Monday, July 7, 2008

Love it or Leave it? The Andie Bag

Andie bag
Click here for product page
Item 95600
Regular: $495.00

When I saw this bag at J.Crew's website I loved it! But then I was looking at it some more and thought that the "shiny and chic in glossy Italian patent leather" was perhaps too "shiny" and "glossy" for such a large bag (12 1/2"H x 14"W x 5 1/2"D). Don't get me wrong- I love large bags. :) In fact, I tend to prefer large messenger-style bags I can strap across my body when I need to (especially during sales at J.Crew stores so my hands are free for shopping!)

Now the price tag clearly prevents me from ever really considering purchasing it (at full retail price anyways). :) But I am not sure if I "love it" or would "leave it" (if it were ever in a more "reasonable" purchasing price point.) I think this is one of those purchases that I have to see in-person at a store to decide.

Do you own the Andie Bag? Have you seen this bag in your local J.Crew store? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you think it is worth the price tag? Let us know what you think! :)

34 comments:

  1. I love the shape and size, and in the picture it doesn't look too glossy. I'm sure it's a little flashy in reality though. But I think you're right, for that much money it needs to be something you can use all the time and not be as shiny.

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  2. I love it in the red version, but I am a mom with 3 boys, and it's not very practical. And it's way too much $$!-BGD

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  3. I'm actually looking for a dressy large bag, but I don't like this one. I don't like the color selection and for some reason I don't like zip-top bags; I don't like the feeling of the zipper teeth when I am reaching inside for something. I am really looking for a dressier version of the Uptown tote.

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  4. I absolutely LOVE this bag in the Flame Colorway! I love the shape and the size. But I cannot justify paying the retail price for it. Maybe when it goes on Sale....

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  5. Leave it. I think it is awful:(

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  6. Ok...I DO like this bag...I ADORE Large Handbags, and don't actually own very many small ones. I would actually consider purchasing this if the leather were comparable to Coach Handbag Leather (nothing like it), but I would have to feel the leather before my purchase...funny isn't it, how I find it hard to pay $88 for a shirt, but I am willing to spend hundreds on a handbag or a pair of shoes...I just feel that my handbags and shoes are more "investment" dressing, where as the clothing doesn't have as long a life span in my wardrobe. :)

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  7. For me its a leave it. If a bag can't hold files I dont go near it. Either that or I buy a medium/smallish bags for evenings and weekends. Personally I saw an uber cute bric bag that was nylon but had leather handles that I am saving for!

    But I did see a very cute metalic wristlet at the B&M store that I was very into! I am hoping the price will drop even further.

    OOO and I finally got a shipping confirmation! for one of my orders

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  8. Cape Cod Betty: I think you phrased my main concern perfectly! For that price I would want a purse that can be used for all times/occassions and I just don't know if that bag is it! :)

    Anonymous at 11:03AM & 11:29AM: I totally agree that its way too expensive. J.Crew Collection items have also been increasing their (high) prices over the years! Remember when J.Crew collection meant $2-300 range? ;)

    Hexicon: The uptown tote is super nice- your right that J.Crew should make a more "dressier" version! :)

    FabulousFloridaMommy: I laughed when I read your comment because it is so true!! I also find it hard to pay $88 for a shirt, but a handbag don't mind paying a couple of hundred dollars on!!! ;) I agree with you that handbags and shoes are much more of an investment (and can be worn with much more frequency). :)

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  9. Blumre: Congrats on getting a shipping confirmation- that is great news! :)

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  10. Just noticed the price on the bag...I wouldn't want to pay that much, but would definitely consider it once it goes on sale, all depending on the feel of the leather and how it looks in person, of course. ;)

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  11. I do have the leather Jcrew bag that looks kind of like the magazine tote-- Its perfect for books and files. Though I do wish it were lined. I have it in metallic gold. Its from the fall 2007 collection.

    I have always sort of wanted the flight bag but I couldn't afford it. But for me that is the perfect style/shape and size. And the metallic made it fun!

    CapeCod & Alexis: Agreed for this price that bag needs to be way more useful!

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  12. While I adore most of J crew leather products, this particular design is LEAVE IT for me. It's just not special enough in any way to justify the price tag. Not edgy, not trendy- just big and shiny.Again, purely for my taste.
    I really liked large Anya bags, and LOVE Owen and Las Palmas bags. I am considering buying Las Palmas bag in Platinum at full retail (minus educators discount). BTW, as a last year resident, I am teaching as well, so from now one I think I can get an educators discount. If only my stores would allow it in top of sales. Sigh.

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  13. Not wild about this bag. I don't hate it or think it's ugly, it's just a plain bag.
    About paying more for shoes and bags: every once in a while magazines will do something about cost per wear, meaning that since you use a bag more than you would use something else, it is okay to pay more. (Price of item divided by times you use it=cost per wear.)

