Mulberry Bayswater in choc - opinions please, jury

[LetThemEatCake]

I have one of these. Have not touched it in over a year. Am considering ebaying it bc

1. have a 3mo so will need bag roomy enough for nappies/ portapotty for at least next 2-3 years.
2. Even after that, will still need bag roomy enough for the stuff that having 3 dcs inevitably entails
3. it's a very winter bag and I am moving to sunnier shores
4. It's a very structured bag which is not really suitable for my current or projected lifestyle - will likely never work in an office environment as am freelance, much more a slouchy bag person

but part of me wants to keep it purely for 'iconic' value - although at the same time, that value is a very British thing I think, and will have little or no relevance when I leave this country

WWYD??

Honestly? I don't like the Bayswater, find it frumpy and boring.
agree with your comments re wintery and structured - can't see it working in Oz/with Oz lifestyle.
Ebay it.

I think its been copied so much that the style doesn't look expensive any more.

I have the Bayswater in cherry red. I love it and would be hard pushed to part with it. I also used it as a changing bag when DS2 was small.

Still use it as carry-on bag on flights because I can fit so much in it (usually when we go on summer hols, I have bikini and a light weight dress rolled up in there.......in case my other luggage gets lost I can still get poolside and look respectable for dinner that night )

I have this bag and I am not in the least bit structured - however, neither is my bag anymore it has smooshed down and I carry it with the side straps out so it looks less formal.

Also I don't live in the UK and I have heard they are a bit ubiquitous there now.

I think you need to look at practalities and forget the 'iconic'-ness of it - sell it, they are not going to not be made anymore so if you want one once you're past the baby-paraphenalia-toting stage get another one in a sunnier colour.

at all the dissing of MY CHRISTMAS PRESENT PEOPLE !!!

It is classic but I think it is a bit of a 'town' bag.But it suits me as I am a bit of a twon bag. Ebay it by all means and find something more casual

Ebay it!

I have this very thing. I only use it HERE in the winter, as I find the choc + the style = a bit heavy with cottons etc in lighter colours/prints, so I can see how you may use it very little in Oz.

Tis a lovely bag though, and with the side straps undone a la strudleface, not very structered-more Birkin, less Kelly, if you will.

IIRC you bought it 2nd hand, and could prob get back what you paid for it, and then reinvest in cork-hats, velcro strap sandals and other more suitabel gear for your new life Down Under.

are you likely to get a decent amount ebaying it? If not 50% or more of the original price - DON'T DO IT!

My mental image of you doesn't fit well with the Bayswater. And your arguments for ebaying it are good- don't hold onto s/t just for iconic value if you don't really use it- you'll resent lugging it half way round the world. Find another Brit classic that you do love and use to take to sunnier climes.

I had to look up what a Mulberry Bayswater is ....

People spend £600 on a handbang ????

Blimey.

I'd sell it.

NO. Some of us get them as presents and don't want to know what they cost.....

But Clumsey any glance at any mag will tell you that some people spend in excess of £1000 on handbags - or they wouldn't be in the shops or advertised.

I never understand why people are surprised. Or is it that only wags and heiresses are allowed?
I want someone to stop Cheryl Cole and berate her for how much she spent on her handbag as I am never clear why she can buy them but people on mumsnet can't

I've got the east west bayswater in chocolate (xmas pressie like pag) and I love it.

Unless you could get a really good return on it I'd keep it - its a pretty classic style.

Also - I think chocolate leather can look good with white linen/cotton/jeans in the summer. Although am thinking UK summer when lets face it we'll still be in our winter clothes.

Perhaps try ebay with a high reserve and then let fate take over.

Oak gets more knackeredlooking pattina than the choc ime

I would wrap it up and put it in my wardrobe for another time, you won't always have 3DC around your feet and who knows what the future will bring. It's one of those bags that is a keeper.

I would keep it unless I really needed the money.
I haven't got this bag but have a gorgeous black leather Prada bag that was equally as expensive as the Bayswater, it was a present from DP pre DC!!
I hardly ever use it as it's not practical at the moment where I live...in the country (think cow shit and mud). But I know I will use it in the future and I've also decided that I will pass it on to DD at some point.

actually DD is only 7 but I am already putting a few things away for her rather than selling. Even if she hates them or they don't fit I suspect she will get as much for a 2009 DVF dress then as I would now. And she might like them.

My friend had her mothers beautifully preserved wardrobe of Givenchy and Ozzie Clark etc etc etc from 60's and 70's . It was fantastic.
I would love to keep the few nice bits I getfor her

Ebay it! It is beautiful but if it won't fit with your new lifestyle then you won't use it.
V envious of you moving to Oz!

Ebay it and get a Mulberry Roxanne in glove leather instead. Soft, slouchy, large and iconic. Can you tell what dp has just bought for my 33rd birthday?

Ebay it with a large reserve, have something in mind that you would spend that money on and let fate take over.

I have a couple of bags that I don't use at the moment but I know I will when DD is older, so I am hanging on to them. However, if you really think you won't use it, eBay it and get something that fits with your lifestyle. I agree with Geordieminx, definitely set a reserve.

I am saving for a Mulberry Alexa, they went on sale today.

I've got the same bag which I got 4 years ago. I love it and have used it every day but you're right about it being a winter bag and not good for summer - looks completely wrong with lightweight clothes. BUT, it is very tradional and timeless and depends where in Oz you are moving? Personally unless you need the cash I'd hang on to it - be great for shopping trips to colder parts of Oz like Melbourne in the winter?! DON'T SELL.
As for looking like fakes - I can spot a fake Mulberry a mile off! But it is plain enough not to look like an IT bag like I feel the Roxy does (sorry Christmashour - it is lovely though!) and doesn't date like the Roxy.

The Roxy is an acquired taste I'll agree. It's not for everyone. I like that about it though. Dp thinks it looks a bit bondage/S&M!

I can see that about it!! Bayswater just a bit safer for me though as fab as Roxy is.