Perfect Handbag?

Pumpkin_rrr on 11/03/2014 - 11:31

It seems all my life I have been searching for a perfect handbag. Wonder whether there are savvy ladies here in OB that can shed some light as to what their perfect handbag is. Gentlemen's comments are welcome too, if you are conversant with the subject. I promised my husband that I will stop searching once I found the perfect one:-)

This time my budget is $300-$500 (Yea a bit high I know, but no one else will give me a Thank-You present like that and I really need a pat on my back now). The features I would like to have are:
-durable
-light weight
-interiorlight colour
-compartments - just enough, not too much
-material- leather or anything decent, I am open with this.
-size medium

Eagerly awaiting your sharing….

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Comments

  • c64 on 11/03/2014 - 12:14
    +2

    It seems all my life I have been searching for a perfect handbag.

    it's called a wallet :)

    • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2014 - 22:34

      Can it hold a kitchen sink?

  • Glittergirl on 11/03/2014 - 12:16
    +1

    You haven't mentioned a style - cross-body, long/short strap/s etc. I have a number of cross-body fossil brand handbags in leather, and also in durable cotton like fabric. They seem to have a lot of what you are after and there are generally quite a few styles to chose from. They are sold in Myer and DJs, and in their own stores although my purchases have often been when they have been on sale in Myer ('Super Saturday' sales etc). Ehem, I have also gotten three purses/wallets and a key case from Fossil so I may be a bit biased. You can join their e-mail list, but they don't often have sales - maybe twice a year.

    http://www.fossil.com.au/en_GB/shop/women/handbag_silhouette…

    I agree it is difficult to find the perfect handbag - good luck!

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 11/03/2014 - 19:44
      +1

      Thanx Glitter Girl.
      Incidentally, I just bought a new Fossil watch! Will look at this brand more closely.
      I am open to any style, as long as it is not clutch.
      Looks like you are happy with them, nice to know, and you are lucky that you have found "The One".

  • goosegog on 11/03/2014 - 15:08
    +1

    Bought an absolute beauty in Bali - it's Python skin ( sorry to all of you who don't agree with having animal/reptile products but sure you all wear leather be it as a jacket or your shoes ) This handbag cost the equivalent of $100.00. Most I have ever paid for a handbag ever - but is stunning. Just think - you could pop over there ,get a great holiday & your dream bag for little more than you are prepared to spend to buy one here in Aus.

    • pebee47 on 11/03/2014 - 17:02

      I dare say the python(s) used are all farmed, so what's the diff with that and cow or camel skin?

      • kwaker on 12/03/2014 - 09:12

        The cows are killed for food not purely handbags. But your right no difference, killing is killing, its all cruel, worse in places where the animal is skinned alive and you blindly support it.

        I think snake skin or crocodile skin fashion looks ugly and outdated anyway. If you want one go to your local opshop

        I don't think you will ever find a perfect enough bag to stop your addiction.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2014 - 19:19
          +2

          I skin all my animals alive, it makes it much easier.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 11/03/2014 - 19:45

      Thanx for the idea. Not going to Bali in the near future.

    • Cluster on 13/03/2014 - 16:49
      +1

      Did you declare the bag to Customs on the way back, and if so, did they make any comments? Depending on source the python may be on the CITES list of restricted products. Customs also require all animal products to be declared.

      http://www.platinumfreight.com.au/2014/01/snakes-on-a-plane/

  • pebee47 on 11/03/2014 - 16:59

    …and I thought the perfect handbag was a SNAG

  • Apothecary on 11/03/2014 - 17:00
    +10

    There's no such thing as the perfect handbag, that's why I have so many!

  • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2014 - 17:14
    +3

    Perfect handbag? For all occasions? I have a separate one for going out/parties, my shopping, long days out (girly backpack), and a few other casual ones which I don't mind getting damaged.

    What do you intend to use this "perfect bag" for primarily? Different occasions call for different bags.

    Browse ASOS for some ideas, they also keep bags in different categories for easy browsing. You don't have to buy any… just enjoy windowshopping through their bags and see what appeals to you (with your listed criteria). It's a matter of personal taste, so I don't know if anyone can really help you pick the right one that suits your needs and aesthetic preferences.

