shopper bag M and S

[AmyDudley]

I want to get a shopper/sling stuff in type bag for my DDIL (birthday) what do you think of this one from M and S, is it fine/awful/useful ? - I have no idea about fashion etc. Also which colour is best?
If it helps my DDIL is 46, and a busy person. I was thinking of something she can pack some of her paperwork/ lunch etc in for work and throw in the back of the car. Any other suggestions, not too expensive as I'm planning to fill the bag with other treats for her.

www.marksandspencer.com/faux-leather-shopper/p/clp60775547?color=CHOCOLATE

This …I totally agree it looks very plastic to me

Totally agree re bags being very personal. I'd trust my sister to buy me one - but no-one else. That's probably more of an issue than anything else.

And as for perfume!!

I thinks it naff looking sorry. I'd rather an empty real leather or suede bag than a plastic one with stuff in. I do like a big simple tote though just not in that material.

Don't care about a zip unless she is on the tube or works in school.

In principle it’s a lovely bag, but in my experience M&S faux leather doesn’t last five minutes and cracks really badly. I’d buy a similar bag from anywhere other than there!

I like the M&S one, better brand than New Look in terms of birthday present. But I would buy it in the mushroom colour. Nicer for spring.

This one looks good if your budget will stretch this far. - https://www.michaelkors.co.uk/temple-large-pebbled-leather-tote-bag/30R4G1LT3L.html?astc=true&dwvar_30R4G1LT3L_color=1805

Why are people suggesting bags at six times the price? Madness.

i assume OP knows her DIL and the sort of thing she’d like. I’d be very happy with the chocolate tote she originally suggested, it’s useful and looks nice - so what if it doesn’t last for ever?

@AmyDudley You need to know what her taste is. If she’s going to use a bag for what you suggest, I think she already has a bag! So what is her taste? I don’t own a non leather “shopper” or top handle tote. I would not like that one but I’m fussy about bag. Is she?

I wouldn’t want a plastic tote bag, but I presume you know what sort of thing she would like. Perhaps she has one already that you know she uses and needs replacing?

@AmyDudley These are from M&S. Sr are more money but the basket ones are very good if you can spend more. Obviously not Loewe but pretty on trend. There’s a decent fabric bag and the big woven shopper is a bit Bottega Venetia. See black bag attached.

For some reason I couldn't log on properly to MN this morning before I went shopping, although I was able to read the later posts, just not post myself. So I did take your opinions on board - thank you all.

I had a look in New look and at the M and S one in the flesh as it were, and the M and S one is quite plasticky, I wasn't keen. They had some more basket weavy (raffia?) type bags in N Look and M and S, which I quite liked. I think I am going to go for more of a colourful tote in a really nice fabric, as I think she will like that, and she can fill it with stationary etc that she needs at work. Or put her things in it if she goes down to the beach for the day, or use it for all the things she has to carry around for her hobby.

Much as I adore her, I won't be spending £140 on a leather bag, I'm sure she'd love one, but she will have to drop hints to DS if she fancies a Radley bag for her birthday, its out of my price range.
Also the nature of her work is such that she definitely wouldn't take her stuff in anything really expensive, - without being too outing, she works with people who have trouble regulating their behaviour and substance intake; an expensive bag would not last long.

And of course if I get something she's not keen on, she knows I won't be offended if she wants to swap it.

I do appreciate everyone's input - many thanks

OP - I'd forgotten about this brand, Weaver Green? Their products are GREAT!

And everything is made from recycled plastic bottles, yet somehow feels like cotton? You would honestly never dream that the rugs, cushions, bags etc are all recycled plastic. So they're very sustainable - but also meant to last for life AND are water-resistant AND machine-washable. The totes come in lots of nice styles & colourways & are only £30 each.

https://www.weavergreen.com/products/jaipur-acorn-coral-bag

@AmyDudley Rafia or straw is the best bet. Most women love them. Any Loewe copy will do and 100% what people take to the beach!

Can I just say how lovely it is to see someone who has a nice relationship with their dil and also knows enough about their job etc to work out what would be a nice gift. I know mn is usually filled with people who have problems with relatives so this is refreshing.

I actually looked at that same bag in M&S yesterday because I was hunting for their Autograph black leather shopper (£120 or thereabouts).

This one isn’t substantial. The fabric does look like leather but it is very thin fabric. Can’t see it holding a huge amount of weight but it looks good

Not the point of this thread, but what did you think of the Autograph one? I've been eyeing it up online. I have a leather tote in red from there 25 years ago that is still perfect!!

Aw thank you so much, I love her dearly and tell her so. I genuinely think she is the best thing that could ever have happened to my DS. She's funny, enormously kind, works very hard in a difficult job, and I'm very proud of all the things she has achieved in her life. I'm blessed to have her in my family.

Couldn’t find it. Will try a bigger M&S. They’re teasing me, now I really want it!!!!

@NunsOnTheRum On line? Much cheaper than travel!

Just looked online and it’s now available in Chocolate Suede and (I think) Grey Suede!!

@NunsOnTheRum A friend (not current) had a very senior job at M&S told me that stores are graded. Only the flagship stores have the best products in full. They don’t stock them in lower ranked stores, even though some of these stores are large. So you won’t find the in line stock in many stores if it’s expensive (for M&S). On line is always the way to go. I collect from my local food hall but their free delivery kicks in at £50 plus I think.

I do like to see items in the flesh, so to speak. When it comes to leather I’m a bit of a fondler which you can’t do online. I did log on to just buy the black when I saw the suede options. Now I’m thrown

Oliver Bonas have some lovely ones. Sorry if already been mentioned

The Lulu Guinness ones from Waitrose are fabulous too.

@NunsOnTheRum I read reviews. People will say if the leather or suede is decent! I barely go to shops any more. There’s just no need. I find the odd thing isn’t my standard but M&S suede is reliable. I’ve also several of their jackets. You can order two and return one. It’s very easy!