
Marks and Spencer's £25 crossbody bag rivals £630 Toteme designer version
Marks and Spencer is turning heads with a new crossbody bag that bears a strong resemblance to a high-end designer version — but at a much more wallet-friendly price. The Faux Leather Sling Cross-Body Bag, available exclusively in chocolate brown and priced at just £25, has drawn comparisons to a similar design by luxury brand TOTEME.
Though it's a fraction of the cost, the M&S version mimics many features of the designer bag, including its asymmetrical shape, gold-tone hardware, zip closure, and crossbody strap with a suede-effect finish.
There are, of course, a few key differences. The M&S bag has a slightly thicker strap and is made from faux materials, while the TOTEME version uses genuine leather and suede. Still, the savings are significant — with the designer option retailing for around £630, shoppers could save over £600 by choosing the high-street alternative.
Marks and Spencer also offers a range of other stylish bags at varying price points, including the Straw Shoulder Bag (£55), Faux Leather Woven Shoulder Strap Bag (£45), and Faux Leather Woven Clutch Bag (£35).
Looking beyond M&S, there are other budget-friendly options on the market too. Next stocks the Bone Leather Fringe Cross-Body Bag for £35, New Look offers a Bright Red Quilted Faux Leather Mini Crossbody Bag (£21.99), and River Island has a Cream Metal Handle Quilted Tote for £36.
The M&S sling bag has received plenty of praise online. One happy customer wrote: "Lovely bag. Great bag. It's very good quality and will go with so many outfits." Another said: "Perfect bag! Fits so much, easy to wear, great colour."
A third shopper commented: "Excellent bag for wandering round on holiday. Held all I needed. Excellent quality. Looks like leather."
However, not all feedback has been glowing. A few customers mentioned that while the sling bag looks stylish, the faux suede material felt a bit cheap. One review read: "This bag does look good, but it feels cheap. The faux suede material is very lightweight and just doesn't feel very nice. A return from me."
Another noted: "Nice shape bag which can hold a fair amount — keys, glasses, etc — but feels cheap. Kept it because I loved the unusual shape."
Despite some mixed reviews, the majority of customers have been impressed. One reviewer summed it up by saying: "Love this bag. Looks great and easy to wear. Compact but big enough to carry a decent amount. Also has a handy zipped inner pocket."
Another added: "Really lovely crossbody bag, fits just the right amount in. Lovely material feel and comfortable to wear."
For those after the designer look without the hefty price tag, the £25 M&S crossbody bag offers serious style and impressive savings, reports the Daily Record.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times
15 hours ago
- Times
This is the one item that will get you through August
School's out for summer — but for those who aren't beach bound, the matter of summer attire that extends beyond a bikini continues to require our engagement. It's bad enough you've got to work for the entirety of August, so what to wear? We pride ourselves on focusing on solutions not problems here on the Style fashion desk, which is why we're drawing your attention to the billowy white skirt: your one-suits-all clothing companion. The item you need to see you through stuffy commutes, overly air-conned meetings, summery soirées and everything in between, this is the foundation on which your August can be built. Despite the sales stock filling stores right now, the white skirt remains a hot purchase. M&S has a lovely cotton one. See also Arket for its Nineties-inspired model, and Mango has a version with just the right amount of swish. The white skirt is a big hit at the luxury end of the market too. We love Toteme's take, with a front split and a balloony silhouette. • Read more fashion advice and style inspiration from our experts Feeding directly into this summer's big monochrome moment (do keep up: wearing black and white is an obsession for fashion purists right now), this skirt looks best teamed with classics. A simple singlet vest will do just fine. Those who like a bit more structure should try it with a waistcoat. On the matter of footwear, flat sandals are your friends here. Add a jacket if it's chilly; a slouchy blazer is a good plan. We also love an oversized shirt with a relaxed shape. It's summertime and the living is easy — this is the look to match the mood. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Midiskirt, £99, sateen skirt, £325, skirt, £46,


Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Home Bargain shoppers rush to buy viral light perfect for sprucing up summer garden
Home Bargains say the viral lights make a striking addition to outdoor areas LIGHT UP Home Bargain shoppers rush to buy viral light perfect for sprucing up summer garden Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOME Bargains is selling a budget viral garden light perfect for adding a dash of colour to your garden this summer. The solar powered LED lights are retailing for a staggeringly low £6.99. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The lights were spotted in store labelled as 'star buys' Credit: Facebook/Extreme Bargains UK Designed in the shape of a hot air balloon the light turns on automatically at dusk. With a large glass balloon shaped bulb featuring a variety of colours the light makes a bright addition to any garden. It features a charming flame effect LED and a metal basket hanging below the balloon. Home Bargains say the light is easy to install and includes a rechargeable battery pack. The hot air balloon light is eligible for free delivery and can be purchased in store. The light can be hung in the garden to easily add some colourful illumination to any outdoor space. Eagle eyed shoppers spotted it on shelves and shared the find to social media. One shopper boasted they managed to get theirs cheap in a sale, saying: "I paid 3.99 for mine in sale." Another commented: "Street Somerset branch had these today , I debated getting one to go with the stick balloons and the hanging little ones but couldn't make my mind up." A third wrote: "sooooo need these." Homebase is selling premium outdoor lanterns which don't require any plugs for under £30 - they're perfect for the summer nights Another replied: "The sign says XL there's several sizes." The hot air balloon lights are sold by B&M in several different sizes with the XL version costing just £6.99. B&M describe the product, saying: "Brighten up your garden with the Firefly Large Hot Air Balloon Solar Lights! "With a charming flame LED effect and automatic dusk activation, this delightful addition is easy to install and brings a warm glow to your outdoor space." The bargain retailer added: "It's the perfect size to make a striking addition to any outdoor area." The £6.99 hot air balloon light measures in at H62 x W19.5cm. B&M also offer a a mobile design of the lights - which features six of the hot air balloons hanging from copper wire. The lights were seen on store shelves labelled as "star buys."


Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
New Look's 'super comfy' trainers are similar to iconic £120 pair for under £30
These New Look trainers are so popular that they have 4.8 rating based on hundreds of reviews. This summer has been the season of comfy footwear. Whether it be chunky sandals or loafers, we're all looking for something both stylish and supportive. One such pair that match the bill are New Look's Brushed Faux Leather Chunky Sole Trainers. Not only have they been hailed as "super comfy", but they are also being compared to an iconic Adidas pair - but for £90 cheaper. The high street favourite's trainers, which cost an affordable £29.99, boast a design that has been compared in reviews to the pricier footwear firm's Gazelle Shoes that can cost up to £120, with one shopper saying they "prefer" the cheaper option. Available in sizes three to seven across three colours - red, burgundy and black - these budget-friendly shoes boast a variety of features that make them suitable for fashion fans who need to compliment any outfit, whether that be casual or dressy. They offer a variety of features designed to boost comfort when worn such as a fully cushioned footbed, flexible sole and softer linings that make them both "light" and "roomy" on the feet, according to reviews. Brushed Faux Leather Chunky Sole Trainers £29.99 New Look Buy here Product Description Meanwhile, the soft brushed suede fabric and chunky sole design make them an "on trend" option that can be paired with frayed denim jeans and a tee, or a floaty maxi dress during the current summer season. New Look isn't the only retailer offering their own version of the Adidas Gazelles, as M&S' Suede Lace Up Side Detail Trainers offer a very similar design for just £45. Shoppers looking for something a touch chunkier might want to check out the Debenhams website for these Dune London 'Eden' Suede Trainers that cost £89. As for the Brushed Faux Leather Chunky Sole Trainers, they currently average an impressive 4.8 rating from hundreds of New Look customers who have been comparing them to Adidas, with praise calling them "affordable" and "great quality." A five-star review read: "Great trainers, I'm an Adidas girl through and through, however I couldn't get the burgundy trainers I wanted - I saw these read the reviews and I wasn't disappointed! They are comfy and look great!" A second delighted shopper added: "Honestly prefer these over Adidas Gazelles. They have a smooth velvety feel. They seem really great quality for the price!" Someone else simply remarked: "These trainers look so much more expensive than they are. They are super comfy and look really good. I'm really impressed." Fashion deal of the week New Balance has just launched a massive sale ahead of the summer, with up to half-price off. Hate that break in period with stiff footwear? Then look no further than the Unisex RC42 Shoes, said to be "comfy straight out of the box", that have been reduced from £90 to just £45, saving shoppers 50 percent off the original asking price. Featuring the classic minimalist silhouette that can be worn with everything from denim jeans to leggings, these trainers have been particularly designed for those with an active lifestyle. Crafted from a "lightweight" suede/mesh construction, they boast a low profile that is suitable for those who spend long periods of time on their feet, while the a padded tongue and cushioned rubber sole ensure all day comfort. Finished with the classic signature 'N' branding on the side, the half-price discount covers two colours - granite with white and linen with sea salt. As of writing, sizes range from a four through to nine, including a few half-sizes. Shoppers can't stop praising the New Balance RC42 Shoes, as they have earned a 4.2 rating and glowing reviews for their "comfortable" design that means they "don't even have to break them in." One five-star review read: "Very cute and comfortable right out of the box. On trend and has a somewhat cushioned midsole—perfect for wearing all day." However, one shopper left a three-star review after finding that the price-tag reflected the quality, writing: "Poor quality, very thin and crease as soon as you start to wear them." Another five-star review read: "Affordable, on trend trainers. I've been looking for an affordable pair of red trainers with gum soles for a while and these are those! Very comfy so far and giving me the look I'm after, thanks New Look!" Someone else praising the comfort wrote: "I wore these trainers all day and did a lot of walking and they were so comfortable. I need another pair now." Purchase New Look's Brushed Faux Leather Chunky Sole Trainers for £29.99 now.