This Radley fold away tote shopping bag was a lovely stocking filler of a present I got at Christmas. Now a shopping bag isn't generally a romantic present but I was more than pleased to get this one with the cute Radley doggies on it.

This foldaway tote bag comes packaged in a round circular handbag size pouch. The pouch is attached to the bag via a stitched on strap which I find useful as it mean the bag and pouch never get separated. The circular pouch is around 15 cm in diameter and has a zip to keep the bag inside the pocket pouch. On one side of the pouch is information displaying the bags green credentials as the fabric is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles meaning not only is it better for the environment by replacing plastic carrier bags but it is made from recycled material too this I find to be a nice green touch from Radley. The opposite side of the pouch has four of Radley's cute little Scottie doggies on some sporting neckerchiefs and others little doggie coats. My bag is in a black and green design with the doggies and flowers on it being in green a blue and the background being black. This colour wave I think it is nice contrasting of colours that stands out well give a nice clear sharp image. The pouch I find to be a very hand size to keep in my handbag for when I need a shopping bag whilst out. The pouch is excellent at holding the bag itself and there is enough space to fit the bag into it between uses with out taking a degree in origami folding to get into the pouch which has been my difficulties with some cheaper fold away tote bags.

The bag itself when taken out is very cute in its design one side is plain back with just the Radley name and London emblazoned upon the top. The other side which is the side I guess you are to display to the world has more of those cute doggies on the theme of doggies in Neckerchiefs and coats from the pouch is continued to the bag alongside some flowers and butterflies for the doggies to look at. Personally I find it a very delightful set of images which makes me smile and has often raised the odd comment from people when they have seen the bag in use.

The handles to the bag are excellent are long enough for them to worn over the shoulder which I find useful if you are carrying say a magazine and a few bits as I find it easier to carry this way and the bag nestles nicely against my hips and the top of my thighs and doesn't bounce around too much. The handles are easy to hold in your hand too without the bag getting caught up in your legs or dragging on the floor which given I am 5 foot 2 is and important consideration.

The base of the bag rather than it being just two sides joined together has a piece of material about five cm wide sewn across it giving the bag a base which is useful I find if you are carrying small bottles or boxes as they can rest flat on the bottom of the bag meaning everything stores a lot better in the bag as you carry it.

So far I have been impressed by it weight carrying abilities and have managed to carry in it a litre bottle of milk and a few basic grocery items. However I haven't dared risk using it for my vegetable and fruit shop from the market as the bag is quite thin and I don't want to risk the bag becoming damaged. This I think would be my only real critique of the bag that it isn't maybe substantial enough to carry a heavy shop, I maybe wrong but as I can't find anyway on the bag or the net a maximum weight limit suggested for the bag I really don't want to tempt fate and risk using the bag for this purpose.

As my bag has the black background colour it is also very easy to keep clean and if it has got some mud, or other spills on it I find they wipe of it nice and easily with a baby wipe to keep it looking fresh and clean as and as good as new.

Overall
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I would definitely recommend this toe shopping bag for Radley fans as it is a cute handbag essential for those shopping bag emergencies. It is very environmentally friendly as it is not only reducing the amount of plastic bags you will use but it made from recyclable plastic too. The bag fits nicely on the shoulder to carry the shopping home or back to the office in. At £18 normally form the Radley website it is more a treat item I think but as mine is holding up well I do think it is worth its money for a cute shopping bag and one I am always happy to be seen sporting.