Chanel on the Rise

Sigh.  The Classic Chanel Flap bag.  Oh, how I covet thee.

If any of you are thinking about buying the Classic Chanel Flap bag or the 2.55 Reissue, it's probably a good idea to do so now.  Why?  Chanel will increase its price again very soon.  Right now the medium/large flap sells for $3900 retail.  I spoke to a sales associate (SA) at my local Neiman Marcus, and she told me to expect the price increase to almost $5000!  Why would anyone (in their right mind) want to buy such an expensive bag?!

Chanel bags are timeless classics, and personally, I've been eying one ever since I was in high school.  At the time, it was selling for a little over $1000, I believe, and I thought that price was just ridiculous.  If only I knew...  Chanel bags have always had a high resale value, and they practically increase their prices every year.  Yet, people still continue to pay for these bags.  However, resale value aside, these bags will probably outlive us.  People have been known to pass down their designer bags from generation to generation.  It's just like a heirloom, and depending on how its handled, it still looks beautiful, even 20 or 50 years down the road.  Still not convinced?  Perhaps, these other bloggers can convince you:

1.  Extra Petite - I frequently read Jean's posts at Extra Petite.  She's definitely one of my favorite petite bloggers out there.  It also doesn't hurt that she lives in Boston just like I do!  She has a three part Chanel review on her blog.  They are: Petite Shopping Tote & Wallet on Chain Review, The Classic Chanel Flap Bag, and Buying pre-owned or new bags at a discount
2. I am Style-ish - I actually found Tiffany's website while I was looking for places on where to buy Chanel bags.  Her post here specifically tells you about how you can get your hands on some vintage bags.

I would also suggest checking out Winnie's YouTube video on how to spot a fake Chanel bag (I love her accent):

Now for some personal advice.  While I currently don't own a(ny) Chanel bag, needless to say it is an investment.  I would not settle for just any Chanel bag for the sake of having one.  If you're going to make such a big investment, you should do your research, know what you want, and get what you want.  Do not settle!  If you find that you simply cannot get enough of these bags after your first one, then spurge away.  The SA I spoke to actually tried to convince me to buy a jumbo Classic Chanel bag.  With my petite frame, it just simply wouldn't work, so I politely declined.  However, according to her, the interior of the bags are rather small, so if you're planning on taking your whole life in your bag with you, you might want to consider the jumbo.  I would check out the stores to see which size would suit you more.  If you buy these bags in the stores also consider that you would have to pay taxes on them.

I'm actually considering several Chanel bags, including the one pictured above, which is currently priced at $3295.  It's the small version of the Classic Flap in caviar with gold hardware, which is discontinued in stores, but it is also brand new, never been worn.

The bag pictured above is pre-owned, white caviar with silver hardware.  This is in the more common medium/large size Classic Flap, and it is currently priced at $3200.  I feel that this bag is very coolly, classic (Does that even make sense?).

This is the 2.55 Reissue bag in brown, burgundy lambskin with gold hardware.  It is currently priced at $2995, and I absolutely love the color combination of this bag!

Sigh.  Decisions, decisions.