Are JW PEI Handbags Worth It?

It all started with a question The Mom Edit received on our Instagram from a reader looking for handbags very similar looking to designer handbags. And boy, did I jump at the chance to answer this one.

You see, like this dear reader, I too dream in designer, but I operate on a, errr…very much NON-designer budget – especially when it comes to handbags. I’ve become kind of a self-proclaimed expert on handbags that have a designer vibe with wallet-friendly price tags.

And that’s how I came to learn about one of my new favorite (and new to me) affordable handbag brands: JW PEI has entered the chat.

White Bag | Silver Bag | Black Bag | Brown Bag | Tan Bag

I kept seeing this brand, JW PEI pop on while searching for handbags on Amazon, with some of the coolest bags for at or around $100. But, like many things I find on Amazon, I was hesitant about the quality at that price point. And then when Nordstrom started caring JW PEI handbags that basically gave me the seal of approval I needed to delve in deeper and order all the JW PEI handbags I’ve been eyeing.

Oh, and just in case you were desperately searching for a Pidgeon shaped clutch handbag, JW PEI has one of those too.

If you were to ask me if JW Pei bags are worth it, I’d give them an irrevocable and resounding YES — these bags are stunning and come lovingly packaged, like designer bags do. In fact, more than one bag made me gasp aloud as I unboxed them – specifically the silver Jana Hollow Out Shoulder bag and the Orla Weave handbag.

The quality is on par with bags in my closet that have cost upwards of $300 or more. The details are outstanding: the zippers are high quality, the stitching is heavy-duty, the snap closures are magnetized, work crisply and well, and the details…well, the details (like the golden handle on the Orla Woven bag) are *chefs kiss*.

Because I was so smitten with these bags, I had to test them all (for research purposes, obvi) and share my favorites.

Starting with my obvious favorite and absolute stunner of a bag: the Jana Hollow Out Shoulder Bag. This one was my favorite and not just because it’s silver. It is a standout in so many ways. The silver material is shiny and basically as reflective as a mirror. Also, there is a cool heavy duty silver charm on the handle that adds to the designer vibe. I also really appreciated the larger size of this one. As much as I love all the tiny shoulder handbags in style right now, I am someone who very much likes to have all her stuff with her and this one is big enough for me to fit my iPhone, my large wallet, my keys (along with clunky keychains) and a small cosmetic bag with lipstick, concealer and a few other goodies in side of it. Nordstrom carries the brown and black version and the hollow out affect looks even cooler.

Bag | Dress (M) | Boots (8)

NOTES: This bag measures 11.22” W × 6.10” H× 2.56” with an adjustable strap drop of 7.09” ~ 9.84′. The outer material is water-repellent and the inside lining is made from a super soft and velvety faux suede that is easy to clean and durable. A few quick notes on my outfit: the dress is from Target it’s stretchy, jersey fabric with ruching and runs large. As for the boots, I am loving these Moto boots from Steve Madden, I ordered 1/2 size up because they run narrow in the ankles.

This gorgeous Orla Woven handbag is the very first JW PEI handbag I ever fell in love with. I mean, just look at the gorgeous golden metal handle. It also comes in SO many great color options including: silver, black, beige, pink-beige, brown and tan. If you are looking for a handbag that really makes a statement, be prepared to be asked about this bag when you have it. Because I got several comments and questions about where I got it when I wore it out. I didn’t check the dimensions when I ordered it so I found it to be smaller than expected BUT the good news is it does fit my IPhone 14 Pro Max and it’s clunky square case, my lipstick, concealer and my credit cards….and that’s about it. Also available at Shopbop. Perfect for date night or holiday events.

Bag | Dress (M) | Boots (8)

NOTES: The dimensions of this bag are: 9.45″ W × 7.09″ H × 3.54″ and it comes with an attachable 18.90″ long crossbody strap. The material is a sturdy yet soft vegan leather with a soft, faux-suede lining.

These pictures of the black Ashlie Faux Leather Crossbody Bag don’t do justice to it’s unique shape and style. Check out the pretty tan version to get a better sense of it. It is one of the first JW PEI bags I fell for and it is definitive of JW PEI’s designer vibe bags. I love the saddle bag shape and the sturdy and heavy-duty gold clasps. It’s one that I am glad I ordered because it looks deceptively larger online (I admit that I’m not great at checking dimensions before purchasing). It’s larger and fits more than the above Orla bag but still mainly just the essentials fit: my IPhone 14 Pro Max, a small, thin wallet, and a few make-up essentials.

Bag | Dress (M) | Boots (8)

NOTES: The dimensions of this bag are 11.22″ W × 7.68″ H × 1.97″ D with an removable, adjustable shoulder strap drop of 11.22″ ~ 19.67. It has a sturdy magnetic-snap flap closure and a structured silhouette with flat base for stability.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this Carly Croc Embossed Faux Leather Shoulder Bag. I am a big fan of this rich, nutty shade of acorn brown, the chic crescent shape, and everything croc-embossed at the moment. Also, you can tell that it is bigger than some of the other JW PEI bags I covered in this post. This handbag works great as an everyday option because it is big enough to fit a little bit more than just the essentials. Also, the material is durable AND water-repellant, which makes it a double thumbs up for me, as someone who does not go easy on their handbags.

Bag | Dress (M) | Boots (8)

NOTES: The dimensions for this bag are 5″W x 5″H x 2 1/2″D and it has an adjustable 16″ strap drop. It has a top zip-closure, interior wall pockets and zip, with a polyurethane lining. The base of the bag is structured for added stability.

Ooooh la, la. This little cutie was at the top of my list because I am a big fan of croc-embossed handbags and I have been wanting to hop onto the chocolate leather trend train for awhile now. Yes, it looks small BUT because it has dual interior compartments with a center divider, it actually fits quite a fair amount inside. It’s also the only bag I ordered that only has a long-crossbody strap. I know we are all about shoulder bags right now but sometimes a crossbody strap is just more comfortable and practical. This cutie patootie handbag also comes in a lovely dark green color, in black, and in white. It’s also under $100!

Bag | Dress (M) | Boots (8)

Notes: The dimensions of this bag are 7 1/2″W x 6″H x 3″D, with a 16 1/2″ strap drop. It’s polyurethane and lined with fabric. It has a magnetic-snap flap closure, a removable shoulder strap and a flat base with a structured silhouette for stability.

If you’re in the market for a new gorgeous bag, I’d definitely recommend JW PEI. I so hope you enjoyed this post! Until next time,

xo, Jess ( My Instagram | More of My Posts )

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