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.

I’m really loving the Toteme, I’ve never heard of this brand before. Just found out that Liberty stock them too - might be a good use of BD credit!

Let us know what style of Demelier (or alternative) you decide on @MademoisellePraline

I could have afforded to buy any of these bags, with three inheritances in two years, of over £100,000 in total.

I chose not to, as I think the prices are ridiculous, I’m sticking to my Cath Kidston bags from Vinted, and an ancient Sainsbury’s one, which do me fine.

Mind you, I think all designer stuff is hideous, not my thing at all.

The T Lock is a great bag for the price, I have the larger one which is more of a carry on the arm bag but kind of want a smaller one too to wear as a clutch or cross body. Loving this discussion of low key bags, I’m so over the obvious ones like Chanel and even though I dream of a Kelly I will never get one because I hate everything else at Hermes so will never get a spending history and second hand are just so overpriced.

I got one of my Toteme bags on sale with BD credit. I was very happy with that!

What's BD credit?

I have two of the smaller Toteme T-Locks and they’re great bags. I never thought I’d use them as much as I do. Picked up both of mine for £480-£500 in sales. I’ve noticed a lot of good Toteme bargains recently. Netaporter had a selection of their items at 40% off a while back.

My other favourite low key bag at the moment is the Manu Atelier Cambon 35. I have two of those as well.

I have a Chanel 2.55 but it rarely gets an outing. It was a present for a significant birthday many moons ago.

Beauty Drop credit, a proportion of Liberty’s beauty subscription price gets converted into credit you can use in any department.

It's an Australian brand - China is closer & the Australian fashion industry has strong links with China. China also produces very high-quality goods - not all of it is Shein.

Manufacturing in China is much cheaper and should be reflected in the price in my opinion. I used to live in Australia years ago and a lot of big brands used to sell not very well made Chinese manufactured products. That might not be the case with these brands but it feels a bit risky to me, especially since they’re just as expensive as the bags made in Europe.

Good choice, I love Toteme!
I find they always go on sale at Net-a-porter, Mytheresa, and Harvey Nics too.
i picked up a few over summer at half price.

A lot of the big European brands use China too - & hope customers don't notice the change. They won't pass on savings at the cost of profit margins. So, unfortunately, maximising profits by moving manufacturing bases is happening so much now. I think there's started to be a slight backlash now, but not enough - yet!

100%, but with a big brand I can go into the store complain/ ask for a repair so I’m not as adverse to taking the risk, although I’d still rather avoid Chinese-manufactured products where possible!

That’s such a good idea! I never manage to accrue that much, but you’ve inspired me- I now have a new saving goal!

My post was meant as a joking riposte to the one about handbags being key social identifiers.

The vintage bags I own were mostly very inexpensive, & collected over the last few decades - mostly for display purposes. They have chain handles & there's no direct sunlight.

As for dust, I'm with Quentin Crisp on that topic. "After the first four years, it doesn't get any worse - it's just a matter of holding your nerve ..." 😁!!!

I know!
And they look nice that way, but my inner bag collector still worries.

My Puzzle horizontal tote arrived today. It’s just gorgeous, leather is so soft and it has a good slouch without being too floppy. It’s also got the Loewe name in silver not gold, it looks fab. Understated but feels luxurious and the horizontal also has the extra suede separate zipped pouch
pouch

Mind you, I think all designer stuff is hideous, not my thing at all.

My mind is actually blown at the thought of a blanket statement that all designer stuff is hideous. That's quite, um, all-encompassing. Do you include Alexander McQueen's final collection in that? I think it's pretty stunning.

@cashmerecardigans show is a pic!

I love the one on the very top right!

One of my favourites is a Miu Miu bag I've had for about 15 years. The leather is like silk.

Just browsing when I saw someone had posted a cyme (polene). I have one and would not recommend it! It’s basically a bucket that had zero interior. I spend too long rummaging. It’s faffy

Ooh, what colour did you get? I have a regular puzzle tote in this colour, which I love. No extra zippered pouch though 😥

forgot to add the colour

Goyard? Fauré le page? Hardy weather resistant totes to carry everything in…
or for leather suede / something from The row?

Goyard: I'm mystified by those paying upwards of £2k for a canvas bag, even when it's coated in a secret recipe plastic. Same for LV.

I've tried telling myself it's functionally as good as leather - but then, so is a bag for life! At least, with leather, an animal died for it and the processes it goes through involve many craftspeople working by hand with great skill. The Goyard fabric can all be made by machine, and no doubt is.

You may as well coat a hundred £20 notes with PVC and be done with it 😏

Tbh I think goyard is ugly.. but OP wanted a ‘status’ bag which I equate with ‘costs money’ 😅
I also think LV is ugly …