Whats your limit for a handbag?

SarahMollie

Hi Ladies,

So I was in Kildare Village the other day and saw an amazing handbag and was sorely tempted by it. The catch was that it was €795 even at the reduced price.

I'm still day dreaming about it and considering going back.

The most I've spent previously was €500 on a black leather Vivian Westwood bag in Arnotts a few years ago. For a time I used it daily, but I don't really use it much anymore but I'd never get rid of it, and hope that I can sporadically pull it out of my wardrobe over time and it will become a classic.

Just to be clear, I can afford it, its not going to put me in any financial distress or anything, but its more just personal sticker shock.

Am a nuts?

pinkypinky

If you can afford it, why not?

baby and crumble

Thing is you'll get loads of opinions. Personally, I think that's an absolutely absurd amount to pay for a bag of any kind. Like, how is it actually any different to one for €80 in M&S?

But hey, I'm not controlling your wallet.

SarahMollie

pinkypinky wrote: »

If you can afford it, why not?

Such an enabler, I love it!

baby and crumble wrote: »

Thing is you'll get loads of opinions. Personally, I think that's an absolutely absurd amount to pay for a bag of any kind. Like, how is it actually any different to one for €80 in M&S?

But hey, I'm not controlling your wallet.

I know... but from experience I tend to love and care for my expensive purchases (typically because I'll have agonized before buying them) while I'm less invested (both literally and figuratively) in high street purchases.

Also, the leather was amazing. It smelled just like a tack room in a stables, which is a happy smell for me.

Laura_A

For me it would depend on the brand to be honest and how much it could be used.

SarahMollie

Laura_A wrote: »

For me it would depend on the brand to be honest and how much it could be used.

Its Mulberry. There is a significant amount of leather in it. Maybe I wouldnt use it every day, but it would be timeless.

SarahMollie

This is probably the closest thing to it on their website right now.

http://www.mulberry.com/shop/women/bags/shoulder-bags/bayswater-oxblood-deep-embossed-croc-print

The one I was looking at was more of a chocolate brown and the crocodile skin was slightly different.

endacl

Feck. These companies really do take you ladies for a ride!

:pac:

redbel05

I've been buying and selling designer and vintage clothing and handbags for a while now, and I can honestly say that I would never go back to buying them new.
If anything I appreciate them all the more for acquiring them at a bargain price. Anything that I get is in new condition, and often with tags still attached, so why would I pay 4-5 times the price for the exact same thing?

ChampagnePop

300/400 euro, good leather and a good design costs money, anything else is just the label.

To date only 200e, and I use it every day and it's still going strong!

SarahMollie

TBF, I wouldn't pay £1250 for it.

We all have out limits!

StanleyOllie

I just dont get the bag thing. Do people notice each others bags???? My limit is about E25 haha. Now boots are a different story!!!!

Cakerbaker

I recently got my first mulberry and I doubt it'll be my last! If you want it and can afford it, why not!

Laura_A

SarahMollie wrote: »

Laura_A wrote: »

For me it would depend on the brand to be honest and how much it could be used.

Its Mulberry. There is a significant amount of leather in it. Maybe I wouldnt use it every day, but it would be timeless.

For Mulberry the answer would definitely be yes!! If you can afford it then why not treat yourself we all need a treat sometimes! And Mulberry is definitely timeless...

ChampagnePop

ChampagnePop wrote: »

300/400 euro, good leather and a good design costs money, anything else is just the label.

To date only 200e, and I use it every day and it's still going strong!

Yeah I think Radley is my limit
It's decent stuff

If you can afford it go for it sure

eviltwin

Yeah go for it. I see handbags as investment pieces, get a timeless one and it will last forever. The most I ever spent was 500 but that was twelve years ago and I'm still using it so it's paid for itself.

I was in Barcelona and saw a very nice Gucci handbag for €895. It was originally €1795. Immediately sent pic to my wife and asked did she like it. She thought it was really nice and I said I would get it. Then she asked me the price and when i told her she refused to let me buy it.
She now regrets that decision and there is no where you can get the bag anymore.
So ladies, if you see a bag you really like, Just go for it, whether it is €25 or €2500. If you can afford it of course.

