Henri Bendel Bags Anyone?

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

I visited Henri Bendel Fifth Avenue recently and had such a fun time! The SAs were friendly and very willing to help and they were excited to talk about the bags, but they weren't pushy and they didn't hover. I recommend the store!

I LOVE the modern icon. I was expecting something scratchproof/fully saffiano, like something you'd see on a Prada or Michael Kors saffiano tote, but it was softer than that. It had the structure of saffiano but you could still feel a bit of the suppleness on the leather. It's hard to describe so if you're on the fence like I was, I recommend seeing it in person! I really love how very versatile this bag is. It looked great on the arm, on the shoulder, and even crossbody!

IMG_1499806514.159369.jpg
IMG_1499806527.651486.jpg

Also, I tried on the Waldorf top handle on a whim - big mistake! I fell in love! I didn't think I would like such a structured bag, but somehow when I tried it on it seemed more fun! It would look more casual in a pop color. In store, they attached a daisy charm to it which made it so adorable. It's going to go on my wishlist…

IMG_1499806557.942199.jpg

I also checked out the 712 collection - it wasn't for me, but my BF really liked the largest one on me. He thought that the combination of the puffy quilting and how comically large it looked on me somehow worked.
 
My Uptown Medium wallet came in today. Moved my stuff from my current Bendel Mini Turn Key Trifold over for about a minute and then moved it right back. Not liking how hard it is to get at the cash and how bulky it is after putting all my cards in. Ugh! Now I'm stuck with it since it was final sale. Annoyed with myself because I should have tried it with my cards when I was at the store.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bellebellebelle19
My Uptown Medium wallet came in today. Moved my stuff from my current Bendel Mini Turn Key Trifold over for about a minute and then moved it right back. Not liking how hard it is to get at the cash and how bulky it is after putting all my cards in. Ugh! Now I'm stuck with it since it was final sale. Annoyed with myself because I should have tried it with my cards when I was at the store.

That's a shame. If there's a store near you and you're a loyal customer, it's would be worth a try to take it back. I have had success with that.
 
I just caught up with 10+ pgs of the HB thread! I told myself to stay away from PF until after the summer sales because it's so easy to give in to all sorts of markdowns across different brands, influenced by fellow enthusiasts (addicts?) and eye candy on PF.

I've been pretty good at restraining... I passed up the first 60% off and padded myself on the back. I was planning to save money toward newer fall releases but caved when the second 60off came around... lol. So much for plans and restraint but it truly is a great sale.

So I'm curious to know: 1a) what were you most excited to see marked down 50-60% off for the SAS? 1b) did you make the purchase? 2) fave pick for the pre-fall/fall release, if any?

Also to fab2fab: if I remember correctly, did you mention you purchased the Rivington Hobo? If so, I'd love to hear your review/opinions on it!
 
  • Like
Reactions: bellebellebelle19
oops patted* lol... sigh.

But speaking of padding, my recent shipment came in an appropriate sized box this time around, but since there was no tissue/brown paper to cushion the contents, the corners of my bag (and box) came crushed. :-s:sad: I'm hoping it'll smooth out with wear.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bellebellebelle19
:biggrin:
So I'm curious to know: 1a) what were you most excited to see marked down 50-60% off for the SAS? 1b) did you make the purchase? 2) fave pick for the pre-fall/fall release, if any?
Sorry to hear about your awful luck with packaging! But welcome back and I'm impressed with your resistance. What did you finally pick up? Pics, please! :biggrin:
And I've already gone on and on about these, but the Waldorf top handle was a surprise hit with me when I saw it in person. It's such a fun shape to me, so when I saw it marked down to $160 I was just like :panic::eek::yahoo::happydance::panic: but I didn't buy it, because I'm waiting on another big bag purchase haha. I don't think I like it in any of the fall colors (I would like a brighter red; too bad I missed the recent red!) For the fall bags, I like the Modern Icon satchel. Waiting for that to go on sale!!
 
