I loved this post because I havent purchased a luxury bag yet but I definitely want to now that Im into my career and these tips are so helpful! I was able to snag a pre-loved Chanel mini in crumpled calfskin (black hardware) and it is one of my most treasured handbags in my collection. I do want to stress that I am 37 years old and have slowly been building a collection. They really do get so excited to help you. I loved this, found it so helpful. Thank you! As for secondhand vs. retail I actually prefer to shop secondhand for my luxury bags whenever possible (I cant do it for shoes, but wearing someoene elses shoes grosses me out a little). I have a vintage double flap Chanel bag that I would like to sell. Xx. I love this post! A little too old, yes. if you love the modern, silver is the best choice. I love it so much and it would be my dream to find exactly this color. I have no idea, I would try a bag forum and share photos or reach out to the boutique! Being a little on the plump and taller side, is a medium size good enough? It seems so wrong to say that! I had no idea how popular this blog post would be, but its a great post to bookmark or come back to if youre considering purchasing a Chanel bag. Thanks Mama! So gorgeous and timeless!! I have many Chanels, but save the lambskin bags for nights out or perfect weather days. Did the NM offer to check other locations etc? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I recently got into buying and reselling luxury bags. Black seems too much..?? These are super pretty though, and maybe someday , Thanks Shelley! I purchased them from the Hermes store on Madison Avenue in Manhattan and buying the bags was a fun experience in itself. I would go in, and just very sweetly tell the salesperson that you are looking to invest in your first Chanel bag. Its great, and so chic on someone else, but Im more of a classic flap kind of girl. That is so helpful! I think your early/mid thirties are the best time to treat yourself to something like this. Thank you for giving us all the pros and cons. Winnie sounds wonderful! Thanks for the tip of Caviar over Lambskin. In general, do you use any sort of leather conditioner on your nice bags? For a long time I thought the jumbo and maxi were a little bit tacky (only because the bags are SO big!!) I love the app as much as I love Chanel, with my whole entire heart. If any readers are in Chicago and looking to invest in some pieces, go see my girl Winnie at the Chanel on Michigan Ave. She is the most welcoming and honest luxury brand rep. Actually she has talked me out of purchasing a light colored bag for the reasons Grace mentioned above! I have experienced this during the first 2-3 weeks of a new collection launch. I too can feel quite intimidated when going into designer storefronts or expensive department stores like Barneys, but youve helped me realize that Im the one with the power in the store and if Im treated rudely, they dont deserve my business! I am starting to think about buying my first investment purse maybe a classic Chanel. It will be my birthday + Christmas + all 2022 occasions gift to myself. Depending on where Im going I dont carry them as often as the Chanels because I like to have my hands free and you must carry a Birkin in your hand or on your forearm. If you have any insight on this, let me know. If I were to choose it though, I may have to wait until Christmas. These are all great tips! Loved this post thanks for sharing and thanks to the reader for reaching out with the question. So this is a really insightful read. I love these tips! Miki x. Excellent article. I think so Ive always referred to it as the classic black 2.55! I love the app when it works but its few and far between. Love the post! https://glassofglam.com. With regard to shopping in the store, do not be at all intimidated! I called and they said no they dont have it, anyone else had this happen? When i read your review, i breathe a sigh of relief because i got a right decision. I really love your post!! At 62 my husband bought me the larger then life black caviar. I dont work so Im often in jeans or work out clothes but as long as I have my bags I feel that redeems my otherwise dressed down look. Thank you for sharing, Im so glad youre enjoying your new purchase!! Now, I absolutely love it! . As I mentioned above, it was the first Chanel purse that I bought with my own money. I kid you not, between middle of December and mid January this year, I went to four separate boutiques and chatted with the SAs there and they put me down on the waitlist. (Oh and personally I would choose black over navy but if you wear more brown than black Id say navy! Im so glad it was helpful! But it gets dirty so easily and needs to be professionally cleaned so I find myself not using it very often. You can never go wrong with Chanel bags I always find myself constantly grabbing my Chanels on a daily basis. Thanks for your sharing. The reality check is very fairwe cant drive or live inside a Chanel bag but its definitely pretty. Best Regards But yeah, if you take proper care of your nice bags, they will increase in value over time. Great post, I have a Chanel Woc but my dream bag is the medium classic flap(caviar with silver hardware. I wonder if the blush pink will be just as difficult to keep clean. Im really glad the post was helpful!!! This was such a helpful post as I debate when I can make this purchase (just turned 30) thank you for the refresh and for sharing your experience! Loved all the comments, Ive been wanting a Channel bag for a long time and I found a black classic Maxi in lamb skin . So youd recommend I find a friend in the U.K or France to pick one up for me? Its actually the mens one which is a little bit less dainty than the womens one. I know the lambskin is dreamy but please please do Caviar it will last so much longer, especially if you want to use it every day! Thanks