Handbags - can someone recommend a lovely one?

[foofi]

Dh is suggesting he buys me an nice handbag for Christmas. I've never owned a bag that cost more than about £10 and wouldn't know a good one from a bad one. If it's going to be an expensive purchase I want something that's a 'classic' and not going to go out of fashion any time soon! Any suggestions welcome.
TIA

Have a look at the Mulberry website. There's so much choice and their brown leather bags just look better with age.

Another classic label is Tod's. I have this one in a lighter brown colour and I get so much use out of it.

i love handbags.
what sort of colour?

I would check out the Tanner Krolle website - my favourites!

I love Coach too - but unfortunately I don't think they have any shops / concessions in the UK anymore

You have to decide what you will be using it for. Will it have to hold a lot of stuff, then maybe a tote, do you want to carry over your shoulder or in your hand or possibly both.

Leather of course.

Colour: if you use it often, then check it doesn't clash with colour of jackets/coats/shoes.

You may want to check out a few in a department store. RiK2 have a good selection. Black,navy and shades of brown go never out of fashion. I would stay well clear of the current trend for lots of buckles and "dangly" bits.

Also, check inside for pockets of the right size to keep important bits handy, especially if you go for a bigger bag.

HTH and enjoy the browsing.

also what is budget?
id love a chloe paddington or mulberry bayswater but it aint gonna happen'

Thanks for those suggestions - Mulberry and Chloe were the ones he was looking at, but I have no idea what looks good and what doesn't! Will take the advice about avoiding buckles and dangly bits! I think I will go for brown as it will go with most things. Going to check out the other names you've all mentioned now...

Chloe Paddington for me in tan, sooo classy.

Or something by Luella Bartley....in red.

can i have your husband please foofi?

The Mulberry Bayswater is a gorgeous, classic design, and the leather just gets better with age.

I think you're doing the right thing Foofi by choosing a brown shade. Browns don't show the knocks and bruises that handbags suffer as easily as other colours and as it's a natural colour it'll go with almost anything.

I love the Mulberry Bayswater too MissBlythe. I have so many "safe colour" handbags so I've asked DP for the Bayswater in purple for Christmas. Not terribly practical but I saw a woman with one and it completely brightened up the all black outfit she was wearing.