Why are Radley bags so universally hated?

[AlpinePony]

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!

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 ?

Ps, I think this also applies to clothes as well as bags, there are some great online stores out there which offer better than the large faceless generic high street, ie getcutie dresses, berylware for scarves, duoboots online, independent boutique.com, etc etc

arg!
The only handbag I liked was £925...I could buy a whole cow for that.

Swoons....

Each to his own!! I love my Mariella in Vanilla preferring to think it is simply stylish rather than dull - but have to agree about that bloody dog that hangs off those bags !!- not dull, not stylish, just naff.!

I think the good thing about this country is that we do have fantastic affordable high street shops (supposedly the best in the world) that cater for every taste/budget and there are also some great online shops as well. The choice is there and is endless - moreso if you have plenty of money though!!

Money doesn't give you good taste - just more choice.!

apple crumble - I don't think those of us who dislike Radley are all anti high street by any means After all, L K Bennett are high street - higher end I guess, but still ... So in a way are Comptoir des Cotonniers and Zadig and Voltaire, where I've bought my two most recent bags.

Radley prices are not typical 'high street' ones and yet the bags are still lacking in the style I'd expect if I paid that sort of money, whether in a shop or online.

Anyway, as we do have a wide choice, good luck to those that choose to buy Radley. They just won't include me!

I did once like Radley bags and have 7 all over £100 BUT I don't really use them as everyone has them. They are all over 2 years old and I haven't been inspired to buy another one as they've become a bit boring and you can get better bags for the same price.

I do however bring out my small Radley Hana dangles on high days and holidays and it's universally admired.

I'm currently coveting a bright purple Kipling Fairfax, the monkey doesn't bother me.

I am also going to have to come to terms with getting rid of some of my beloved bag collection as I'm running out of space (weeping copious tears at the thought!!!)

they're the per una of the bag world

This sums it up well. They lack style and are very middle-of-the-road in an immensely dull way. I guess their market is women who want something practical and sensible. My reaction to practical and sensible is just shoot me now!!

But I don't like Mulberry either (well, not since Luella's day back last century!) despite it being a perennial MN favourite.

This thread is from 2011!

Hmm. Why might someone bring back a zombie thread from 2011, complete with a handy link to a bag website?

naughty!

I like them, well made, decent price, lots of colours to choose from so they are good value for money for me. I also love fossil and coach and would rather one of these that i know will last

They're great bags, last years and years and are so comfortable to wear.

They stopped doing the dogs a long time ago.

Oh ffs!

I like Conkca London for good quality leather "plainer" bags.

Oooops didn't realise date thread was started until I had posted!!!

Conka bags are extremely good quality, I have one.

They're just MEH

Searching for a Lucia bag on google has just led me to this. I know it’s not the bag in question, but I love it and want it... so thanks 😂👍

Shit.

Ffs, I really wish MN would close Zombie threads to comments.