Please recommend an investment type handbag

[arivecchi]

I am looking for a nice durable handbag that I can use for a long time. It needs to be large as I will use it daily to go to work and to commute by train. I will likely carry in it: my wallet, lunch (sistema cube), work papers, ipad, keys, cell phone. I need something neutral that goes with tons of outfits. Most of my coats and jackets are brown and cream but I do have a black leather jacket, black trench and a black spring/fall quilted jacket. I would also like to use it in the summer (so no coat/jacket).

Any ideas?

Currently considering this one:

http://www.zappos.com/dooney-bourke-florentine-large-pocket-shopper-chestnut-self-trim

[arivecchi]

I like this one too: http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Frye-Handbags-Vintage-Leather-Stud-Tote-Bag/6542849/product.html?cid=123620

[boolady]

I'm still obsessed with this one, not sure if it's big enough or not.

http://www.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=57723

You could always use the 30% off code from the shoe thread on the ColeHaan website (CHFF30):

http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=462611&productGroup=396618

http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=428716&productGroup=396602

[sntm]

IMO, the best investment purse if you want *one* to wear it with everything is to get a color rather than a neutral. Brown bags with black outfits and vice versa look off, unless it is deliberate (with a mix of neutral colors.)

Red is classic neutral, though red leather can fade with lots of sun exposure (I've never had a problem with bags, but it's a known risk with furniture.) A plum color would be darker if red feels too much, and will go well with any neutral clothing and most colors.

I do use a large Kate Spade black bag as my most common everyday bag, but I usually switch it out to others with certain outfits.

[TwinFoxes]

OP, I like this one, which is similar to the Cole Haan you linked to (same collection) but has the cross body strap in addition to the two handles. I think having a cross body strap will come in handy if you're commuting. You can wear it across your body on the train, hold a newspaper (or InStyle ;) ) with one hand, and hang on to the pole with the other.

http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=428716&productGroup=396602

[arivecchi]

Thanks for the recs! Some great options there!

I disagree that a colored bag is more versatile. I have red, blue, pink, white and yellow purses and they just sit there.

The ones that get the most use are my black, brown and tan ones.

[arivecchi]

I'm still obsessed with this one, not sure if it's big enough or not.

http://www.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=57723


This one is so pretty, but probably not big enough. I also love the Cole Haan ones suggested but I am not sure that they are big enough either. I have this bag:

http://i.pgcdn.com/pi/90/52/68/905268552_260.jpg

and it is not large enough for an ipad, plus lunch, wallet, sunglasses, etc.

[mom2224]

Check out Roots. I have several and have been impressed with the quality. Here are few I picked out for you:

http://usa.roots.com/GraceBagNorwegianLeather/Women%27sLeatherShoulderBags//18011298,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherShoulderBags&selectedcolor=2200

http://usa.roots.com/TheLondonerPrinceLeather/WomensLargeLeatherBags//18011113,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherShoulderBags&selectedcolor=0100

http://usa.roots.com/LaurenBagPrinceLeather/WomensLargeLeatherBags//18011105,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherShoulderBags&selectedcolor=2600

http://usa.roots.com/LongbeachToteVintageTribeLeather/Women%27sShoulderBags//18011287,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherShoulderBags&selectedcolor=2400

You can easily search keywords (Grace, Londoner, Lauren, Longbeach) for different colors and leather types.

ETA: 25% off sitewide starts tomorrow. :)

[wallawala]

As long as we're shopping with YOUR credit card I'd go for this one from Burberry:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/burberry-belted-lambskin-leather-hobo/3261354?origin=related-3261354-60140355-0-2

But this one my Marc by Marc Jacobs is also classic, great structure and comes in big and bigger. Colors rotate by season, but "faded aluminum" is my current fave:
big:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-classic-q-fran-small-shopper/3295854?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=277

bigger:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-classic-q-francesca-leather-shopper/3114868?origin=related-3114868-0-0-2

The "big" version (Fran) is labled as small, but is really pretty large. Leather is supple but really takes a beating. It has just the right... "slouch" empty or full. :love5:

[crl]

Not a personal recommendation, but have heard good things about fossil.

http://www.ebags.com/product/fossil/vintage-re-issue-weekender/222022?productid=10162193

Catherine

[ourbabygirl]

Would white or cream/ ivory work o.k. with both black and brown outfits (and I guess navy, too)?

