Friend said my handbag will make me look “cheap” ahead of our trip to London. What type of bag would you take?

[Anonymous]

I get that many people do not love bright colors but I absolutely adore this purse. My dear friend whom I am traveling with, while discussing which outfits and handbags to carry shared that she felt my handbag below makes me look cheap. I’m AA 40yo female.

My purse:

What type of bag would make me look more classy/nice in a London setting (sightseeing, traditional tea at Fortnam/Mason, breakfast, lunch and dinner dining, visits to the palaces, etc)

[Anonymous]

keep the purse, turn in the friend

[Anonymous]

I’m from London. That bag is fine and you are fine to wear whatever you like. London probably has the most eclectic mix of people and styles anywhere in the world.

[Anonymous]

I am 40 YO as well op and I will take whatever freaking bag I want on vacation because I am way too old for this ish and I would give my friend a piece of my mind.

[Anonymous]

My 82 year old mother just told me that leather was out and I should get a new bag!

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine, even with the loud branding, and absolutely no one will care. I haven't been to London since last fall so not sure what is in purse wise this year.

Assuming your trip is coming up soon be aware that black coats and bags and pants and boots/shoes tend to be ubiquitous in London in the late fall/winter.

[Anonymous]

Wear whatever you like and is comfortable. Seriously. Everywhere and at any age. That's a cute bag, BTW.

[Anonymous]

When I saw the title of the thread my first thought was "Get a new friend."

Then I saw that photo and thought "Yikes!"

The main issue is the big logo strap. It really does look tacky. The very bright color exacerbates the effect. Your best bet is to use this as opportunity to expand your purse collection! You don't need to spend a lot to get something that will work for your trip. You can't go wrong with black or brown (depending on your wardrobe), but a dark green or burgundy can also work if you want color. A crossbody strap is a must for travel.

For inexpensive bags, try Fossil or Hobo. For midrange, try Coach or Dooney or Bourke, For higher end I'd recommend Mulberry for a London trip, I believe Mulberry is cheaper in the UK too. I'd avoid any higher end designer/logo bags for tourist activities. No point in making yourself a target.

[Anonymous]

I'm from Paris, so just across the channel. Your friend is clueless. London and Paris and Milan and many other cities are melting pots of style. No maître d'hôtel is going to look down on you and direct the stale sandwiches to your table because you walk into the Savoy with that bag.

However... I'd say that any noticeable bag will make you a more visible target for pickpockets. Be careful.

[Anonymous]

The strap is the problem.

Do you have time to order a new strap? Etsy has tons.

Maybe a plain one of these?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1541172682/patterned-pink-leather-bag-strap-with?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pink+leather+cross+body+strap&ref=sr_gallery-1-8&pro=1&frs=1&sts=1&content_source=e482a929d5cff7cd4bf47a0652123944ba5500f7%253A1541172682&organic_search_click=1

[Anonymous]

I lived in London for years and go back several times a year. No one cares. Even a tiny bit.

That bag makes you look fun! Bring the bag and friend can eff right off.

[Anonymous]

I like the bag. It’s fine for London.

[Anonymous]

I carry an ugly Travelon anti-theft purse when I’m on a sightseeing vacation. Wear what you like. Learn how to wear what you have to minimize pickpockets.

[Anonymous]

I mean how much thought do you give to the purses of British mom tourists you see in dc? Probably none, and if you do, maybe stop doing that.

Keep the bag ( which isn’t my cup of tea but who cares?) and drop that friend like a hot potato.

[Anonymous]

It's fine. I just would not want to stand out that much.

I don't carry a purse at all because it hurts my neck after 12 miles of walking and because of pickpockets.