    Good luck :)

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 11/03/2014 - 19:49
      +1

      Sorry I should have mentioned that I am after a all-rounder day-to-day bag. Not a clutch or backpack or fancy stuff.
      My hope is someone will tell me their perfect handbag, the brand/model and I can just go get them :-)
      This research and shopping and browsing game takes up a lot of energy and time, and the answer would not be as good as the answers that I might get from OB :-). Live in hope.

  • kimmylala on 11/03/2014 - 20:27
    +1

    When coach goes on sale, prices are around that much =) the leather they use for coach is durable and designs are nice

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 12/03/2014 - 22:08

      Yes, was looking at them before.
      How do you get the sales?

      • kimmylala on 12/03/2014 - 23:01

        I'm in Melbourne, so I'll apologize in advance if your not in Melbourne. Generally the coach store at David Jones Melbourne cbd always have a sale during the "sale" season. Or Dfo Essendon has just opened a coach store.
        And if you know anyone who's is going to the States, the prices are much lower there.

        • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2014 - 14:47

          I'm going to US in a month's time!
          Will certainly have a very good look.
          Thanx Kim.

        • kimmylala on 13/03/2014 - 18:47
          +1

          Don't buy a bag here! Coach is $200-$300 in the states =) lucky u

        • revo on 14/03/2014 - 17:14

          If you're going New York, Go to the Woodbury Premium Common Outlets. Prices of Coach bags there are about $100-200.

  • tonester on 11/03/2014 - 20:32
    +1

    Handbag ‘wonder from Down Under’, Aimee Kestenberg becomes a force in the cutthroat New York fashion world
    http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/handbag-wonder-from-down-un…

  • Shoppingisfun on 11/03/2014 - 21:22
    +1

    Nicola Cerini has some gorgeous bags…heaps of different styles, fantastic quality and an Australian brand.
    I have had several of her bags and they are very hard wearing while still looking lovely.
    http://www.nicolacerini.com/bags
    Good luck!

  • saine on 11/03/2014 - 22:12

    http://www.theoutnet.com/Shop/Bags has some heavily discounted designers, including Alexander McQueen.

  • sm10 on 11/03/2014 - 22:39
    +1

    I agree Fossil has some nice bags, as does Sportscraft, I recently bought a version of this (the leather on the pockets is plain on mine) comes with a long strap too and various colours. They also have sales quite often.

    http://www.sportscraft.com.au/Blaire-Shoulder-Bag/9344961419…

    Country Road and those types of stores have good quality bags too

    http://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/woman/accessories/handbag…
    http://www.witchery.com.au/shop/her/accessories/bags#catpage…

    I'm not a fan of Oroton but they do often have their 70% off sales

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 12/03/2014 - 22:19

      I think generally Fossil and Oroton are quite heavy. All those mentioned are good brands.
      Any idea which store has the biggest collection?

      • sm10 on 12/03/2014 - 22:46

        I would probably just head to Myer/DJ's and just look there. You will get to see all the brands I mentioned as well as most, if not all, of the other suggestions and try them on to see which one you think would suit you best.

        Look in the handbag section as well as walk through the clothing section as the Country Road/Witchery type bags are generally with the clothes.

        Someone else mentioned Longchamp, I have 3 and absolutely love them, only problem is lack of pockets (so it's just a big sack with a tiny pocket that only fits my Myki) and it's Nylon which I know will start to wear out on the corners.

        Good luck, hope you find the bag you love!

        • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2014 - 14:48

          Not too worry about lack of pockets, in fact sometimes too many can cause a problem too.
          These days I have a fe small pouches that store little stuff.
          Good for change of handbags :-)

  • redlover on 12/03/2014 - 10:52
    +2

    Coach is great but the material is abit heavy.
    They are durable and lots of great design.
    I would go with oroton if they are on sale.
    but if you looking for something light, durable and for casual everyday bag I will vote Longchamp all the way.
    I have one longchamp in medium size and I love this bag so much. I can put anything in the bag. The material is vry light so it wont add the weigh!!

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 12/03/2014 - 22:20

      Yes Long Champ should be nice.
      I bought a Marc Jacobs overseas years ago, the size of LongChamp.
      Still love it but it's aged and now I need a new bag!
      Will keep LongChamp on my list. Thanx.

