Fendi Handbags

Ok – I know many of you are very much over Fendi and honestly, for good reasons. I am usually less than impressed when I see most Fendi bags. I guess for the majority of the time I feel the bags are overpriced (the Fendi Beaded Baguette Bag comes to mind) and overhyped. However, agree with me or not, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the Fendi Selleria Hobo. In fact, I actually had to look at the name of the designer twice when I first saw this bag. Unlike what I am used to with Fendi bags, this hobo is actually rather simple: black leather, classic hobo design, and grained leather lining. I really like the contrasting white stitch detailing; it is simple, but it adds a little something extra. The woven leather shoulder strap offers extra texture to the bag. This is the kind of hobo you could carry around just about any day of the week with just about any outfit. Sure, there isn’t anything about this bag that is out of the ordinary or that really catches the eye. Yet, at the same time, I think we can all use a bag or two that is a staple in our collection. So what do you think, even if you wouldn’t add this hobo to your collection, are you surprised it is a Fendi bag? Buy through eLuxury for $1,460.

Wow – for a few reasons! Fendi is always a brand that catches my attention. I am not always that interested in the handbags because they tend to be too “loud” for my taste. But come on people, no matter what your taste is, it is Fendi; so how can you not at least glance twice? Therefore, you can see, if nothing else, why I stopped to take a second look at the Fendi Beaded Baguette Bag. I’ll be honest, when I first saw it, I thought it was too busy. Busy in the way certain handbags or shirts are that end up giving you a headache or making your eyes crazy if you look at it too long. As I looked at it a little closer and for a little while longer, I didn’t find myself going crazy, instead I started to really notice the craftsmanship of the bag. The multicolored beaded bag has a double F logo on the front and is adorned with a watersnake handle and closure. It is a Limited Edition bag and each one comes with a serial number embroidered on the inside. And to add a little extra something, the interior is lined with spicy red satin. Especially with the holiday season creeping up on us, could you imagine if this kind of investment, if this gift was a part of your collection? See, I was right, WOW! Just wait until you see the price tag on this bag, if you haven’t said “wow” yet, I am sure you will now. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $6,670.00.

Fendi Maxi Baguette Shoulder Bag

Fendi, you’ve got me a bit vexed. Actually, you’ve had me a bit vexed for several years now. Why is that? Mostly because you continue to commit attrocious crimes against handbags, sell them for exhorbitant sums, and yet not go completely out of business. I’ll admit, I liked the original Spy bag. But all the Spys that came after? The paillete Spy? The multicolored zucca Spy? The Spy that looked like it was made out of someone’s old, puffy, nylon winter coat? Fendi, as a brand, is a great example of a company and takes something that’s fairly nice-looking and tastefully done and milks it for absolutely all the money it is worth until it’s dead as a doornail. And when they don’t have anything that they’re currently milking (like, uh, now), they come out with some really average handbags.

Case in point? The Fendi Maxi Baguette Shoulder Bag (really? We’re still doing baguettes? Sex and the City ended years ago). On the surface, I’ll admit, there’s absolutely nothing offensive about this bag. It’s black, and it’s hard to argue with black, although it’s boring. The hardware is simple and unobtrusive (which is code for boring). It’s ultra-structured, and has a half leather, half chain shoulder strap that is a little too long for my taste. In fact, the chain is a little too thin, and the leather section of the strap looks like kind of an afterthought. In fact, the entire bag seems like kind of an afterthought. The problem I have is that I don’t see any innovation here – nothing that catches my eye and makes me think about the design of the bag. Sure, the bag works on a practical level – but why pay almost $1600 for this (just because it’s Fendi?) when there are so many other modern, interestingly designed, new-looking bags out there for that amount or less.

So am I way off base? Have I missed something breathtaking that Fendi has done (I like their Du Jour bags, but they never promote those)? Let me know in the comments. Buy through Saks for $1,590.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York 2008! I probably don’t have to remind anyone, but yes, we are in the midst of the infamous New York Fashion Week. While designers, PR reps, socialites, models, celebrities and other lucky people participate, the rest of us eagerly await to see fashion images pop up. I know I’ve been curious to see which magazines cover what lines or what tidbit the nightly news might drop. Sure, there are new looks I am not fond of, but isn’t that the point of fashion sometimes… to push the envelope? Well, I do think the Fendi Stamped F6 Secret Code Bag might just fit into that category. This bag was seen gracing the runway and it got me thinking, could this handbag be one of the next on your wish list?

