Long lost mumsnetter returns to fold for vital style advice.....

[puff]

I need a really smart work handbag - big enough to carry a small laptop and then the usual gubbins one has in a handbag. I can spend up to £400. It needs to be sleek, brown or some other dark colour but not black. Don't want it to look like a briefcase. I like the Hermes Kelly bag but not the price tag!

Any good handbag websites out there?

Sure, but there are loads of colours in the toile (scroll to the accessories to see them). You can order any colour you want - yellow, blue, red etc

Hobbs has a fantastic square-ish handbag in dark blue mock-croc which I think is in the shops now - doesn't seem to be on the website. It's a good size but not huge and v desirable. It's about £200, I think, so you would have £ over for shoes... They do v good bags - the ones i have from them have all lasted really well and still look fab.

this looks a good size

Why don't you ring one of the Mulberry factory outlet stores - Chesire Oaks or Shepton Mallet (?sp) they often have the bags at greatly reduced prices and offer mail order. they're always very helpful when you ring up

this marc jacobs one is v nice

osprey

Lots of fab ideas - thanks everyone .

I will definitely need to take my laptop (luckily compact and lightweight!) to check re size when buying.