so much for your advice! Im making a trip to Dallas in 2 weeks, and (Another reader commented that prices are going up in February, so maybe try to get it before then or do The RealReal!) I guess college money for my kids was more important to me years ago. Thanks! Thanks smusuu and congrats on the 19! I love The RealReal because they have the best assortment (from what Ive seen) and they do a good job listing out every single flaw and detail. Hi Gina, I am in Chicago and am looking to purchase my first Chanel classic flap soon (Im debating between black caviar or beige caviar & classic/medium or large/jumbo size), and I am looking for a kind, knowledgeable person to work with at the store. My black caviar double flap bag is in perfect shape and Ive had it for nearly ten years. Im 61 and think of purchasing my first Chanel bag. Thanks for the tips and lessons learned! Im kinda nervous, but yet very excited. Hi Grace! Hi. I have bought from LXR & Co. a gorgeous like new Chanel folding wallet with one small mark on the bottom that is hardly noticeable. And by several honest review by you, i think Ive got my right purchase. Seconding everything youve said here! I suspect that people who buy the fake bags buy them to impress others whereas those who buy the authentic bags from Chanel and Herms buy them for the sheer joy of owning such beautifully crafted bags. Thats where I sell my things! Im thinking about buying my first name brand purse. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I really, really want a classic black Chanel bag. I should have caveated that these bags are so subjective. Btw have u ever tried for a birkin in Paris? I got the classic flap in black caviar and cannot wait to slowly build a collection! I have the same classic black bag in caviar. Best wishes and Happy New Year to you both. I like your post. And how crazy is it the way the prices increase!? are okay!!! I feel really happy, enoughand derseve it (i was 33 but do not have salary to treat me well like that cause i have 2 daughters, and live in a country that the salary is modest). Theyre better stocked than the Real Real but Ive never done online consignment, so Im trying to do my due diligence. Thank you. I can attest to lambskin showing signs of year much more thoughIll definitely be getting caviar leather when I eventually invest in my own Chanel! Im 37 and dont have any kids so its just me and my cat . is this normal? Is black the best choice? The girl selling it will sell it to me for $3600, I may be able to talk her down to $3500. I think that the classic flap bag is the most timeless of all. Congrats on getting a Birkin! i just received mine in mail today! I just got my first Chanel bag in the past year; bought it for myself for my 30th birthday. The app has not been updated to coincide with the new Metiers dArt collection so we can browse the products and often times (VERY OFTEN) the videos do not load! I have a turquoise Chanel wallet and although it was like $700 more than 7 years ago it is barely showing signs of wear and I use it everyday!! Im deciding to buy my first Chanel classic black flap bag on my own. LearnMore, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese. wallet is next on my list I think a red one, as Im less concerned with it going with everything! Also, their price increase was Oct 2018 so the prices will be flat probably until later this year. This blog post was inspired by a reader email that I received last year before Christmas. Life is too short! Love this post! I know Ill benefit from your post when I make my next purchase. Thank you! I expected more from Chanel with the app to be honest. Buy the bags. Very helpful info. So if there is 1 available piece at a boutique try not to get your hopes up too much but you could get lucky! Should I wait to find a caviar leather bag? Purchase update.I ended up buying a new bag at the 57th St store and my experience could not have been better! Love this entire blog! Thank you so informative, I want to buy my first Chanel bag for my 37th birthday. Ive always said, Buy it once and buy it right. Kindly also discuss with my web site =). I finally understand Chanel is a category of luxury on its own. I also love that first picture/the entire outfit with the green dress and the black accessories and that black watch especially! I am in my end of 40s only am thinking of it now after taking care of all the mortgages and really glad that i am now ready to pamper myself after many years of working and am still working. a) I was v. v. emotionally distraught over two boys (a story for another day); b) The dollar was extremely strong so I got a great price. I am lucky enough to own a lot of nice designer bags and accessories, but my Chanel pieces (I will include my brooches and flats here too) are the pieces I love and use the most (and never regret buying). I have been dreaming of the lambskin black leather classic but your thoughts on the caviar have me swaying in that direction now. I do love a little bag though, and think maybe the wallet on chain will be next! I completely agree that it is SUCH a personal decision!!! As for Chanel, luckily, my sister lets me borrow hersbut Im eyeing a Chanel wallet! Ive bought a lot of nice bags but the Chanel ones (for me) are the ones I never get tired of and wear again and again and again!! I love the walk-through of how you acquired them over time and the open honesty about each style. Hello what a great post! I would add some advice that the reader with the original question should head to Chanel ASAP because they usually implement their annual price increase on Feb 1st. As a handbag obsessed individual, I loved reading this post and your perspective on the bags youve purchased and good/bad decisions. Are the bags heavy? Love the variety of colors. , Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog Id saved for months and have used it every day since so I feel pretty good about my cost per wear already. I love your advice and defiantly your bags. I was planning on getting a beige one next but now that Ive read your post, maybe I wont. Im taking both as a sign! Im hoping to purchase a vintage classic medium double flap this year. After going through a lot of thinking, reading reviews and etc., this post just made me decide what Chanel purse to buy. Grace, I love this post! