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Original poster

Why are Radley bags so universally hated?

76 replies

AlpinePony · 19/08/2011 11:07

I am currently in the market for a good, fairly staid winter work bag in the region of 100-150 pounds.

I bought a Radley "signature" bag back in 2002 - before I knew it was "signature" and it's been around the world and used every winter since and still looks great, no problems with stitching, no tears, etc. Biro leaks are not Radley's fault! Wink

But I get the impression from S&B that Radley bags in general are detested, "boring" and "crap". Why is that?

I'm 37, not 7 - so I won't be needing a satchel for my school books any time soon. I don't like "fuss", so come on - tell me what's wrong with them, what is wrong with this ?

OP posts:
onehellofaride · 19/08/2011 14:58

They have a dog on them! My DD (2yo) would love one

MugglesandLuna · 19/08/2011 15:04

this is what I am asking Santa for this year

JanMorrow · 19/08/2011 15:06

I quite like them Blush

Meglet · 19/08/2011 15:07

They are a tad 'Granny-ish' IMHO.

pictish · 19/08/2011 15:07

They're frumpy.

ameliagrey · 19/08/2011 15:08

AP if you could do with a dark brown bag, I am selling my Osprey one! it's on their website- or was- as the Paris bag (I think!) grainy leather- really soft, with a short shoulder strap. I have only used it a couple of time- honest- but decided I wanted a change from a shoulder bag.

I was going to put it on Ebay next month but if anyone wants pics, I can send.

If you like plain bags AP you should look at osprey.

Original poster
AlpinePony · 19/08/2011 15:20

amelia Funnily enough when I looked at Osprey last week the Paris was one which I did like. :) However, I'm not sure about the short strap, I like to be able to fling it over my shoulder and stride around with a small child balanced on my hip - how short are the handles?

What's the difference between Osprey and their O.S.P. line?

OP posts:
GlaikitFizzog · 19/08/2011 15:21

Oh no, I've been a Radley bag carrier for the last 6 years. I'm not trying to be down wit da Yoof! I used to be am the yoof! I'm 30, but have been prematurely aging myself without my knowing.

I have 5 Radleys. DH thought he'd struck gold after the first 2 and I got one for crimbo or birthday for 3 years. None have stuck on grass though. Plain and neutral, black, brown, tan and raspberry!

Ifancyashandy · 19/08/2011 15:23

I hate the 'neatness' if them. To me, they say the user is unimaginative, rule abiding. The sort of person who puts the same Christmas decorations up in the same place every year - in order to avoid creating drawing pin holes / bluetac marks in different places.

Disclaimer - I may be describing my ex MIL who also used to Hoover the carpet in lines like a lawn!

ameliagrey · 19/08/2011 15:52

The bag tucks under your arm- you couldn't fling it round your back, but it's deffo a shoulder bag.

if you wanted to PM me I could send you pics- tried to send one by PM now but gues it doesn't work- only to an email address.

ameliagrey · 19/08/2011 15:53

Oh p.s. The OSP are i think more casual, Osprey London tend to be dressy/formal.

alemci · 19/08/2011 16:33

I think the reason the Radley bags are good is because they are proper shoulder bags with a strap which I prefer as it frees up your hands. One of mine only has a small srap and never stays on my shoulder. I am past 40 anyway so i don't care. The leather is lovely as well.

I don't hoover in lines but my mum in law does but I am probably quite law abiding. Who can afford not to be?

electra · 19/08/2011 16:36

I can't imagine why anyone would buy them - they are naff and unstylish imo.

electra · 19/08/2011 16:37

By the way what's S&B?

newpup · 19/08/2011 17:09

style & beauty electra. (ie. this section of mumsnet) Wink

WeShouldOpenABar · 19/08/2011 17:26

eugh my auntie loves radley , i just find them so twee

that ones not too bad though

applecrumbleandcream · 19/08/2011 17:37

I don't like them myself, my MIL has one so that says everything!! Grin

However, everyone has their opinions and if we all liked the same thing the world would be a boring place. I am not personally keen on the Peony & Moore 'Lucia' myself which is highly acclaimed on here, mainly because I prefer satchel style bags but I do love the LK Bennett Annina if I could afford one!

madammecholet · 19/08/2011 18:21

I Love my Lucia,.....la la la la la la ..........

I think I just have a dislike of high street bags tbh, the leather is all from far east and some of it is really horrid, the detailing is always watered down, they break after a few months, and I don't like seeing the my bag on someone else.

I like something better quality which I know will last, is classic, the leather will get better with age and I'm not going to see every tom dick and harry wearing the same one.

magicmelons · 19/08/2011 18:33

They are bleurgh, sorry anyone that has one but to me they are carried by someone who always carries an umbrella and wears polo necks. There are so many nicer bags out there. That dog ffs who are they aiming it at?

lachesis · 19/08/2011 18:35

Because they are fugly.

ameliagrey · 19/08/2011 18:58

I've already said my bit further back but I think some comments against Radley are OTT- occasionally they do have nice slouchy bucket style bags without applique or tassles, in black and brown.

These account for about 5% of their range but they are there !

I don't "get" Peony and Moore BTW as they sell brands- not their own make? from w hat I remember- and they aren't that special, IMO.

I have got to love a bag to but it and make it last a couple of years, so I tend to look at everything first.

Fossil is okay but their bags always feel heavy before you put anything in.

CatIsSleepy · 19/08/2011 19:14

AlpinePony, you should try Sacoo bags...dh got me one recently. Very plain. Nice brown leather. Pleasing shape. No extraneous twiddly bits!

madammecholet · 19/08/2011 19:28

ameliagrey Peony & Moore launched their own design bags a while ago, they sell other bags too still...

Loads of brands which are better than the high street offering imo.

applecrumbleandcream · 19/08/2011 20:30

madammecholet you really love that bag don't you??? Grin

I think there are some lovely bags out there on the high street, so the quality sometimes isn't as good as a £199 handbag (you wouldn't expect it to be), well so what? The majority of people have to buy their handbags from the high street as they can't afford or don't want to part with silly money. Fortunately for you, you can, and that's great if that's what makes you happy, but no need to keep saying high street stores aren't as good.

madammecholet · 19/08/2011 20:45

I suppose my point is that there are other options out there, I've posted a fabulous oushka bag today which was less than £100, ive linked to some great bags from tabitha bags before, red direct, tk maxx, i just think there are some better shops online which offer better than the high street. I think modalu is a great brand, they dont have their own shops, lk Bennett do great bags online and high street.

It's not a price thing, it's a 'widen your options' thing.