I have to say, once you realize what the handbag is made out of, it is no surprise it was featured on the runway during Fashion Week. The bag is available in two vibrant colors, violet and cherry. Although both fun colors for a handbag, it was the mink fur-stamped suede that really intrigued me. The luscious mink is paired well with the contrast topstitching and metal hardware. The front cut-outs are lined with wolf fish skin and accented with oversized stone (tiger’s eye stones on the violet bag while multicolored stones are on the cherry bag). I am not so sure how I feel about the adjustable shoulder strap (I’ve never been a big fan), but I do like that the flap top tucks into front panels and secured with a magnetic closure. So, a re-cap: the bag has graced New York’s Fashion Week, the material is stunning and there is a definite attention to detail. But the question remains, will the Fendi’s handbag go from the runway to your closet? Buy through eLuxury for $2,450.00.

I figured we could continue the battle of the similar designs from Friday. Why not right? The Fendi Spy Bag became a huge hit, in fact was one of the bags that catapulted the “it” bag obsession, back in 2005. You were only handbag-cool if you had a Fendi Spy Bag. The bag itself is a bit different; a large slouchy oval body, funky handles, a cool hidden compartment, a fun pocket, and a large open body. After it became the next best thing since sliced bread, Fendi went on to reinvent the Spy in a plethora of variations, materials, skins, and looks. Some were awful, some were beautiful, and the Spy is still a recognizable bag.

Then came Miu Miu, known for chic bags that resemble its older sister Prada but have a more stomachache price tag. We have been mad for Miu Miu handbags for quite some time now, loving the chic and fun styles and lines. So Miu Miu decided to take a note from the Bottega Veneta and Fendi book, pairing woven leather on a Spy like shaped bag.

The Miu Miu Woven Leather Tote is actually a favorite of mine for many reasons. The rich berry tones are perfect for fall and the woven leather shows off this soft saturated leather beautifully. The slouchy hobo body resembles the body of the Fendi Spy but does not have the fold over flap top with the cool pouch pocket and hidden lip gloss compartment. Either way, I am loving this bag. And I love the Fendi Spy Bag as its design at one time was new and the bag transforms outfits into chic ensembles pulled together by the handbag.

So what do you think of the Fendi Spy vs the Miu Miu Woven Leather Tote?

Buy the Fendi Spy through Net A Porter for $2,250 and the Miu Miu Woven Leather Tote through Net A Porter for $1,595.

The so-called style of the Olsen’s twins has received quite a bit of press, but not always good press. The once cute-as-a-button Full House stars have transformed their looks into quite the memorable look. Very casual, very covered up, and very grandma-chic. Don’t ask me to explain it further, I just have no idea what the girls are thinking most of the time!

And when Ashley began incessantly carrying an exotic and vintage Fendi bag, the handbag lovers of the world went nuts. What is this bag they asked, where can we find it they demanded, I need it they exclaimed! I quite liked her bag, but word on the street was it truly was not in stores and was vintage and quite unattainable. So I stopped looking, as I do not eBay like the rest of the world (I know, I am out of the times).

But as some speculated, the exposure and popularity that came from Ashley carrying the bag catapulted Fendi into designing a bag to satiate the wants and needs of their customers. This is what the Fendi Vintage Leather Twins Tote has come here to do; satisfy the never ending customers who have yearned for the Olsen Fendi bag for over a year now. The problem is that this version is new but Fendi attempted to make it vintage-like. And then there is the simple leather version, not the exotic crocodile. And really, we all WANTED THE CROC! So, while Fendi did what they thought the public was asking for, and recreated the Twins Tote, they may not see it flying off the shelves. I can say that I for one am not very moved. The bag is made of smooth grained leather, finished with polished gold metal hardware, and features the same double F link attachments as the handbag Ashley sported constantly. Dimensions are 15.5″x 12″x 6″. And the price, well again, to me not even close to worth it. Also available in black, buy through eLuxury for $1630.

