Radley

I was recently drawn into this shop due to the giant jars of flying saucers (the sweets, I might clarify) in the window. Once I was inside, I felt more like I really was in a sweet store than anything else: A place full of pretty things designed to tempt you, but in the long run aren’t really all that good for you.
Am I the only one who just doesn’t get this brand? I’ve never really understood the designer handbag thing anyway; they’re usually all so vile I can see why the celebrities took to keeping their dogs in them. Fortunately Radley doesn’t just provide handbags, but wallets and other little leather goods as well.
Although I will happily admit that they look like they are made to very high standard, Radley products just aren’t to my personal taste. They tend to be bright or pastel colours with a type of ‘bubblegum’ feeling to them. And all those little stitched leather dogs? I just don’t get it.
Good quality, but expensive.

Radley is a little bit like Reiss, in that the bags are really very expensive (not to mention the luggage and the purses/​wallets, and now the shoes). However, I feel that the excellent quality really means that Radley stands out as a shop. The assistants here are lovely people. They are willing to help if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for and they are also happy to just let you browse. Even if you go in looking a little bit like a bit of a mess, all scraggy. Luckily, no Pretty Woman moments with judgemental staff, then. There is a huge range of stuff, ever increasing as Radley becomes more and more popular.

Radley bags aren’t really to my taste, but despite this I really can’t deny how impressive their new Cardiff store is. If unlike me you are a fan of Radley bags you will be in absolute heaven in this store!
They have such a wide selection of bags, wallets, and small leather goods in this store that I’m pretty certain that they’ve probably got the entire collection, or at least nearly all of it. However despite this large variety of choice, the bags are well presented, and do not appear squished in together.
My Mum recently purchased a bag from here, and the staff were all very helpful and patient whilst she spent what felt like hours choosing a bag (perhaps there is a downside to so much choice).
I do wonder how much of a market there is in Cardiff for a shop selling just one brand of luxury handbags. I have noticed that they often seem to have sales and promotional offers on, so it will be interesting to see if this store lasts.