PennyWren

It's beautiful. Buy it! If I could afford it I definitely would. It's a very wearable and classic style and I'm more than a little jealous because I most definitely can't afford it. But I hope you enjoy it!

Tranceypoo

Buy it....for me....please?....Seriously, if you can afford it, buy the damn bag. I hate you.

Miaireland

It depends really if you can afford to buy it outright then I would consider it. If you are putting it on a credit card, no. For me I wouldn't spend anything remotely near on that bag but then I am harsh on bags so it would be a waste for me.

dee_mc

Similar to above, I'd say if you can genuinely afford it, then buy it and look after it well - it's an investment piece in the true sense of the word, so it could get you out of a tight financial time in the future or at the very least could be sold to fund the purchase of another bag you might prefer in time to come.
My personal limit would be lower, simply because I am quite hard on bags and just use them until they die, which I couldn't really justify for that kind of money. My current bag cost €130, but I think the most I've spent was around €200, and I'd consider both a bargain considering the use I got out of them (and how much I love and enjoy them!).

ChampagnePop

StanleyOllie wrote: »

I just dont get the bag thing. Do people notice each others bags???? My limit is about E25 haha. Now boots are a different story!!!!

I need a professional looking bag for work - it needs to look smart and be durable as well as a decent size. Its hard to get all that with a budget under 25e.
I like leather bags, they cost more bit last a lot longer, sometimes it's more economical to spend a bit more on a well thoughtout purchase

StripedBoxers

My budget would be €1,000.

A good quality bag will last you years, they end up paying for themselves.

Throughout my late teens/twenties I only ever bought high street bags, lost count of how many I've gone through, now I'm at the stage where I will happily save up and when I've saved enough buy a good quality bag that I will get use from and that will last.

I know of one person who spent close to €1,000 on a bag, they needed a professional looking and durable bag for work so spent the money on it, and several years later they are still using that bag, every day and although its showing signs of wear and tear, there is still plenty of use left in it.

notsoyoungwan

OP, another enabler here. If it's a beautiful bag, you want it, you know you'll get a lot of use out of it and you can afford it, then go for it. I have three mulberry bags and they really are great, there's something timeless about them, they're good quality and they look well, they're suitable for work and leisure, I've had no regrets about buying mine.
In terms of limits, the most I've ever spent on a bag was just under 2k. That was a once off for an absolutely divine bag that I've used a huge amount since. I'd probably spend that much again for the right bag, but I wouldn't be making a habit of it!

TG1

SarahMollie wrote: »

Also, the leather was amazing. It smelled just like a tack room in a stables, which is a happy smell for me.

I'll sell you my saddle for 600 instead!

In all seriousness, personally I wouldn't spend more than about 80 on a bag, but I spend 50 every 8 weeks on shoes for my horse, and more than I spend on monthly rent keeping her which people who happily drop 600 on shoes tell me is mad so it's all about personal choices.

If bags are what make you happy buy the bag!

dudara

The Bayswater is a classic style, so you'll have it for years.

If you afford it, I'd say go for it. When I started to buy serious quality bags, I stopped buying cheaper ones that would get thrown out after a years use. High quality bags do literally last for years

purplecow1977

The most I've ever spent on a bag is about €130

I don't get the investment argument as I think it's used as a persuasive approach to make the buyer relax a bit over spending such an amount of money!

I don't wow over expensive bags, I don't appreciate them. I think many are overly priced just because of a particular brand name.

I am appalled that people will spend upward of €400 on a fashion accessory but they are free to do as they wish with their own money! It's certainly not for me.

meeeeh

It's a lovely bag.

I think most I spent is 300. It doesn't mean I won't spend more some day. The amount I am comfortable with is the amount I would be prepared to spend again next day if the bag got destroyed and I had to replace it. If I am afraid damaging it I wouldn't buy it.

Good bags do last longer but nothing will save your bag if little munchkin attacks it with a pen.

05eaftqbrs9jlh

You're better off going to a leather shop and buying a real leather bag. They'll outlast you, honestly. I've had my main bag for eight years and it's still perfect. It'll probably cost you in the region of €300 for a great one.

