Bag help - I don't know where to start!

[waitandwonder]

I'm looking for a handbag for the first time in years. For as long as I can remember, I've either stuffed things in overalls pockets, or had bits and pieces chucked in the car/pram.

Kids are getting older now, I'm spending more time out and about alone, and more time away from the farm so actually wearing nice clothes for a change! I need a staple bag that works for everything.

A tan leather is what I'm after, but in terms of shape, what do I want?! It would be good if it could be comfortable to wear on a day out with older children, possibly fit a towel/swimwear in for the gym, but still look nice on a solo lunch/shopping trip.

I'm happy to spend on a really nice quality piece, but I want it to last and be versatile. Please help! I'm mid 30s so nothing too 'old'

I love, love, love this: https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/we-the-free-willow-vintage-tote/?color=020&countryCode=GB&g_acctid=479-824-1383&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=FP_UK_PMAX-Collection-I_Smart-Shopping-PLAS_NA&g_campaignid=20084777451&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&gad_campaignid=20084794545&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmlMfmODONuBXu4bBPGZI2HcPU2P&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7fbLBhDJARIsAOAqhsdk0DaACBWCfUwqwqEsEU2IAWnVnNP9vd6Hu9Pk59n8UPQzY7P5JkAaAt_wEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&inventoryCountry=GB

My god that could be used to sleep in! It's huge!!

@waitandwonder do you have a good TK Max near you? I think they're great for bags & you can try loads of bags to see how they feel.

I clearly carry around more stuff than the average person!

Chloe do a lovely tan leather. I have a beautiful Chloe small marcie in tan and it's perfect also works cross body.
I have found smaller bags cross body to be ideal lately. I don't carry heaps but need phone, keys, wallet etc in something.

Do you want a backpack, crossbody or shoulder bag? What's your budget?

I have no idea! I tend to shop for clothes in Mint Velvet and Sezane, so like a more elegant casual type look. So whatever would work for that.

Budget probably up to £500 for the right thing

List of brown bags
https://www.strathberry.com/collections/the-strathberry-designer-collection?colour%5B0%5D=Brown

This one is nice but slightly overbudget
https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/midi-london-tote-smooth-tan-with-engravable-charm?currency=GBP&twsource=google&twadid=&twcampaign=23164438242&twkwdid=&gadsource=1&gadcampaignid=23169668042&gbraid=0AAAAAD-J4aRYHyhM9bvNu93jW9eSXYAkv&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7fbLBhDJARIsAOAqhseSgjD3HXrbhVhnZIYcdDy8BY2238NMIw0hJgTI2mm8ajuv8qvgoQQaAgHbEALwwcB

The ship has sailed on brands like polene imo. Now lv owns them its a waste of time.
You might like
stowlondon.co.uk/collections/tote-bags

Slightly over your budget, but a great bag
www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/jil-sander/shoulder-bags/shoulder-bags/leather-shoulder-bag/46376663162844117

The Aspinal one is lovely!

Also like the everyday tote from the stow London link but not sure if that might be too big sometimes

Try to narrow down what you like and what will suit your style of dressing. Structured design? Slouchy soft leathers? Shoulder tote style? Crossbody, top handle….

John Lewis website has a good filtering system, and thousands of bags for inspiration.

https://demellierlondon.com/products/the-siena-hobo-tan-small-grain

There’s a suede version too.

Oh me too. My bag isn't a ladies handbag 🤣

not like the wee thing I used to have that they called something like a micro bag.🤣🤣

Well, I think if you want something that fits in a towel etc for the gym then at other times it is going to be too big.

i have to carry something like a towel for medical reasons most of the time and if I don't my bag is 'big' but as I say it's not 'a ladies handbag' & is very soft so it doesn't matter.

your going to have to decide what's important to you size wise. Can you get a smaller bag & just do whatever you do now with your towel for the gym?

as I said earlier. TK MAX is brilliant for 'trying' lots of bags in different sizes & styles in person so you can see what you like.

https://www.hopevalleysaddlery.co.uk/accessories/handbags-purses/joules-lowesby-leather-hobo-bag--chocolate__5463?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=CCC002