Status but every day handbag

[MademoisellePraline]

I've decided to treat myself, but I don't know where to start.

Firstly I don't know what else to call the kind of bag I'm after, hence "status" bag. I like Chanel, LV, which I know some fashionistas like to sneer at, so please, if that's you, respect that we all have different preferences.

I'm looking for a lovely every day bag, that I don't look stupid with on the school run etc. We live rurally, and didn't before, so all my Chanel and LV with chain straps etc would look majorly over done and I'd feel ridiculous wandering round town on casual shop with one. I do sometimes take my neverful but I'd like something much smaller. Slouchy and comfy as opposed to stiff leather.

What's a casual but still "status" bag that I could go for? I don't like massive gold logos etc like the GG Gucci bags, or the ones with big YSLs down the front. I would like it to be recognisable as branded, but from close up, not from across the street if you see what I mean.

Thank you.

No they aren't and comparatively, they are much cheaper than a lot of other designer bags.

"A different planet"? No, some people just have more money and choose to spend it on stuff like this. I am low-level, I wouldn't spend thousands, the bag I bought brand new was after a premium bond win. I do like to have a nice bag. There's nothing wrong with that. I will be carrying it about for probably at least a decade if not more, because it is good quality.

I’ve very much enjoyed your thread.

like all bag threads on MN this has ticked all boxes (except for the bench - maybe try harder?! 😜)

I also think you have been the epitome of grace in the face of some really obnoxious comments.

Yeah it’s great thread. It’s made me change up my bag today too! I’m using a yellow mini city balenciaga, and loving it.

This might have already posted sorry if so but I cba to read it all 😂

I have this it's beautiful and ticks all your boxes I think. The strap is adjustable

Absolutely nothing wrong with carrying nice bags. I have a few. It was the suggestion made by a poster- not OP- that people choose friends by their bags that annoyed me.

@friedaklein oh sod you frieda now I have to go and read the whole thing 🤣🤣🤣

I would agreed with this, Mulberry would be my go to for this brief. Check out Polene too.

If anyone needs an illustration as to how insanely overpriced designer accessories (including handbags) are (they are basically cheap items designed to flaunt a logo), you do not need to look further than this: https://www.prada.com/eu/en/womens/accessories/headbands-and-hair-accessories/c/10083EU

I have bags that are handmade in India by some of the same suppliers that supply the big names, but with less of a markup. I buy directly from leatherworkers as I visit India once every couple of years.

Me too. I already have a general weariness about people, reading that post has not helped that.

Fairfax and Favor bags are beautiful and fit in with the country scene.

https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com/products/town-country-collection-micro-top-handle-bag-choc-pebbled-leather?variant=57864108245366

Along the lines of Demellier , have a look at Leo et Violette. I love their “Soft Laurence”.

Ditto with the huge factories in China, where conveyor belts of the same bags (or watches, or sunglasses) split in two & one lot is labelled with the designer logo & the other goes off to the fake markets (the high-end "real real" parts)!!!

That is a gorgeous bag. If I ever have an excuse to buy another bag I think it might be that one! Balenciaga Rodeo vibes without the randomly open flap, and a lot cheaper!

Yes it looks quite practical too. I’m lucky to have a fair few nice bags from my pre-kids days (read: pre-nursery fees), but it I was going to splurge now it would have to be a Ferragamo Hug. On the more realistic end of the spectrum I’m considering a Toteme T Lock.
PS To those considering a YSL tote I wouldn’t recommend, the straps are flimsy and the side painting stuff came off really quickly. But the actual body of the bag is lovely and has survived a battering.

I love my T-Locks, I’ve got two of the clutch size (with a strap). I also have a YSL East West tote I haven’t had any issues with but it is 10+ years old so maybe the quality has gone downhill.

@Justsomethoughts23that Leo and Violet bag is absolutely gorgeous. Are they made in France?

I’m not sure actually, I saw it on an Instagram video being touted as an alternative to the Chanel Maxiflap and I actually prefer it! The mocha suede is calling my name.

I’ve just looked and they are designed in Paris and made in Italy. They’re just beautiful

Mine too! A trip to Paris might be in order 😅 bit cheaper if you buy in €s.

Yes, I checked that too. I’ve noticed other brands like The Horse manufacture in China and I personally find that very off putting when the prices are similar to those manufactured in Europe.

I am in my 60's but 40 years ago in my early 20's spent a lot of time in Italy.
I had a terrible shoe and bag habit.
I never bought designer bags, just beautiful handmade ones in gorgeous browns, oxblood, black and navy.
All hand stitched and i would say maximum price £50.
My daughter uses them now and loves them, they are still beautiful.
I picked up a large Mulberry Baywater bag, in black, key included while looking for vintage dresses for my daughter in Holland last year.
The bag is absolutely perfect, and she loves it for overnights with friends, great size.

I think vintage finds are the greatest.
My latest is a stunning black Furla bag, in its duster, so soft and cute, again unused, @£20.
Happy days.

I don’t think anyone disagrees that there are insanely overpriced accessories available, although I personally would disagree that bags fall into the same mark-up category as nylon scrunchies.

I think people imagine they’re sold to people wanting to “project an image”. But I suspect they’re sold to people with more money than sense.

I actually have a storey about a friend buying an armful of prada scrunchies. We met for lunch on holiday and she was doing her DDs hair with them. WTF? I said. Oh! she said. I forgot to pack hair bobbles, the girls hair is a mess and the pharmacy is closed for a long lunch so I bought these. There must have been €5k worth of prada hair accessories on the table.

There is also a Coach just like that .

Coach have really upped their game lately, some really nice stuff.