Spirogyra

Would you believe I think I've never spent more than e100. I don't drive, am out in the weather an awful lot and tend to wear a Nike backpack a lot,just for practical reasons....I do like bags but I battle with the elements much too often....

SarahMollie

Thanks for all the opinions ladies (and gentleman )

I think at this point, since I'm still dreaming about it, I may as well call the shop to see if its still there and would they hold it for me until after work....! Even though I don't believe in "signs" etc, I'm inclined to be philosophical about this one.

To answer some previous questions, I can actually afford it, no debt involved. I wouldn't be entertaining the notion if I had to rely on my credit card.

I also don't buy cheap bags anymore, haven't done for years actually. The only exception to this is for clutches for weddings/nights out, that are more of a fashion choice rather than needing them to be good quality.

I'm currently using a Coccinelle bag that I got in Arnotts in the sale after Xmas. It was about €250, down from €375 I think.

I don't have children so thankfully I don't have to worry about someone scribbling all over it with a pen!

SarahMollie

StanleyOllie wrote: »

I just dont get the bag thing. Do people notice each others bags???? My limit is about E25 haha. Now boots are a different story!!!!

I definitely notice other womens bags. To be gender balanced, theres a guy in my office who has some great leather briefcases, and he always has the best luggage when we travel, and I notice that equally. Obviously its easy to notice something wtih the label emblazoned all over it, but I pride myself in being able to notice the more subtle brands too.

Deleted User wrote: »

I was in Barcelona and saw a very nice Gucci handbag for €895. It was originally €1795. Immediately sent pic to my wife and asked did she like it. She thought it was really nice and I said I would get it. Then she asked me the price and when i told her she refused to let me buy it.
She now regrets that decision and there is no where you can get the bag anymore.
So ladies, if you see a bag you really like, Just go for it, whether it is €25 or €2500. If you can afford it of course.

This is my worry. If I don't buy it, I may always be thinking about it. I've wanted a Bayswater since forever and at this price is seems reasonable(ish). I've coveted Mulberry for some time now, and whats the point in being an adult if you can't buy yourself expensive things from time to time?!?!

So.... I rang the shop and they still have it, so I'm going to pop down after work! Whoop!

Now I just have to hope my OH doesn't spot it, or at least doesn't realise how much it costs! We have seperate finances and whatnot, but I don't think he'd approve :eek:

dudara

SarahMollie wrote: »

I definitely notice other womens bags. To be gender balanced, theres a guy in my office who has some great leather briefcases, and he always has the best luggage when we travel, and I notice that equally. Obviously its easy to notice something wtih the label emblazoned all over it, but I pride myself in being able to notice the more subtle brands too.

Same here, but I notice shoes also. Quality always stands out, and by quality, I don't mean label. There are some well-known labels out there that I wouldn't rate highly for quality.

A well-made bag or pair of shoes, that are well taken care of, will always catch my eye. Scuffed bags or shoes, also catch my eye too, but for the wrong reasons

SarahMollie

dudara wrote: »

Same here, but I notice shoes also. Quality always stands out, and by quality, I don't mean label. There are some well-known labels out there that I wouldn't rate highly for quality.

This is very true. I think it would gall me more to spend €250 on a bag thats essentially no better than highstreet quality but just has a licensing agreement with a known label, than to spend double that on something that will really stand the test of time.

There are definitely some labels that I wouldn't rate at all.

dudara

dudara wrote: »

The Bayswater is a classic style, so you'll have it for years.

If you afford it, I'd say go for it. When I started to buy serious quality bags, I stopped buying cheaper ones that would get thrown out after a years use. High quality bags do literally last for years

What would be serious quality now?
Brands and prices? I would like ideas, I'm very harsh on my bags

dee_mc

bluewolf wrote: »

What would be serious quality now?
Brands and prices? I would like ideas, I'm very harsh on my bags

I'm sure dudara will be back to answer your query but I just wanted to recommend Yoshi bags as very hardwearing, high quality leather bags. Mine has been through the wars and still looks perfect. http://www.yoshi.co.uk/

meeeeh

I think Mandarina Duck is actually very good durable bag. We have some bags and travel bags from md and they handle general use well and traveling way better than Samsonite (one of their more expensive lines).
http://www.mandarinaduck.com/irl/en-gb

dudara

The best high-end brand I've owned has been Vivienne Westwood. I have two leather bags that are both wearing extremely well. They're made in Italy, so I wonder if that's part of the reason why they're so good. In my experience Italian and Spanish leather goods are usually very well made.

