SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Marks & Spencer – otherwise known as M&S or Marks – has impressed me with its expensive looking handbags of late.
I have a soft spot for designer accessories, whether it’s new releases or vintage bags. That is not to say I own any, but I like to amble the section in department stores just to stay in the know about different trends – and dream, obviously.
But, I am also the biggest sucker for a bargain buy, such as these luxe looking YSL heels. Combine the two together, hunting designer-looking pieces in high street stores, and I am in heaven.
M&S has heard my cries for expertly made bags that resemble premium products, but for a fraction of the price.
From Bottega Veneta handbags, Anine Bing-inspired straw designs and Miu Miu clutch bags, I have sifted through M&S’ variety of bags to help you find the finishing piece to complete your outfit with a little nod to the luxury alternative – but for less.
In fact, my collection of M&S bags are all under £100, which is perfect for those on a budget, or can’t justify spending a fortune on a designer bag they will be too afraid to put on the floor.
M&S Faux Leather Tote Bag
The large leather tote bag is not only stylish, but practical for everyday wear.It boasts a spacious interior measuring 42cm in height, 51cm in width and 11cm in depth, to fit your possessions, as well as a laptop, iPad or book. The main compartment boasts a magnetic clip fastening, and features an internal zip pouch, though there is a separate pouch you can slot into the bag, or wear as a clutch bag on its own. The design also features adjustable straps for a comfortable fit no matter how you style the accessory. The shape is similar to Bottega Veneta’s Large Hop design because of the woven texture that resembles the designer brand’s signature Intrecciatio design. The main difference is the price – this high street number will save you over £3,600.
Bottega Veneta Large Hop
Bottega Veneta prides itself on high quality leather and exquisite craftsmanship. The Large Hop has been made from ultra soft calf leather, and boasts the brand’s signature weave exterior. The large bag measures 24cm in height, 54cm in width and 13cm in depth, which means it is wider than the M&S version, but shorter in height, though it is spacious enough to house all essentials inside. It features an internal zip pocket to house your valuables, but does not feature any additional props like the M&S design does.Another difference is, of course, the hefty price tag.
M&S Straw Tote Bag
It may not be summer yet, but if you are jetting off for some winter sun, or prepping for your summer vacation, this Straw Tote Bag is a must. It has been esigned from 100% paper exterior, with a cotton insert to prevent your valuables from slipping through the woven structure. It features rose gold hardware on the top handles, which fit together to make a durable shoulder strap. The raffia texture, and the shape resembles Anine Bing’s Hobo bag, but it is £275.50 less than the designer counterpart. This unlined straw bag comes in black and camel, perfect for every holiday outfit.
Anine Bing Small Hobo Leather Bag
Anine Bing’s designs are chic, effortless and timeless, the Small Hobo Leather Bag included. Created from a woven seagrass material, which contrasts the bold leather monogram detail on the front. The shoulder bag measures 30cm in height, 38cm in width, which is spacious for your holiday essentials. The open top can be closed with the magnetic fixture, and is ideal for the beach or everyday wear in the summer.
M&S Faux Leather Bowler Bag
The bowler bag has been weaving into the fashion scene in recent months, and offers a slightly larger alternative to the traditional shoulder bag. A bowler bag is typically longer in length, and features two elongated top handles to slip over the shoulder.It features a zip fastening to keep your possessions free from prying eyes, as well as an inner slip pocket. Available in neutral olive green or snake print, you could shop both colourways for less than the Khaite Simona original.
Khaite’s Simona Python-Effect Shoulder Bag
Khaite’s Simona Python-Effect Shoulder bag is a stand out design and a versatile accessory to complement any outfit, both day and night. This creation is larger than the M&S version as it measures 34cm in width, 14cm in height and 7.5cm in depth. It features two long shoulder straps that are fitted to the barrel-like body. It has side tabs, as well as a large main compartment to organise your belongings. Is this design a flash in the pan trend or timeless staple remains to be seen, but if you’re in doubt about its longevity I recommend the M&S alternative to save you more.
M&S Suede Top Handle Grab Bag
The Suede Top Handle Bag is an alternative to a clutch bag, but easier to hold because of the handle. The D-shape bag has been made from ultra soft leather. The main compartment is secured by a zip fastening, and features a separate zip inner pouch for security and functionality. This suede handbag looks much more premium than its £59 price tag, but it’s a stunning accessory to wear for date night, summer evenings or to a wedding.
Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie
The Mini Jodie has been a popular accessory for some time. There are plenty of colours and fabrics, but this denim texture helps to achieve a softer aesthetic, in my opinion. Crafted from denim shirt fabric, the main difference between the original, and the M&S version is the knotted handle, and…the price.
M&S Leather Top Handle Shoulder Tote Bag
Made from 100% leather, this large shoulder bag is ultra luxurious, but also practical and durable. With dimensions of 23 cm in height, 38 cm in width, and 18.5 cm in depth, it offers a spacious interior to help carry your work essentials, extra layering items, as well as your valuables. The bag is fully lined, and features a zip pocket inside to keep your prized possessions safe, yet accessible. It is an open top with a magnetic fixture to secure the top together. I predict this bag will sell out fast, as it is a versatile everyday bag.
