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Original poster

Are Radley bags really so awful?

141 replies

HarrySnotter · 04/04/2013 17:24

DH bought me this bag for my birthday. I actually really love it but a 'friend' (work colleague really) has informed me that Radley are totally naffola and that everyone will now think I have no taste.

I don't normally give a toss what other people think of what I like or if I have taste or not (I probably don't!) but I'm actually a little hurt because DH put a lot of thought into it and got me one he knew I'd like. Which I do. I don't really know why I'm bothered, I suppose I just feel that she's pissed on my chips a bit. Sad

www.radley.co.uk/rockland-broad-large-workbag

OP posts:
freerangeeggs · 05/04/2013 00:48

Keep the bag, lose the friend IMO

Honestly, you don't have time for twats like that. Genuinely can't imagine what would drive a person to behave in such a way, unless they're jealous/somehow insecure.

I wouldn't have a witty comeback either, but I would stew and stew on this and probably be very cold with her. I am the queen of grudges. I would take it as a insult to my DP's honour and when the time came I would exact my vengeance.

"Lovely boots, I think my mum has them. Are they BHS?"
"Have you shaved your upper lip? It just looks a bit stubbly"
"You're looking very healthy, have you gained a bit of weight? No, it suits you, really, you were gaunt before. You looked old"
"You're very brave to wear that colour next to your face, at your age"

I would never normally say such things but man, what a bitch

sydlexic · 05/04/2013 00:54

I don't care for Radley, my DSis loves them. I would never say something like that to her.

If you love it that is all that matters.

chicaguapa · 05/04/2013 01:00

freerangeeggs Grin I'm alone in the house and I have laughed out loud. I think I'll print them off and hope I've got the gall to use one of the one day. Grin

SanctiMOMious · 05/04/2013 10:39

freerangeeggs! that's what we call the silky insult. my mother es la maestra

101handbags · 05/04/2013 10:44

Wow, I really can't believe someone would be so nasty. Your bag is lovely by the way. If I like something a colleague or friend is wearing/carrying I tell them. If I don't (and we all have different tastes, after all), I don't comment). Why would someone feel the need to say something so nasty? I can only assume jealousy if you were getting lots of compliments from others while she is used to people falling over themselves to pay homage to her fake Prada.

valiumredhead · 05/04/2013 10:57

I have an across body type Radley and it has worn really really well, in fact looks nicer now than it did when I bought it. I'd love another one tbh.

I can't see your link, what's it called and I will look at it on the site?

I think your friend is a tad jealous and possibly believes everything she reads on MN Wink

AmberNectarine · 05/04/2013 11:04

Well Laura Bailey is the brand ambassador and I think she's pretty damn chic.

Tell your friend everyone thinks her Prada is fake.

freddiefrog · 05/04/2013 11:16

I'm not really a bag person, I tend to shove keys, phone and debit card in a pocket, so don't get excited about bags in the slightest, but I really like it!

ATJabberwocky · 05/04/2013 11:19

Radley bags are lovely, i really like the cute dog, i would not take notice, all that matters is that you like it.

Madratlady · 05/04/2013 11:25

I love Radley. My handbay is a Radley one I bought to celebrate splitting up with my arse of an ex over 2 years ago and is still in fantastic condition even though I use it daily.

goldensands · 05/04/2013 11:29

My family make special trips to the designer outlet to purchase Radley bags Blush

I think they are lovely! I am actually very excited because I know I am getting a holdall on wheels suitcase thing from there for my birthday...

Very jealous of your lovely bag Envy

BeaLola · 05/04/2013 11:53

She is downright rude. Perhps she is jealous of the fact that you have such a kind and thoughtful DH. Is she in a relationship ? If she is perhaps they bought her nothing lovely when it was her birthday ?

I have several Radleys from briefcase type that I've had for about 10 years to cross-body types to a hobo type. I love them all - some I bought myself others DH did - it perhaps helps that we visit outlet centre where huge range & great prices. I don't love everything they do but I do love my handbags - also have some lovely ones from Osprey & a lovely Mulberry bucket bag that DH bought me years back.

