Hello kittens!

Long-time lurker, first time poster, &c.

I need your advice: I am currently In Despair trying to find the right go-to bag for everyday use. I've led a fairly itinerant lifestyle in the past few years and have gone through numerous oscillations in style. I'm now at a point where I'm quite certain about what I like and keen to build up a collection of quality pieces that will last me a long time.

My style is—dramatic, with more than a touch of the Victorian/Gothic about it (my big splurge last season was on this winter coat, and I couldn't be more thrilled with it—it's actually making me reluctant to accept the coming of spring! http://i279.photobucket.com/al.....jacobs.png), romantic but streamlined and serious (so pointed witchy heels, pencil skirts and bowtie blouses, rather than drapey, voluminous skirts and busier "bohemian" attire).

For an everyday bag, I need something that will hold my netbook and at least two books. Something dressy and professional, but that doesn't look like I'm headed for the City. I can't stand overly frilly and feminine bags and definitely need a cross-body strap to have both hands free; I would like something that also goes with menswear-inspired ensembles, but do like chunky, more noticable hardware.

Basically I'm looking for something satchel-like with both a top handle and a shoulder strap. The Mulberry Alexa is ideal, but not within budget for me (ca. £150/$250 max).

I've been looking absolutely everywhere (high street chains, big department stores, Etsy) and I'm getting desperate trying to find the right thing! I am now, hopefully, turning to you for advice and possible further suggestions.

These are the current contenders:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoshi-.....B003Z025TQ

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOSS.....be95#rpdId

http://www.jigsaw-online.com/f...../bags/ibag

Thoughts?

Thanks for reading! Hoping to hear from you.