      • kimmylala on 12/03/2014 - 23:06
        +1

        Costco sells long champs totes and I think they are about $150 =) I agree with coach being a bit heavy. If u are willing to blow big bucks or have a generous boyfriend, I recommend Louis vuitton and burberry =) the leather is very light and durable. I really have an addiction to bags ><

  • jade on 12/03/2014 - 14:45

    My absolute favourite handbag is the le sport sac classic hobo, which I purchased from Myer. It's lightweight, machine washable and made of durable nylon. I use it as an every day hand bag. It comes with a zipped pouch of the same material and pattern. There are lots of zipped compartments to keep the contents secure. The strap is adjustable, so that I can use it as a cross body bag when I travel and also as a shoulder bag when I go shopping locally. The le sport sac range comes in a variety of colours, patterns, material and sizes.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2014 - 14:49

      It's probably too young for me. Will keep that in mind. Thanx for sharing.

  • lplau on 13/03/2014 - 11:27
    +1

    Maybe convince your husband to let you spend alittle more… maybe extend the budget to sub $1000?
    Buy a LV, Chanel or Burberry bag.

    The ones my wife uses are quite light and extremely durable.

    Try to stay away from the fancy styles as they often go out of fashion quickly 1-2yrs, buy a traditional style, which you can use and will be in fashion for the next 5-10yrs.

    Just tell him after you get this one…. it means you buy no bags for the next 10 yrs…. therefore saving on your yearly/monthly buying of atleast 1 cheapo bag e.g. $200-300 bag.
    I'm sure he can do the maths of…. $300 per year… 10 yrs means $3000 savings!

    She finds Oroton bags alittle heavy and not as durable as before. Since oroton changed all their factories to China and no longer makes their bags in Australia. Their zips seems to break easily.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2014 - 14:51

      Frankly, I did look at LV here some months back.
      Just cant bring myself to pay that amount of money.
      Unless I can be sure I will need no more handbags.

      Agree with you on Oroton.

    • kimmylala on 13/03/2014 - 22:39
      +2

      That's how I justified myself, when I first brought a Louis vuitton bag =P then I started wanting burberry, Prada ><

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 14/03/2014 - 10:21

        Is LV cheaper in US than Oz? Or more variety?

        • kimmylala on 14/03/2014 - 14:41

          Unfortunately it's not, with our currency rate compared to the U.S it's actually more expensive there. I've been told it's cheaper in France though

  • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2014 - 13:15
    +1

    Look no further:
    http://www.braunbuffel.com.au/

    Although I appreciate handbags are down to taste, Braun Buffel have a selection that is constantly rotated, and the quality of product is unmatched.

    No I am not linked to them in anyway.. just happy endorse high quality in a 'race to the bottom' world.

    They are also far more subtle than the gaudy usual suspects.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2014 - 14:51

      Made in Germany! How different.
      Must check them out one day.
      Thanx Shopper (love your name too)

    • Glittergirl on 13/03/2014 - 22:54

      Uh oh - they look great. Luckily I don't live in Melbourne…. though I think I will check the store out when I'm next there later this year. Thanks for the share.

  • NaughtyBoy on 13/03/2014 - 16:32

    What ??? you aren't dating men who pay everything for you, hence you never needing a handbag ever again ???

    • Cluster on 13/03/2014 - 16:51

      I don't think the man is required to bring a pair of thongs for the lady when her fashion high heels inevitably become so uncomfortable she can barely walk in them (usually around midnight). That's what the handbag is for.

  • tonester on 14/03/2014 - 10:18

    also forget to mention http://www.huntleather.com.au which i always visit in-store for anything leather :)
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/113705#comment-1554961

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 14/03/2014 - 10:23

      Another brand new to me.
      Thanx Tonester.

  • greenplastix on 14/03/2014 - 13:20

    Try Karen Millen

    Nothing on sale though, if you can wait.
    http://www.karenmillen.com.au/accessories_bags/dept/fcp-cate…

  • ZippyRoo on 15/03/2014 - 00:15

    Agree that there is no such thing as a perfect handbag unless it can change colour and shape any time I want it to. This is going to be a really long post.

