Lately I’ve been doing some research into leather handbags that are mid-range but still comparable in quality to luxury items. Here I’m going to share with you some of the most recommended brands, plus my favorite styles from each. Since I’m partially making this as a reference for myself to come back to when I want a new everyday bag, most of the specific bags I link will be similar in shape and size, and all will be shoulders and crossbodies (with no chain straps for my long hair to get caught in). The links will mostly include messengers, satchels, and small/mid-sized totes, since that’s mostly what I like.
Portland Leather Goods
People speak to PLG’s quality being excellent, but the details being rugged, with no lining inside and the edges left rough and unfinished. Some love it; some hate it. For me, it just completely depends on the bag. I already own their Envelope Convertible Crossbody, which is too small for an everyday bag, but very nice for special occasions!
For an everyday bag here, I would probably go with the Raindrop in size Large (previously known as the Rainstorm) with a zipper. Color: I don’t currently need another black. I like Coldbrew, or even something a little more wild for certain outfits/special occasions. Deep Water, Sunflower, and Foxglove are pretty.
Cambridge Satchel Company
Love the English country look of these! Here I would choose:
- 13-Inch Batchel in Oxblood
- 11-Inch Batchel in either Oxblood or Clay, Oxblood, and Navy
- Artisan in Burgundy
Paloma Wool
I’ve heard good things about Paloma Wool. I like the Belinda, although I’m not a huge fan of the current colors. I’d probably grab the Brown, but I could see using either of the other two, as well.
Strathberry
I absolutely love the look of the Midi Tote (with the metal strap swapped out for leather so as not to catch my hair). Realistically, I probably wouldn’t actually use one much due to the fact that they don’t zip closed, but they are so beautiful. Monogram Jacquard/Leather Dark Navy is my favorite, but I also like Burgundy/Navy/Vanilla, Navy with Vanilla Stitch, Bottle Green, Vanilla/Frost Grey with Grey Stitch, Bottle Green/Duck Egg Blue/Diamond, Navy/Sea Blue with Silver Hardware, Black/Vanilla with Claret Edge, Black/Oat/Mushroom, Black/Camel Tartan, and Oxblood. (They just have too many beautiful colors!)
Mulberry
- Alexa in Mulberry Green
- Small Zipped Bayswater in Mulberry Green or Night Sky
Fount
Here I like the Petite Kinsley Crossbody in Wolf.
Coach
Coach is usually a solid choice, and I adore my vintage black Willis! I would happily grab another one in several other colors.
Brahmin
They have a ton of crazy prints and embossing that aren’t my style, but a couple of plain leather ones in shapes I like. The Leia in Radiant Red Mystic and the Katie in Cognac Topsail and Tart Topsail.
Fleuron
Fleuron makes several beautiful styles! I like these:
- Mini Pivoine in Rose Bonbon, Taupe, and Vert Olive
- Pivoine in Vert Olive and Taupe
Longchamp
I like Longchamp’s Le Foulonne Medium Crossbody Bag in Nude, Turtledove, and Khaki.
Radley London
They have tons of attractive styles!
- Dukes Place in Ink
- Weston Street in Cranberry and Racing Green
- Westwell Lane in Cranberry, Racing Green, and Walnut
- Derby Street in Ink, Raspberry, and Cloud Burst
Ralph Lauren
At Ralph Lauren, I like the Pebbled Leather Large Cameryn Crossbody in Refined Navy, Dark Olive, Dark Mahogany, and Pinot Noir.
Aran Sweater Market
I bought a real Irish sweater from this place that is wonderful quality and smells deliciously of real Irish sheep. (“It kind of smells like a barn,” Boyfriend said. “Yes, but only the good parts,” I replied.) And while searching for the perfect sweater, I noticed they also make beautiful tweed and leather bags. I have their Traditional Tweed & Leather Single Buckle Bag and love it! It’s such nice quality and holds everything I need, with lots of pocket organization.
Out of the rest, I especially love these:
- Ladies Tweed & Leather Tote Bag – This one only comes in a single color.
- Emily Tweed & Leather Bag – So many great colors for this one! I love the Grey Herringbone, Navy Sky Green, Green Red Pink, Purple Herringbone, Multi Vernal Plaid, and Blackwatch.
- Fiona Tweed Bag – Either the Grey Herringbone or the Dark Purple (maybe not for everyday use, but looks like a good Halloween color).
- Ciara Tweed & Leather Bag – Not a big fan of the Cream Navy Beige one and not totally sure about the Red and Mustard (though they’d probably go with a lot), but I love all the other plaids and the Grey Herringbone.
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