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.

The idea that fashion is cyclical is quite well known among people interested in fashion so shouldn’t come as a shock on the S&B board, there’s even research into fashion cycles.

Thank you! That is brand new information!

This is hilarious

I think the weight consideration is important. I have a Bayswater that I never use as I just can’t get on board with holding the handle and I don’t like the cross strap. My default is a longchamp tote and my ancient mulberry mini Alexa. That bag has gone everywhere with me and has been my best purchase. I also have a medium one but just don’t use it anywhere near as much.

I would suggest Mulberry Harvey or Eliza bag - they are timeless and classic

On trend? That is quite possibly the ugliest looking bag I’ve ever seen in my life.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Chloe bag that isn’t ugly, but that one takes biscuit. I would definitely take the opportunity to offload it @binkie163!

But...but we looked so cool 🙈🙈

Yes. The wealthy city mums don’t seem to care much about this stuff right now. It’s the Cotswold mums coming into London for nights out who place more emphasis on the ‘status bag’.

The equivalent of the bridge and tunnel crowd.

Yes, you come across a bit as if you had no idea.

Yes, thanks so much for helping!

How we dress always signifies a tribe, whatever tribe you belong to. Wealth signifiers are particularly interesting because they vary so much by geography.

I moved abroad and the very international make up of parents at the school my DC attend are all about the ‘status brand’, but it’s not necessarily logos. So I have a collection of bags for home, and a different set I wear when I come ‘home’ to the U.K.

OP, my favourite bag companies are Bottega and Loewe. Excellent quality, beautiful designs, you can’t go wrong.

PP are wrong that ‘the truly wealthy’/posh don’t care about this stuff, their markers are just different. Especially the aristocracy, their distaste of
’designer labels’ is to differentiate them from ‘new money’ and nothing to do with not being materialistic, they are trying to indicate status in a different way’. And trust me, the more international among them have plenty of ‘status’ designer bags and what some on this thread would consider trashy markers of wealth.

I find this absolutely fascinating, as you may be able to tell!

The Chloe Paddington is the bag of the moment according to my 20 something DD.

her work environment is very fashionable/aspirational and design/appearance is everything.

Balenciaga city, Chloe Paddington, Fendi spy and baguette and (shock!) the LV murakami range are all being worn by the bright young things.

i don’t think that helps the OP as she’s looking for something different but the idea that these are outdated is now…outdated.

I have the midi so I don't wear it on my shoulder like another poster mentioned. Re the suede - I don't use it if it's raining 😅 I've seen people with them in leather and it looks lovely and soft. The suede is quite rigid still but mine is still newish and hasn't had a lot of use yet. For the price though, they're excellent and well made. They're made in Spain and Italy by hand. If you have a selfridges near you, they stock them so you can see them in real life.

The idea that the “truly rich” eschew designer brands is nonsense.

for some reason MN is obsessed with the idea that the “real” rich are all lovely, bumbling, moth eaten jumper wearing, ruddy faced chipper folk driving a 30 year old Volvo who would never drive a Range Rover, holiday on a yacht or get a manicure.

it’s so nonsensical. One, it’s not true and two even if it was why so quick to doff your hat at the rich who haven’t earned a penny of it whilst turning your nose up at first, second or third generation workers who have made their own fortunes?

Yes, in my neck of the woods, for day and casual going out, it's all jeans, trainers (or birks) or exercise gear. Apple Watches, multiple ear piercings, chunky gold chain bracelets. Lots of canvas totes with the occasional well-used very expensive slouchy tote.

Definitely not eschewing designer labels/expensive jewellery, but much more low key than the conspicuous consumption pre-2008 days.

It is utter bollocks. For just over a decade I dated a billionaire from the STRL. Knew old money, and new money alike.

They are incredibly similar. The very elderly old money maybe slightly different, but only slightly, and that was an age thing, not a source of wealth thing.

Hedge fund/ finance wives tend to be a bit Sloaney, and want to look what they think "old money" is.

Strangely the in brand back then, across the board, was Anya Hindmarch.

Anyhoo... back to my naff bags thread...

Out of all the iconic y2k bags Paddington is my least favourite but I love Le City and Roxanne.

I think these y2k bags have a lot of personality and are easy to style, they can look good with both formal and casual clothes. A more structured bag needs more effort.

My DC and their generation also prefer buying preloved - they want unique things and are more environmentally conscious.

Oh God yes the multiple ear piercings among 50+ and even 60+ London lawyer types. No it doesn't look a bit daring :))

I’m loving this thread!

That’s a bit harsh! as a 51 yo who falls into this boat it is just a fun way to wear more earrings, not trying to look daring or edgy at all. Do women have to stop having fun with what we wear once we hit 50?

Along the Demellier and Polene lines there is also Songmont. I got a Demellier New York and Songmont Yore tote bag at Christmas to choose between and I kept the Songmont. The drop on the Demellier handle was too short for it to stay comfortably on my shoulder with a thick winter coat on and the Songmont is beautiful and very well made. Still happy I made that choice

As a fellow rural-dweller, have you considered Penelope Chilvers? Her bags are v low key but excellent quality. I have a black plain leather Pillow bag for every day, and am eyeing up a brown one. Still love Anya for trips up to town.

I totally understand where you're coming from. The only silly designer bags i use are vintage styles from 2000s LV empreinte leather and very bashed LV monogram canvas. I also have a few mulberry. I live in a small town and like these 'cos they are subtle but still feel special to me for weekends and holidays - i work in a social care type role.
Do you follow country or more chilled fashion vloggers like Josie, Lydia or Emma Hill?
Suede Demellier bags , Strathberry, not monogram but less branded YSL and Gucci, Mulberry seem to be what's going down.

to answer your Q - if i were to buy a new bag, i'd choose something from Celine with minimal branding in a brown leather - a soft triumph half moon.