As a shopping editor, one question I’m asked more than any other is which designer bags are actually worth the investment? Of course, it is a question with many avenues, and the answer will vary massively according to your budget, wardrobe requirements and taste. However, if you’re a natural bargain hunter as I am, you’ll appreciate pieces that offer the most bang for your buck, which is why this season, JW Anderson’s felt tote has shot straight to the top of my lust list.
I’ve always loved JW Anderson’s experimental spin on womenswear design, but as is the case with many cult fashion brands, the bags on offer come at a premium. But then along came this sub-£400 gem. Of course, I should acknowledge that the term “affordable” is relative, but in the world of designer bags, £375 is definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. (Also, for transparency, I bought this bag with help from a voucher.)
Big enough to fit a laptop, water bottle, notepad and snacks (priorities, right?), this really is the ultimate meeting of style and substance. While I’m not always the biggest fan of OTT logos, I quite like the homespun appeal of the embroidered JW insignia on the front, which offers a satisfying textural contrast to the leather handles. It’s also the small details that sealed the deal for me: from the bow-tie fastening and buckled hardware to the large interior pocket and hard-wearing leather strips that line the bottom of the bag. Honestly, this is not #spon. I just have so much love for this tote bag, which I’ll use for both work and play this year and for many years to come. This exact style is no longer available, but you can shop a very similar one below. Scroll down to see the bag, and shop other colourways.
