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.

Yes I have a few Mulberry bags and now in my 60's find them bloody heavy to lug around. Likewise the Chloe bag all the padlocks, great at the time but dated now.
I love my much lighter and cheaper Barbour bags, fabulous for rural living, discreetly designer as instantly recognisable but not tacky. They also suit my day to day county attire.

Yes, I have a Bayswater and a Darley satchel bag. They're virtually indestructible!

Have a look at Loro Piana - I have lots from there and they are very understated and easy to wear x

Without any offence meant at all, it looks as if it came off a market stall or one of the stalls lining the bridges of Florence.

I’ve just had a bag splurge, have justified it as long term investment 🙂. I’ve bought a Loewe flamenco large which is big enough for phone, wallet, glasses, keys and a few bits and bobs. Also just got a Loewe puzzle tote (horizontal one) which is for work trips where I need to carry more. I’m getting a liner for that so I can zip some of the contents up.

Ah I meant the Demellier?

PP has one in suede, and I think that's what I'd go for. Not so practical, but I wouldn't be over precious about it because it going to have as someone brilliantly described up thread "crushed up crisps in the corners". Yes, yes it will. Welcome to motherhood 🤗

If you liked the Demelieur suggestion I’d also look at Polene. I bought my bag last year and it still looks incredible. It’s super light and sturdy (I can pop my laptop, heels, makeup etc in with no problems) - and comes in so many gorgeous colours.

The brand is really popular with fashionable designer-loving 20-30yos so not sure if that’s a turn off or on!

Plus their stores are gorgeous.

https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/cyme-textured-camel?_pos=2&_sid=1e6cf24da&_ss=r&_gl=13b3uwm_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwqc_UBhBKEiwAWbl25lYDtVnQhl4tztv6qwV8LbfrZTHOTL76L7ydYFP9weSc-8nlHKWj_BoCBzsQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADP65szTk2UjRf50Wd0rvObQ0Gu55

I’ve gone with Loewe for both as the leather quality is off the scale amazing. Like you I love the idea of suede but the reality is I’d fret about using it. I’ve also bought Saphir Mesaille leather conditioner and protector

hk.loropiana.com/en/woman/leather-goods/cross-body-and-shoulder-bags/extra-softy-bag-l29-FLW0113_D0Q9.html

I’ve just got Fairfax & Favor tassel tote in their sale - gorgeous 😍

A plastic bag 🤣🤣🤣

I have a Kelly and live in London. I don’t wear it often but I’ve never worried about it getting snatched when I do.

But I don’t worry about getting my phone snatched either. Can’t believe everything you read in the Mail!

Ps I’ve got Celine travel bag which is great - 3 Mulberry’s one studded - they all weigh a ton empty!!

Absolutely. You'd never leave the house.

If you want to have some fun with the brief, Sonique Saturday does these which I like (I have the YFLTC one in cherry red): https://soniquesaturday.com/collections/handbags?page=1

@Floisme , have you been to see the exhibition of the Queen's clothes (and bags, and hats 😀) at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace? I can't recommend
it enough if you can get to it.

https://www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/queen-elizabeth-ii-her-life-in-style

As you already like LV what about looking up some of the early vintage ones back from when it was a bit more travel brand than fashion? They feel more practical than flashy but still a recogniseable brand. I have a small Marceau messenger bag from the early 1980s that’s not slouchy but it does have that less dressed-up, slightly more masculine (but still a bit elevated) look that I use for everyday, for everything from shopping to meeting up with friends to family days out to holidays and also as the smaller bits bag that accompanies my laptop bag for work. It also doesn’t have any weak points of vachetta leather so has lasted decades and will last many more.

Goyard? Quiet luxury.

https://www.goyard.com/uk_en/sac-hobo-boheme-mini.html#BOHEMEMINTY01CL03P

Hermes Herbag or a Picotin? They won’t count as pre spend towards a Birkin but they aren’t quota bags so not hard to get.

I have a Kelly and two Birkins in London, never been robbed or worried about it.

Sezane Gary bag in glossy chocolate is gorgeous! I know it’s not status bag, but it is functional

, have you been to see the exhibition of the Queen's clothes (and bags, and hats 😀) at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace? I can't recommend it enough if you can get to it.

Thanks, I'm going this autumn - can't wait!
In return, I recommend Kate Strasdin's book, 'Dressing the Queen'.

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/dressing-the-queen-book-kate-strasdin-9781784745332#10499962503441

(Edited for wayward formatting)

Can I come to the exhibition too? It looks fantastic 😻

I think a Longchamp - it’s a good, known brand and has plenty of styles that are more utility than fashion. But I think you should spend a day on Regent St and Bond St - lots of well known bag stores all within easy walk of each other. I just picked up my custom made Coach bag there, and afterwards wandered around all the other bag shops (might have bought a Longchamp too, which is why I recommend them)

I have a bottle green Kate Spade that looks just like that.
Bought it in a charity shop as I was dropping off stuff.
It had just arrived in.
What a find. Great size and had never been used.
£10!
So admired.

I love that Prada bag, it's such a classic.
Now I'm looking for a similar Kate Spade one!

Love a handbag OP so enjoying the thread. Aspinal do some beautiful bags in a wide variety of styles and shapes, I have a few now and very pleased with them.