Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I'm about to head over to NYC to visit my friends and family. It's been just about a year since my last trip. I still have some really great fit reviews planned and of course you'll be seeing some food pics thrown in along with pictures of my 99 year old grandma! I can't wait to see everyone and I haven't even started packing yet. I am a VERY last minute packer. I still haven't decided which bag(s) I'm going to take with me. I'm tempted to bring my latest vintage find- The Prada Fairy bag. It's been on my wish list since 2008 when it was released.
For reference I'm 4 feet 11 inches tall.
Above- Hilary Duff carried the bag along with many other celebrities.
Below- Prada ad campaign for the bag.
Artist James Jean designed this gorgeous bag. The deerskin leather is very delicate and crinkly with a softness that's hard to describe. When the bag catches the light, there's this sheen that covers the entire bag which some refer to as "fairy dust". It's somewhat apparent in the below photo.
The back of the bag has a different illustration from the front. The original price for this bag was $2490. There was a smaller bowler sized version that wasn't as popular for $2290. As beautiful as this bag is, it still has its flaws. The leather is extremely delicate and prone to bleeding issues. The one I managed to score secondhand has a very good example of this. The blue splotches is where the leather came in contact with water and the color has bled. I actually don't mind as it blends in well. It almost looks like it could be part of the painting.
The inside is lined with the most buttery soft pink leather. This bag is very slouchy when not stuffed and I do think the bag looks better with more structure to it. I ended up going on Etsy and bought a customized bag insert that fits perfectly to give it shape.
I think Flash really wanted to jump in there. 😹
Fourteen years later after its release, I finally managed to snag this bag for a little over $1000. Considering it was a very limited edition piece and very hard to find, I think I got it for a steal. Even though it is delicate, I'm a firm believer that bags are meant to be used and I will be taking this gorgeous beauty out as long as the weather is sunny with zero chance of rain. 😆
I still have some bags on my wishlist that are about 20 years old now. Any day now, right? The lesson here is to never give up on your dreams! I hope everyone has a great Monday!
The Best Places to Shop for the Bags That Slipped Away
This is a gorgeous bag, Leslie, and for $1,000 I honestly think it’s a steal! <3. The fairy illustrations are whimsical and oh so unique! I’m glad you finally got the bag after 14 years of waiting! :). Andrea
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea! It did not disappoint even after 14 years of wanting this bag.
DeleteOh wow, that bag is awesome! I love the fairy artwork, and that pink lining is beautiful! It's a nice size too. That was a really good idea to get the custom insert - it can add some organization as well as keeping the bag's shape.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lola! Yes, the organizational pockets are definitely a bonus with the insert. Highly recommend getting one for large totes!
DeleteThe bag is beautiful and so worth that price you paid! I am happy you got your dream bag!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janessa! It was worth the wait. =)
DeleteSo happy you got your dream bag!
DeleteThank you! I love it.
Deletequeen shit! as you deserve!!! (: - fellow Leslie
ReplyDeleteHi there, thank you so much! Are you Leslie also? =D
DeleteThis is also my dream bag. So i happy for you!!! Hopefully, i can get one day as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope you find one. Just have to keep an eye out on resale sites.
DeleteI have been in love with bag since I first spotted it on a store shelf in Korea. I am sick I did not buy it and have been looking for one ever since. Of course I want to score a deal like you did for about one thousand dollars.
ReplyDeleteHi there! It's still possible to get a great deal on this bag, but you really have to check daily at all the online second hand/consignment shops and you can't hesitate for too long because they will get sold quickly for the price. It took me a long time before I found one for the right price and condition. Good luck!!
DeleteHi Leslie, congratulations on scoring your dream Prada fairy bag! I understand the excitement, I bought an original way back in 2008. It truly is a work of art. I’ve been looking at selling mine to a fellow Prada fairy bag lover who will adore it just as much, as I no longer use it and it’s been sitting in my closet for years. Could I ask if it was sold with the authenticity cards? I’ve moved so many times and have lost track of the cards and worried it will reduce its value. Thank you in advance for reading/replying :) Tess
ReplyDeleteHi Tess! Mine was not sold with the cards, but it came with the dust bag and lock/key. I think the hardware is more important than cards but it could depend on the individual buyer. Good luck with your sale!
DeleteThank you Leslie :)
DeleteHi. Still thinking of selling fairly bag ? What is size ? Thanks so much Tess.
ReplyDeleteHi Tess! Sorry I am not selling the bag, it took me 14 years to finally own one, so it's a keeper for at least a long time. There is one available on TheRealReal website and a few on ebay and Poshmark. Good luck!
DeleteCan you tell me what are measurements on your bag ? Thanks so much. It looks wonderful on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It's approximately 14" by 8" by 6".
DeleteThanks for responding. I will keep looking for one.
DeleteOmggggggg I want that so much! So elusive! 🥰🥰🥰 Lucky you! 🫶🏻🥰🥰🥳
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It was worth the wait.
DeleteI am anxiously awaiting the return of my was beloved Prada fairy bag from Rago Brothers via UPS today. I recently got it for $600 on Offerup and the interior was much worse than pictured, which cost another $450. It has been out for delivery with UPS all day! 😭 I can't wait for it to get here! 🤣❤️
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda! Congrats! I hope you love the bag. Enjoy it!
DeleteThis is also my dream bag! I'm so happy for you and amazed you got it for $1000. I stopped looking for one because they are listed for $6000+ usually. What were the price ranges you saw before you snagged this steal?
ReplyDeleteHi there. Keep looking. Your best bet is TheRealReal and Vestaire Collective which is where I got mine. If you're patient and determined you'll find one for a much lower price. I would say you could definitely get one for under $2000. I have seen some for around $1250.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement and the tips, I'll keep trying!
DeleteI'm so happy for you! It looks great, and you were so smart to add the insert. It definitely looks better with it. This is also my dream bag. Your story gives me hope!
DeleteThanks Diana! I hope you get yours soon, maybe this year?
DeleteThanks Petite and all those gathering of information.
ReplyDelete