Handbags

[Otterly]

(If we have a handbag thread then point me to it, I did search…)
My handbag is on its last legs and I’d like a new one (it got petrol splashed on it a while back and I’ve never managed to get it clean and it’s just been used to death.)
I can’t find one I like and the ones I do like are crazy expensive. So help, please
Must be;
Able to be put cross body (not necessarily cross body style, just a long strap.)
Not insanely expensive
Leather
Plenty of pockets and preferred zip closure for main area
Not huge or small - current one is about 25cm widest and that’s fine.
Easy to get into. All the nice buckles and stuff look cute but if you have to lock pick it and flip stuff to get your keys out this is annoying.
Cavernous for size. Needs to hold a purse, keys, book, that sort of stuff.
Will not get me mugged (ie nothing that screams designer.)
Prefer boring but classic satchel/English type stuff
Must of course be available this side of the pond.
Ta.

 

[Fatal Shooting]

What do you consider insanely expensive? That could be £200 to one person and £2000 to another.

If you’re looking for something understated I’d check out Etsy and filter by shipping from the UK. There a lot of small time leather workers on there selling bags that are the same or better quality than what you’d get from a brand name. I have two bags I bought from Etsy sellers and both are extremely well made.

 

[Otterly]

What do you consider insanely expensive? That could be £200 to one person and £2000 to another.

I’m a pauper, and I’m not able to spend two grand on a bag. I’d begrudgingly spend 200 if it was really nice but I’d rather spend less. I keep clicking on thumbnails thinking oh that’s nice and simple and it’s like some ten grand item, which is amusing for a while but gets old fast. I know bags are something people really get into and if people have the money and enjoy it I’m not judging, but my budget isn’t large.
Would you share the Etsy seller names? I hadn’t thought about there

 

[Hum Humina]

I’m a pauper, and I’m not able to spend two grand on a bag. I’d begrudgingly spend 200 if it was really nice but I’d rather spend less. I keep clicking on thumbnails thinking oh that’s nice and simple and it’s like some ten grand item, which is amusing for a while but gets old fast. I know bags are something people really get into and if people have the money and enjoy it I’m not judging, but my budget isn’t large.

I feed my minor handbag habit mostly through lightly used bags from eBay and Vestiaire Collective. If all you're looking for is a solidly built bag made of actual leather, eBay's a good option for that. Just make sure you get the measurements from the seller.

 

[Eventide]

I feed my minor handbag habit mostly through lightly used bags from eBay and Vestiaire Collective. If all you're looking for is a solidly built bag made of actual leather, eBay's a good option for that. Just make sure you get the measurements from the seller.

Also, thrifting.

I've purchased quite a few genuine designer leather bags for cheap just by thrifting. I've found quite a few old (like, early 90's) Coach bags, from back when they were made of solid leather/handcrafted in the USA.

 

[Hum Humina]

I've found quite a few old (like, early 90's) Coach bags, from back when they were made of solid leather/handcrafted in the USA.

It's harder than it used to be at the big chains, but I can confirm: thrift/charity shops can be awesome, and I've also stumbled across vintage Coach bags for cheap that way.

 

[Kung Pow Cream]

Also, thrifting.

I've purchased quite a few genuine designer leather bags for cheap just by thrifting. I've found quite a few old (like, early 90's) Coach bags, from back when they were made of solid leather/handcrafted in the USA.

The best way to get good stuff at thrift stores like goodwill or the salvation army is to go to the areas where the rich people live. They give away the best shit all the time.

 

[Otterly]

Also, thrifting.

I've purchased quite a few genuine designer leather bags for cheap just by thrifting. I've found quite a few old (like, early 90's) Coach bags, from back when they were made of solid leather/handcrafted in the USA.

I’ve had success in the past in our local charity shops but recently they are not great.
I think for what I’m wanting anything second hand would be too much used. So for this I think I’d prefer new. I’ll keep looking

 

[pork and beans]

I thrifted a mint condition (seriously, it still had the wrapper over the zippers and metallic parts) chunky purse. it looks like a ripoff of Georgia Gina Lucy bags or something else but I’m not bothered.
Either way I’m totally in love, and it was very cheap.

The pockets are so functional and it can fit a lot of things despite not being very bit; it’s narrower than the width of a notebook. It fits my reflex camera and everything.

I bring it everywhere with me. (This is the purse but picture is not mine, searched online)

I’ve always been a backpack chick but bags are honestly so much more convenient in day to day life.

