Help me find a handbag: black, medium, everyday use, up to £1000

[Cluelessandbagless]

I am clueless and bagless. I have been using a rotten old lululemon bought for a day at a theme park for 2 years as no idea what to spend my money on. Needs not to be tiny, probably black. I looked at a medium lily from mulberry but I’m not entirely sure about the slightly glossy leather. Help me before I end up clutching a Sainsbury’s carrier bag.

Isabel Marant Oskan is a fab bag

intl.isabelmarant.com/en-gb/collections/bags-oskan

That is gorgeous. I'm not in the market for a new bag (impending redundancy and will need to live off the payout for a while) but if I was, I'd torture myself trying to choose between burgundy and cognac.

Argh op i wish I had your budget. I would go for an LV or a dolce. The d&g sicily is lovely! And can dress up or down. LV have a wide range for a little over 1k like the never full or speedy etc depending on what style youre after. I do like the chloe saddle bag but I feel mulberry is a little out dated now but I could be proved wrong. Anyway happy shopping!

I love mulberry but I find their bags quite heavy, and the chain could wear down the shoulder if your coat if wearing it every day, or even leave a mark on a paler coat depending on what the chain is made of. Definitely consider the weight of the bag, I think Net-a-Porter lists the weight for their bags. I would consider your usual style of dress if it’s for every day - do you tend to wear smart wool coats, blazers or trench coats, or do you dress more casually? This can then guide you to either a more structured or slouchy bag. I have a slouchy black zip-up See by Chloe bag for casual use, similar to this one:
https://www.mytheresa.com/media/1094/1238/100/ac/P01137975.jpg
and a smarter more rigid black bag for formal days. Do you walk through busy city streets so would you prefer a bag that fully zips up or closes? A surprising number are open ‘tote’ style. I prefer a bag that I can tuck comfortably under my shoulder, it feels more secure. If the strap is too long the bag tends to bounce around as you walk which I find annoying for everyday use. Also avoid suede if you might walk in the rain!

I love Strathberry. About half the price of Mulberry but wonderful quality.

For lower priced have you looked at Apatchy?

I also like this Belgian brand -

https://shop.kaai.eu/collections/small-bags/products/ikon-black

I really like the look of the Strathberry bag but the long bar hardware puts me off for some reason.

I really really like the Clementine. Can anyone advise if you have to pay import duties? @KimTheresPeopleThatAreDying ?

OP I've seen the Mulberry Darley in Costco, of all places, if you have a card ...

I have the Mulberry Lily. It's a lovely bag, but I wouldn't say it's for everyday use. It depends on what you want to carry, but it's not super strong. I could see the chain strap coming off with a lot of use or through regularly carrying heavyish items in the bag.

I also have the Chloe Marcie saddle bag. You'll need to go for the medium size one though - the Small version is very small. The Medium carries quite a bit, although it narrows at the top which can be annoying when you're trying to find something!

That’s what I don’t want as that’s the problem with the amberly.

I think see by Chloe is no more. I have a tiny wee going out bag from them. I like that slouchy bag you posted. That would do me if it was still on sale

My everyday bag is the classic sized Alexa. I also have the mini and oversized versions but they’re not practical for everyday use.

Putting in another shout for the strathberry hobo - I bought one this year and it's the best handbag I've ever owned. Feels light and fits sooo much (have even squeezed a book or umbrella in there).

I also haven't had any problem or concerns on transport with it, I think because I tend to carry in my hand it's either low to the floor or on my lap.

www.strathberry.com/products/multrees-hobo-black

I can't unseen this now...might be in my shopping basket very soon...in the green.
Thank you for posting.

You’re welcome @handsdownthebest Ive seen this bag IRL and it’s beautiful. I was going to buy but bought a (much cheaper) Loewe puzzle bag dupe instead!

The mulberry Bayswater satchel is great size and comes in at around £1000.

I have that bag in grey and it is absolutely lovely .. but small. It barely fits my Mulberry purse, phone and a lipstick. Really wish it was just a little bigger!

TBF Loewe real or dupes are very nice too.
I've had an unexpected tax rebate so a bit of a treat might be in order.

polene bags are really nice and well within budget so you could get two designs and be bag lady! https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/numero-neuf-noir

More options https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/numero-dix-monochrome-noir-graine And https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/tonca-duo-cognac

I find a black and a brown bag are good to have as can switch between for summer & winter/daytime/evening.

Damn that’s so cool!

Thanks all. I had enquired at the Bicester outlet a bit ago and then they texted me the other day that they had a black in grain leather. It felt like it was meant to be. It’s here. It’s lovely. It’s not too heavy. Yeah it’s a bit bling. I aspire to bling.

if it’s too dressy I may buy the clementine horse bag in a tan to cover all bases.

thank you all. It’s given me ideas of lots of brand I have never heard of. Which is what I was looking for.

Congrats on the new bag! Need a photo though

Pop into your local charity shop. Lots of lovely bags donated.

Do you live somewhere expensive? I feel like I never see nice bags in charity shops.