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on Chanel purses.I have purchased a different variety of purses for my wife. Written by Grace Atwood, The Stripe aims to leave you feeling like you just had coffee with a great girlfriend: savvier, more confident, and always learning something new. Why pay thousands of dollars for a worn item. Kudos to you for this truly honest and well written post!! I am not really an LV girl! Theyre fake and I cant imagine wanting to pretend you have the real thing when you know you dont. I just came across your post and want someone elses opinion who has a love for Chanel. Anyways, can you tell me if the classic can be worn as an appropriate crossbody? I would definitely use it everyday, but is it worth it? I guess I (justly so), figured I had a classic black one so wanted something light and a little more fun. I LOVE it, dont get me wrong. Copyright 2022 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Maybe give The RealReal a try! Hope to get mine soon. XO. This is a great, truthful guide about buying your first Chanel. I take everywhere I go. What a great post. Any suggestions? I feel like me in the anonymous letter. Both of your bags sound amazing. To me, a Chanel bag is worth the money. I am feeling so confident to get the exact kind I want and make the investment because I know I really want it, my husband gave me the green light to spend the money, and Ill use it for YEARS. Also, I just gotta say it. I have been on the hunt for a square faced watch, I looked through the post but couldnt find that item tagged-do you mind sharing details on that watch? I didnt know about the caviar leather So many good tips from you and in thr comments. You cant drive it or live inside of it. Looking forward to more helpful articles like this on your site. the mini rectangular lambskin is available to me in champagne hardware, but i hesitate to get it. With Covid, getting an appointment to shop is dang near impossible. I know it will be a caviar leather bag but I dont intend on using it everyday so Im confused between the mini/small and beige/black(though your article has made me sway towards the black). I am looking to buy my first Chanel bag after years of dancing around. It is boxed so beautifully I still havent taken it out though. Try calling the 1 800 number and having the SA check for you where its in stock. Ok i do now own a Chanel yet am in the midst of getting one soon but that day i went to the store to check out the classic small and found out tht the leather on the strap is jutting out like unfinish work. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog. I was 33 when I purchased my 1st black lady dior mini by an inheritance(for my daughters birthday cause this occasion is a mark in my life: a part of me and how painful i gave birth, and it was chirsmast month, and i felt as you said below: know my style which does not change any more) And 1 month later, i bought my channel WOC classic (caviar, black, GHW) by credit. I feel like I already got all the big purchase out of the way! Youve answered all of her questions truthfully by drawing on your personal experiences including the dos and donts. I have bought a Chanel bag in Europe and claimed back the VAT. I buy them because they make me happy and the hell with what others think!! My black and tan bags have silver hardware and my two vintage bags have gold hardware. And dont buy those horrid tacky knockoffs. I really hope this post was helpful if you have any more questions, leave them in the comments! (If you do, let us know what you get!) Excellent post! I could not love these tips more! I also dont have kids, a car, a mortgage, or any of that! Im so glad to hear that thanks Meghan! If the SA reserves an item then theyre meant to register it on the system as Reserved but they dont always do this and may just be holding an item anyway for a client. I can tell some items are old (not vintage, just old/out of style) and I dont want them, but others I have a hard time finding the age. Thank you. Im 47 and it will be my first time to buy. I was similarly sceptical about the maxi bags, but am also coming around to them for purely practical reasons and LOVE this tan one on you! I want to invest in a pre-loved Chanel for myself but with the option of selling it if I dont love it like I think I will. XO. Although I have other purses ( LV, Prada) I regret not buying Chanel sooner but then I have kids and mortgage. I love it. I loved and appreciated the honesty in this post! I am 6ft tall so I tend to want larger bags. Im way older than you Im 57 years old. As well as the regrets as well to know what to look for. for secondhand bags and I can usually find the bag I want. The LV one leans on the more practical side but also a cute reminder of this milestone. Thank you so much. (Also, Madewell is nothing to be ashamed of!) Have you had any experience with Tradesy or heard from people whove used them? Now with the massive production to meet the demand, there are quality issues. Ive found that lots of the classics seem to be out of stock near price increase months lol. I have a few shopping tips, but keep in mind that these are all personal preference! The caviar leather would have been so much better for a long term investment. Im in Toronto so more limited in options. GOOD FOR YOU! A wallet is next for me once I sell the pink velvet one! And love the idea of treating yourself for the big 3-0. Its nice to read your thought process behind buying your lovely Chanel bags. Warm wishes, Amy. Love this post! So happy you agree! Love the maxi tan, Ive never seen it before! It always crashes and doesnt get fixed for what seems far too long for this day in age. How do I go about doing this. Soif it is a 21s itemthis is likely what happened. This was a great post!!! Well said. