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.

How about a Demellier? They do lots of nice bags. I've got a New York but stupidly in suede so it's not wet weather friendly. I wish I'd got leather. Although they're more understated.

Also if you are carting around the kitchen sink you want a lightweight bag

Christian louboutin Cabatta

Tustings bags are lovely.

They got done for selling fakes so you can’t always trust them.

I’ve just bought a lovely Chloe medium sized flap bag, not the one with buckles so not heavy.. easy and goes with everything.

My Mulberry has aged terribly. ☹️ It’s all sunken at the top and creasing. Plus as pp said they’re too heavy and for the Bayswater no fecking shoulder strap - I periodically dust mine, but rarely use it!

That ysl tote is very nice. I think that's a front runner!

I'm saving up for this bag for the winter - https://www.prada.com/gb/en/p/medium-leather-shoulder-bag/1BC283_2DKV_F0632_V_ONO

If you’re after quality rather than branding, I’d go for Loewe, Bottega Veneta, or Ferragamo.

For cheaper options, I’d look at Strathberry or Mulberry.

I avoid Gucci, LV, YSL, and so on, as you’re paying for the logo rather than the materials or craftsmanship. Also, if you live somewhere rural, those bags can feel out of place.

Why do u feel the need for a status bag ?
Why don't I just treat yourself to a bag u love ?
No wonder everyone looks the same !
Sorry if this comes across rude but people please just tap into your own unique styles and stop copying what's a trend or a status like why do u need a status bag it's ridiculous!

Yes. I only have older Mulberry bags and they all have had various design flaws/quality issues.

I’ve recently asked here on S&B about the quality of the new Mulberry bags and apparently it’s not improved.

Omg I've never heard of these but I love all of them, and how cheap in comparison!!

Not keen on the trying to be a bit Hermés ones, but the tiny one, I thought *ohhh that's adorable, I bet the Queen would use that" then scrolled down and saw Kate Middleton carrying one.

I do like the New York (in the green) and the bucket type one (in the plum), but agree, they look best in suede. Is yours Uber buggered after being rained on, or can it be brushed out?

My only beef with my Demellier New York is that the straps are quite thin so when it’s fully laden with crapola they do bite into your shoulder a bit. Worse when you don’t have a thickish jacket or coat on! But I love the shape.

Maybe some people’s unique styles include visible branding? It is probably much harder to coordinate different logos.

They aren't really status bags but the Demellier Siena bucket and Siena crossbody are lovely. The crossbody is going to be my day bag this winter - baby wipes, hot wheels and snacks! It's replacing my neverfull because I find the straps so uncomfortable - it's definitely an under the pram handbag and I don't need a pram anymore!

Next up on the wishlist is the Coach Lana - again not status but love the compartments and £500 ish is about where I feel comfortable having crushed up crisps in the corners.

Really love the LV low key hobo bag but £2k+ is punchy - but you would get a lot of use out of it. I like the PM size.

Yes! My neverful is like the most digging bra strap in the world by the time I've stuffed it with water bottles and crayons 😁

I agree they aren't status, but they look so much more expensive than they are. Yes that Siena is so pretty, I'm torn between that and the New York.

Thank you so much to PP for introducing these

Loewe Flamenco, rather than Puzzle, if you want slouchy.

Also, while I'm talking to bag people, I'm determined to get a Birkin in the next couple of years. Although I already feel a bit anxious with some of my more expensive Chanels, like someone could just yank it off my arm.

Reading on line, there's a woman who says she'll never have one again because she had 4 and she's been mugged of 3 of them. She says she hates the bastard thing, and it just stares at her from a shelf like "aha you can't even use me"

Does anyone have any experience of whether this is real? I live in the sticks, but would use it on days/evenings out in London. Is it like the watches where mopeds just run you down and snatch?

LV epileather is often very subtle and understated - most people don’t recognise it as LV unless they like the brand themselves. It’s an “if you know you know” way of wearing it.

Celine also not too obvious and same for Bottega Veneta, the latter being good stealth wealth.

They are really heavy. Bad for your back

That Y tote bag is right up my street. Love when the branding is subtle.

I love the bettina!

I have the YSL tote. Love the look...but its a total no for me.
I used it for less than 6m and the straps were destroyed I took it in..sales huffed and sighed and the French SA said "<huff> er...look ze sing eeez, you dont put so many sings een it okay? Not so many sings!" Like i am an idiot for expecting a bag to hold items thst fit inside. He made cat bums face went i said my LV NFs have necer had this issue.

So the YSL tote is just a massive tote that can hold a lip gloss and phone. it cant hold basic items and a gym kit or lightweight laptop.
they eventually replaced the straps but wanted to charge me shipping. They messed that up to so eventually waved the shipping but honestly it was a disgrace and put me off. The new straps are as flimsy as the first set.

My suggestions are

Bottega Veneta.. I like jodie but have a veneta, might be better for country life. andiamo is more structured and gorgeous.

The Row Margaux / agnes / marlo

I think these are better "social status" markers. Iykyk kinda thing....

The women i know with birkins (who all live in beaconsfield or berkhampstead?!?!) have now either bought replicas to wear out or have sold them due to the theft / damage / making you a target /.it kt being worth it.

Realistically the 2nd hand market is now fairly saturated with them. If you LOVE it go for it. But I'd think twice.

I’ve got out of the habit of using a bag, but if I do need an everyday type one, I have a Mulberry Bayswater tote. I also have the Mulberry Hackney shoulder bag in oak - this is a really nice one.