A couple months ago, I shared my budding love for all things Fendi. From the Spy Bag to the Baguette (aka the it-bag that made waves in the ’90s and is now in the midst of a major comeback), Fendi has had almost a century of record success in the fashion world – so it’s no wonder that I’ve gained a serious appreciation for the Italian luxury designer.
Right now, I’m the proud owner of three Fendi bags. Two were brand-new purchases (a Petite 2Jours and a Camera Case) and the third was a black Medium 2Jours that I scored for just under $1,000 on TheRealReal. All three are soft calfskin (risky, I know!), and though I was worried the leather would scratch, I can happily report they are still in immaculate condition.
I also discussed my recent obsession with pearl-studded bags. I know you don’t all agree, but I think there’s something so classic about a handbag adorned with pearls. They’re chic and clean, and have the ability to instantly elevate an outfit.
This brings me to my real dilemma: I *love* Fendi and I *love* pearls, and it just so happens that Fendi released a Kan I Small Leather Shoulder Bag with pearl accents. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s not. One quick look and I was head over heels. It’s been weeks since I first came across the bag and I still can’t get it out of my head. Love at first sight? Yep, I’m officially a believer.
I’ve actually been eyeing the Kan I collection for quite some time. The bags seem pretty practical: Each one includes a sliding chain-and-leather shoulder strap, as well as a push-top closure, an exterior flap pocket at the back, and a divided interior. The signature scalloped edges add a nice touch, and in this case, the pearlescent studs take it to the next level. I know it’s soft calfskin leather, but like I mentioned before, I haven’t had any issue with Fendi’s leather (yet) and hopefully it stays that way.
Depending where you look, the Kan I Small Pearly-Studded Leather Shoulder Bag is priced at $2,300 on Bergdorf Goodman or $2,490 on Neiman Marcus. I’m not sure why there’s a discrepancy, but I’ll worry about that if I actually decide to purchase it. Right now, it’s nowhere to be found on the actual Fendi website, and I haven’t tried checking in-store.
I’m not one to impulse buy bags. In fact, I’ve spoken at length about my view on bag funds. (Yes, I have one.) I don’t have enough specifically in my bag fund to purchase the Fendi right now, even though I have enough saved to pay off the bag immediately (from other accounts) after a hypothetical purchase.
I guess I could wait until I have enough in my fund, but I’m not sure how long this bag will last. Right now, I can only find it online on Bergdorf and Neiman. Both sites say “limited quantity” too. Regardless of how truthful that is, I just have a feeling it won’t stick around too long.
What do you think? Would you make an exception and purchase it? Is it even considered an impulse buy now that I’ve thought about it for what feels like an eternity? Have you experienced something similar? And if so, what happened? Please tell me you bought the bag and never looked back!
You wrote that you’ve “actually been eyeing the Kan I collection for quite some time” so I don’t see it as a real impulse buy. If you have been wanting it and it’s only available on 2 sites, in limited quantity, I would purchase. These stores have generous return policies so if you purchased and it’s not right for you it could always be returned. However, if you don’t purchase and it sells out you might have regrets for awhile, but maybe that’s just me. Good luck! 🙂
I’ve always had regrets from impulse buying everything from accessories to cars! Don’t do it! Take a deep breath and give yourself a few DAYS or a whole week to think about it. I personally do not like too many tchotchkes on my bags, pearls included (or course that is TOTALLY my own personal preference.)
I think maybe go for the classic Kan I unless the pearl version is what your heart is set on. Remember the more embellishments there are, the bigger the chances are that something can fall off or break.
i rarely like these pearls because they look too plasticky in my opinion
Super true! I actually thought about that last night after the post went up…
I think finding several things you love in one item means it’s a sign. Go for it.
Nope, don’t buy it. Too expensive.
First things first: have you held it in your hands? Did you try it on and felt this indescribable urge and thought “this was meant to be yours”? You may like the pictures online but could very well be disappointed by the luster of the pearls or construction of the bag or else… I would say, go and see the real thing. Check if it makes your heart race faster.
Then, how often do you get head over heels for a bag? I mean obviously you love handbags, but is it the first time that you have such a strong crush? If not and this is a regular occurrence, I would say think hard about why would this bag deserve an exception to the bag fund rule?
I would however say that ultimately if you have the money, no one depending on you… You are not going to hurt anyone. Go ahead and live your life, buy the bag! Worst case you will learn a lesson and will know better next time 🙂
no
I think you should buy it if it’s what your heart wants! But I am one of those who has never regretted buying a bag, even if that has been as a student and that the buy has cost every penny that me and my BF did currently own, and even if the bags have been not 100% timeless or classic, but I always have a really hard time getting over bags that I did not buy, haha…. But I should add that I very rarely find bags that speak directly to my heart, and that I feel is “me”, so when I do, I know it’s real. ? And I don’t buy a lot, I only own four designer handbags. I should add that one of my biggest loves was a peal-covered Chanel in a light leather from a few years back, for $10000, that was sadly not really compatible with our student budget… So I feel you in your pearl-crush too!
Nope:) But in the end, if you really want it and it makes you happy, go for it!
You explain that you’ve been considering the bag for a while and you took the time to write this lengthy essay… so this is not an “impulse buy” by any stretch of the imagination.
When considering an expensive bag, I ask myself , “if I invest in this bag, will I love it every time I pull it out in future years to come”. Or, will my momentary infatuation wane ? There are certain pieces I own that I continue to really love. There are others that I realize I was feeling drawn to for a moment and then hate.
When you have a bag fetish, it’s easy to be attracted to so many of them.
No
Life is short, buy the bag 🙂
OMG. I just bought a Fendi bag too from their old Ribbons and Pearls collection from a reselling site. I have wanted it since seeing the pearl embellished bags on their campaign pictures, so this post really spoke to my heart! I might be biased then when I say buy the bag! 😀 Personally going through something similar, I would say it is considered an impulse buy. Why? Because I’ve wanted this bag for months, then it sold out, regrets, then searched high and low for the same exact bag I wanted. Saw it on a website (hallelujah!) and then mulled it over for additional months (crazy I know). Part of that was because it wasn’t brand new and not from an official Fendi retailer so I was really doing research. Then one day I hit click. To me, that definitely felt like an impulse buy even if I’ve had the bag on my radar for more than a year.
Anyway. I am very happy with my purchase! I am so glad it popped up at aftermarket. Let us know if you buy it! 🙂
Looks cheap and is so last year frankly. Not a head turner that’s for certain.
Those fake pearls on bags can scuff over time