    First, I'd like to recommend the Le Pliages range from Longchamp. I second Hunt Leather, it probably stocks the biggest Le Pliages range in Melbourne, plus they have other bags/brands in leather too. The pro with Le Pliages is that it is really, really, really super light. The con is because it is made of fabric and because of the way it is shaped, the corners will break easily. It doesn't affect you using the bag, but it annoys me seeing the small holes there. These are extremely cheap in Europe, so if you have anyone visiting there, beg them to get you some. Apparently every lady in France has one. Don't buy them, or be really careful when you buy them off eBay. There is also another one called Planetes from Longchamp, it's quite similar but I think the material is more durable.

    I second Fossil as well. It's got good quality leather, and also canvas bags, and within your price range. They have really good after care as well. I had a bag which was more than 2 years old, and the stitching at one area was coming off. Couldn't even find the receipt any more, but I took it to the Chadstone store, they fixed it for me for free, and the tailor even looked through the entire bag and found another area which was coming apart and sewed that back together too.

    Coach makes really cute bags but their after care is horrible. I had one for about 6 months and the stitching on the lining was coming apart, so I took it to them and asked if they could fix it as it is still within a year. They first told me that they won't be fixing it as they don't provide a service like that, but when I argued that it shouldn't break in such a short time, they said they'll fix it for a fee and that this is the standard practice they have worldwide no matter how long you've had the bag for.

    Furla is also a really good brand. Had a bag for almost 10 years now, in white too, but it's still going strong. They closed their store in Melbourne a few years ago, so the only option now is to go to Canberra or buy online. You can look at bluefly.com, they have some good discounts sometimes.

    Braun Buffel, Oroton and the like are all good quality leather bags, but all have the same problem, they're all too heavy! Especially if the bag has too many unnecessary metal ornaments on it. By the way, Braun Buffel is not made in Germany, I think they're made in China, but the brand originated from Germany I think. I agree that the quality is immaculate, the leather is really thick, but soft to the touch and durable, but it does add to the weight of the bag itself.

    You could also consider Kate Spade as well.

    Try find an excuse of a special occasion or something and get your hubby to get you a Mulberry bag. Anything in the Mulberry brand is beautiful. Will be a bit out of the price range but still a lot cheaper than Gucci and LV.

    Sorry I couldn't give you a specific model to go for, but it's a better idea IMHO to rotate your bags, and give them some time to "breathe" and "stretch" back, this will definitely help them last a lot longer and give you many years of enjoyment.

    Happy bag hunting. Do tell us what you eventually settle on.

    • zeomega on 15/03/2014 - 01:18

      Braun Bruffel is still made in germany

      check out Bree as well.

    • rd1985 on 15/03/2014 - 22:16

      I have a bag from Aussie brand Jigsaw. It's a leather cross body bag. I like it because it's small but has a good structure with 3 compartments and more pockets inside. I can put just enough things in there for everyday/essential needs. It looks formal enough to go with my formal office wear, but also fits well with my weekend smart casuals.

      I got it at a discount at $100. Unfortunately the style is several seasons ago but I would suggest keeping an eye out on their website jigsaw clothing.com.au.

      Hope that helps.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/03/2014 - 01:21

    Not sure where you live but you can try Bally factory outlet. I drove past the one in Sydney a few weeks ago (I believe there's one in Mel too) and went in to have a look, wasn't meant to buy anything but ended up buying a pair of shoes and a belt. I think they were 50% off or more and the salesperson said if I bought two items I'd get extra 20% off! They have all kinds of leathergoods (handbags, shoes, wallets, etc) and their stuff is mainly made in Switzerland or Italy.

  • juventino on 16/03/2014 - 01:18
    +1

    if you are looking for quality instead of brand's name, then go get yourself a bag from 'Saddlebag Leather' company. The website is wwww.saddlebackleather.com

    They have limited range of women's bag and might not look as fashionable. But all of their bags are made of full grain leather and has a warranty of 100 years. YES YOU HEARD ME RIGHT !!! 100 YEARS !!! Which other bag companies offer this ? None that I can think of.

    The CEO is so confident of his bags' quality, he even posted a Youtube video to teach others how to knock off his bags :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a11wlngpuSY.

    But of course you can get Le Pliage from Longchamp, cheap as chips, made of nylon, and replace it every few months coz the corner is forming holes.

  • tonester on 17/03/2014 - 10:36

    just remembered that tumi is another good brand perhaps worth considering - http://www.graysoutlet.com.au/tumi-store only has a few atm but previously had many more

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