Active discussions

Help end medical misogyny. Sign our petition.

Help end medical misogyny.
Sign our petition.

Sign the petition

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Which tote bag for £200?

71 replies

lechatnoir · 30/12/2025 10:39

I've got £200 budget for a new tote/shopper and prefer not black or white and a reasonable size. have found these or open to suggestion including 2nd hand if they can be authenticated as I don't want a dodgy rip-off!
LK Bennett drawstring Amber
Green Kate Spade tote
Barbour brown leather tote

any suggestions or thoughts on the above?

L.K.Bennett Selina Beaded Drawstring Leather Tote Bag

Buy L.K.Bennett Selina Beaded Drawstring Leather Tote Bag from our Handbags, Bags & Purses range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £70.

https://www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-selina-beaded-drawstring-leather-tote-bag/p113220313

OP posts:
Thread gallery
28
Okiedokie123 · 30/12/2025 23:47

I like the Barbour one but the lack of zip across the top would put me off buying it. £200 for a bag with no zip closure!

TheGrinchWasHere · 31/12/2025 03:58

MidnightMeltdown · 30/12/2025 17:38

What do you love about it? Genuinely baffled about why these bags are so popular. It looks really boring to me. It’s not even an attractive shape or an interesting colour.

Show quote history

I love simple understated items. Things that don’t shout. That’s what I love.

LucyLoo1972 · 31/12/2025 04:27

EleanorMc67 · 30/12/2025 17:44

I like the Kate Spade & LK Bennett ones but not the Barbour. This Osprey one is also nice - but you'd said not white, which I assumed was because it would mark/stain more easily? This colour probably would be prone to marking too?

Also, you said you didn't want black but that you wear black plus colours, & have a red coat & jumper you wear a lot? If you're getting ONE tote bag that's meant to go with everything, then green or coral would be as likely to clash as to match/tone with different outfits?

Not sure what colour your footwear usually is, or what other colours feature in your wardrobe? Would tan be a good alternative to black or navy? It goes well with reds, black, green etc.

Personally, I always love coloured tote bags, but I can't be arsed swapping everyday bags around - so end up getting black because it's simply the best option for me ... However, I always try to find one that has something a little bit different about it, so that it's not too dull (I'm afraid I find Strathberry bags & the like almost all too boring ...). Something such as a coloured lining, or underside of the strap - or details added by the hardware such as a little bit of studding. Or even a textured/patent leather detail if that's your style (too formal for me these days).

Show quote history

Honey and Toast is a classic tan with a yellow lining in it

Original poster
lechatnoir · 31/12/2025 09:39

The leather store and Honey & Toast bags are gorgeous but I already have a tan & black tote I use quite regularly hence wanting a colour. I’m going to have a good look at them all now and make a decision - really appreciate the suggestions and comments will update once I’ve got one!

OP posts:
weaselwords · 31/12/2025 09:48

That green Kate Spade in your first post is delicious ❤️
I’ve got the Aspinal tote and it’s a good work horse, but it is annoying that the top isn’t secure. I’ve just ordered a Le Pliage as the top does up!

RyanFudgingMurphy · 31/12/2025 10:05

I like the Barbour and Kate Spade, but I think the Barbour has the edge because it goes with more outfits iyswim. KS quality is very good though, I bought a KS saddle bag about five years ago and it’s still looking good.

Original poster
lechatnoir · 31/12/2025 10:14

Thank you all - Kate Spade purchased 😁

OP posts:
miamo12 · 31/12/2025 10:16

I think if tote bags being bigger than these, these are just everyday handbag sized. I have this style but it’s just a fatface one, £75, I don’t like to spend too much on every day bags as they get damaged

CalzoneOnLegs · 31/12/2025 10:20

@Whowhenwhat I agree, the blue one is so beautiful ❤️

LetsGo26 · 31/12/2025 12:42

Came on here expecting to be all jealous about how much people spend on bags (I know, I know, envy green is not a great colour on me) and have ended up buying two birthday presents from the links on here. So thanks OP and all who’ve provided suggestions. Much appreciated 💐🌟

Bansea · 31/12/2025 13:50

There’s an Irish brand called Peelo that does fabulous tote bags in lovely colours.

Wheresmybrianat · 01/01/2026 18:37

Canonlythinkofthisone · 30/12/2025 17:17

Did I need a new bag?

Probably not but couldn’t resist at that price

Mabellucieattwell · 01/01/2026 19:07

LoudSnoringDog · 30/12/2025 12:38

I wasn’t even looking for a bag but seem to have ordered this one 😳😳

YourSpryQuoter · 01/01/2026 20:03

Veronica beard have an amazing discount on their Dash tote bag at the moment and do it in different colours: https://veronicabeard.com/en-gb/products/veronica-beard-dash-tote-black?view=recs-below&variant=44791368155307

I bought it for work earlier today. Postage is expensive as it’s a US brand, but still a great price and gorgeous bag

Aghast1066 · 01/01/2026 21:03

£200 for a bag that is a fashion accessory and not practical is just ludicrous. When did this kind of thing become normal and OK?

Original poster
lechatnoir · 01/01/2026 22:49

Aghast1066 · 01/01/2026 21:03

£200 for a bag that is a fashion accessory and not practical is just ludicrous. When did this kind of thing become normal and OK?

This is definitely not the board for you Grin

OP posts:
eatreadsleeprepeat · 02/01/2026 00:50

Aghast1066 · 01/01/2026 21:03

£200 for a bag that is a fashion accessory and not practical is just ludicrous. When did this kind of thing become normal and OK?

Something can be a fashion accessory and be practical. A bag used regularly will end up with a low cost per use. If OP can afford £200 and will get pleasure from having a bag that appeals to her aesthetic then why not?

EleanorMc67 · 02/01/2026 12:58

TMMC1 · 02/01/2026 12:48

I love these - so clever AND gorgeous!!

Aghast1066 · 02/01/2026 22:09

I think I'm getting that. I'll just get on with crocheting my new swimsuit.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page