lovely to buy a luxury purchase. I don't understand posters who are up in arms. I wouldn't spend thousands on a holiday, or a fancy car, or on drinks or going out - but people do - and that's completely their choice. I think your beautiful bag will be cherished and enjoyed and isn't that exactly the point of the gift to you. 😊

Some people have the income and like bags? I own several expensive bags, I like them and can afford them, not much more to say really.

Also in the apocalypse my well crafted and sturdy leather bag will be great for storing items required for survival so I’ve potentially invested in my own future? Or it could be traded for many tin cans of food.

Or as I have no desire to survive in the apocalypse and will happily put myself forward to be eaten, as I’m being prepped to be sautéed, I’d be thinking I had a good run in the Before Times with my Bags and Job and Shoes and Non Radioactive Un-Mutated Dog.

So good times all round with bags 😀