 

[Valstrax]

I never really use handbags when I go out, mostly because I don't have a car and you can't stuff a whole baguette into a handbag now can you?

 

[pork and beans]

I never really use handbags when I go out, mostly because I don't have a car and you can't stuff a whole baguette into a handbag now can you?

Well, as long as you don’t mind one end sticking out…

 

[Otterly]

Since I made this post my instagram feed has been full of Hermes bags and I initially thought ‘oh they look ok ish kind of sturdy’ and I have been bewildered to read that you can’t actually go and buy one. You have to get in their good books by buying other things and then maybe they will put you on a wish list and maybe you get offered a bag - any old bag not the bag you want. But you can’t just go and order or buy a bag. It’s like the snooty sales assistants in Pretty Woman on TurboMethSteroids
And then the boss of Hermes is complaining there’s a resale market.
I feel like I’ve stepped I to some sort of other clown world dimension. Is this true? Do they really make people play those games?
Fun rabbit hole anyway.
I should add that after thinking oh they look nice I checked the price and lol. Nope

 

[Hum Humina]

I feel like I’ve stepped I to some sort of other clown world dimension. Is this true? Do they really make people play those games?

They really do make people play those games. The world of high-end handbags is absolutely clown world. I had about six months where I was fascinated by it for no good reason after the last time I went online handbag shopping.

 

[Dubya's Cat]

Georgia Gina Lucy bags

You mentioned them... I remember that GG&L got pretty expensive from what I know since American zoomers discovered it. Anything in this vein goes for good money too. Zoomies now are eating up these really mid 00s bags with shitton of buckles. I wonder when and how much more of mid to late 00s tackniess will be revived now.

GG&L isn't my cup of tea exactly, I prefer more minimalistic designs but I appreciate some of their models. I wish Coach bags were more common in Europe as any decent one secondhand will cost as much as some Euro designer vintage bags. I really want a vintage Ergo.

 

[pork and beans]

Zoomies now are eating up these really mid 00s bags with shitton of buckles

Guiltyyyyy!
I think it's cause it's a relatively cheap way to make a bag look visually and texturally interesting

GG&L isn't my cup of tea exactly, I prefer more minimalistic designs but I appreciate some of their models.

Same, really depends on the bag. Ive found some to be quite ugly and others to be very appealing. Either way, having so many pockets is very utilitarian at the end of the day, which I can commend.

 

[Ventrue]

This is my bag or what looks pretty close to it. Its a hand me down from my grandmother. She gave it to me when I told her I like vintage fashion.


I looked on etsy to see if I saw anything similar.
Link to the bag.

Spoiler: Etsy bag

Is this maybe what you are looking for?

 

[Otterly]

Is this maybe what you are looking for?

That sort of size and shape. Maybe a zip pocket or two on the outside as well

 

[Imp]

I've been carrying Jack Georges purses for a number of years now. www.jackgeorges.com



I have the one above in black and the uptown hobo below in brown



Nice, thick and hard wearing leather. Both can be worn as shoulder bags or cross body. I bought mine at Costco (first one) and the second one through Costco Next. I don't know if Costco Next is a thing outside of the US. Prices are about $80-100 cheaper on Costco Next.

 

[Otterly]

Both can be worn as shoulder bags or cross body.

Seems to be a North American thing, it’s nice though - that kind of practical but nice looking is what I’m after

 

[Imp]

Here's what they say about international orders:

Shipping Outside of the United States:

Shipments going outside of the United States are sent via U.S. Postal Service, and typically arrives in 7-21 business days, depending on the final destination and the speed in which your local customs office processes the package. Once the package arrives in your destination country, the package will be handled by the local designated carrier (for example, in the UK, they are handled by 'Parcel Force'.) Please keep in mind that rules and regulations in each country are different. You may be responsible for customs duties and taxes when your order arrives at your local customs office. Please note, we request that you do not order lotion for international shipping as it will likely not be accepted by shipping/customs at its final destination.

Current shipping rates to destinations outside the United States are based on the final destination.

I bet you would pay double at least. I bought a bra on Amazon a few weeks ago and it shipped from the UK. On a $42 bra I paid duty of $39 (for a £42 noted price) and an extra $27 for the pleasure of UPS billing me. There was no indication that I was going to be hit with those fees either. I was disgusted but felt that I had no option but to pay. Maybe I could have refused the package, but it's too late for that now.