Ohhh yes, thank you for those spy/mod pics! I think seeing your photos was part of what made me itch for a new Bendel bag hehe. I finally pulled the trigger on the Worth Ave tote since I've been contemplating that bag since last year, evening going to the store twice to see it. One SA was really pushing me to buy it lol.

You should have gotten the Waldorf top handle, especially at that steal of a deal! The silhouette is beautiful, isn't it!? I had three colors at one point but kept only my most fave. I wonder what bag is your next "big bag purchase?" ;) I have yet to go and see the new collections; I'm curious about the embossed bags and those puffy quilted ones (though they do seem too puffy for my liking).
 
Ohhh yes, thank you for those spy/mod pics! I think seeing your photos was part of what made me itch for a new Bendel bag hehe.
Glad you liked the photos! Will you be posting pics of your new bag? I've never looked at the Worth Ave before but it looks pretty, and what a great deal!
I liked all the news bags, but the modern icon satchel really caught my heart. I was gushing over it in store!
The good thing about the Waldorf is that it seems like a regular in the HB catalog, so I'm hopeful for more colors! In store, they styled the new red with this bag charm (except the flowers were plain white with yellow centers) and it looked SO cute. So I could go for the new red styled with the bag charm.
And the next bag I'm getting is a Faure le Page, which will cost me $750 :eek: But it was a very close tie with the modern icon. But in the end, I know I can get a better deal on the HB!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7248.jpg
    IMG_7248.jpg
    22.4 KB · Views: 486
  • Like
Reactions: DF622
In store, they styled the new red with this bag charm (except the flowers were plain white with yellow centers) and it looked SO cute. So I could go for the new red styled with the bag charm.
And the next bag I'm getting is a Faure le Page, which will cost me $750 :eek: But it was a very close tie with the modern icon. But in the end, I know I can get a better deal on the HB!

You're smart with your $$, waiting for the HB to drop down! I'm gonna have to take a peek into the FLP forum to familiarize myself with the brand. I've seen some photos of their bags but haven't noticed any in action IRL. I'll def keep an eye out for your FLP reveal over there! :graucho:

I can see how cute it'd look hanging down the front flap. Also the new (darker, blue-based) cherry red is pretty too. I'm not into these neon or overly saturated colors they were pumping out so it's nice to see more sophisticated tones when they do pop up. But HB's color releases are so random! The new "Influencer Collection" is back to semi-saturated hues (for fall?), and earlier for summer we saw those dark orange-red/army green colors that are more suitable for fall... strange! They should have reversed it. I hope they don't start recycling colors.

P.S. what do we think of personalized charms on bags/straps (a la Dior)? Sorry if I offend anyone but they look so childish, IMO (at least HB's take). LOL I just realized I'm getting too old, that's why!! I probably don't fit into their target demographic anymore! :doh:
 
You're smart with your $$, waiting for the HB to drop down! I'm gonna have to take a peek into the FLP forum to familiarize myself with the brand. I've seen some photos of their bags but haven't noticed any in action IRL. I'll def keep an eye out for your FLP reveal over there! :graucho:

I can see how cute it'd look hanging down the front flap. Also the new (darker, blue-based) cherry red is pretty too. I'm not into these neon or overly saturated colors they were pumping out so it's nice to see more sophisticated tones when they do pop up. But HB's color releases are so random! The new "Influencer Collection" is back to semi-saturated hues (for fall?), and earlier for summer we saw those dark orange-red/army green colors that are more suitable for fall... strange! They should have reversed it. I hope they don't start recycling colors.

P.S. what do we think of personalized charms on bags/straps (a la Dior)? Sorry if I offend anyone but they look so childish, IMO (at least HB's take). LOL I just realized I'm getting too old, that's why!! I probably don't fit into their target demographic anymore! :doh:

I think they are playing to YouTube, Instagram etc audience.., as in.."what will catch attention"... yuch... really..a company with this history should hold it's own and teach style not conform...
 
Top