Today I’m sharing my Clare V. Grande Fanny review.
This was my second Clare V. purchase. I received the Midi Sac, Clare V.’s rectangular-shaped crossbody purse and the smallest bag in their line, as a birthday gift a few years ago and have gotten so much use out of it. I even carried it on our 3 week trip through France, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. (Check out my review of the Clare V. Midi Sac crossbody here!).
I have had my eye on the slightly larger Grande Fanny since last year and finally decided to make the splurge this spring and ordered it in the gorgeous Cream Rattan color way (currently available only at Shopbop).
I purchased the Clare V Grande Fanny with spring and summer travel in mind, but it’s quickly become the bag I reach for most days. After using it for about two months now, I’m ready to share my thoughts on it.
Known for their vibrant colorways, unique leather styles, and interchangeable straps, Clare V. embodies the intersection between Parisian chic and West Coast “cool girl” better than any other brand out there. Their styles are functional, practical, and elevate even the most straightforward of outfits.
In this Clare V. Grande Fanny review, I’m going to walk through all of the details and specifications of this purse and share my full review and opinion after using the bag this spring.
My Clare V Grande Fanny Review
The Clare V. Grande Fanny is such a unique, functional bag. Featuring an eye-catching boat shape and adjustable strap, the Grande Fanny purse is the ultimate “hands free” companion for moms, travelers, and any woman on the go.
The bag lays flat and snug against the body, and the adjustable strap allows for a multitude of wearing options: over the shoulder, across the body, or even around the waist like a classic fanny pack.
Material
Clare V.’s Grande Fanny is made of leather in Bangladesh. The rattan styles are unlined, and the rest of the leather styles are lined in a sturdy chambray material.
Clare V. famously carries several different leather options: woven leather, leather rattan, woven “zigzag” leather, perforated leather, patent, and croc-style. The most popular styles seem to be the woven and rattan leathers.
Colors
Clare V. carries a handful of neutrals that come back each year, and they also come out with a few seasonal, limited drop colorways.
It took me a long time to decide on a color and leather style. I tend to reach for a “pop of color” on a bag but ultimately decided to go more neutral with this purchase, especially since the Midi Sac I have is a vibrant forest green.
I ended up choosing the Cream Rattan which is currently only available at Shopbop. It’s a rich, summery off-white with a contrasting black zipper. It goes with EVERYTHING. The rattan is unlined, so the bag is slightly “see through” but not so much that anyone could tell what’s actually in your bag.
Straps
I love that the strap is adjustable, and the curved shape allows the bag to fit snugly against my body. My only qualm with the Midi Sac, my first Clare V. purse, is that the strap wasn’t adjustable so it would just kind of hang and flop around. The Grande Fanny feels so much more secure and comfortable.
The strap as two different loops on the other side of the buckle, so once you decide on a strap length you can pull the two loops down and secure the loose end.
And, of course, Clare V. is known for their interchangeable strap options. I have seen people add a second, shorter strap to this bag or carry it with one of their sporty, canvas straps and think it looks so cute.
Compartments
Clare V.’s Grande Fanny does not have any interior or exterior pockets. This is one thing that I think the bag could improve upon, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Price
The price of the Grande Fanny crossbody purse ranges between $325 and $385, depending on the leather style.
Does Clare V. have sales?
Clare V. does occasionally mark down select items at the end of the season, but their biggest, sitewide sale falls during Black Friday. I believe last year they offered 20% off sitewide.
I have also seen Clare V. bags included in Shopbop’s semiannual style events which fall in early fall and early spring usually. I will try to keep this post updated as I see any markdowns!
Clare V. Grande Fanny Dimensions
The Grande Fanny measures 12 3/4 W x 8 H in inches, and the strap can be as short as 19 inches and as long as 39 inches.
How much does the Clare V Grande Fanny hold?
The Clare V. Grande Fanny holds an impressive amount. Typically, I carry my card holder, phone, sunglasses, Airpods, hand sanitizer, lip products, car key, and some kind of protein bar, lol. When we traveled to Mexico last week, I also had our passports and even my Kindle in there at one point!
I also really like that the boat shape allows me to see the contents of my purse all at once, so it’s easier to find and grab things quickly.
Clare V. Review: Final thoughts on the Grande Fanny
I have been super happy with this purchase. The Grande Fanny fits more than a standard crossbody bag but is structured in such a way that feels not bulky and very much streamlined.
This bag is practical, stylish, and comfortable to wear. I have reached for it almost every day since I got in the beginning of April and have a feeling this will be one I return to again and again each year.
I’m also super happy with my color choice. The Cream Rattan is summery and neutral and looks good with everything.
Is the Clare V. Grande Fanny good for travel?
It’s a GREAT travel bag. I used it for our trip to Mexico last weekend, and it was perfect for walking through the airport. I love having my phone, hand sanitizer, and our passports RIGHT on me as opposed to in my backpack, and this purse was perfect for that. It’s also small enough that I could squeeze it into my backpack which is technically me “personal item.”
I also carried this on our day exploring town and out to dinner.
Clare V. Grande Fanny for moms
I think this purse is an amazing choice for moms. It’s very “hands free” and can be worn with the bag in the back if need be. I don’t like to carry around a big bulky backpack and would usually leave my diaper supplies in the car. I’d venture to say that this purse is probably big enough to fit one emergency diaper and a small pack of wipes, etc.
Where to buy the Clare V. Grande Fanny
You can find Clare V. products sold at Shopbop, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and, of course, Clare V.’s website.
Clare V. Grande Fanny: Look for Less
Madewell carries a really cute woven crossbody purse. Quince carries a double strap crossbody that seems to be a cross between the Grande Fanny and Clare V.’s Moyen Messenger style.
I’m also intrigued by this one from Amazon and this small sling bag from Quince. This one from Anthro comes in a few cute colors and might be worth checking out, although I’m not sure about that short strap length!
The Best of Clare V.
Thank you for checking out my Clare V. Grande Fanny review! I hope it’s helpful. For more reviews and packing lists, click here.
On that note…
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