Looking for a handbag: Radley...ever acceptable?

[LambChopsMcGee]

Hiya.
So I know there's some anti Radley feeling on here and I get that the little crossbody bags with the dog (while I think they are cute) aren't exactly fasion. But I am looking for a new, nice bag to celebrate getting a new job (and to reduce the need to carry a tote as well as my little leather bag (11 inch Cambridge satchel...in purple, if that gives an idea of me).

So I have seen this:

www.radley.co.uk/smith-street-large-flapover-grab-bag-64207-853d61/

Thoughts? I like it in pink and think it looks practical and smart. I just wonder whether the Radley hate is such that when people clock it is from there it will undo the nice look. I mean to a large extent I don't GAF what people think, but this is all about dressing up for a new fancier job, so it does matter to me a bit.

Other one I am looking at is this:

www.lkbennett.com/Collections/Handbags/Catrina-Saffiano-Tote-Bag/p/BTCATRINASAFFIANOLEATHERGreyMist

Any opinions welcome. Or suggestions for similar bags. Spending the cost of these ones is a big purchase for me, so I'm not in Mulberry land, I'm afraid!

I have the Modalu Pippa in a dusky pink (which goes with everything) and have had it for years. It's great. The leather is still perfect although it's more relaxed and less structured now that the leather has softened.

I really like the Radley and the LK Bennett although the colour of the Radley is more versatile IMO.

I also have a Modalu Pippa but was not happy with the customer service when it developed a fault.

I'm looking to buy a handbag at the moment too and am considering the Radley Berwick St. I've heard Radley's customer service is better. Well done on your recent success OP

Oh Snork! Sorry, didn't read your post properly.

Gah! Maybe I'll just use an Asda bag for life.

I don't like Radley.

Similar price range but less structured.
www.oushka.com/collection

Younger styles

www.nat-nin.fr/en/estore

As others have said if you have an outlet shopping centre, nearby, you can get a Radley or Tula Bag at a bargain price, I brought a small black leather Tula bag which is lovely at less than half price I use it daily, I love it.

I love Modalu bags. I have 4 or 5 and they all still look like new and such a bargain if you can pick up one in the sale as the quality is excellent.

However out of the two you listed the Radley is by far the nicest.

I have never liked Radley as I had never seen a bag I liked and I hate the stupid little dog.

However, I needed a work bag and they were on sale so I bought a large blue bag. I have been impressed. It has stood up to a lot of abuse and is still in really good condition.

I would go as far as to say I would recommend them. If you find one you like the look of, they are well made and will last. Well, mine has.

That bag is really lovely OP

Absolutely adore my Radley Grosvenor bags; heaps of pockets and space and not at all twee.

I don't get the Radley hate either. If you like the bag buy the bag. I have bags by radley, modalu biba, mulberry and more. Radley has never let me down. Mulberry on the other hand........

I think they have got better recently and less twee. At one stage they were the 'must have' of a certain type of woman: mid heel court shoes with trousers, boring chin length bob, boot leg jeans and boring black ankle boots, 'statement necklace'. I'm being horrid yes!

However, the last couple of seasons I think they have improved mainly because they have got some slouchy designs . I dislike the very structured look because I think other makes do it better.

Also their colours are a bit weird at times. I've liked some styles but not the colours , often.