I really, really, really love pearls. In fact, my obsession reached a new degree a couple weeks ago, where I impulse bought a $128 embellished denim jacket sprinkled in more than 100 tiny, sparkly, and perfectly white gems (which *hopefully* will not fall off). From that single purchase, one could easily assume I am a proponent of the beaded bag trend. Sadly, I am not and I probably never will be.
As we approach the best time of year (aka summer!), I’ve noticed a rise in beaded bags, especially in a place like Miami where the weather practically begs for them. There are many bags and styles that downright bewilder me, making me wonder how and why someone would spend X amount of money on them. Yes, beaded bags fall right into that category. They look uncomfortable and give me a weird sensation that all of my belongings will fall out. In my opinion, it’s also difficult to find a beaded bag that doesn’t look slightly cheap, given that a majority of them are made out of little plastic balls.
Clearly you can see where I’m going with this: Leave it! I know some of you are probably thinking I’m taking the whole thing rather seriously, but this is PurseBlog – and as such, it’s a “safe” space for this kind of rant, right?
I have to say though, if someone forced me to wear one, I’d probably go for the Rosantica Joe Tasseled Beaded Belt Bag or the Loeffler Randall Roz Beaded Shoulder Bag. But don’t be mistaken: I still think I’d feel weird wearing it the entire time. Don’t ask me why. We all have unexplained preferences.
How do you feel? Would you rock a beaded bag or does it give you a similar, uncomfortable feeling? Please tell me I’m not alone!
Shrimps Antonia Beaded Top Handle Bag Cream ($695)
Rosantica Joe Tasseled Beaded Belt Bag ($285)
Loeffler Randall Roz Beaded Shoulder Bag ($295)
Sondra Roberts Beaded Foldover Clutch ($135)
Susan Alexandra Rawr Leopard Beaded Crossbody Bag ($385)
Shrimps Antonia Flower-Beaded Top Handle Bag Cream ($795)
Rosantica Patti Beaded Tote ($245)
Les Petits Joueurs Lea Candies Multicolor Tote Bag ($840)
They’re cute and I would carry them, but they are not worth the prices these brands are demanding. I’d look on Etsy for reasonable prices made by small artists, or Etsy/eBay for vintage.
I love my Shrimps bag (#1) more than anything at the moment!
The Sondra Roberts bag is really cute. And priced pretty perfectly for a beaded bag. They’re so pretty, but so delicate!
I’m with you. They remind me of mall stands or those little toy starter purses they used to market to parents of little girls in the 90s
i like it, but the price is not on point!!!
They all look made from some kind of DIY kits sold at Michael’s
Exactly what I was thinking. They are dreadful.
Nope and never. Just be careful it doesn’t snag on a nail or hook when you’re rushing out the door because that will be the end of the bag 😉
I can be very spontaneous when it comes to purchasing handbags. I debated on a Shrimps bag a few months ago because it was whimsical, but in the end I decided against it because it was too novel.
If you live in the USA, you can shop Selfridges USA site for a limited number of Shrimps products. The bag pictured here is $530 on their site.
Thx, but I decided that it was too novel for me. I have other designer bags on my radar. 🙂
The Shrimps Antonia all-pearl version would look pretty at a summer wedding.
They look painful to carry! Can you imagine accidentally leaning on that against a wall. It would be like “stepping on LEGO” agony!
I have a few Sondra Roberts beaded clutches that I purchased about 5 years ago. I have a similar fold-over clutch but in blue. I’m surprised that this trend came back so quickly, I was just getting ready to don’t my beaded bags to goodwill, still might.
I love them, but I can’t imagine paying that much for something that I would only use sparingly.
No thank you. These bags are sold very cheap in South East Asia so I’m really surprised at the prices here.
Love beaded bags, Ebay and etsy have a lot of vintage Italian beaded bags that are under $50 or $60 Search Vintage 1950s Beaded Raffia woven purse Italian
Yes! Vintage is the way to go. I’d never pay $800 for a new one.
I think they are gorgeous and a nice handbag switchup from the ordinary!
I’m definitely with you on this one! Except for the pearl bags, those I think can look super cute. BUT, I would get the cheap version (and I did…). Cause let’s be honest, in this case, the cheap and expensive versions are still made out of the same materials, so no point of spending so much cash…. xx
a little too out there for my liking
Nope. Often looks cheesy, which is not usually the look I seek to project. Beads break and fall off, sometimes in multiples. True, too, is the discomfort factor.
Very retro, they are similar to what I had as a child and look like they’re made in Hong Kong. Just look on ebay for vintage since the “trend” will pass quickly.
Reading this 6 years later as the “trend” rages on
I personally wouldn’t pay more than $29.99 for any of these bags.
EW. Just, no.
Wow these prices!!!!!! I have vendors in China who make these types of bags for very cheap. Somebody is making a Queen’s ransom of margin here.
Hard pass tacky
Not a fan
I don’t think so.
I might do #6 with a cute summer outfit if I was out and about for a short period of time. The rest are a NO
i am doing beaded bags but no sale although it was one i did