At the end of the day you love it (I looked at it online & loved it too), your husband loved it & is fab DH for being so thoughtful & she is a rude, wizened, not nice individual. I wish I could think of a witty put down but I'm rubbish at those. Just wear your Radley with pride & tbh take it as a compliment that she doesn't like it - she clearly has no taste whatsoever.

compoundinterest · 05/04/2013 11:56

Your 'friend' sounds horrid. Bin her and enjoy your Radley bag. It looks lovely! Grin

itsmummynotmum · 05/04/2013 12:11

Yes well Jel!

I know someone who buys every bag they do - if you like it, go for it & carry with pride:)

CountryBelle · 05/04/2013 12:12

Beautiful bag, horrible "friend".

CountryBelle · 05/04/2013 12:12

Also, lovely DH Smile

Shlurpbop · 05/04/2013 13:02

Prada?! How naff!

Wear your lovely Radley bag with pride. She is clearly jealous :)

Lazyoldcow · 05/04/2013 15:55

I just can't bear bag snobbery.

I have 2 Radley bags including the new Bartley. There are many bags I don't like but a few that are nice.

I also have a friend- maybe fast becoming an ex friend- who won't buy anything unless it's Prada, Anya H or Mulberry.

I think it's nonsense paying the cost of a 2nd hand car for a bag. More money than sense, lass.

I don'tl ove the Radley scottie- always take it off - it's twee. But never throw away cos when you Ebay the bag peeps want the doggy!

Aquelven · 05/04/2013 17:00

I reckon she's jealous, of your lovely bag but even more so of your lovely husband.

I really like Radley bags, terrific quality for far less ££££s than some more lusted after bags where you are just paying for snob value

I have a few & love them all, even the Scottie but then I am owned by several hairy terriers hailing from north of the border & wouldn't dare call them naff Grin

But then, if you want naff Radley, you need one like one of mine. It's pink, big & has a whole landscape appliquéd on the front in bright colours, complete with dog kennel, Scottie, flowers growing in grass..... Grin

ToastedTeacakes · 05/04/2013 17:12

Some people are way more concerned about prestige than quality, but they'll probably tell you they purchase Prada because of the quality. Heh.
I would see this as her attempt to justify her own spending, perhaps. This need to reduce you to a 'shelf below herself', so to speak.

I like a good bag, and have a few expensive ones, but am most happy with the least prestigious of the batch, which (whilst still high quality leather) threatens to outlast them all.

That Radley bag is lovely. I've never bought from the brand but they do have some nice, neat shapes.

You truly do NOT need the approval of a brand obsessed cockwomble to enjoy your new bag. Ask yourself why someone would insult you in this way? The issue lies with them.

ToastedTeacakes · 05/04/2013 17:15

And I'm not sure if it is jealousy about the bag itself, esp if she can afford expensive things, but maybe she doesn't have a wonderful man to treat her like that, or perhaps she resents how lucky you have been in obtaining those wonderful things in life that are actually still free (love).

Maybe hearing about how he chose this especially for you is what triggered her, and she would have said something similar even if you'd been gifted a Chanel.

trixymalixy · 05/04/2013 17:19

I'm not a Radley fan. Their bags were a bit twee for ages, but I have to admit that they seem to have upped their game and have some lovely bags at the moment. Yours is one of them and your friend is a total dick. How rude to comment on someone's bag like that?

SuburbanCrofter · 05/04/2013 17:21

I was a little bit Shock when I read your message, as I just got a Radley bag for my 40th birthday! It is the kind of thing I couldn't normally afford, and I thought it was classy because their bags seem well made but not flashy... I had no idea that anyone considered them naff! Guess I'm out of the loop....

However, I think the fact that your colleague judges items of clothing by brand (Prada=good, Radley=naff) shows a complete lack of taste. Do you actually trust her judgement - do you think her outfits look nice? I'll bet she looks like a dog's dinner most of the time! I think your bag is lovely, and your husband even lovelier.

polyhymnia · 05/04/2013 17:43

I agree withTrixy . my own lack of enthusiasm for Radley goes back a few years to when their bags were indeed on the twee side - as IMO the dog still is - but he's easily detachable .

But more recently have noticed they have very clearly raised their sights brought In new designers and started to do a far wider range of styles - many, like yours, definitely stylish.

BranchingOut · 05/04/2013 17:48

Nothing wrong with that bag - something probably wrong with her though!