Metallic Beacon PurseClick here for product page
Item 23189
Regular: $168.00
When this bag arrived online, all I could think was pretty, pretty, pretty bag. J.Crew describes this Collection bag as the following:
This metallic-leather purse has a sporty-chic twist that we're coveting for spring. Impeccable detailing includes the extra-long strap (so it can be worn either flat across the body or over the shoulder), polished gold hardware and a reverse-metallic finish. With enough luxe touches to take you from the conference room to cocktails. (We see it slung across a little black dress.) An interior back-wall zip pocket keeps your lipstick and cell phone in line. Leather handles. Top flap with turn-lock closure. Cotton twill lining.A big "thanks!" to DinDin who shared her review of the Beacon Purse, as well as some real-life images. Just click on any of her images to view larger. The following is her review:
"Thanks!" again to DinDin for her great review of this bag! I, along with many other JCAs, had been curious about the size of the Beacon— especially since J.Crew did not offer any additional photos of the purse.I think this purse is shinier in person than in the photo on the website. One photo is of the bag compared next to my tv remote so you can see the size comparison. This purse will hold an iphone, a wallet (on the slimmer side), and maybe a few small things like a couple lipglosses.
If you put anything that is round or thick into the bag it will pull at the top flap. This is because the bag is very slim. There is no width at all actually.I'm short, 5'2". When worn cross body the top of the bag hits at the top of my hips. When I put it over one shoulder, it dropped below my hips. (please excuse my mirror/camera, i don't know what that smudge is.)
The strap is removable, although it would look slightly off with those two gold rings attached to the bag. The bag itself is very light which is a plus if you're going to use this bag for a "going out" bag. As far as the strap, it is studded, little pyramids on one side and flat rounds on the other side.
The inside is lined in plain cotton, beige in color. As for the feel of the leather, it's not particularly smooth, obviously because it is metallic.
Overall, I'm not sure what I think of it. Maybe 3.5 stars out of 5.
What are your thoughts on the Metallic Beacon Purse? Have you seen or own this bag? If so, what is your review of the size & style? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?
Thanks for the review-I really love reading these and almost always find them VERY useful. I did see the Beacon Tobo in a store this week in the burnished Yellow- awesome fun color, but too bright for my day to day. It is also ENORMOUS! I am pretty sure a small child or dog could easily ride in it. It also should be noted that only the Metallic version of the TOBO has the cool Studded handles -NOT the leather version.
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ReplyDeleteI've ordered the Beacon purse in three colors and they're all going back. The metallic one is really shiny as noted in the review. The reason I didn't like it is that the studs are pointy on one side and it felt uncomfortable if you ever wanted to carry it by the handle or put it stud side down on your shoulder. I thought the studs would be flat on both sides. I would have kept it if they were.
ReplyDeleteThe other version is made from leather that's had some kind of treatment... kind of looks like it's the reverse side. I guess I didn't understand what "tumbled nubuck" was. It's hard to describe. More like a suede than leather, if you can imagine what I mean.The pale oak has a pinky tone which I liked but the leather already looks dirty due to the weird texture of it. As you use it, I think it would look bad fast. The yellow color is not at all like the buttery yellow in the picture. It is a very bright, dark (if that makes sense) gold. Almost the same gold as in the stained glass cardigan.
Hope this helps!
I have the pale gold Beacon and I love it. It is not an everyday purse due to its size, but it's great for hands-free shopping, sight-seeing, etc.
ReplyDeleteI think it's accurately described on the website. This is a long strap, it's not adjustable, and if you're on the shorter side, it may not work for you.
I agree with Debby. I don't care for this bag. It is way overpriced IMO for the size and quality.
ReplyDeleteGood morning all- Just wondering if anyone could tell me how the Marlene heels fit, specifically does the platform rob the toe box of wiggle room like some, but not all(go figure), of the JC platforms do? Would appreciate any feed back. Also, in the last few days I've gotten my new Boden and mini Boden catalogs. There are some really cute things in both.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw this online I thought the top flap was a little small and it looks that way from DinDin's photos as well. Seems it doesn't quite cover the opening and looks like it is being pulled, can't imagine if the bag was full. Not a fan of the studded straps or studded things in general, although I realize I may be in the minority here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review DinDin and comments from others who also have versions of this bag. I considered it briefly but managed to get the Lexi clutch on the latest sale and I really love it. Lexi will be my shiny small bag this year.
Gosh..this is so much smaller (and shinier) than I expected. I wasn't super jazzed about it but now I am really not interested. Thanks for the review..so helpful!
ReplyDeleteOT, but does anyone have the Printed Antique Ruffled Top (item 17338)? I just ordered it...it looks very pretty, would love a review!
ReplyDeleteTIA!
Hey all-
ReplyDeleteI'm really into the tiny side-shouler bag thing (preferably with a chain) and I'm kind of into the beacon but it looks a smidge on the large side for what I'm looking for. Any suggestions on the website? I'm not a handbag aficionada by any means so I'd appreciate any input. Bascally we're talking a large clutch with a chain, like the tweed lady bag from awhile back.
