Here it is! The bag guide, as recommended by you. I haven’t included every single one as you can have too much of a good thing, and I don’t want anyone to get bag fatigue and some weren’t being made any more. But there are plenty here to get you going…
The Anya Hindmarch Vere Satchel
I was most impressed at the number of recommendations for this bag – it certainly looks like it means business.
Lots of love for Sezane bags – plenty of styles to choose from, I rather like this Mansur Gavriel bucket bag copy, the Farrow, but I also have a crush on the Gaby bag. And most of the others, too.
Another reassuringly expensive but ace quality and not-everywhere brand is Jerome Dreyfuss – there was a particular recommendation for the Felix.
A good-looking one here from Coach, which would have passed me by – the Edie, it comes in variations but this is the basic gist, with a handy central pocket and roomy side compartments, plus a cross-body option for when you need to a bottle of wine in each hand.
As seen on my Instagram stories, at £115 this from Aurora London is a very affordable and practical option for anyone who rather admires the Gucci Disco or whatever it’s called. This little bag, already a hit with Spikers, is very roomy, well-made and will not let you down. Will fit wallet, keys, phone, kindle and I reckon 1 nappy and 1 slim pack of wipes…
I love the look of this satchel from Mimi Berry – very cute 70s mum style, great pockets (I do love an outer pocket) and looks a very good size.
If you’re into this kind of bag, you will be REALLY into this bag, from Florian London.
Madewell are good at bags – and this medium transport tote is very popular, this below is the scaled-down version that looks good, too.
I’ve always admired the Matt and Nat bags in John Lewis but never realised that the thing was that they were vegan!! I like all the styles, I’m not sure why I have picked this boring one to illustrate it, but it seemed the most practical and appealing at the time. There are others so do have a look around.
I have a very similar bag to this from Kate Spade, which they no longer make, and it was totally brilliant. I still love it and use it often.
My sister has this Chloe bag and every time I see her I have a little grope of it. She doesn’t always see me doing this.
I’m very glad the person who recommended this Wandler tote bag reads the Spike because it is a very grown up and chic bag and oh god if she actually saw me day to day or inside my house she’d just be like “Jesus, what a slob.”
And last but not least, a backpack! From All Saints. Because I suppose someone has to cycle.
I hope that gives you some inspiration for how to hurt your husband financially this Christmas. I’m sorry I didn’t include everyone’s suggestion but we would all have gone mad. If you feel especially hard done by, do please petition again for your personal favourite in the handy comment box below.
I bought the Kita Backpack thanks to Spikers’ recommendations! I got it in putty, in the sale, with an added 30% off through Black Friday. I do cycle a lot, and am so thrilled to have a beautiful bag. Have never spent more than £20 on a bag before, so to have a £300 (that I only paid £100 for…) feels like the biggest indulgence.
Thanks so much for including Aurora London amongst such great brands x
I have the Edie bag from Coach (featured in this post) and I have to say it’s a brilliant, brilliant bag! I can also happily recommend the Kate Spade Thompson Street Juliet Leather Cross Body Bag which I have in “Primrose” (bright yellow!). Perfect small cross body bag for days out when you want your hands free. It has two zipped sections, perfect for wallet, mobile, keys etc. John Lewis is currently selling one that is similar called “Hayes Street Arla Leather Cross Body Bag”.
Any journalists, photographers, mums or hoarders who require massive bags – Kelly Moore have a fantastic selection of really chic bags of all styles with compartments designed to hold camera body’s, camera lenses, sound equipment, SD cards, nappies, toys, laptops, iPads …everything and anything….and they have a lovely wee sale on at the moment. Quality of the bags are great too and it lets you look a bit more put together rather than carrying a massive ugly Lowepro backpack with your gear in.
That Mimi Berry bag is dreamy.
Love this! What are you using at the moment Esther? How did you like the Celine trotteur?
it’s far too big and I hate the stuff leather and there’s not much room inside. But I still use it quite often because… Celine…
Sigh…I understand… it is beautiful
Can I put in a word for Parfois (parfois.com if the link is allowed) – very much not designer, but amazing value for money. Think better quality than maybe Accessorise, or Zara but even cheaper and possibly a more interesting selection.
As far as I know they don’t have shops in the UK, I’ve only ever seen them in European cities and airports, but they deliver within the EU – so get in quick 🙁
I have had 3 excellent bags from here, which have all done extremely well, and I have bought numerous gifts that have all been very well received and are still in use.