This is going to be a photo-heavy post but I thought I would mention some less well-known bag brands that I like.
Radley/Hidedesign are known for their little scotty dog tag and also their picture bags which have astronomical collector value but are not my style at all. Their plain totes wear very well and they have some interesting styles. Here is one I really liked. It was on eBay but started a bidding war and thanks to my use of auction snipers, I don’t caught up in those.
Tracey Tanner has gorgeous bags, each of which is handmade for the buyer. What I love most about them is the lining which often depicts birds. This is my favourite pattern but I could only find a thumbnail. Find her at traceytanner.com
Treesje Asher have lovely bags in gorgeous colours – particularly the blues and plums.
Beatrice Amblard. I love the little bee logo. Beatrice trained at Hermés and you can really see that from her work. Find more here
Another Beatric Amblard
Etsy – always brilliant for things unique and handmade. Prices usually very reasonable and you can have things custom-made.
Dooney and Burke. Another brilliant bag brand
Blondie Mania. I can’t stay on the site too long because I want everything!
C & C Skye
Barbara Bui
Ghurka
Ginger and Smart
Jonny loves Rosie
True Religion – not just for great jeans!
Cath Kidston. The waxed cotton is really hardwearing and resists almost anything.
All The Trimmings
I had this one by Lloyd Baker (now sold) but Tommy and Kate also did one in this style
Oovoo
Derek Lam
Bird
Ri2k
Rebecca Minkoff
Matt and Nat
3.1 Phillip Lim
Rough Roses
Kooba – not on everyone’s lips as they were a few years ago but they do good bags
Some of these are more pricey, others are mid-level. For great bags I would recommend having a look at Debenhams (particularly Designers at Debenhams) for great lower priced bags by famous designers. Other of my favourite haunts for good quality bags that don’t make your wallet scream for mercy are RedDirect, ASOS, Zara and Accessorise. Karen Millen also does nice mid-price handbags. If you want to go up a little in price without entering the high-altitude zone, Marc by Marc Jacobs does investment classics at a much lower price than his main line.
