Bethenny Frankel Endorses Under-$200 JW Pei Bags in New Guide to Look Like a Million Bucks

Bethenny Frankel is stacking the case for budget-friendly luxury. In a new social clip, the veteran reality star and fan of JW Pei promotes a guide to “how to look like a million bucks without spending it,” praising several under-$200 styles from the celebrity-favorite bag label.

The video spotlights designs described by Frankel as functional and versatile, including the Lucia Top Handle Bag and the Elora Woven Bag. She extols the brand’s vegan leather for its softness, saying the bags feel “soft and mushy” and noting their pliability for travel—“What bag can you fold in the corner of a suitcase like this?” she asks in the clip. The Lucia comes in a range of colors and, per Frankel, even in a croc-embossed material that feels upscale without the upscale price tag. She also touts the Bria Structured Top Handle Bag, calling it “inspired by two different Hermès bags in one”—a nod to the Mini Kelly and the Himalayan Birkin in one compact silhouette.

“The further I go on this journey overall, I just am not overly fixated on everything being such a fortune,” Frankel says in the video, adding, “Tens of thousands for bags is simply criminal.” The clip closes with the Noor Bag, a sleek design that Frankel notes is currently on sale for Amazon Prime members. The Noor is presented as a minimalist topper to the brand’s lineup, rounding out what she calls a practical, stylish arsenal for everyday use.

The feature is far from Frankel’s first deep dive into JW Pei. The “Handbag University” series has regularly showcased the brand’s pieces, and she previously highlighted the Orla Weave Handbag in a video last year, calling it “unbelievable.” The emphasis on JW Pei aligns with Frankel’s broader public stance on luxury consumption. In May, she told Page Six Style that she’s moved away from chasing mega-price-tag fashion, explaining, “People are finally realizing that carrying a $10,000 bag doesn’t equal success — it signals excess. I’ve sold off a ton of designer bags and I’m not looking back.”

The star’s push for accessible, fashion-forward pieces isn’t just about a single video or a moment of endorsement. Frankel has long used her platform to spotlight budget-friendly alternatives that still deliver on style and practicality, a perspective that resonates with viewers who want high-end-looking results without the price tag. The JW Pei bags she features are represented as versatile everyday staples rather than exclusive luxury; the Lucia, Elora, Bria and Noor lines each offer varied silhouettes and finishes designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Industry observers note that Frankel’s collaboration with JW Pei fits a broader trend among celebrities who publicly champion affordable fashion as a counterpoint to overt luxury branding. The appeal is twofold: fans gain confidence in attainable accessories, and the bags themselves are positioned as workhorse pieces, capable of travel, daily errands, and light social events without sacrificing style. The JW Pei lineup—including the Lucia, Elora, Bria and Noor—has become a recognizable option for those seeking a chic, contemporary look at a fraction of the price of high-end handbags.

Frankel’s remarks in the clip emphasize practicality alongside aesthetics. Her praise for the Lucia’s foldability and croc-embossed option underscores a message that affordable design can carry notable visual impact. Meanwhile, the Bria bag’s “two Hermès-inspired” references play into a broader conversation about design cues and aspirational silhouettes that don’t require a years-long savings plan to acquire. The Noor, described as streamlined and modern, is positioned as a convenient, on-sale option for Prime members, illustrating how value and accessibility can coexist with star-approved style.

As a figure who often shares personal shopping discoveries with a large audience, Frankel’s stance also touches on a cultural shift toward more mindful luxury consumption. Her comments about not equating wealth with bag price are echoed by other celebrities who emphasize sustainable fashion choices, resale value, and the practical value of pieces that serve multiple purposes. The JW Pei selections highlighted in the video—Lucia, Elora, Bria and Noor—are marketed as adaptable staples that can be treated as everyday essentials, not status symbols, a narrative that aligns with a growing consumer interest in balanced, budget-conscious wardrobes.

The clip’s context, including its tie-in to Frankel’s ongoing social-media presence and the JW Pei brand’s public-facing collaborations, suggests a longer-term strategy to position affordable luxury as both accessible and aspirational. For fans and fashion watchers, the message is clear: you can achieve a chic, high-impact look without breaking the bank, provided you choose the right design language and versatile silhouettes. The dialogue around these bags continues to evolve as more celebrities advocate affordable fashion that doesn’t compromise on style or practicality.

Images used in this article are provided by the source and appear inline to illustrate the products discussed. The JW Pei Lucia Top Handle Bag, the Elora Woven Bag, the Bria Structured Top Handle Bag, and the Noor Top Handle Bag are highlighted in the discussion, with each piece representing a different facet of the brand’s accessible-luxe approach. The discussion also references the Orla Weave Handbag as part of Frankel’s broader, ongoing relationship with JW Pei and her broader stance on luxury consumption. The narrative is drawn from Page Six Style reporting by Hannah Southwick, who covers accessible celebrity fashion and the latest in budget-friendly luxury trends.