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 think the JL 'pre-loved' bag concession is handled by Sign of the Times, a high end resale store in Chelsea. We used to live around the corner.

Not too impressed by their condition report, I have to say, as there are some pretty definite scratches on the front.

https://signofthetimeslondon.com/pages/sign-locations?srsltid=AfmBOoqPYuoBkFsRNP9JYE8jurdd-0Kj0OYMOl6HspdwF2m2updMgBVd

And it is about £3k cheaper on their website than JL.....

Wow. That's odd. I wonder why?

I imagine that is the JL cut?

No doubt. Their mark-up on vintage/antique jewellery is daft.

I've always loved the delicacy of them. Embroidered, beaded, pleated, chainmail ...

Think I bought my first one at 19 or 20, in a wee dingy antique shop, for £3!

Mine are probably a version of one of these.
My daughter bought one the previous year and has used since, it's still in great condition leather wise, scuffed of course from being thrown about.

They certainly were a great baby gift when filled with bits and pieces, and I haven't heard anything negative back about them, unsurprisingly.

Will definitely keep an eye and ear out though. Thanks.

Just checked and managed to buy it - hopefully being delivered tomorrow.

thanks for letting me know to check!!

Ooh, let us know how it is! I'm not back home until next week, so won't get mine until then.

It arrived.

I really like it but I’ve never had a suede bag before. I’m not sure if the wear will drive me mad

Are you keeping it?

Yes, what are you thinking? I was supposed to be home but delayed until (hopefully) tomorrow due to the atc issues at Heathrow. It's been delivered, so looking forward to unpacking it.

Not sure. It’s still unpacked but unused on my dressing room floor. This usually means I’ll ignore it until the return window passes and then the decision is made 🙈

I love the braiding - and i adore the fact that there is a braided draw string on both sides of the bag avoiding that inside/outside side issue.

anyway here’s a picture for anyone interested

It’s gorgeous. Love the colour.

In my case, dogs and suede are mutually exclusive.

Shame it’s not leather, but I suspect they would need a very soft leather for that.

Hah. I do that too. End up keeping things by default.

So I'm home and have unpacked mine. I really like it, but not sure about the straps. The braided leather is really hard - it feels almost plasticky. I feel like once it's loaded up with laptop and all the assorted shit, they might be uncomfortable. What do you think?

@MademoisellePraline I stuck it on the kitchen scale - it weighs 1kg, 13g

I am 100% in on nice bags, but you clearly aren’t sure about this one and it’s a lot of money. Send it back today and find one that you’re all in on.

have a look in TK Maxx, you can get some really beautiful leather handbags with luxury labels (some have branding, I prefer the subtle or no branding) for a fraction of their original cost.

Funnily enough, the handles were the one part of the bag that I thought might be problematic. I have a vintage 70s bag with similar handles & I rarely use it because it's uncomfortable. Worn on the shoulder, the handles mark the pile on clothing, & in the hand they cut into you!

I'd thought that maybe it wouldn't be an issue here because of the quality ... but braided leather is still braided leather! It's a pity - as, aesthetically, the braiding is the detail that makes it nicer than the plain-handled version.

My current grab bag is the Celine phantom tote (now ancient) or the LV neverful. Both have cheese wire straps so I’m hardened to it 😂

as for finding one I’m all in on I’ll be waiting to the end of time, there’s just no such thing and I adore a green bag.

I like the bag. Beautiful colour.
I wouldn't be able to cope with the straps because I walk everywhere. But you might be able to deal with that.

@DancingNotDrowning I returned mine. I just couldn't fall in love with it enough to justify the price. What did you decide?

I actually returned it today - I’ve wanted an olive green bag for so long I was trying to ignore the things I didn’t love about it.

The right move then. You’ll find that olive green bag one sweet day.

I was literally about to post the same thing