I would just want to make sure that whatever one you get wouldn't be too heavy (at least if it's leather). I would imagine that would get taxing by the end of the day, with heavy leather, straps, and all the stuff you need to put inside it :).

It's fun looking through everyone's suggestions... hope you find something great and write back to tell us about it! :loveeyes:

[nrp]

I've been wanting this Michael Kors bag for awhile:

http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod7600001&parentId=cat3003&masterId=cat8501&index=19&cmCat=cat000000cat8501cat3003&isEditorial=false

It comes in a ton of colors. Very Birkin-like.

[Kindra178]

As long as we're shopping with YOUR credit card I'd go for this one from Burberry:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/burberry-belted-lambskin-leather-hobo/3261354?origin=related-3261354-60140355-0-2

But this one my Marc by Marc Jacobs is also classic, great structure and comes in big and bigger. Colors rotate by season, but "faded aluminum" is my current fave:
big:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-classic-q-fran-small-shopper/3295854?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=277

bigger:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-classic-q-francesca-leather-shopper/3114868?origin=related-3114868-0-0-2

The "big" version (Fran) is labled as small, but is really pretty large. Leather is supple but really takes a beating. It has just the right... "slouch" empty or full. :love5:

Great bags. I worry though that the straps are not big enough to account for a huge winter puffy coat! There is nothing worse than walking to the train and having your heavy bag fall off your shoulder because the strap works well in the summer but not in the winter.

[TxCat]

That first bag that you posted is gorgeous!

[boolady]

I've been wanting this Michael Kors bag for awhile:

http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod7600001&parentId=cat3003&masterId=cat8501&index=19&cmCat=cat000000cat8501cat3003&isEditorial=false

It comes in a ton of colors. Very Birkin-like.

I like the shape of this a lot. It does remind me of a Birkin.

[arivecchi]

Thanks all! I looked at all the suggestions (now I want several bags!) but ended up ordering the Dooney & Burke large shopper because it seems the biggest and I will need to carry a lot of stuff once I start my new commute. Hopefully I love it and don't have to think about this anymore!

[boolady]

Thanks all! I looked at all the suggestions (now I want several bags!) but ended up ordering the Dooney & Burke large shopper because it seems the biggest and I will need to carry a lot of stuff once I start my new commute. Hopefully I love it and don't have to think about this anymore!

I don't think you can go wrong with the one you chose.

[arivecchi]

Here's the bag! Me likey!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fDEpmZvKW3I/T5H2D06VC9I/AAAAAAAADSI/8DXoDJ0beoQ/s512/2012-04-20_18-43-40_570.jpg

[cuca_]

Beautiful Bag!

[kozachka]

Very nice bag. I also like D&B Florentine satchel (http://www.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=51931) but have really no excuse to buy another purse. My dream investment bag is BV Roma (http://www.fashionfuss.com/bottega-veneta-roma-intrecciato-leather-bag/).

[marylovesbennyhill]

I would go with a large LV monogram tote...classic, neutral, French...

[arivecchi]

My dream investment bag is BV Roma (http://www.fashionfuss.com/bottega-veneta-roma-intrecciato-leather-bag/).Ohhhh, I love that!

[nupe]

Nice choice! Your bag looks great!

I've admired this bag
http://www.mulberry.com/store/products/bayswater%5Ftote/natural%5Fleather/oak/HH8310_342G110/5483

[kozachka]

I've admired this bag
http://www.mulberry.com/store/products/bayswater%5Ftote/natural%5Fleather/oak/HH8310_342G110/5483

Nice pick! I am partial to Bayswater (http://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c5482/11/moreviews/), which is kind of the same shape as BV Roma if you think about it.

Mulberry has two large sales per year, one in June-July and the other one around Christmas. Discounts range from 30% to 50% off. You'd have better luck if you are willing to go with a seasonal color. Mulberry also has outlets in Europe (not sure about US) where prices are usually 30% off retail. Plus there are reputable resellers. Just saying...

