Hulanicki handbags - anyone bought one?

It is all down to the lives we lead and there seems to be a diverse collection of lifestyles on here.

I cannot imagine turning up for a business meeting with a backpack - - however I would use one when out walking for the day.

Having said that I always like to carry a nice leather handbag when out normally shopping etc. so it seems we all buy what we are used to and can afford and like gollymissmolly - yes I love Russell and Bromley bags too .

Never use a handbag apart from weddings. I use a small backpack if I do need to carry anything and no, it's not designer!!

Oh Dear! I don't really understand the lure of fancy and expensive hand bags or shoes either. Shoes do have to be comfortable and are harder to fit as everyone's feet are different.

I want something on my feet that are comfortable and keep the weather out and something to put my purse, phone, tissues and keys in, and look right with whatever else I am wearing.

I would never buy anything expensive, which for a bag for me is anything over £50.

I am decidedly not a fashionista.

And it has her name on it! (I have tried that excuse before!)

should buy one

(making a lot of typos lately )

I think you buy one for your DGD.
She could keep her little soft toys in it
(a snip at the price!).

However 90% of rather a lot is still quite a lot!!

www.johnlewis.com/modalu-pippa-classic-leather-grab-bag/p2295546?sku=234920233&kpid=234920233&s_kenid=2c798673-a2a0-495e-b250-044d1d84472a&s_kwcid=403x1533247&tmad=c&tmcampid=73

You could save 10% (not advertising btw, just laughing!

Although a lot of tote bags today are huge, I probably could fit into one.

The great thing about designer bags is that you don't have to worry about putting on weight! Trying to find designer clothes to fit me would be a lost cause, and shoes are as bad - the expensive makes are way too narrow, but you just have to carry a bag not fit into it.

"Pippa"???
I am not aware that my DGD has graduated to handbags yet, she has only bee walking for 3 months

I have never heard of most of these!

Have obviously led a boring sheltered life away from the metropolis

As long as a bag is comfortable and does the job (and I can find my keys), preferably in a good leather, I am easily pleased happy.

I'm not a modalu fan, after pippa wore one think they got 'overdone' and everyone had one...
Have you looked in Russell & Bromley, they have lovely bags?

‘I’m not advertising! I came over from Mumsnet thinking this was more suited to my age and possibly a kinder following and asked my first question for a long time !..
Thank you to the posters who showed interest, its interesting to hear about Radley, I’m never sure of the dog either, what do people think of Modalu? Saw them on QVC the other night and they seemed really popular, but I wasn’t too taken with the styles – seemed a bit boring?.

in the style of 'The Fast Show'...... this week I am mainly using..... a turquoise suede bag [who knows about next week, as I like to swap about.]

my daughters like the Kipling bags. Radley bags are lovely, such soft leather on some of them. You don't need to spend a fortune though on bags if you shop about online.
Be careful about the backpack style ones, a friend of mine had her purse taken from it [probably in a bus queue.]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a member recommending or suggesting a product or line - the difference is when it's a totally new poster who is obviously advertising.

I don't think Op was advertising?? I used to LOVE Biba, infact still have a few things in my wardrobe which my daughter is trying to steal! I like the Hulanicki bags, prefer the clutch & i'm happy to spend on a decent leather bag. However due to shoulder problems I have to be so careful bags aren't too heavy as they can kill me after a while.

I used to like The Bridge too, such good quality.

Thankyou henblane that is exactly right - I was a Biba fan back in the day and have remained one - hence the post - - - - but isn't it interesting to see all the different opinions on the subject.! It seems Tula and Kipling still rule -- or is it just that we all get stuck in our ways? ( Hands over ears )

I agree about labels & designer tags! But that's if the only reason for buying something is to show off the label, which is indeed "snobbish, consumerist and wasteful". It's a bit different if you are checking out the work of a particular designer because you usually like their style. I think the OP was interested in Barbara Hulanicki handbags because she'd been a Biba fan back in the day. That's not very different in intent from looking at Kipling bags because you find that the designs usually fit your lifestyle.

This is a very interesting thread, it's not often I'm inspired to post rather than just lurking.

I agree about "labels" and designer tags. Such nonsense! I am reminded of the question "Who are you wearing?" To CJ in the West Wing before a black tie ritzy do, meaning "which designer".
It reaches total ridicule when people will shell out for a fake designer bag!
Incidentally and I may be risking advertising here, but if you ever have to pull into South Mimms services (A25/A1) for a comfort break check out the bag stall on the way to the loos. Oh the times I have regretted leaving my purse in the car with DH. Very reasonable and a wonderful selection.
<know what I mean, nudge, nudge, wink, wink>

I don't mean all choices should be removed (shades of Mao Tse Tung)
and if someone spends a bit more than basic prices for goods and services I understand that of course.
What I do find distasteful is this fascination with buying the 'right' designer's offerings so that a name can be dropped or displayed.
That's what I see as snobbish, consumerist and wasteful.
It's one of the reasons that young people are influenced by media and peer pressure leading to them seeing phone A as so much more desirable than phone B.
I'd hope that grownups would have more worthwhile values.

I think you're missing the point. Primark clothes fulfill their purpose - ie protect the wearer from the elements - but lots of people choose to spend more.

Many of us, even pensioners, can manage some level of discretionary spending, by which I mean spending money on things which are not strictly necessary but which give you pleasure. If you are in a situation where there is no room for discretionary spending this discussion may seem obscene, but if you do have some leeway in your budget, it's up to you how you use it.

That may be buying clothes, shoes or handbags because you like them, even if you could buy cheaper items which would function equally well. It may be going to the cinema every week rather than paying for a tv subscription. And so on.

I love Kipling bags too. I like colour around me not boring black or neutral. Kipling bags come in many colours and styles.
Because they are lightweight treated canvas they dont weigh a ton when filled to capacity. No I dont sell them.

If a bag ( or anything else for that matter) fulfills its purpose - eg carries around life's necessities - then what on earth is the point of spending hundreds of pounds simply to be able to quote the name of some hyped-up designer.
If I'd that amount of spare cash sloshing around I'd be able to think of dozens of ways to spend it more intelligently without buying into blatant snobbery and rampant consumerism!