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Original poster

Osprey london bag - what would you think? Silent judging.

227 replies

TunaTuna · 15/02/2022 10:46

Am looking at buying a couple of bags - small cross body and a larger hobo.

Very slow fashion here, when I do buy it will be with me till it falls apart. I'm not bothered about a label for a labels sake.
But I work in a very judgy industry where sometimes I'll be required to go to an actual meeting with strangers ( I love zoom) and I don't want them giving my choice of bag the side eye.
So stuff has to be under the radar but awesome or no obvious label or acceptable to those who judge.

I was attracted to Osprey london , well the sale, but then the sheer number of discount shops has made me question the brand.

Don't hold back bitches, what would you silently think, or could you even tell, if you spotted an Osprey bag at the meeting room.

OP posts:
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Original poster
TunaTuna · 15/02/2022 11:50

Someone must have noticed them, they appear to be in every discount village.....

OP posts:
Loopytiles · 15/02/2022 11:52

Your work colleagues / contacts sound annoying!

I don’t have any designer handbags! But would put Osprey into same bracket as Radley. Unfashionable.

CovidCorvid · 15/02/2022 11:55

I turn up to every meeting with a rucksack looking like a French exchange student. I’ve heard of osprey, not sure I’d recognise one but certainly wouldn’t judge. 😁

Saurus72 · 15/02/2022 11:56

I would think you had bought it at TK Maxx. I would likely prefer to go for a lower profile mid-range brand like Mimi Berry or Want Les Essentials perhaps. Less branded but a little bit ‘insider-ey.’

Saurus72 · 15/02/2022 12:00

Just wanted to add: I was putting myself in the mindset of your judgey colleagues, but I really think you should buy what you like 😊

Mumdiva99 · 15/02/2022 12:01

I once treated myself to an Osprey bag for work - because I had.started to mix with people that didn't get their handbags off the market ;) It faded in 6 months. I was absolutely gutted. Now I buy faux leather and they last for ages but cost a fraction of the price......

I got mine in a posh shop in London...but they aren't in the really desirable bracket of bags. But who really cares? If you like the bag and can afford it then get it. If not then get.something else.

MyAnacondaMight · 15/02/2022 12:10

I’m afraid it’s synonymous with TK Maxx. I think designer bags are a huge waste of money, but handbag snobs will notice and judge.

I avoid the issue entirely by taking a smart rucksack to such meetings. It’s leather, sleek and understated, and I hope it says “I don’t give a fuck” to the handbag brigade.

ThanksIGotItInMorrisons · 15/02/2022 12:15

Couldn’t tell and wouldn’t care. UNLESS... the brand was plastered across in huge letters then I’d just think you were being a dick!

LaurieFairyCake · 15/02/2022 12:19

Yes, it's very tk maxx

And for that money you can get a second hand 'better' bag

Or just buy what you like and not give a tiny fuck Grin

scootalooser · 15/02/2022 12:22

Sorry to derail but what would an unacceptable bag be? I'm absolutely fascinated.

OP - why don't you post a pic of the bag you want and we can say what we think of it, can't really advise otherwise

BoodleBug51 · 15/02/2022 12:22

We've got a local outlet store and I've got a few bags in there...... until I realised that everyone else had them. And the faults are quite obvious.... which I didn't see when buying.

I'd think you'd been outlet shopping, I must admit.

I tend to stick to Kate Spade or Coach these days, as the leather is gorgeous and they wear really well with a daily battering.

Original poster
TunaTuna · 15/02/2022 12:26

I had a feeling it wasn't going to tick the box.

I hate the judgyness, it was awful when I started out and had no money and it's awful now I'm almost old enough to be their mum. I aim for under stated eccentric, no labels, rarely patterned. Not try hard although they'll never appreciate the hours that go into this nonchalance.

I'm also out if practice of shopping in real shops. Not one suitable candidate in two department stores yesterday.

All alternative label suggestions gratefully appreciated.

OP posts:
Mandatorymongoose · 15/02/2022 12:28

My laptop bag is Osprey. I like it. It's blue, comfortable to carry and fits all my random junk in it. I don't mind if people silently judge but out loud I've only had compliments.

Mrstwiddle · 15/02/2022 12:32

Well this is useful information, I’d favourited an osprey bag on vinted, but something held me back from buying it. I did buy an almost new lovely Longchamp bag for £30 though.

Ducksurprise · 15/02/2022 12:33

Elvis and Kresse. I bought one after recommendation from here and I have had loads.of compliments. No idea if it's unjudgey, not really my world.

Mrstwiddle · 15/02/2022 12:34

Just to add, I bought a coach bag from one of their outlet stores in the states, and despite careful use, it didn’t look good after just a few months, so that really put me off them.

bluepeacock · 15/02/2022 12:36

I love handbags and own several £1-2k bags.

I wouldn't give two hoots if a work colleague had an Osprey bag. They are not my personal taste but I would never look down on someone who had a £100 bag - who cares?

Osprey and radley etc are a much better option than buying say, a primark or river island bag. They are decent leather handbags. Buy whatever you like OP - but I agree with others that you may be better looking in TK maxx first rather than paying full price - they often have Osprey etc for half the price.

starshipsahead · 15/02/2022 12:38

What about Strathberry or Aspinal?

Or maybe even APC or Demellier?

Original poster
TunaTuna · 15/02/2022 12:40

@scootalooser I go to meetings at TV Production companies where the receptionist looks like a model. I work in a specialist role, only a few if us and I'm good but I don't look like what they are expecting - male, mid thirties, public school.

I can look different to them but I never look like the middle aged mum that I am. So I wear Cos rather than Fatface to the meetings so I don't distract from the work.

I've got a bloody brilliant laptop bag, a name but not a name.
looking for a cross body, relatively small, secure pocket for Oyster card.

OP posts:
Latara · 15/02/2022 12:41

Oh my god. My work bags are a crossbody from er, River Island sale & a rucksack by Adidas.
No one in my workplace cares luckily.

Actually I've had a couple of compliments on the River Island bag haha.

Latara · 15/02/2022 12:41

My best friend at work carries a Mulberry bag though.

Pbbananabagel · 15/02/2022 12:42

If I were you? I’d treat myself to a mulberry. Timeless, hard wearing and will always look the part. It’s an investment but worth it

Girlwhowearsglasses · 15/02/2022 12:43

I have an Osprey cross body bag.
It's leather, has lasted well so far. Its 'my' colour and you can't see the label.

I also have a couple of 🙄 'designer' bags that I also love but aren't as practical.

Buy what you like!

scootalooser · 15/02/2022 12:44

Well I have a mulberry small darley on the basis that it's fairly ethical, will last, suitable for summer and winter etc etc.

But I would be interested to know if that would be judged unfavourably!

TheYearOfSmallThings · 15/02/2022 12:46

My best ever handbag was from Principles and cost about £30. Endless compliments.

Osprey does say "TK Maxx" but buy the one you like (which is also comfortable, fits all your stuff, and goes with everything).