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Its timeless and elegant. An insightful post would be great!. Hi, love this post but I was also wondering based on your experience the 2009-2010 Petite Shopping Tote is worth buying now? Its beneficial blog i got it. Having said that, now we are still in pandemic if not the whole world, at least half still are in, the stocks for their handbags are so so low even the classic one have to wait. Chanel currently has a pale purply-pink calf skin wallet. Great read! I found a bag that I really like, mini-flap 2.55 Reissue, but the lock doesnt have the CCs. The Stripe is a lifestyle blog for the stylish bookworm. Thanks for this great post I bought my first Chanel, a black classic flap in caviar, two years ago at Rue Cambon and it was a magical experience! lol. Im thinking of buying my first one for my 30th bday this year so I really appreciate your insights. Maybe this is just the beginning or my only Chanel investment, but exciting either way! I read your article and thank you so much it was good advice. Also, I had my bag shipped to my friends home in NH to save the tax since I am heading up there next weekend for a girls trip. If its not on the website, is it still being made? Agree. Im wary of spending a decent amount on something only to find that its older than I wanted it to be. It was easy to use this app before but now you cant even see the price for some of the items and you have to sent a request if you want to know the price of the bags which is super annoying. LOVE this post! I also have two 35cm Birkin Bags. And why you chose to buy the bags on consignment? One thing I will say though is that Heathrow is the best place to buy Chanel, but only on the basis it is a planned (rather than impulse) purchase. Will stick with Louis Vuitton. Im hard on my things and am nervous that I will ruin it. Its fun and classy. Aww. I am not a Chanel girl so thought maybe I would chime in on two other examples? I love that!!!! My concern is the weight/chain. I cannot honestly say to you that spending $2-$5k on a handbag is worth the money, because that is crazy. Thank you for writing this post and going through each one!! Thats why I choose to shop with them vs. other sites I trust a bit less. But it took me awhile to have the salary to do so which I imagine is true for a lot of people. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Thanks for chiming in, B!!! I love it!!!! Two of them I never heard from, but two of the others did. Its such a special moment and any good sales person would be excited to be a part of that! also, after reading your info. Will try hoofing it in the next few week :). I know theyre really popular though. They usually do a price increase in January or the first week of February. What is your experience with buying luxury handbags second hand? i was hoping someone can shed some light on my new mini rectangular! photography by Felicia Lasala, Lydia Hudgens, Trent Bailey, and Carter Fish. This is such a great post love the tip on straight up telling the customer service rep that its your first! I bought my 2.55 on a trip to Paris with my mom. I just talk to her over the phone/text. happy belated birthday!!! When my first Chanel bag was stolen, I bought the replacement at Heathrow (the tax-free discount helped offset the amount it had increased in price since my first purchase), and I have bought a lot of my brooches there over the years. I was going back and forth between lambskin or caviar. This latest update includes design optimisations as well as minor bug fixes. Since its first post in 2010, it has aimed to be a daily source of inspiration for the modern woman. When I got my first one, she took my name down and preference (caviar, GHW/SHW, etc), and she put me on her waitlist. I also love the Boy bag. I am 52 and have just secured my first Chanel (pre loved but authenticated) . Thank you for sharing these amazing tips!! Would love a post/follow-up on why you sold your love bracelet. Sounds like you did everything right leading up to this moment. I recently turned 35 and have been wanting to treat myself to a Chanel bag, but have been hesitant to pull the trigger. 1. Any good rep will be SO excited to help! Do you know if she is still working at the store in their new location on Oak St? Thanks for this post! Im really considering buying my first Chanel bag. I went to Saks and told the saleslady I was thinking of taking the plunge and it was my first designer coat and she was super nice and excited to help. The sales lady at Goyard in NYC was so rude to me at first that I will never buy a Goyard purse. Thanks bacon_bunny! First of all, if I had to pick one investment item that I love most, it would be my classic black Chanel bag, pictured above and below. I found one that is a Mauve color (kinda pink kinda beige) and it is a large one in Caviar with the Ruthenium hardware (my favorite kind). Worst still while waiting, there will be a price increase soon. Id hold out for the caviar it holds up so much better! A wallet, because I still cant justify to myself paying a lot for a bag. A couple of questions for you . What are your thoughts on a neverfull Louis Vuitton? gold or silver? Hi Alana, Great post, Grace, and perfect timing for me as I am in the market for my upcoming 40th birthday. After getting debt-free, building an ER fund, and 401King like crazy, it was finally time for my first vintage classic flap in my thirties and its a pretty liberating feeling. I hope you can answer me. My question is are the flap bags always in stock and easy to get?