Nice handbag preferably cross body

[Beewea]

I have no idea about style! I saw a Lovely one from Michael Kors but was told by my very stylish younger sister it’s very outdated so I’m put off.

My budget is £500. I’ve never splashed this much on a bag but have been gifted this for a milestone birthday. Could someone please help me pick a nice bag please? I would like a named designer one but also will consider a nice non branded one. I’m in my early 40’s.

Also, Radley gets a kicking on here, but they also make decent quality bags.

I tend to use crossbody bags, with zipped closuers, as I think they're more secure.

I think you need to have a think about what you want to use your bag for - every day or evenings out? what will you be carrying in it? does it need to withstand rain? See what fits these requirements or you'll have another bag you never use.

If you don't need, or really want, a new bag, spend the money on something else which will give you joy.

I bought myself a pair of lab grown diamond earrings with a similar amount and I just love them and I wear them nearly every day.

Maybe for you it would be a great pair of boots, or a cosy wool winter coat - both would last for years.

https://www.furla.com/gb/en/eshop/furla-iride-WB02206ARE00010074905S.html
Furla have some nice bags
https://www.strathberry.com/products/mosaic-bag-dark-chocolate-suede-leather
Or strathberry.
Do you have a particular colour in mind.Do you like slouchy or structured bags

Another vote for the mulberry small Anthony, it’s my absolute work horse, I’ve had it about 3 years so far and still looks new

I also have a Mulberry Anthony in small. I've used it for more than a decade, including stuffing it full, taking it to the beach, using it for dog-walks, and it still looks new.

https://apatchy.co.uk/products/the-maisie-maxi-chocolate-leather-bag?variant=47309748568288

I've just bought this, well under budget but made in Italy and super quality.

I have a strathberry mosaic in dark green. I’m not a bag person but this is lovely and practical

I love my longchamp crossbody bag and there are a few different colours.
https://www.longchamp.com/gb/en/products/crossbody-bag-s-10253HYZM70.html

Coach have a new bag called the Rhyder which is hugely popular. It’s sold out across America but you can still get it here. Comes in small and large, it’s a great bag.

This is my dream bag: honeyandtoast.co.uk/products/copy-of-large-half-moon-bag-black

I am a huge fan of Polene. I have 3 of their bags and they are beautiful. With your budget you would definitely find a great bag from there.

Honestly, if you've seen one you really love I wouldn't take any notice of another person's view that its outdated. Its crazy that you've seen something you are happy with and want to buy it but are not buying it because your sister deems it unfashionable. Your sister isn't wearing the bag, you are! Don't be tempted to buy something you dont like as much, buy the bag you want.

I was about to suggest Polynesian - I have my eye on this

uk.polene-paris.com/products/cyme-tote-nano-textured-black-cherry?_gl=1hiw0wc_upMQ.._gaNDkzNDQ4MDEzLjE3ODc1NjQ2NjY._ga_XW12NEHSJ0*czE3ODc1NjQ2NjUkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODc1NjU4NTgkajQ3JGwxJGgyMTExOTkzODMz

I have this bag in ebony. I love it!

I have a Thalie Mia that I wear crossbody and it really is a lovely bag.

https://www.thalieparis.com/products/vegan-bag-mia-tan-brown

I think they do a larger size in in too.

https://thehorse.uk/products/clementine-bag-coffee

I probably wouldn’t spend 500 if you aren’t so into bags, you can great ones for cheaper than that :)

Hoping this doesn't sound harsh OP but you seem obsessed with what's "in" and what might be, shock, horror "out of date now" .

Unless you're 12 or 13 surely you are able to move to choosing something simply on the basis that it's what you actually like rather than it having to be "in".

If you fancy well made, unique, high quality bags I recommend Umpie - founded by a Yorkshire woman. I love the velvet ones with tigers and birds on but there's some classic styles too: umpiehandbags.com/collections/velvet-bags?page=1#f012496bab8818707b749829ae078c7c

I can't understand why some of you seem to like those bags that have no discernible pockets. I need several in mine, for pens, tissues, keys, lippie, etc. otherwise everything is all jumbled up together. How do you manage it? For instance, the Mulberry and Coach bags featured here. Genuinely asking!

Bag insert or liners

Some absolutely gorgeous bag being suggested in this thread.

I’d recommend the Mulberry Amberley or the Demellier Vancouver. I have both and they’re very understated and classic.

I have to ask why are your bags so cross?

I vote Polene or The Horse if it were me, but it’s whatever you’d wear and love OP!

Mulberry is classic and will last well - go to an outlet and you should find something lovely for £500.

@Beewea Michael Kors is not very cool to say the least. Ditto DKNY. Coach are definitely better and my very stylishness has one but cross body is not that popular right now. I’ve just bought a couple of very understated ones from Radley closing down sale. I can barely believe I’ve written that! But amazing value and not a horrible dog in sight!

Mulberry are ok but maybe look at Strathberry. Much more under the radar but Princess of Wales buys them. You might like to see what Cambridge (satchel) co have now. Completely changed from 10 years ago.

Also have a look at Wandler and Polene. Both go good bags.

No idea why Loewe was mentioned. £2000 minimum for a puzzle.