    Has there been a thread about J.Crew prints?

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  14. I agree that this bag is a "leave it". Though I do like it's design and the structure of the bag; it's a little too shiny for me. (And here comes more justification...) Besides, being a mere 5'0", I would get swallowed up by the size, heehee.

    I loove the Uptown bags; like what Hexicon and Alexis said, a dressier version (possibly with a zipper close) would be great!

    And, blumre, congratulations on your shipping comfirm! =)

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  15. slastena-- i am with you.... not my type of bag.... i too adore the las palmas bag-- my only concern was the durability of the bamboo handle.... i had a handbag in the past made with a bamboo handle and it broke..... :(

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  16. Nicole r..
    Thank you for letting me know about bamboo handles. I have never owned anything with bamboo handles,so you are making a very valid point. I'am too would be very concerned with a possibility of handles fracturing at some point. Does anyone who owns Las Palmas bag can comment on a durability of handles? Thanks in advance.

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  17. I have 2 bags with bamboo handles. My first was a gucci about 10-12 years ago and the Las Palmas. Only problem is you can't easily slip it over your shoulder. Other than that they are fine and durable to carry.

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  18. Hdayton :
    Thank you for the update. How do you like you Las Palmas bag, what color did you get it in?

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  19. Slastena: I have it in yellow and when I actually get to go somewhere I love it! (I have a new baby girl and an almost 4 year old monster, I mean son :0) So I'm not dressing up quite as much lately.

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  20. Hdayton:
    I think it's an adorable bag and yellow is a great color. Congratulations! I am looking forward to purchasing one next month.

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  21. For me it is a leave it, unless it goes DRASTICALLY on sale. I don't particularly like the colors, and it is too one dimensional for everyday usage. It would be like, oh no, here comes Jeannie with her huge red patent bag again. I am more into LV which is subtle and goes with practically everything (cleans up nicely too). I did order the Owen bag in the champagne color, but who knows if/when that will ever arrive.

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  22. To me it seems like J Crew handbags, especially this season, are VERY influenced by Marc Jacobs Collection bags, and old school classic Gucci, (not the over the top flashy seasonal gucci). When I was in the store yesterday, I saw some quilted handbagsthat looked VERY Marc Jacobs. For people that want that look, and don't want to drop 1000.00+ for a bag, they might be a good alternative, especially with a % off coupon. For that kind of money, I'd rather stalk March Jacobs bags on Ebay.

    Anonymous 8:52

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  23. Blumre: I really like J.Crew Flight Bag too! But cost also prevented me from getting it. :)

    Slastena & Nicole R.: I think the Las Palmas bag is beautiful too! I love the handles. I own a couple of bags from J.Crew with Bamboo handles, and so far they have held up well (although I don't use the bags frequent enough to really tell though).

    Mekiki: I think its great that magazines will price out cost per wear! They should do that more often.

    For your second question, there hasn't been a specific post about prints, just items with prints (like men's paisley pants, or the Angler-print Tank Dress). If you explain a little bit more about what kind of post you would like about prints, I will be sure to post one! :)

    Anonymous at 4:33 PM/Jeannie: I laughed out loud when I read your comment about "here comes Jeannie with her huge red patent bag again". Very funny! ;)

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  24. Alexis: Jeannie is also known as jcrewjunkie...forgot to post my anon name (since I still can't get that darn thing to show up as my blogger name).

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  25. I didn't realize Jeannie is JCrewJunkie! :) Now I know. ;)

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  26. me niether! Well now I am a little bummed... I thought we had even more fashionable people on here. hehe. But I guess that makes Jeannie/jcrewjunkie doubly fashionable????

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  27. its a little outrageous in price and I don't even think its that cute, they have much cuter stuff

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  28. I think this bag looks great in the catalog. It may not be timeless but I see it as a typical J. Crew statement. Not too much but noticable.

    I completly dislake Frankie bag though. That one is a definite "leave it" for me.

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  29. I was looking at the new catalog yesterday and couldn't help but notice that that bag is a remake of the Chloe bay bag. I hope J.Crew doesn't get sued for that...

    http://www.hotbrandclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/designer-chloe-bay-bag.jpg

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  30. Now that the bag is 159.99 (on sale with the 20% discount), Would you take it or leave it?

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  31. Anon @ 11:08p - I have decided against it for the simple fact that it's final sale. The reds are not photographed accurately for J Crew.

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  32. WANTED TO BUY! J Crew Andie Bag Used or new. Will pay top dollar!

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  33. I bought this in red when it went to final sale. You have no idea how many compliments I've received on this handbag! People just love it. Juicy, glossy, fancy. :)

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  34. large messenger-style bags:https://mybosidu.com/

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