Fendi Handbags and Purses (Page 9)

Yesterday, as not to jinx the Buckeyes, I did not wrote about how anxious we were to watch the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl game. Two previous years of BCS embarrassment and this year was going to be different (at least the entire Buckeye nation hoped). But alas, with the final seconds and plays of the games, we lost. An entirely devastating loss for the team and for all of the loyal fans, which Ohio State is known for. And today I am feeling blah already about it. I actually woke up thinking about what Ohio State could have done differently, which completely shows that every bit of athlete still exists deep down in my body. Shopping always makes it feel a little better. And while I am not buying a handbag today, rather on the hunt for my wedding day shoes, a classic pink clutch has my spirits lifted a bit.

What is this? Do my eyes deceive me? Might I actually be looking at a decent Fendi handbag? I am not sure if I am just hoping it is a good looking purse or what, but it certainly is worth writing about. When I think about it, there is one word that really captures how I’ve been feeling about Fendi handbags, disappointed. They are either too out there or too plain for me. Personally, I am completely over slapping logos all over bags. But, the Fendi Borderline Satin Clutch has grabbed my attention. First off, I love navy. To me, navy is the kind of color that can be casual or completely sharp and flawless. Not only is the color navy, but the material is satin! Who doesn’t want a satin clutch? And since the material is ruffled, it seems like there would be less of a chance of snagging the material than if it was just flat satin. The gold and silver tone clasp means you can rock gold or silver accessories without thinking twice. As you go to open the clutch and throw in your essentials for the night you will find gorgeous red lining. The best part, I can see this clutch being carried by someone who is pretty reserved as easily as the most gregarious person I know! So, dare I say it… I might actually like this Fendi clutch! What about you? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,110.

Fendi Selleria Hobo Shoulder Bag

Do you ever have those days where you to not see the light of day, as in you do not leave your house? Not because you are sick or can’t, you just choose not to. Yesterday was one of those days for me. I did, however, force myself to get out and stop by Pier 1 in the evening to see if there were any good Halloween decorations left. After that I came home and online shopped at JCrew. Sure, I could have gone to the store, but no need. And really, have you seen the new clothing updated at JCrew? Why buy a $500 couture shirt when there are $68 shirts at JCrew that look great? That is what I say at least. And I opted for some big floral prints. With a busy outfit, your handbag has to be completely simple and toned down. Avoid prints and busy combinations of materials. That seems obvious. But you should also avoid too many pockets, buckles, and outside adornments when pairing a bag with a busy outfit.

I haven’t loved a Fendi bag in quite some time. And I was hoping this bag would change my mind on Fendi, but it is unimaginative to me. The Fendi Selleria Hobo Shoulder Bag at least gives a bland palette, only sporting navy leather with contrast topstitching. I do love the gold hardware which really offsets the navy leather. There is also a woven shoulder strap and top zip. What do you think, too bland or just right? Buy through Net A Porter for $1560.

P.S. I realize that Shannon already covered this bag, but I wanted to give a different take on this bag!

Fendi Denim Spy Bag

The Fendi Spy bag was once one of the biggest “it” bags of it bag history. Remember the days of it bagdom? I do. Those days have come and gone, for the most part, and now handbags are sought after that have stay power rather than float our boat for 2 weeks. I still own and sometimes use my Honey Fendi Spy Bag. It is a stunning color and I adore it. But the Spy bag had such a huge high that now many think it has hit a low. I am not quite part of the many, but I do enjoy seeing some of the Spy Bag atrocities that Fendi designs season after season (come on, give it up!!).

But a very simple change can work out well, as seen on the Fendi Denim Spy Bag. This bag is certain simplicity, with the change being the material re-configured in denim and accented with leather. I know what you all will say, the price is ridiculous for a denim bag. But this is Fendi. What else do you expect? There is the famous hidden coin purse, double top handles, and the foldover flap closure with wristlet accent. Worth the price or over-hyped? Buy through Saks for $1550.

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.