I really want what Meghan has! -A frivolous thread.

Do you know the origin of the leather your Turkish bags are made from Marydonoz? After reading about the use of hides from worn out working donkeys I would rather know something about the provenance or steer clear of leather. Difficult and time consuming I know.

I got a Mulberry handbag for my 70th not top of the range! DD's suggested it could be my bag for "life" not sure of the price or the sentiments. I've never been anywhere to use it.
In the past, I have had Jaegar that lasted years and when I worked always tried to have marron with a zip pocket for keys. It matched everything, that was after twice landing at work with one black and one blue shoe on, one pair was exactly the same the other two different heel heights and one heel was wooden . It was dark wintertime that's my excuse anyway.

I’ve found myself at work with one black shoe and one navy too Yammy! Dressing quickly and going out in the dark …

Bags for me have to possess a cross over strap so I can’t lose it,a side pocket (one or two) to accommodate my bus pass so no hunting through a bag, also keys. Inside I want a separate zipped place for credit cards so separate from purse. I don’t keep anything except loyalty cards in purse and of course money. In which case losing a purse would cause less trauma.

The most I have spent on a bag is £250 and on a cost per wear basis it has been an absolute bargain. A black leather Radley cross body big enough to carry a tablet, kindle, phone, cards, keys etc comfortably. I love it, so much so I bought the same bag in brown. It is nearly 6 years old now and still looks like new (apart from the little Scottie dog that my DGD loves to 'finger' ?).

Sorry that should say £150.

Hi Germanshepherdsmum
The bags I buy in Turkey are not real but faux leather. I asked the guys about this and was told they haven't used real leather for about thirty years.
I think the price indicates this!

That's great, well done!

I had a Radley Bag in a design called The Potting Shed.
It was a stone colour and unfortunately the dye on the leather came off the handles making it look shabby after a while.
I did not think that should have happened but it was a gift.
I believe it cost about £120.

Handles often go shabby sadly TillyTrotter. I wonder if it is the sweat in our palms?

Yes it could be Josieann and the hand cream that I put on daily wouldn’t help. ?

I have heard that some leather products made in China might be dog and many designers use factories in China.... I agree with you GermanshepherdsMum about provenance.

I wouldn’t be surprised OnwardandUpward. After all they eat dogs. I do my best not to buy anything made in China but sometimes country of origin isn’t stated online. I wasn’t pleased to find that some bone china pasta bowls I ordered from the White Company were made in China.

I ordered some Spode dishes and was appalled to receive nasty thick china ones made in China under licence. Very disappointing indeed.

I have far too many handbags. Mainly Radley, 3 are Micheal Kors, 2 Osprey and a Coach one that cost £380, my most expensive. For the past 2 years I’ve been using 1 bag and as I have now retired I don’t know if I will ever use most of those bags again.
The point about the joy is in the wanting has made me stop and think. My 60th is coming up soon and I have lusted and been saving for a very expensive watch for years. Husband has said he will buy it for me for my birthday. Thing is I’m not certain that once I’ve got it if I will actually want it quite so much.

Goodness Nandad £380 I would want a whole wardrobe for that. Designer handbags, clothes and jewellery don't interest me. I do agree with what you say about the joy of wanting and the reality of then owning and perhaps not using the item. It doe seem such a waste.

I have 2 Micheal Kors bags and 2 Kate Spade bags all bought in America, they were much cheaper than in UK. The most expensive is £150. But I do covet a Mulberry - Millie, Alexa, Bayswater…. Can’t jusify over £1000 though.

Judy54 - it was in the sale! And it was paid for with birthday money. I feel great every time I use it but don’t use it enough to justify what I paid, so really not value for money. Ironically I’m not into designer but quality, and then I won’t get rid of anything because it still looks good. Absolutely love vintage for that reason.