[kozachka]

Ohhhh, I love that!

RueLaLa just had a BV sale, it ended yesterday. I don't remember if they had Roma or not since I am not in the market for an investment-grade purse, but there were plenty of purses that I drooled over. They have those every few months and prices are a little bit under retail but then you don't have to pay tax. Bluefly also carries authentic BV (http://www.bluefly.com/Bottega-Veneta-Handbags/_/N-1z13zo7Zfrg/list.fly) and there are two outlets in the States, one in Woodbury and the other in Cabazon, and they have additional sales e.g. for Easter. I think they ship within US and charge no tax if you are out of state. NM and Saks have some on sale around Christmas (for 30% off), but rarely in ebano (dark brown) or black.

[nupe]

Nice pick! I am partial to Bayswater (http://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c5482/11/moreviews/), which is kind of the same shape as BV Roma if you think about it.

Mulberry has two large sales per year, one in June-July and the other one around Christmas. Discounts range from 30% to 50% off. You'd have better luck if you are willing to go with a seasonal color. Mulberry also has outlets in Europe (not sure about US) where prices are usually 30% off retail. Plus there are reputable resellers. Just saying...

I like the Bayswater even better because the top is covered. I just wonder about how much heavier it might be (like I'm really going to buy it). I was gifted one mulberry piece, Antony I think, sized perfectly for an ipad. The thing is I don't have an ipad yet. I think I'll start carrying my kindle in it! The materials and workmanship are sumptuous.

You know a lot of dangerous information! I did not know about Mulberry ever having a sale! Is the sale through the website, and can you buy through the US site? Or is it chaotic (like for sites that can't handle that kind of traffic). Or is through B&M stores?

[arivecchi]

Nice choice! Your bag looks great!

I've admired this bag
http://www.mulberry.com/store/products/bayswater%5Ftote/natural%5Fleather/oak/HH8310_342G110/5483 That is a stunning bag. So classic!

[Trigglet]

Not that I'm trying to cause trouble or anything as I know OP has already bought her bag, but I'm just throwing this one out there for others as DH and I have agreed that when we sell our house we are going to each get a Saddleback bag - and I'm torn about which one, but I think it'll be this large tote :heartbeat:...

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/Classic-Tote-Bag.html?sc=8&category=1406

There's a 16 minute video on the various attributes of the bag, and they come with a 100 year guarantee!! I do also love the travel bags and the satchels. Oooh, decisions :D

[marge234]

You know a lot of dangerous information! I did not know about Mulberry ever having a sale! Is the sale through the website, and can you buy through the US site? Or is it chaotic (like for sites that can't handle that kind of traffic). Or is through B&M stores?

:yeahthat:

This whole thread is dangerous. I looked up JW Hulme for a little cross body bag I saw on polyvore, and now I covet this one.

http://www.jwhulmeco.com/Saratoga-p/95414.htm

[kozachka]

You know a lot of dangerous information! I did not know about Mulberry ever having a sale! Is the sale through the website, and can you buy through the US site? Or is it chaotic (like for sites that can't handle that kind of traffic). Or is through B&M stores?

I do know a lot of dangerous information :loveeyes:. The sales that I mentioned above are by Mulberry directly and will be available through their website, first in the States and then shortly thereafter in the UK. If you sign up for their emails, they'll alert you about a day in advance. I've checked it out last year and managed to walk away. Seasonal colors would be best priced, I think there are 2 price cuts (30% and 50% off) but the good stuff will sell out fast. Department stores and random sites might also have Mulberry bags on sale. You can get a bunch more information, including weight of Baywater vs. Alexa vs. Other bags at the Mulberry sub-forum of The Purse Forum. I've tried on several Mulberry bags in a duty free airport boutique and did not think Bayswater was heavy, it does not have much hardware like some other bags out there.

If there is a will, there is a way. My credit card gives points that can be used towards department store gift cards. And I've also been known to ask for GC/cash towards a certain purchase for my birthday. The other way is to stop buying cheaper stuff that does not last and/or rationalize clothing purchases for DC. I've done that, too, not just to fund a purse, but it did help with overall budget.