The Row New Bindle Leather Tote
M&S’ Leather Top Handle Shoulder Tote shares a likeness to The Row’s Bindle Leather Tote because of the sheer size, and the bohemian sack-like shape of the design. The one large shoulder strap sits over the shoulder comfortably, plus it features an internal detachable pouch you can use as a separate clutch bag too. Made from premium quality leather, this bag boasts a width of 44cm, height of 28cm, and depth of 10cm, which makes it slightly larger than the high street variation, though over 20 times more expensive.
M&S Faux Leather Shoulder Tote Bag
The Faux Leather Shoulder Tote Bag measures 12cm in height, 43cm in width and 38cm in depth. It has a zip and magnetic top fastening, as well as durable thick straps, which sit perfectly over the shoulder. These straps are adjustable, so you can fit it tight under the arm or let it hang loose on a longer strap.
SAINT LAURENT Le 5 À 7 Bea Textured-Leather Tote
Saint Laurent’s tote bag is a large handbag that measures 21cm in depth, 29cm in height and 38cm in width. Made from a soft textured leather to create a relaxed slouchy fit. It features thick straps, though these are not adjustable, an open top, and internal zip pocket for valuables. This bag also features a top strap to fasten over the main opening to secure it shut.
M&S Woven Shoulder Bag
Cross body bags have been hugely popular in recent years, as they can house all your valuables, and allow you to go handsfree.The Woven Shoulder Bag Cross Body Bag is a stylish yet functional design. It boasts an asymmetric D-shape similar to Dior’s Saddle bag, which sits comfortably under the arm. It features an adjustable strap to wear across the body, over the shoulder, or you can simply hold just the top handle. Unzip the top to open up the main compartment, which also features an internal slip pocket too. While the shape resembles Dior’s popular handbags, the woven texture is similar to Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta designs, which is why this creation looks much more premium than its sub £40 price tag.
Dior Saddle Bag with Strap
The Dior Saddle Bag has been hugely popular for many years now, whether you opt for the classic size, or a smaller version, a plain colourway or printed design.The classic version has been crafted from super soft grained calfskin leather, while the lining is made from goatskin and calfskin blend.The bag features a flap top, and magnetic pull to secure in place. Plus, it features adjustable straps similar to M&S design.
M&S Faux Leather Cross Body Bag
This Cross Body Bag can be worn on the long adjustable strap across the body, over one shoulder, or tuck the trap inside to style as a clutch bag, which is my preferred option. The box design features a flap and magnetic closure to secure in place and conceal your valuables. Inside you will find a main compartment, as well as two slip pockets and a zip pocket to help organise your belongings. Made from polyurethane, which gives the illusion of leather, and is equally as soft and durable. The padded texture looks similar to Bottega Veneta’s Cassette bag, but also the matelassé texture of Miu Miu bags.
Miu Miu Matelassé Nappa Leather Bag
Miu Miu Matelassé nappa leather bag is a luxury accessory and a timeless one at that. The textured design features Miu Miu’s intricate matelassé design, which adds character and depth to this bag. It features a detachable chain strap so you can slip it over your shoulder, or ditch entirely to wear in your hand as a clutch bag. It is made from ultra soft lambskin, which is also durable. The rectangular design features a flap cover to conceal the main compartment and slip pocket inside, which is secured in place with a magnetic fastening.
M&S Faux Leather Chain Strap Shoulder Bag
Jazz up your shoulder bag collection with M&S Faux Leather Chain Strap Shoulder Bag, which resembles a drawstring bag, but features a chain and faux leather strap to wear over your shoulder.Pull the drawstring tight to cinch in the top of the bag, and fix the magnetic closure together to ensure the open top is shut. When you need to reach your belongings, release the drawstring to slip your essentials inside the 40cm long bag. The texture of this bag is super soft and flexible, yet it looks almost patent.
DeMellier The Miami
DeMellier’s The Miami is another handbag option for the eco-conscious shopper. It has been crafted from sustainable Italian leather, it boasts a slouchy aesthetic, which is accentuated with the ruched drawstring top.The softness of the body of the bag contrasts the gold-plated chunky chain. Measuring 27cm to 35cm in height, 29cm in width and 13cm in depth, this bag is large enough to hold a laptop, as well as your phone, keys and purse. But, it is £445 more expensive than the M&S design, and I can’t tell the difference.
M&S Faux Leather Backpack
If you’re in the market for a travel bag, or a practical work bag, M&S has created a durable, practical and affordable backpack to shop. This backpack has been crafted from polyurethane to give the illusion of a matte leather finish. It has also been made using M&S’ signature Stormwear technology, which is weather resistant, so rest assured the contents inside will not be drenched from a downpour. The main compartment is deep enough to store your laptop and features a clasp strap to secure it shut. It also features two external side pockets to house any items you need to access quickly.It also features adjustable shoulder straps, as well as a top handle. At first glance I thought it was Rains’ £89 backpack.
Rains Backpack
The unisex backpack is slimline, compact, but large enough to hold your valuables, and protect them from the elements. Crafted from Rains’ signature PU fabric, which is durable and weatherproof. It features a large main compartment, and within this there is a separate internal slip to house your laptop, plus there is a concealed external phone pocket on the back panel too. The main characteristic of this design is not only the matte finish, but the buckle fastening to prevent items slipping out of the backpack, or unwanted hands creeping in.
Check out more of M&S’ stunning accessories here.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
MORE: Marks & Spencer has launched a Suede Tote Bag that is the ultimate back to work staple
MORE: Affordable Valentine’s Day gifts – our shopping experts top picks under £20 for everyone
MORE: Loafers are making a comeback on the fashion scene – here’s how to nail the preppy look
