Starting a Designer Bag Collection: Part 2

Choosing The Right Chanel 

I mean, I don't think I'll ever promise to write a 'series' again as the last time I wrote about this topic was 16th November 2016.

Over a year later, I have decided to finish something I started.

If you're looking to invest in a Chanel recently, I thought I'd give you a rough idea about where to start.

When you walk into Chanel, there are a lot of bags on display. Trying to pick a bag you like can be daunting. Firstly, it should be known that not all their stock is on display, ESPECIALLY their classic bags. Most bags they display are their seasonal ones, which they change regularly. Therefore, it is a good idea to have done some research on the bag you actually like & want, and go in with some knowledge. If not, you'll probably walk out Chanel-less or with a bag you didn't really want but ended up with.

If this is your first Chanel bag, I can guarantee you, you will want a Chanel bag you can wear for a long time. Therefore, start at classic. Classic bags are timeless pieces, this includes a Chanel Jumbo Flap bag. 

For reference, in 2006 the classic flap bags were roughly $1700, now they retail at $5500. These bags will always hold their value! These bags come in 3 sizes; small (which is the most popular and is still quite big), medium (which is quite big), and jumbo (which is huge). 

The reason I chose my seasonal compared to the classic is because the flap itself takes up a lot of space in the bag itself! Mine doesn't have a flap, therefore I can fit a lot more stuff in, and was more convenient for my everyday life. 

Saying that, these bags are of course exppppeeensive. If you're dedicated, keep an eye out on the seasonal bags as you can find very classic styles with a slight twist (as it's seasonal). The one I have, is a plain black lambskin with silver hardware, however it has a small difference above the CC sign! This small difference, and the fact it was seasonal made the price retail at less than half the price of the classic flap! It is very very similar to the classic flap bag. 

Materials - there are two classic types of material; the caviar leather & the lambskin leather! The caviar leather is the grainy type of leather, while the lambskin is the softer leather. Caviar leather will hold its shape more, whilst lambskin leather will look softer, but is easily scratched. Although it's more susceptible to scratches, light scratches can come out quite easy, as they are still quite durable.
Other types of materials that are normally seen in Chanel bags are the velvet type, tweed etc. You may want to stay away from this type, as this again may something which is quite trendy right now, but in 4 years, you may not want to wear it at all!

Be aware of buying online/from an untrusted seller! Even replica Chanel bags can come with receipts, authentication cards, and made out of good quality leather!

Stick to a CC design on the clasp if it's your first Chanel! Going for another type of clasp may not be as great in a few years time. Of course, it's your choice though.

One mistake when I bought mine, was going for silver hardware. At the time, I loved the silver hardware. Now, I just feel like the Gold hardware is more luxurious!

Boy bags - very very nice. Many styles, many materials. But, can we predict if you will want to wear this type of bag in a few years time? No. Again, your choice though. My tip is, if you do go for a boy bag, stick to a classic colour (black/beige) , classic hardware (gold) & classic material (lambskin!). It's not a classic bag.

Chanel bags come with a lifetime warranty. My chanel chain broke, and as soon as I took it to the Chanel store, they sent it to Paris, and replaced it within 4 weeks. I find this type of service worth buying a luxury bag!

I wrote this in my previous post, DO NOT BUY A BAG IF YOU WILL BE BROKE AFTER. Your bag will not buy you food.

Overall, consider your lifestyle. Will you actually get usage out of the bag you are considering? Consider the size, the material, the style and then decide.