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.

The taller narrow ones are difficult to excavate. Things get lost. I prefer the wider shorter bags.

I've just got a Radley large zip top cross body bag. Really lovely and big enough to fit the items you specified.

Would the Cos Swing be large enough? Beautiful leather, wide opening, takes a water bottle if required. Discrete and flexible.

radley have a great sale on at the moment. I love Barbour. Have got a few of the smaller leather ones and they are lovely

What about a Stratjberry bag?
www.strathberry.com/products/multrees-hobo-oxblood

I love PomPom cross body bags and you can fit a lot in a City Plus bag 😁 pompomlondon.com/products/pom-pom-london-city-plus-bag-maple

Sorry, just noted you wanted a dark colour - this black quilted one is great: pompomlondon.com/products/pom-pom-london-quilted-city-plus-bag-black

I’ve got my eye on this AllSaints bag…https://www.allsaints.com/women/handbags/asha-leather-shoulder-bag/W400XC-5.html?media_type=image&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social_paid&utm_campaign=Croud_UK_Prospecting_ASC_BAU_CatalogueSales_Value%28FullPrice%29_Instagram_Feed&utm_content=ENG%28UK%29_BroadTargeting_FP_ENG%28UK%29_DPA_JanuaryFP_Jan26_V1&utm_term=ASCValue&utm_id=120219309185380787&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAastH9wiIoNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAae5uGTMz39ZDh6Mil5Q4tJPn3LtKB-83BUyH6dMIyVeEM0JsZbC84B6V6iRXQ_aem_gdVEMS1MlX3B2xfJoolDdg

I've had my eye on a couple of JLR bags, this is a larger one with a cross body strap option too. Not ordered from this company yet though so not sure on quality, and would love feedback from others if they have!

Maxi Taylor Leather Tote Bag Dark Brown | JLR London – JLR London

I have two City Plus bags, I like them a lot. I get tons of compliments on them too.

Wouldn't a crossbody bag larger than the ones suggested be really impractical? I think you either have to go for a larger shoulder bag or a smaller crossbody. A large crossbody would look odd - also very hard to find something mature and elegant by that description. I have a large crossbody but it's by Freepeople and slouchy and definitely not what you're looking for.
A Coach Tabby perhaps, but I would say that's about as big as you can get away with for a crossbody.

This is gorgeous! I have a deadly ponies bag which is fab quality, am lusting after this now

My mum has this exact one (she's in her 70's) Definitely a mature ladies bag I'd say - which is what op wants.

Ooh which Deadly Ponies bag do you have @PotatoBreadForTheWin ? I first heard of them on here and was lucky enough to visit one of their stores Down Under where the bags are just as gorgeous in real life. I’m also in love with the Mr Gator and there is a small sling bag in a stunning burnt radicchio colour…

That Deadly Ponies one is gorgeous ...

This is pretty good though? Black or dark brown, 36x35cms, which is generous.
https://www.vagabond.com/gb/stockholm-bm08-001-20/

Over budget but may be doable in the sales? In several dark colours with contrast inner. A similar size to the Vagabond one. https://www.soeur.uk/products/sac-de-voyage-saudade-noir-cognac-sem1413saudade24snoi21

I would however check ALL the bags you look at regarding the length & design of the strap. Short straps for crossbody bags are in right now - I'm tall & had to get extra holes put in a couple of my Jigsaw crossbody bags. Secondly, ensure the strap is either really good-quality webbing (if you like the utilitarian look) or wide thick leather. Otherwise it will gradually stretch/give if the bag is usually pretty full (& it is a temptation to chuck too much in just because you can).

I’ve got the Apatchy Maisie in maxi, such a lovely bag
https://apatchy.co.uk/products/the-maisie-maxi-chocolate-leather-bag

I have a mr gator in tan. It’s lovely and the leather is ageing well. Would be tempted by more if they had UK stockists but they didn’t last time I checked

https://www.secretsales.com/4e528fb33efcc2-coach-ellie-file-bag-in-signature-canvas-colour-beige/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21921615564&gbraid=0AAAAACdorGagMCVUDLfndSl2AT9pc5Qtd&gclid=Cj0KCQiAm9fLBhCQARIsAJoNOctW7LwVMeMhufGaoMOSj3yBlPlYFxMZaxWdsWQkGQxFxAzzNbN3SqcaAg1YEALw_wcB

i have this bag from Coach (apologise for the long link).
I reach for it the most- it is so practical and easy to wear- fits my water bottle, glasses,tissues,purse etc etc.
Really sturdy and well made - still looks new, the colour means it works well with most outfits. I also have a similar shape bag in pink from Kate Spade that I use in summer- but can’t find it anywhere in line (bought many years ago).

I'd look at Polene, Demellier, or even Cos.

Would you be happy with a tote bag with a crossbody strap, OP? That is, a bag with a short & long handle/strap? I personally don't like it when the short handle is rigid & stays in place when used crossbody, so hadn't suggested those types above, but it mightn't bother you.

I think it probably is worth looking at men's bags? Quite a few messenger types that are more than big enough? Though they tend to be very plain/utilitarian. But you might prefer that?

https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/product/bleu-de-chauffe/accessories/messenger-bags/lucien-full-grain-leather-messenger-bag/46376663162969681

This one from Cos is gorgeous in navy suede (quite tempted myself!).

https://www.cos.com/en-gb/men/accessories/bagswallets/workbags/product/convertible-tote-bag-suede-navy-1276777004

My partner has a gorgeous tan one from Osprey (courtesy of TK Maxx, so don't knock it, you never know!!).

This is lovely, & comes in black or tan.

https://www.ospreylondon.com/en-gb/the-carter-x-large-messenger-in-chestnut

Surely it's about a bag you like rather than a shop not being high-end enough?
It literally sells designer stuff.

What's the point of being snobby when you don't even know what bags you might like

https://annapugh.co.uk/

I usually recommend this brand on these threads. X