Black leather handbag for more mature lady

[101handbags]

My boyfriend's mum (early 70s) has asked him to get her a black leather handbag for Christmas. He is willing to pay £150 - £200 for it. Unfortunately he is looking to me for advice... I assume that his mother thinks I will choose it.Please can anyone recommend any brands that sell more classic styles? I love handbags as much as the next girl, but all the styles/brands I have seen so far in department stores are more modern and contemporary, more the sort of style that I would carry (I am in my thirties). If you can think of maybe the style of the M & S classic collection and think of what kind of quality handbag would go with that look - black, leather, medium sized, probably zip top - I would really appreciate it. I am hoping some of you have super stylish mums or Grans and can help. Thanks very much!

have a look at the Blackwater bag at the bottom of this page- could that fit the bill?

I love Angelinajolly's suggestion ... but here are two more to throw into the mix, from M and S.

I've been watching all those C4 dramas, about 50s/60s celebrities (Princess margaret, Margot Fonteyn) and I love the handbags. Angelina's bag would not look at all out of place. [covetous sigh.]

www.marksandspencer.com/Autograph-Exclusive-Leather-Weave-Tote/dp/B002RH7NMC?ie=UTF8&qid=1261048609& categoryNodeID=42967030&ref=sr15&page=&node=321194031&sr=1-5&mnSBrand=core&rh=n%3A321194031%2Cn%3A 321195031

www.marksandspencer.com/Portfolio-Leather-Bar-Lock-Tote/dp/B002UUZ7KG?ie=UTF8&qid=1261048701&categor yNodeID=42967030&ref=sr14&page=&node=321198031&sr=1-4&mnSBrand=core&rh=n%3A321198031%2Cn%3A3211990 31

I've just bought my mother, 72, a lovely Jane Shilton one in TK Maxx for £50 instead of £150. They also had Osprey ones for the same price - crocodile type, very traditional looking. I have to admit to liking them myself!

I've seen the Osprey ones in T K Maxx - they are v. nice.

[See, I'm lurking on this thread for handbag suggestions for me! I WILL look like Margot Fonteyn!]

Wow, that first M&S one has £50 off today, that's pretty good.

Maybe your boyfriend's mum doesn't want something too old lady and that's why she hoping you will advise? Some of these bags look really big, how much stuff does she currently carry around? Thinking of my DP's gran (just 80), she tends to have a much smaller bag most of the time and I assume it's just easier for her to carry? Just a suggestion.

I have a lovely Tony Perotti bag from our local leather shop. I found this online, they have a few styles that might do the trick? The leather of mine is lovely.

Should have added that I'm absolutely NOT a handbag person so probably not the best to give advice. But if your boyfriend's mum is not after high fashion, then maybe that's okay

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I didn't think to try TK Maxx. Good point about her maybe not wanting something too 'old lady' after all - thank you!

i second the TK maxx suggestion

you also need to find out what type bag she wants eg shoulder, clutch,

does she want a replacement for one she has already or something different ( larger , smaller, different style)

can you sit her down at the computer and show her pages like these to get an idea what she likes?