A quality, large crossbody bag for everyday use

[sammyvine]

Hi all,

I would like to treat myself to a good quality crossbody bag/shoulder bag for everyday use, but I don't know where to look. I prefer the bag to be large so that it can hold essentials items like my phone, a book and water bottle.

It has been a very long time since I have invested in a bag and my budget is £350. I want the bag to last a long time and hold up well, and I prefer dark colours such as black or navy blue.

Thank you.

Audrey | Weald Handmade
(mine came from Toast years ago. I don't carry a water bottle so you'd need to check the measurements).

You could try Radley (Women's Cross Body Bags | Designer Leather across body | Radley London) or look in TKMaxx for a bargain.

You could also try House of Bruar and high street shops like Jigsaw, Cos, Seasalt, FatFace, WhiteStuff, JL and M&S. (It might be the right bag but not 'prestige')

You could buy pre-loved.

Thanks for the reply.

Don't really like TKMaxx bags tbh. Looking for a something more higher end.

Hi,

Nice bag, but it's a bit on the small side. I am looking for something a bit bigger.

I personally go for Michael Kors as they last a long time and often have a style that fits you. This looks like it might be a good size but they have smaller ones too https://www.michaelkors.co.uk/birch-medium-pebbled-leather-messenger-bag/38S5G4IM2T.html?skuId=785347463

I feel MK is for the younger market. I am 35 so want a more mature brand.
I like the bag a lot but want something slightly bigger.

If you want larger then have a look at bags targetted to men.

My favourite brand for a while was - shit, now I've drawn a complete blank. If I remember I'll come back.

A different brand I rate is mandarina duck. I've always found them great quality.

I agree with Mandarina Duck, I got one in Rome a few months ago and haven't taken it off. They don't seem to do leather ones at the moment but I had a leather-like one years ago. Worth a look at the website.

I looked it up, that brand I was trying to recall, it's tumi.

would anything by The Horse work for you? https://thehorse.co/collections/womens-crossbody-bags

I have the Clementine and love it.

I’m liking the new Radley Abbey tote .

i’m looking for similar but maybe not as big & have found these so far

https://www.strathberry.com/products/charlotte-drawstring-black

https://www.strathberry.com/products/charlotte-midi-drawstring-oxblood

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/nappa-leather-braided-mini-bag-l06902650?pelement=56718420

I'd avoid Michael Kors because I don't rate the quality, even though the designs are good. I bought a tote bag for work - it's perfect in terms of size/zipped compartments but the straps are already freying and wearing thin and I've only been using it for 5 months.

I think you should look at coach and Radley. Lots of people think they are boring but in terms of quality they are both workhorses and last for years. I also think Radley have some lovely designs but people get a bit snotty about it because of their older pocket bags and the little dog tag that used to come attached.

Now OP - at 35 you are young - go for a more mature brand/style if you want but none of this “old at 35” nonsense!

That said, some Michael Korrs is better quality than others, and if you can get the ones with limited branding, they can be very good.

But I think for your budget I’d look at Aspinal of London. They have very good sales and for the price point good quality.

Radley gets a lot of stick in here too, but I’ve got a couple of their old tote bags that have really lasted, and I’m a sucker for a bag with compartments and pockets inside (I have a mulberry Bayswater that is frustrating as everything just is a jumble inside).

Here you go. This is stunning in real life and you can adjust the top so it’s a large bucket style, an asymmetric top or a fold over. Amazing leather. Should be almost within reach in seasonal sales: https://deadlyponies.com/products/mr-leopard-black

That Deadly Ponies bag is gorgeous 😍

Cross body gives you a bad back if you put too much stuff in it.

If anyone's looking for a Portobello, it's half price at John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com/roka-london-portobello-tote-bag/light-denim/p113636877

Oop, wrong thread! Sorry.

Something from Anna Pugh?

Coach Brooklyn? Various sizes. I think the larger one is £450ish but a good quality larger bag that will last years.

Or this one - although more of a shoulder bag come to think of it -

https://uk.coach.com/products/lana-shoulder-bag/CM544.html?frp=CM544+B4%2FIY

I’ve got to say I’ve had Michael kors bags for the past ten years. They’ve gone out of style before they’ve broke or got damaged.

Don't really like TKMaxx bags tbh.
They vary, and although not 'high end' if you're going to be carrying a water bottle in it, do you really want to spend £350 on it?

Osprey or Mandarina Duck.