Help me find the handbag of my dreams

[Chinaandbrass]

I’m in desperate need of a new bag - looking to buy something that will last at least 10 years - budget is up to 1000 , I would stretch to 1200 if I adored it.

a little bit about me…..I run a small business selling antiques online. I have an 10 year old, currently TTC a second, late 30s. Weekdays are mainly work and school run, coffee dates and restaurants weekly. Weekends are usually kids activities, brunch with the girls and scouting out house clearance and carboots. So I need something practical but also doesn’t look out of place in a nice brunch place/restaurant. I also can’t stand carry more than one thing - so needs to be big enough to carry small bits of shopping I pick up after school run, fruit and veg etc.

my style is quirky/classic, not afraid of colour or print.

I've looked at the Mulberry Bayswater - which I love but almost seems to obvious!! I also like the retro charm of the LV speedy.

bag ideally would fit: paperback, iPad, small cosmetics pouch, water bottle. (Hopefully in future a few nappies, baby clothes and a material changing mat🙏🏻)

suggestions please wise S&B board!

I’d consider how you carry your bags, speedy is a handheld or crook of arm bag I think. Bayswater can go over the shoulder, what would work best for your lifestyle?
The LV canvas is great for chucking around and not having to look after. I have a Neverful and it’s my most hard wearing bag. I have a Bayswater too and it’s definitely more upkeep to keep its shape. I do love the look of it and I’ve had it a long time. There’s probably a good selection in Mulberry for around your budget.

If you like LV and you can stretch your budget a little further I’d get the Neverfull. Mine has seen me through two DC. It’s virtually bombproof.

I also like the Saint Laurent East West Tote but as it’s leather it needs a bit more babying.

The large Toteme T-Lock would probably fit the bill too, but I only have the smaller one.

John Lewis have a Mulberry, exclusive to them, called Eliza. There are two versions and I am very tempted. I can't copy and paste but have a google. I like the ox blood. Very simple.

My first thought was a preloved LV Speedy. However - my friend has one and she rarely wears it because it’s a pain to carry. I like the look of the CarryAll and of course theres the classic NeverFull (either would have to be preloved).

The Bayswater is a classic but it’s so heavy!! I was in Mulberry the other day and I saw the Bayswater tote and the Shopper tote are on offer just now and both looked good, although maybe a little boring for you?

Definitely check out Strathberry, they are a good price and a little bit different. I have the Mosaic and it’s a great size for a day out although wouldn’t fit nappies etc.

You could also look at Coach, Demellier and Polene.

Edit - just remembered I saw a mumfluencer buy the new Celine shopper and I really liked the look of it! https://www.celine.com/en-gb/celine-shop-women/handbags/triomphe-canvas/soft-shopper-bag-in-triomphe-canvas-and-calfskin-123912GXC.04LU.html

@ThatHazelSnail The Celine is lovely!

The speedy sags and goes out of shape. Neverfull is an open top. Mulberry is just a bit dated. I have an oversized Alexa from 2 decades ago, but it’s a brand that’s peaked.

£1000 is a small amount for a designer bag too - sadly. Most bags are now more if you want a big name. Vestiere might have something. Maybe look at Longchamp or DeMellier.

What about something from Elvis and Kresse?

Wouldn't max your budget but would potentially meet the quirky but classic brief, practical and I believe they offer free repairs for life (although they are quite sturdy anyway).

https://www.elvisandkresse.com/products/metropolitan-bag

Maybe something like this? They do have totes but I always think having a shoulder strap is more helpful.

Thanks for everyone’s input! We are travelling to Paris next year so I might look at the Polene in the flesh!

still really like the speedy though! But why the sagging

Not designer so may not fit your brief but an aspinal tote is always a winner for me.

Speedy bandouliere would probably be the answer then - I’m very fortunate and have two, as well as one without the crossbody strap. It was preloved and is older, but it doesn’t really sag - I do have a felt liner in all of them which probably helps, and that has small pockets in it so keys, lip balm etc are easily found. I am very fond of them!
I also have a Bayswater which I don’t really use now because it’s so heavy even when it’s empty, so possibly you wouldn’t want that - it’s quite old too though, and I don’t think the new ones are as weighty.

Votes here for Aspinal and Strathberry, also Coach. Personally, unless you are mega rich, I think they are a better price point and at your stage in life the bag will take a battering regardless of quality. In your shoes I'd buy a Longchamp and a very nice crossbody for the big money and non day to day.

There's the speedy bandouliere with the strap?? It goes up to 35 for the non travel variant - i think not an LV expert. May fit what you want but may be more money.

Baywater is heavy not an everyday bag.

Something loewe or bottega but will cost you more.

You may need to reconsider carrying more than one bag. I carried a small cross body bag and a backpack with a small child. Backpack stayed in the car and we got rid as DC got older. More options if it's just a small xbody you are after

@Chinaandbrass It’s because they have top handles and that pulls the bag out of shape. The sides tend to crumple. They always have. I would buy one from Vestiere if I really wanted one.

Bayswater quite heavy and straps not long enough to go over shoulder.

But there is a tote version and there are some lovely ones on vinted at the moment. My friend has one for work and it’s great. Takes a 13inch laptop. I used to use a tote all the time and it was a very practical bag. Mine was by Furla.

Has to be Gucci if you can't afford Chanel.

Anything you’d recommend by Gucci?
not sure I’d go for Chanel even if it was in my budget! My city is plagued with fakes!

@Chinaandbrass It would have to be a fabric one and small. Bicester Village in Uk has. Gucci with a number of options. Are you coming to uk?

Worth looking at Stow London tote bags. Great value & high quality bags, effortlessly elegant, beautifully crafted & last for years. Aspinal bags are also great. stowlondon.co.uk/collections/tote-bags?srsltid=AfmBOoqugiVtd8a2cC1Id567BIPdVDjRCfrIpn13fOLSZ4EpEfy6YgTd

For me, if I wanted LV, Gucci or YSL (logo bags?) I’d not be looking at local uk brands. It’s not the same at all.

With £1000 to spend, there has to be a compromise. Also the "local UK brands" are well made, look good and are neither blingy nor funding international marketing campaigns.

For 40p I can publicise my local supermarket. As a matter of principle, I wouldn't spend £1000 to publicise LV, Gucci or YSL.