A lot of the time though, I don't really look at the label. It's more about looking into the bag, checking the leather rough edges, checking the quality of the stitching, looking at the finish on the leather etc. That's how I make my judgement on the quality.

SarahMollie

Well Boardsies, just a quick update - I went and bought it last night after work

Its very beautiful I must say. Comes with aftercare etc so I feel confident in my purchase. Also, the Mulberry packaging is beautiful as you'd expect.

Its currently still in its bag in my spare room though as I didn't want to give my OH a heart attack! We're about to go off on holidays for a few days so I'll gradually introduce it once we're back and hope that he won't ask too many questions!

gctest50

dudara wrote: »

.........
A lot of the time though, I don't really look at the label. It's more about looking into the bag, checking the leather rough edges, checking the quality of the stitching, looking at the finish on the leather etc. That's how I make my judgement on the quality.

Give them a break though, they're only 5 or something

Scraggs

SarahMollie wrote: »

Well Boardsies, just a quick update - I went and bought it last night after work

Its very beautiful I must say. Comes with aftercare etc so I feel confident in my purchase. Also, the Mulberry packaging is beautiful as you'd expect.

Its currently still in its bag in my spare room though as I didn't want to give my OH a heart attack! We're about to go off on holidays for a few days so I'll gradually introduce it once we're back and hope that he won't ask too many questions!

Well wear! Not only are the bags fab but their customer service is excellent if you ever have any issues with purchases. I'm addicted... currently waiting on payday to add an oxblood croc Lily to my collection

Bored_lad

Op I know you've bought it and I think you made the right choice. I'm a guy so I don't buy handbags but this is a bag that's going to last you for years to come. These luxury goods also keep their value so you if you do change your mind in the future you can always sell it a recoup a lot of the purchase price. Also I think good quality luggage which handbags and handbags would be in this category for me are well worth spending money on as people do notice that sort of stuff. I know I've spent far more on luggage and wallets than your bag as well if it makes you feel better.

ChampagnePop

SarahMollie wrote: »

Well Boardsies, just a quick update - I went and bought it last night after work

Its very beautiful I must say. Comes with aftercare etc so I feel confident in my purchase. Also, the Mulberry packaging is beautiful as you'd expect.

Its currently still in its bag in my spare room though as I didn't want to give my OH a heart attack! We're about to go off on holidays for a few days so I'll gradually introduce it once we're back and hope that he won't ask too many questions!

I don't think I could buy a handbag if I had to hide it from my OH, it would spoil it for me

SarahS2013

It's an "investment".....that's what I tell myself anyway!
Your future daughter will thank you!

notsoyoungwan

Ah ,SarahMollie, you're a bad influence. I liked the sound of the bag you described so popped into Kildare village this morning and treated myself! It's such a gorgeous bag! Thank you

SarahMollie

ChampagnePop wrote: »

I don't think I could buy a handbag if I had to hide it from my OH, it would spoil it for me

TBF, it won't be hidden for long. Its still all wrapped up and I need to remove some excess packaging and pack away the dust bag etc. Once its in use he'll see it, although I'm confident he won't know what it is.

I was going through the airport the other day and bought a lipstick in MAC and a cleaner in Clinique, which came to about €40. He was like "Jaysus, being a woman is so expensive!"......little does he know.

SarahMollie

notsoyoungwan wrote: »

Ah ,SarahMollie, you're a bad influence. I liked the sound of the bag you described so popped into Kildare village this morning and treated myself! It's such a gorgeous bag! Thank you

Oh goodness, I'm a terrible influence! I'm happy with my purchase, hope you are too!