Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Product Review: Edie Purse

Edie Purse
Click here for product page
Item 44804
Regular: $238.00

I have not written up a product review in some time I realized! So here is my take on J.Crew's Edie Purse. J.Crew describes this handbag as follows:
This season we're trading our usual slouchy styles for ladylike carryalls that add polish to whatever we're wearing. Crafted in a new leather developed exclusively for us (we love the smooth matte finish and structured feel), with vintage-inspired hardware and a detachable shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry on the go. An interior front-wall patch pocket and a back-wall zip pocket keep pencils, cell phone and keys organized. Flap and turnlock closure. Brass-finish hardware. Cotton twill lining. Import. 14" removable shoulder strap. 3" handle drop. 7"H x 10 1/4"W x 2 3/4"D.
When J.Crew first introduced it for their Fall 2011 Collection, I immediately spotted this gorgeous handbag. What is not to love about the structured style of the carryall that blends the classic look of a messenger bag with the ladylike silhouette of a handbag. A win all around for me!

I ended up getting the Flame because the shade of red is absolutely gorgeous! It definitely adds a beautiful focal point to any outfit styled. I purchased the Pecan version as well, but found it bland in real-life (so it got returned). The color did not look as rich as it did in the photos. I suspect that the shade of leather changes to the beautiful tan hue we see in catalogs over time.

I love that the Edie Purse comes with a detachable shoulder strap (it makes carrying it super easy). The shoulder strap's length is also perfect for carrying the bag via top handle. Why? Because the shoulder strap is not long enough to touch the ground. Fantastic!

I was initially concerned that there was no main zipper under the flap of the bag. Pick-pocketers would have an easy time, right? Things will jostle out of it, yeah? Not really. The flap and turn-lock closure is very tightly constructed. Thankfully, nothing should fall out and no one should be able to slip their hand in.

The leather is beautiful. It definitely holds up better to scratches (but you still need to be careful in handling it). However, this is more of an event/ statement bag than an everyday bag so avoiding scratches should be easier. And that is where my main complaint is...

Because of the size, I can't stuff in everything I would like to. I am lucky if I can get my wallet, cell phone, and my tiny make-up bag inside. That is pretty much it. As a result, this carryall is more of a special-occasion bag for me.

Lastly, this bag must be selling well because J.Crew introduced two new shades (Casablanca blue, Sagebrush) in addition to the original three (of Flame, Pecan, and Black). Moreover, I have yet to see it go on sale and doubt it will go on sale any time soon.

For more reviews on this handbag, check out the following additional reviews & real life images:
What are your thoughts on the Edie Purse? Do you own this handbag? Have you tried it on at a store? Do you like this style? If so, please share with us your review. :)

24 comments:

  1. I love this bag - but the price is just a little too high for me. I agree with you that it probably won't go on sale anytime soon, so I think I'll just have to save up! Maybe I'll grab it if they ever do another 20% off the site promotion?

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  2. I love this bag, if only the hardware was silver-toned instead of gold-toned.

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  3. I have a Coach bag that my hubby gave me in classic black--in the 90
    s; it looks exactly like this one. I no longer carry leather bags but it sits in storage for my daughter:)

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  4. I have this bag in the pecan- I love a caramel colored bag. I try to wait for stuff to get to sale, but as soon as I saw this on the website I had to jump on it, and I am glad I did. It adds instant polish to any outfit, and I can see myself using it for years and years. It is a little on the small side, but I think if it were any bigger it would veer into briefcase territory.

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  5. I must be in minority because I don't care for this bag at all. I have very similar looking vintage bag (from my mother) that I never use for exactly the same reason, it feels like carrying a cardboard box around. And I do love simple and clean lines but I feel like there is something missing here. Jmo.

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  6. I have been having a debate in my head on whether to get this bag for months.

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    1. If you can see it in-person at a store first, I definitely recommend it. Because of the size, you should see how much use you would get from it. Let us know what you decide to do! :)

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  7. The bag is a cutie but it would get limited use from me, since I need to lug around too much stuff. Enjoy!

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  8. Hi Alexis. Great review! I've had the Edie bag in pecan since last September and every point you make sums of this gorgeous bag perfectly. Can't fit much in it, but it will be certain to boost the style meter on any outfit.

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    1. Thanks for letting me know you felt the same way about the size! It's cute but a little on the small side for everyday. :)

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  9. Thanks for the link love Alexis! I'm so glad you got and love the Edie. Isn't it pretty? Your review is spot on. I've had mine for a while and still love it. It is not my every day bag (I need a huge one), but it's perfect for going out to lunch/dinner, or a quick shopping trip. :)

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    Replies
    1. It is a really pretty bag! I am happy to hear you are enjoying yours so much. :)

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  10. I'm going to have to agree with ajc...when I received my Edie, I initially thought..this is simply cardboard upholstered in leather.

    In addition to that, I have had other quality issues. I got the Edie at Christmas time and used it maybe 2 weeks. I pulled it out to use it last week, and the turnlock just came off...it was always kind of loose, but I thought it was supposed to be that way. J. Crew is taking it back for full refund or exhange thank goodness. I do however love the look of this bag, but I'm still not sure if I will go for a refund or exchange for a new one just yet.

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    1. Yikes! I can't believe how quickly it broke!!! For that price tag, it should last way longer than 2 weeks.

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  11. Alexis I have the flame and the leopard with black edie. I love them BOTH...I usually carry a smaller bag so I am used to the limited space in the bag. I got the red last year when it first came out and JC had a % any item at that time (forget how much off the % was) and I snagged the leopard one NWT in perfect condition on ebay for less than 1/2 price (at $199 shipped it was even less than a full price colored edie). The seller had gotten a Celine bag as a present from her husband, not knowing he had bought her the leopard Celine she bought the leopard edie at a NYC store. : )

    I haven't had any problems with the turn locks though I know others have. The red one does scratch easily but I do moisturize it regularly.

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    1. Congrats on getting those bag for those prices (amazing!) I am also impressed that you can limit what you bring with you in your purse- seriously envious! :)

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  12. I bought the Edie, as well. I think they had some sort of % off a few months ago and so I grabbed it. This bag is perfect for me, I carry small satchels. I like structured bags and so this one met my criteria perfectly. :-)

    I'm also debating about getting a Coach bag (the new Willis), but can't decide on the color. Decisions, decisions.........LOL.

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  13. I have the edie in the sage color which I think is beautiful and unusual. It looks great with so many things.
    It is small but sometimes I want a small bag. It does fit my wallet, lipstick, phone and house key, so bare essentials.
    I'd love to get the red one someday. I bought mine with a % off before Christmas, maybe later in the year I'll look for the red on sale!

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  14. I bought the Edie in black before Christmas and had to return the first one due to damage. It is definitely small, but I hurt my back and was told I had to carry a smaller bag. Well, this won't let you carry much so it does the trick for me for sure! I would wait for a sale if possible.

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  15. Gorgeous bag, am so tempted to get it. Does anyone know if it can fit an iPad 1? Thanks!

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