Images of Ashley with her Fendi Croc Tote below...

Fendi Vintage Leather Baguette

So I just brought you the beauty that is the Fendi Rainbow Clutch, but I can see many of you (even me!) thinking it looks drab in the picture. A picture is worth a thousand words, and when a picture neglects to capture the essence of a bag, it can loose potential followers. I am not satisfied with the picture for the rainbow clutch, and even less satisfied with the bold colors on the version photographed. It is harsh and not as chic as the bag looked on the runway. Thankfully Fendi has created other color options to appeal to those who are not fans of the rainbow version, and this picture showcases the bag much better. Saks is carrying the Fendi Vintage Leather Baguette in both ivory and brown leather. This bag features the same appeal as the rainbow version; including elaborate stitching, smooth leather, and an interchangeable shoulder strap. The perk is, that this ivory color is stunning even in pictures! It is so chic and lady-like. The appeal of large clutches is not for everyone, but if you want to pull it off it is a statement piece. Dimensions are 16″W X 8″H X 3″D. Buy through Saks for $1950.

So now we have brought you the Fendi Patent Shoulder Bag, the Fendi Rainbow Clutch, and this Fendi Vintage Baguette. Which appeals to you?

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Fendi Rainbow Clutch

Just as quickly as it showed up on Net A Porter, it vanished. I have been waiting like a child waiting for her birthday for this bag. Anxiously waiting to see what it will truly look like. To be honest, I am feeling let down. I am sure each version of the Fendi Rainbow Clutch differs slightly, adding a more subdued hue of yellow, blue, pink, or green, but the colors shown on NAP are more bold than I imagined. In fact, this is almost a blessing in disguise, as I am on the wait list for this bag at my local Fendi boutique and if the bag they want to gives me looks like this, it is not for me. What I love about this Fendi Handbag is the oversized appeal, with the chunky stitching and Fendi buckle detailing. The mixture of colors is that of tasty sorbets and the leather is supple as it comes. Fendi was one of the leaders in bringing the Art trend for their spring line. This is still a total hit for me, but not the exact bag shown. What gives me hope is knowing that each bag’s color will vary. So if this works out, it means the bag will be the perfect light hues (as seen on the runway) and I will hopefully get it towards the end of this month. Keep checking back with Net A Porter, as this bag may come in stock again, but will sell out soon each time. So I am crossing my fingers to those at Fendi, that when it is my turn for this bag, my colors are toned-down hues of rainbow perfection. Price is $1950.

Fendi Patent Shoulder Bag

I have been patiently waiting for a design from the house of Fendi to wow me. I mean the kind of wow that is undeniable, the feeling you get when you see a bag that you absolutely must have! Not saying that this bag is it, but it could be, in a different version. While the Fendi Patent Shoulder Bag has a shoulder strap, the chic way to carry it is sans-strap as an oversized clutch. The oversized bag from Fendi was spotted on the Spring 2008 RTW runway in various forms, my favorite being the multicolor hues and oversized stitching (similar to the multicolor Doctor Frame Bag). I am still waiting to see that bag in person and see how much it wins me over (it could be the bag that turns me back on to Fendi). So this bag, the patent shoulder bag, is slightly reminiscent of what I am yearning for. The good news is this is easy to wear, at all times. Th black patent leather will carry over for seasons and the fold over top is a nice finish. This is ok, but I am waiting for stunning! Buy through Net A Porter for $1680.

Fendi Borderline Clutch

The shape of this clutch is one of my favorite designs; effortless, timeless, and beautiful. We spoke about three other versions of this Fendi Clutch, which got mixed reviews. Just in for spring, the Fendi Borderline Clutch gives off a roaring 20’s vibe with the fringe and the perfect pop of color with the fuchsia. The size of this bag is perfect to hold all evening essentials, 8.5″W x 7.5″H x 2″D. Last year I had two 20’s themed events to go to and this clutch would have been perfect! I could have worn my black flapper dress, little hat, long strands of beads, and the perfect pop of color. That being said this clutch is of the moment, but not perfect if you are looking for a classic. There is a diamante clasp to fasten and a press stud fastening to secure down the fold over front. Buy through NAP for $1,040.