Which of these two bags?

[SmillasSenseOfSnow]

I have ordered the following two bags in the respective Black Friday sales (NB: I realise Mumsnet generally hates Radley bags, but I figured that given it's about a specific bag versus another bag I'd get some useful opinions regardless):

www.radley.co.uk/chelsea-small-zip-top-grab-bag/

vs.

www.modalu.com/shop/black-friday/erin-mini-black.html

Both in black, though the dark brown Chelsea was quite tempting (but not what I think I'm after right now).

This is to replace a small grey cross-body bag I've been using for years now and which is looking a bit battered and doesn't go with much of what I wear anymore. This is the most I've ever spent on a bag so I'm finding the process a bit stressful...

Thanks in advance for any and all opinions.

I prefer radley one

Definitely the radley, the modalu looks cheap with that awful zip

Disclaimer - I currently have 5 radleys and love them all - so well made

I assume they're 'conservative' because the OP wants something suitable for the office.

I no longer work in an office (and never worked in one which would require very formal dress) and plan to never do so ever again, actually! The smart vs casual dress code of my future profession depends an awful lot on which country I end up working in. I think I'm going for quite simple and black because I don't have plans to invest in another bag for many years, unless an acute need arises. My style is rather simple, I don't want anything that will date or be too loud or clash with the look I'm going for at any given time. I don't dress in an especially 'girly' way, I don't think, but nor am I all Dr Martens and biker jackets (though more towards that end of things than skirts and pearls). My thoughts are daytime casual - simple smallish black bag, evening at a nice restaurant - simple smallish black bag. Something that just works everywhere.

I am actually a semi-perpetual student but that didn't seem to stop others in my year bringing Mulberry bags on the first day of the course(!) so there's little risk of me looking especially pretentious with a decent investment bag.

Op I would say neither given your last post....they are more Tory wife than your style. Order both and see what they look like on.

Definitely the Modalu one.

Yes, your description of your style makes me think that you'd maybe prefer a more unstructured - thpugh classy - type of bag ( as in fact I do myself, as another perpetual student at this stage of my life). Those two bags look pretty ' businesslike' to me.

Evening/daytime small bag I'm thinking cross body bag?

I think you should relax a little, buy a bag you absolutely love - that imo makes it timeless. I don't think bags come and go in fashion terms....but trying to buy one that is timeless, works day and night and goes with everything might mean you end up with a pretty dull thing hanging off your shoulder dragging your whole look down to frumpy nothingness.

Does Mumsnet really hate Radley Bags. I have about ten of them - its standard that DH gives me one at Xmas.

Definitely the Radley. The other one looks cheap and nasty.

Yes, your description of your style makes me think that you'd maybe prefer a more unstructured - thpugh classy - type of bag

Can you give me any examples? The first thing that springs to mind with that is the ones described as 'slouchy' and I really dislike them. I'm very picky about bag shape, hence why I pretty much have no bags.

I have ordered both so I will see what they look like anyhow, but some inspiration would be gratefully received. Mostly I wear jeans, trainers (a combination far more acceptable here than in the UK I should add) and either t-shirt + (ideally) nicely-fitting hoody rather than one that makes me look bigger than I am, or a long-sleeved cardigan or a tightly-fitting jumper. I like boat necks and long sleeves, jumpers with buttons on the top of the shoulder, that sort of thing...

I've lost my way somewhat since I put on weight - now that I think about it, a 'slouchy' bag would go quite well with the boots and jeans and long cardigan kind of thing I went for for a while.

fuck it all

I think the Radley cross body became so ubiquitous and that silly looking dog was too twee, it's a bit like overdosing on sugar. I think they've recovered but the bad taste in the mouth remains.

Agree with Higge - it was the twee doggie and the very safe boring designs that put me off Radley. They've been trying much harder for the last few years but I can't really shake off my prejudice.

OP sorry can't post on my IPad but if I've understood correctly you have quite a casual but not baggy or sloppy style and dislike slouchy bags . I know what you mean I think. I don't like over structured bags but I don't like them too floppy. The two I'm fancying most at the moment are the Whistles Duffy ( perhaps the one with tassels) and the Russell and Bromley Langley. Neither are slouchy - in fact the R and B one has quite a bit in common with the Modalu and Radley ones you posted. Do report back on what you think of those.

I don't like over structured bags but I don't like them too floppy.
That's what I was trying to say, yes. Likewise with my general style.

The two I'm fancying most at the moment are the Whistles Duffy ( perhaps the one with tassels) and the Russell and Bromley Langley.
Not a fan of the Duffy, not sure I can really explain why though. I quite like the Langley, and a couple of other things by Russell and Bromley, but they seem a bit steep for me anyway. I will report back once I've seen the Modalu and the Radley bags.

Look forward to it. I actually much prefer the Langley to the Duffy but, as you say, it's not cheap. If only R and B had a Black Friday!

BTW, what do you and others think of this, which I'm also eying and has 20% off today.
www.peonyandmoore.com/shop/hobo/the-antonella/

Too slouchy?

I like that poly

It's bordering on too slouchy but I kind of like it, poly. I think the tassle-type bits of leather strap on each side combat the lack of structure.

Both DP and I just blew a lot of money on a couple of large items we really needed in the Black Friday sales so I won't be ordering any more bags to look at until I've sent the other two back, anyway... roll on Monday

Ok, finally home! I looked at both bags and liked the look of both, but the Radley just seemed to have far less thought put into it. The strap was thin and uniform and had no chance of staying on my shoulder, no matter what I was wearing, which was a major pain in the arse. It was also just a slightly 'off' length, with no way of altering it. It was listed on the invoice as a multiway bag, but it was impossible to use as a crossbody bag, which was a real letdown. So I am now the proud owner of the Modalu bag and I love it. One of my favourite things is the strap adjustment detail (with buckle). It all just feels more lovingly and carefully designed. Thanks everyone!