Radley Bags - are they worth it?

[40thisisit]

Have never ever spent more than £20 on a handbag. Now at the grand old age of nearly 43 feel I need to own a designer one. Keep on receiving sale e-mails from Radley........ are they worth it??

[NeverHadHaveHas]

I wouldn't say Radley is designer by a long chalk. I think it's considered fairly naff by MN standards, along the lines of Cath Kidson etc

[missmargot]

Honestly I wouldn't count them as a designer bag. The quality is ok but I can't understand the little dog thing and I think there are much nicer bags for the money.

[NiceAcorns]

I love them! Love the picture ones - I use them on special occasions & match the pic to the occasion

[chanie44]

I now people on here don't like them , but I think there is nothing wrong with them and of you like it, you should go for it.

I have a Easley travel card holder and a bag I bought whilst pregnant with ds (5) and they are both well made.

[chanie44]

Easley I mean radley

[noisytoys]

I have a Radley bag that has been used pretty much daily since DD1 was born. She's 7 now. I'm getting a bit bored of it but can't justify buying another because it's in such good condition still.

[momb]

I have a non-picture Radley bag that I used every day including commuting for about 5 years. It's pretty worn and grubby but no fabric has worn away, no seams have gone and apart from scuffs from mistreatment the leather looks fine. Even though I no longer use it I can't let it go because it's still basically OK.
I think the quality is very good for the price and the D+G I replaced it with was knackered in less than a year.

[RJnomore]

I have quite a few and they're nice quality. Not designer though! But I just think £200 is more than enough for a handbag - I can't believe the price of some of them.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

MN is so sneery towards Radley when in fact just about everyone I know wants one or already has one

They are great quality and last forever.

I have 2, the Grosvener and an across the body one. I expect to get at least 10 years out of each if not more and they keep their value on eBay as people always want them.

[BlueEyedWonder]

I don't get the mumsnet snobbery about Radley.
They are good mid price bags and are good quality.
I prefer the styles that come without a dog tag. I have the tan grosvenor across body and love it. I'm currently pondering a navy doctor style one I saw in John Lewis.

[MegMurry]

Sorry, but imo Radley are a bit naff - especially if you're under 60. Definitely not a designer bag.

Both my mum and mil like them, so I tend to think they're for 60 plus to wear with cropped trousers.

[Saurus72]

If you just want a good quality leather bag, not designer, Jaeger has lovely ones and there are some great deals in the sale.

[dingit]

Mine arrived today half price in sale, so £89

[SinglePringle]

Not a fan. Think they're dull dressed up as imaginative.

[pinkfrocks]

oh my goodness, they are just bags. Having one under the age of 60 is not a crime and it's quite insulting to suggest it is.

[carrie74]

I liked them when I was younger, and always found them to be well made, and well-laid out (good number of pockets and compartments and good sizing), but discovered Mulberrys and had a love affair with them for 15 years. Then at Christmas I got a Grosvenor (the one that has the long strap and the grab handles), and I think it's great. I'm less keen on the "standard issue" Radleys, but I have to say I think the quality of the brand as a whole is excellent.

[pixiestix]

They are really good quality and they last and last. Go for it!

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

What bags do you like Meg?

[ChablisTyrant]

I've got a black radley bag for work and it's a decade old. Still in fantastic condition.

[JaceLancs]

I have had radley bags for years but went off the styling recently
Tried jigsaw which were terrible quality wise
Mint velvet have been ok but sometimes a bit too much detail for me
Currently I have 2 jaeger bags a tan one and a black one, also a pale grey autograph from M + S

[FraggleHair]

I'm not a fan either.

But they're only bags. If you love them you love them but there's no need to get so defensive.

[kickassangel]

I like the number and arrangement of the pockets and compartments. I had a fairly cheap one and it lasted for years and years, as did the purse I had.

Never had anything more expensive, but I was impressed with the quality.

[eurochick]

That little dog makes me feel stabby. I have no idea why I have such a strong reaction to it.

[lastnightiwenttomanderley]

I've got 4 or 5 but tend to alternate between a tan Grosvenor and a grey tote I picked up at Easter as my laptop fits in it.

As with most brands some if it is naff and some of it is just good quality, day to day. IMO people who judge based on bags say more about themselves. though I'm at a loss as to why SIL who pleads poverty stumped up for a cream patent mulberry. I far prefer my Radley!

If you want it and like it then go for it!