When it comes to balling out on a budget, Bethenny Frankel is our official tour guide. The former Real Housewives of New York star turned TikTok influencer is always coming through with the best drugstore beauty products and affordable fashion finds that look high-end but won't break the bank. And our girl's closet is also stuffed with Chanel and Hermès, so she knows a thing or two about pricey designer styles.
Quick Overview
Frankel's latest luxury-for-less obsession? JW Pei. In a recent installment of her Handbag University series, Frankel showed off three of her favorite JW Pei handbags, emphatically stating that they "slap" and she's "shooketh" at how good they are — specifically when it comes to how soft they are.
The affordable brand went viral on TikTok a few years ago for its high-quality styles that are similar to designer pieces (like this ruched shoulder bag that was on every celeb's arm in 2021). Every JW Pei bag is made from recycled vegan leather and is the perfect balance of effortlessly trendy and classic.
As far as Frankel's picks go, she's getting ready for spring and summer with smaller handbags. In the TikTok, she shows off the Orla Weave Handbag, Lucia Classic Top Handle Bag and the Thea Classic Top Handle Bag. Oh, and all of her picks happen to be under $130. Ah-mazing. Shop 'em below!
JW Pei
First up is this adorable white shoulder bag with gold hardware that Frankel's pretty sure is inspired by Bottega Veneta. "It is so soft," she raved. "It's like it's been deep tissue massaged."
Available in eight colors, the handbag also comes with a detachable adjustable strap. This way, you can switch it up if you're in a "hands-free" mood.
"Great date night purse," declared one fashionista in a review. "I can fit everything I would normally take in any of my clutch bags on a date night or to a wedding like my phone, ID, credit card, key fob, lipstick and feminine hygiene. It’s perfect!"
JW Pei
"Look how rich this is," Frankel exclaimed before raving about the bag's softness. "This is serious. I don't even know if it's real leather and I don't care ... I love it deeply from the depths of my soul." [Editor's Note: The bag is made of vegan leather.]
Right on trend with this year's slouchy hobo styles, this sophisticated bag also comes with a detachable adjustable strap. Two interior pockets provide extra organization.
"This is the third item I have bought from this company and I have been very impressed with each product," began an Amazon shopper in their five-star review. "This purse is extremely soft and super cute. It comes with a handle and shoulder strap so that you have options, depending on the outfit or how you feel for the day."
JW Pei
Finishing off her rave reviews, a version of this final JW Pei bag renders Frankel almost speechless. "Are you kidding me? Look at this," she stated. "This is stunno. I have an obsession."
The cute little rectangular bag comes with a detachable adjustable strap and a double-zip top. There's also an interior slip pocket that's perfect for your phone. (While Amazon doesn't sell Bethenny's exact woven style, you can grab it directly from JW Pei.)
This five-star Amazon shopper even admitted that they thought it was a Loewe bag at first. "I saw a woman wearing this bag ... it looked amazing. When I got close and felt its vegan leather, it was as buttery as fine Italian," she recounted. After the reviewer complimented her "beautiful Loewe" bag, the owner revealed that it was this JW Pei style. "And so now I, too, own one," finished the reviewer. "From product to packaging, it speaks luxury."
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
