Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Should I buy an expensive bag??

49 replies

joliejolie · 30/09/2008 10:56

Turning 40 next week and really dreading it for some reason. I know I have a great life and a great family...but 40?! YUCK!

My husband, being the pratical (and unromantic) man that he is, has suggested I buy myself something special that I would not normally spend money on.

Well, I really want a handbag that costs £500! I would never normally even consider spending so much, but it is a bag that will last for years and I have wanted it for quite some time. It seems like now is the time to get it and we can afford it right now.

Should I take the plunge even though I may vomit at the tills?

OP posts:

regularlyoverwhelmed · 30/09/2008 13:10

yes, is my plan for my 40th next year - a mulberry bag too (hmm, are they middle aged then? ) and I just wish my hubby would suggest it!

if you don't want the fainting at the tills scenario - tell him exactly which one you want and get him to buy it and wrap beautifully and present to you on birthday morning with bottle of champagne and small token suprise

minko · 30/09/2008 13:15

OK, I have had a Mulberry Annie since last Xmas and whilst I love it to death I am too scared to use it!

If I'm out with friends I'm scared I'll be mugged or have it nicked and when I'm with the kids I'm scared they'll make a mess on it! So it's only been out a handful of times when I'm out with dh.

Just something for you to consider!

WowOoo · 30/09/2008 13:33

DO it, do it, do it.

Don't be scared of your bags - just hold on to them a teeny bit more firmly if in a suspect area. Dirt can be dealt with.

I have 3 beautiful bags and I will never really need to buy another for the rest of my life.......!!

One is 10 yrs old and still I get compliments.

WowOoo · 30/09/2008 13:36

Have a happy 40th by the way.

cafebistro · 30/09/2008 13:39

My DP bought me a gorgeous Prada bag for my 29th birthday. Im like Minko though...im scared to death of losing it. I dont take it on a night out with me because if i drink to much I might leave it in abar somewhere. It sit in the top of my wardrobe in its dustbag and comes out for special occasions..meals,weddings etc. I plan to pass it on to DD when she's older.

strudelface · 30/09/2008 14:49

Also I would buy it pretty soon-ish - have heard rumours that it is going up by 100GBP in November. (The Roxanne's price has already gone up by this amount)

PS great choice it is on my wish-list in chocolate ..

Original poster

joliejolie · 30/09/2008 14:51

Thanks so much for all of your responses. I hoped that my post did not sound like I was bragging about buying an expensive bag. But since the jeans I have on are from Dotty P and my top from Primark, you can see I don't splurge often on myself!

I got the Bayswater in oak/tan today and I am so happy with it! I have put it up so that I can enjoy it first on the day!

Dh is also taking me to a nice Thai restaurant and to the cinema. What a treat, as we never go out together alone.

I am happy, but let's see how I feel when the day arrives!

OP posts:

nailpolish · 30/09/2008 14:54

brilliant!
happy birthday

strudelface · 30/09/2008 14:58

Fabbo and Happy Birthday.

I have the Joel in oak and I would really recommend that you spray your bag with water protector otherwise you'll get rain marks on it - they will gradually blend in as the patina develps but it is gutting on a brand new bag - she says from bitter experience...

Szyslak · 30/09/2008 15:41

You must use it (aftre the day), none of this 'saving for best' nonsense.

Look your best every day.

I apply this to all belongings and use 'best' cutelery, china, wine glasses and clothes every day. Yes they will eventually get a bit of damage but you actually get so much more pleasure from them, than from a twice a year outing.

LetThemEatCake · 30/09/2008 15:49

it really makes me sad that you would be worried about sounding show-offy about having an expensive bag.

Fact: some people spend lots of money all the time, some spend lots of money some of the time and some don't spend a lot ever.

Big deal. I don't see why posting on this board gives anyone the moral right to judge or criticise your spending habits, whether extravagant or thrifty.

Really makes me cross.

ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL BAG AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY

PoppyFox · 30/09/2008 15:51

I think you should mark your fortieth, but maybe spend a little less than you can afford to. Maybe spend £300-400 on a bag and donate £100 to a women's charity in Africa. Like Zazen did on her fortieth? Operations to repair obstetric fistulas. I was really moved reading about that charity. Don't misunderstand me! I would love a nice bag. But it would be like carrying guilt around with me in a way, unless I countered that somehow.

GL and happy bday.

PoppyFox · 30/09/2008 15:52

Oh good choice madame, Lovely. Enjoy!

NotCod · 30/09/2008 15:53

dpnt liek the baywtater

LetThemEatCake · 30/09/2008 16:02

ffs cod, could you just try not to rain on someone else's parade? just once??

it's all very well to be iffy about everyday choices (albeit a tad annoying) but a special occasion bag which she's already had qualms over??

veeeeery nice attitude. Go sister.

mosschops30 · 30/09/2008 16:04

Yes get it treat yourself, 40 is a special birthday and you are special so go for it.

One day I am gonna buy myself a classic Balenciaga bag (£900) and no-one is gonna stop me, ive been drooling over it for years.

Szyslak · 30/09/2008 16:04

Shut up Cod, she's bought it and it's her birthday.

You could have said nothing.

NotCod · 30/09/2008 16:05

ooh gte oyu
didnt realise that you had bought it
id not choose that one tbh
but hey ho
chillax you guys

traceybath · 30/09/2008 16:06

love mulberry bags - i have the phoebe from a few years back and my DS aged 1 at the time spilt a cup of water all over it.

was aghast but managed to claim on house insurance for it! so use it and enjoy it and if anything happens to it you can claim on insurance.

oh and the beauty of the darwin leather is that it ages well.

SexyMilf · 30/09/2008 19:37

jolie joile I say go for it,

It might be worth you checking out the Mulberry factor store at Bicester Village, they have current stock at reduced prices - so perhps you can get your bag and have cash left over for the matching wallet
Bicester Village Link www.bicestervillage.com/bicester/home.asp

Ronaldinhio · 30/09/2008 23:14

haven't read all of the posts but the mulberry factor shop in shepton mallet has much better bargins than Bicester

BirdyArms · 01/10/2008 07:58

I love the Bayswater, very classic. Well done and Happy Birthday JolieJolie!

nailpolish · 01/10/2008 08:54

"But it would be like carrying guilt around with me in a way"

noddyholder · 01/10/2008 09:02

Those are gorgeous.Can anyone reccomend a less expensive biggish everyday bag?I ahve a few decent bags and my every day bag is an m and s mulberry copy cat I need roomy and stylish and quite fancy a colour.Am talking high street

Flip

1 2

Swipe left for the next trending thread