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.

Apart from days at the beach/zoo, where I will use one under duress, I loathe backpacks.

Have you looked at Yuzefi? I have quite a few of their bags in suede and leather and love them. BAG FAMILIES – Yuzefi

I also have a Marc Jacobs 'The Sack' bag in a lovely green. I don't love the branding on one side, so always carry that facing in, but it's a good size and a nice slouchy leather.

I'm always surprised when people recommend Mulberry - I have some from back in the day and they are never used because they are so bloody heavy.

I agree. I have a collection of much cheaper bags.

I also have a large selection of watches, I rarely wear my most expensive watch. One of my expensive watches recently went to be serviced. I happily wore an old radley watch whilst it was away. But I am happy in my own skin. I dont care what people think of me.

My jewellery collection includes some very expensive pieces. Again, I rarely wear it on a daily basis. Certainly not on the school run.

I know someone with a collection of prada and chanel bags. The prada are used for work mainly. The chanel are small bags used for social occasions, together with her chanel jewellery. She didn't take a bag on the school run.

Psychology has proven that people will seek out others with the same values, such as Goths will be drawn to each other by appearance. Farmers will flock together in the school playground. People with tattoos will be attracted to each other. Professional people will usually group together. The tres nouveau riche will flock together too.

There’s a brand called The Horse. It’s beautiful understated Australian brand.

Perhaps. Or perhaps it's not that deep?
I buy bags that I like the look and feel of, and that meet my needs. I'm sure that's the same with most people.

A Goyard Saint-Louis

I’m a big Mulberry fan, I had a lovely collection pre children! I think the current bags are lighter than they used to be - I’ve recently bought a soft mulberry bayswater, and I find it perfect for everyday. It’s also got the right amount of slouch.
I also have a Marc Jacobs The Sack and as a pp said, the leather is lovely, although not a popular bag on MN, and probably aimed at a younger demographic than me, I love using it!

If you really want a "status" handbag you need to look beyond national borders. The ultimate global status handbag brand remains Hermès - nothing unthrones it. But other brands can give Hermès a run for its money, especially in situations where Hermès is OTT. There used to be fur coats and Hermès bags on the school run at my DCs' school but those days are over: the big city school run status symbol is much more work and exercise related these days than it is highly visible conspicuous consumption that has clearly (from this thread, but also from other information sources) retired to the provinces.

In case this helps OP, a recent article from the Times

season, new bag? I’ve got some suggestions for you

www.thetimes.com/article/08c3ae1e-bba5-44ec-b5ce-5ac1bdd4e774?shareToken=ef1220a80fd02b07276a057f047acc2b

The Chloe padlocked bag, Paddington, is very much bang on trend at the moment. I am not a fan but it’s definitely not dated.

All the fakes have ruined that bag for me. I have some in limited colours which are still good though.

@Ceramiq Ha! My DD is addicted to her Goyard. Not sure anyone outside of a big city knows what these are! There’s a different vibe in the Cotswolds.

This!

Ferragamo hobo bag - beautifully made and understated. Definitely okay for the school run

@Advocodo I think you have missed the point about “status”. I too think Longchamp make excellent leather bags and I have 2. However no one really sees them as status bags.

I have one that is 13 years old and still think it's very practical even though all the school girls I know seem to have multiple fakes as book bags ;)

My DD and I are addicted to E Marinella - so inexpensive, so elegant!

I am in my 60's so no longer pay attention to trends. My Chloe is 20 years old so looks dated to me. I live in the countryside and never seen anyone here with one. It is probably time I sold my handbag collection.

It’s the best time to sell it then, your bag is having a comeback right now on the wave of y2k nostalgia.

You'll do well out of it, imo.

https://www.loveloloaccessories.com/collections/liners

I can't suggest a bag/brand that hasn't already been suggested but do consider getting an internal liner to protect your bag.

I do love Strathberry and someone suggested the Dragon Diffusion brand that a pp suggested earlier upthread.

I love Ferragamo, all my purses/wallets are.

I will check out their bags too.

I've also got an ancient Paddington which weighs more than a small child. I think of them being soooo out of date I wouldn't wear it! Belongs with the thin eyebrows and circle belts of 20yrs ago. How it comes back round eh. I'll pop that up for sale!

The only vintage handbag that is acceptable is your grandmother's Kelly, properly restored by Hermès.

Sorry, wrong thread!

Thanks for the heads up, it is way past time I reduced my bag collection.