It's handbag time!

[herbaceous]

Hi there

As my DS is now three, and no longer needs much kit during the day, I was toying with the idea of getting a new bag. One big enough for his gear ? change of clothes, bottle of water, wipes - but with compartments for my stuff too. My budget stretches to a little something from Primark.

However, as it's my birthday coming up, DP has offered to get me this aubergine Mariella, by mumsnet favourites Peony and Moore. This is of course lovely. But it's so much money, I want to be sure it's the right one!

Any ideas, ladies? Capacious, but not huge, compartments, groovy, shoulder-carryable, colour other than black or brown, under £200...

[JuliaFlyte]

Lots of nice bags in here

[herbaceous]

Thanks JF. It's weird - when I have no money, I'm constantly seeing bags I love. Yet now, not so much.

[Hayleyh34]

I wasn't impressed with the Mariella, it was so big and when it's opened you feel like all your stuff could just fall out (well, I did anyway!)

I sent it back and it takes ALOT for me to send a bag back...

[herbaceous]

Interesting Haley.... This is quite nice, despite being Radley.

Good blue

[madammecholet]

I've got the Mariella herbaceous (last years pink one) and I don't find it big? It has 2 pockets on outside and 1 inside, plus some other pockets. I tend to use it on DC days as its got cross body strap which I love... Its slouchy so its slimmer when empty but will take loads of crap if you need it too ifykwim.. Another major plus for me is that is lightweight, I hate heavy bags...

[herbaceous]

Ooh super. In the end I plumped for it, and think DP has now made the purchase! How exciting. It's the most grown up, and expensive, bag I've ever had.

I thought I might get one of those handbag organiser thingos to go inside, to prevent too much rummaging at the bottom.