Few bags introduced in the last decade have had the staying power that the Fendi 2Jours (literally “2 days”) leather shopper has enjoyed. I kept hoping that it would fade in popularity so I can buy the bag in my color-of-choice on sale, or that it would become so ubiquitous that I’d lose interest in it. Neither event has come to pass, so I quietly resigned myself to my fate and just bought it.
The Fendi 2Jours bag is now only available in the “petite” (or “small” or “Elite”) size, which measures 10″ W x 8″ H x 5″ D. But it is no toy bag: with three compartments (two open, separated by a zippered center compartment), the bag will accommodate all of the essentials and some discretionary items. I normally toss in the following (and still have room to spare): a full-sized wallet, a pair of sunglasses in its case, a cosmetic bag, a smartphone, keys, a few bags of candy, a large hair brush, and a mid-sized pouch that contains all of the loose items that I elect to bring with me.
At a little less than 2 pounds empty, the bag is fairly lightweight despite the sturdy construction and all of the hardware.
While I am not normally drawn to mixed-media bags, I thought the way that the 2Jours had been designed is so effortless and harmonious. The front and back panels are done in a saffiano leather, while the gussets are constructed from smooth leather. The different textured leathers and the gold-tone trimmings add visual interest, but because the leathers are tonal, the whole concept remains in harmony.
(If you are indifferent about or strongly dislike the mixed-leather concept, the 2Jours is also available in a version with all smooth leather exterior.)
To me, the appeal of the 2Jours is its simplicity, enhanced by subtle touches of whimsy. For example, I am not usually a fan of hanging tags, but the shield-shaped tag fully complements the geometry of the bag. (You can also get the tag monogrammed at Fendi boutiques, which I may do at some point.)
The 2Jours currently retails for $1900 in the mixed media version or $2350 for the all-smooth leather version, which is in the same price range as Saint Laurent ($2590) and Prada’s ($2230) versions. But you do not have to pay full price for this bag, because Fendi generally participates in department store gift card events. Seasonal colors always go on sale, and even “classic” colors like black can be found during end-of-season sales (especially when the bag undergoes a redesign, no matter how insignificant the changes are). You can also order through an European outlet (like Italist) to take advantage of VAT refunds and favorable exchange rates. Lastly, most discounters, like Century 21 and Gilt, will likely have the bag in an odd color or two on sale at any time.
You can buy the Fendi 2Jours Bag from Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, and Farfetch.
