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 I saw a Lovely one from Michael Kors but was told by my very stylish younger sister it’s very outdated so I’m put off.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.

There are a few mulberry crossbody bags that are reduced to around your budget. Brand wise I think this will be the best quality for your money. On trend wise demillier, polene and coach are all very popular. Have a read though about polene quality. The horse is very popular on reddit, its an australian brand and i think it ships from there so you may have to pay duties, I may be wrong. Enjoy shopping

Michael Kors - whilst people may say it’s outdated now, it’s about what you like and will enjoy using. I have a MK crossbody bag which I love and it’s a real workhorse, and it goes with everything.
I also have a couple of MK clutches for nights out.

Mulberry - at the outlets you’ll be able to get a mini Alexa within your budget or Amberley for a little more (you can contact them via WhatsApp - let me know if you want me to PM the details). I have both styles and love them.
If you want something that stands the test of time go for a classic colour.

Have a look at Smaak Amsterdam. Gorgeous leather and beautiful colours, I have a crossbody from there that I love and is in your budget.

Mulberry full price are greatly overrated. There’s much better out there - Longchamp leather bags for example.

Agree with Longchamp having had both and just about sold all my Mulberrys now. I have a leather Longchamp tote which is superb quality and lovely leather.

The problem with a “designer” name is they are more likely to date. styles come and go but a “badge” is the bit that will look out of fashion.

so if this is an investment, go for a classic like mulberry or something more fun like anya Hindmarch.

I actually love Polie & Joe but don’t think that’s what you are looking for.
id choose something you visually love over the designer. You need to enjoy using it.

I was looking for similar earlier this year for my 40th. I bought myself the Coccinelle small campus in black - it was £200.

I did some research beforehand and this was my shortlist if any work for you - sorry they’re not linked, it’s just from my notes app!

If budget wasn’t an issue I’d have loved a mini Alexa from Mulberry.

Osprey The Adaline Mini Leather Grab Bag in Black
Radley duchessclose
Kate spade live pebble
Demellier Paris crossbody
Kurt Geiger Oxford
MK addie
KG Highgate
MK Emilia
MK TRIBECA
Coach cassie
Cocinelle campus small
Coccinelle beat
Aspinal Ella or Amelia

Note - The Coccinelle trustpilot is really poor for service. My experience was fine, it was delivered with no issue and I’ve had no quality issues yet - purchased in January.

If you have anything leftover, and want something nice but lower budget, consider Fable England.

Beautiful bags, excellent quality.

Very pretty and a broad range of styles. More in the £80 every day range.

I agree Coccinelle are good bags. I’ve had one for over a decade. They are understated though. I’m less keen on Osprey. Mine just loses its shape and it’s a postman cross body type. It’s ok but other brands are better.

Radley is closing down. There’s no guarantee anything is left! Big discounts though.

I didn’t know about Radley! My mother will be devastated.

My list was from Jan so there might be other outdated / unavailable things too, OP.

I've got far too many Coach bags, they're OK but I think it's more style over substance - Kate Spade is similar, and I stopped buying those the moment they paid that godawful Dylan Mulvaney to squeal around a store at the pink bags . Osprey are lovely for your budget, butter soft leather and you often get really pretty linings with them. My current bag is an Aspinall but it's very heavy with nothing in - same with a lot of my Mulberry ones. They're amazing quality however.

Yes, Osprey are soft leather but they sag out of shape. I find I no longer care about mine. It goes out in the rain. Others - definitely not and they are pampered.

Have a look at Tory Burch as well.

What is the quality of DeMellier like? And has Polene gone downhill? Love the look of the Tonka!
Had anyone ever bought from Leo et Violette? Flirted with this some time ago but have never seen them in the wild. https://www.leoetviolette.com/en-uk

I can’t recommend Deadly Ponies enough for the quality/price ratio. Wish they had a store here. I saw them in New Sealand and they’re stunning. Spent about two hours before settling on my bag.

@Traveltart DeMellier seem pretty good to me. But I only have one. They are not as recognizable as Mulberry but half the price, at least.

I love my Aarni
https://aarniwood.com/collections/bags?srsltid=AfmBOor_M7-zlmv531hRfquNc1PivdNHS1258kv5IITMFBl-PZ8u2vXw

Coach has never been en vogue

Agree with others that Polene or DeMellier have some gorgeous options!

@BlackRowan You are wrong. DD has just got one and she’s ultra fashion switched on. They are having a moment.

These are amazing, smallish to medium crossbody in several styles, lots of colours and a huge selection of straps. You get one strap free (fairly standard tbh) and can choose two more, included in the basic price.
pompomlondon.com
The bags I bought have three zipped sections with a further couple of compartments inside. I have one in fabric and leather and one in suede and leather.
I think the quality is really good for the price. (About 70 quid in the sale incl P&P).
(And no, I’m not involved with the brand. )

I’d go for something in good-quality leather if you want a cross-body bag that will last. A simple, well-structured design is versatile enough for everyday use and can work with both casual and smarter outfits. There are some lovely options when looking at Leather Handbags for Women rather than focusing purely on designer names.

First of all only some of them.
second, the moment is “fashion-approved tacky” which may be ok for a young ultra fashionable girl to pull off and on a regular woman who has no idea about style they’ll just look tacky without any fashion moment

@BlackRowan Are you calling my DD tacky? It’s a plain black understated shoulder bag! I think it’s a Chelsea which has sold out. Anyone would be pleased to have it! You clearly have no idea.

Yes it’s very neutral and nothing anyone could really object to. Having said that, this is style and beauty so you really have to accept that people have different taste!

I am not calling your DD tacky at all. I’m sure she is ultra fashionable. What I’m saying is different. There is an ironic set of fashion items which WERE considered tacky or uncool but this crossed into being cool/ironically cool. Ultra fashionable people can totally wear these items because it’s clear they are on trend overall. Regular middle aged woman is unlikely to be able to pull it off, she’ll just look uncool / wearing outlet fashion.