Way OT but.... just got an email from LL Bean. They have a new line coming in March. LL Bean signature. Looks similar to the LE Canvas line and J Crew of old. Interesting that other retailers think this is the look of the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and especially the pics! Much more informative than the website. Reminds me too much of my own small, shiny Lexi to be useful. The Lexi is the only diminutive bag I have and I have to admit it is kind of freeing to have a finite amount of space. Often I end up carrying the kitchen sink because I can, then I have to spend half an hour when I change bags, so I have been interested in this smaller size. What I would have liked was the matte Beacon, but as Twiga noted it has a plain strap, so I'll continue to keep my eyes open.
ReplyDeleteOT (again)...sorry...I just got a delivery from JC and wanted to let my fellow JCAs know that if anyone's interested in the boyfriend chino shorts, they do indeed fit large, just as the boyfriend chinos do. I usually take a 4 in JC pants and shorts, but sized down to a 2 in the boyfriend pants/shorts. They're very cute, by the way, and I will get a lot of wear out of them. I love how soft they are, and the Cognac colour is very nice neutral, will go especially well with white, navy, black & pink.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review (I can't say enough how much I love this blog for all the information and reviews!) Looks like this bag is going to be a "pass" for me, although I was considering it at first. What happened to all the "normal person" size bags? They are either for going out or for toting your whole household in?.. Just my opinion of course :)
ReplyDeleteI've been waffling back and forth, but I decided today that I am going to return it. There's a metallic bag on thesak.com that I like better and is more practically sized and can be a casual bag.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys for the review on this bag. I've been looking for a smaller crossbody bag and thought the Beacon would fit the bill (and was on the cusp of ordering it online) but now I'm totally reconsidering. It may be too small and sometimes not comfy. I agree with Leslie, I love having this forum available - all you JCAs are so helpful.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really nice bag but $168 dollars? ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT DOLLARS?? Really, J Crew???
ReplyDeleteI guess I haven't had a sip of Crewlade in awhile because this is just a no. Even marked down it's a no IMHO
iwish4jcrew, I hear you on the pricing. I know we're not in a bartering society, but I consider the original price to be the "opening bid." While I love to distraction some of the shoes and bags I've bought at JC, they are NOT worth the asking price. Really, the only things worth buying not on sale is milk and lip balm, and the occasional gift.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling especially strongly about my shopping dollar today, since I got yet another whackadoo package. Two items. One was correct, the tango tank in soft graphite that I scored as a popback, that I was really sweating getting right. Lo and behold, it came! Looks like an unmade bed right out of the package, but the size and color were as promised, and seems to be hole and wear free. (Amazing for a popback, I know!!!) The other item I ordered was a bit of a splurge, the Bryant platform peeps in pale toffee, $140 with the recent % off. I was really interested in a nude shoe for spring and I usually have good luck with JC's mary jane styles. These are really beautiful shoes, though the leather looks like it will scratch at the slightest touch. The color is really warm and rich and will look great with any skin color, even my paper white, dead of midwest winter tone. The two straps have subtle, virtually undetectable areas of elastic for fit which is great, I much prefer that to a poorly made buckle or no personalization of fit whatsoever, like on a couple of the satin slingbacks I've tried, like the Cate from spring, I think? Anyway, to make an already long story shorter, I was sent the wrong size. I ordered 9, one of the stickers on the box said 9, the main label had a large 9 and a tiny printed 9 1/2, and the shoes were of course 9 1/2s. This error may have been in my favor though, since if they had fit I probably would have kept them. After I return them, it's really unlikely I'll reorder unless there's a significant discount since who knows what may get shipped to me next?
And to add a little spice to my day, this order was placed five or six days after an order I'm still waiting for. What wonders will that box contain?
I think this is another great example of why J.Crew should follow Anthropologie's example (I use them because of the significant crossover customer base) and add customer reviews to their website....this information is very helpful, including the photos, for people interested in this bag - seems the IRL info was much more informative than the product page - common for accessories. But ditto in terms of the reviews for many who have given coat, jacket and other clothing reviews on here...Anyway, just my 2 cents.
ReplyDeleteActually though, recalling the painful website makeover...I hate to think what they would put everyone through just adding that feature :) Anthropologie managed to redo their website fairly painlessly as I recall, and I like both brands....
ReplyDeleteBoden has a great customer review section and they put the good and bad in...Avon even has this feature as well and I use both all the time. I cannot imagine JC would ever be able to handle this change but I would love to see it on their website....
ReplyDeleteI just got this bag in pale gold. I had to order online b/c none of the J Crew stores in my area carried it. The bag is pretty but cannot hold a lot. I could barely get my checkbook wallet into it along with my reading glasses. Forget about getting my sunglasses in there! I wish it had more width. As for the strap length, I'm 5'5 and the strap works well for me either off the shoulder or worn cross body. With a bulky jacket I have to wear it off the shoulder. The texture is rough, but that doesn't turn me off. I also like the gold studs on the strap.
ReplyDeletepretty bags:https://mybosidu.com/
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