[ChenChen]

LOL okay... maybe not as dramatic as that, but still!!

Some of you ladies may remember my last thread on worrying about the metallic color chipping away. Well, I REALLY wanted a gold or silver reissue after seeing so many lovely TPFers' pics, and when my SA said a gold had been transferred in, I was ecstatic!

BUT when I saw it IRL, I was shocked to see that what I was afraid of had already happened: parts of the gold color had already flaked and rubbed or chipped away. I don't know if it was a return, because it's in pretty good condition otherwise. My SA said that Saks will send it out for free and they *should* be able to repair it and restore it to like new, so I bought it anyway. But now I'm worried: the SA said it'll take 6 to 8 weeks, but that's about as long as Sak's return policy!! So if they aren't able to restore the handbag, does that mean I'll be stuck with it, chips and all?? This was the only gold reissue the store had in stock, so should I give up my search until when the next gold comes out, and the price might have increased beyond my reach?

As much as I adore my SAs at Saks, they aren't Chanel specialists, so I thought I ask TPFers for advice. Should I keep it and hope that they'll be able to restore it, or just return it because it can't be restored?

Sorry this was so long, and thanks so much for your help! Here are the pics:

First, the reissue in all its gorgeousness:



Now the bad and ugly parts:

Flaking on the edge of the back pocket to the left side:



Flaking next to the 'ring' where the chains thread through (on left of pic):

[jellybeanz]

I'd return it. I really want a metallic WOC but am hesitating for the same reason. Even the display I looked at was showing signs of wear already. It's such a bummer cuz the metallics are so gorgeous!

[DD101]

I think that even though this bag get's fixed, it's prone to happen again.

[kimalee]

personally, I wouldn't be willing to take the chance...I'd return it.

[mmmpurses!]

I'd return it. They should not even sell it in that condition, not at least without some sort of discount.

[GTOFan]

I'd return it.

[Luccibag]

Sadly, my purple reissue got a rub on it quite easily and when I took it back to NM, the SA rubbed on it to hard making it so much worse so I had no choice but to return it. I bought another one from a reseller (got it today and its perfect!)I'm hoping this one doesnt have any problems because I REALLY love the purple metallic reissue. I know I couldnt live with the rub or any flaking though. SA did tell me they could fix it and if that is true, then I feel better. I can use it and if it gets some rubs after a while I could send it for spa treatment. It sure is a pretty bag and Im sure Im the only one who notices any tiny flaw.

But like I said, initially the bag should be flawless.

[roey]

If it happens once it will probably happen again. Return it!

[jbelle]

You should return it. Even if they fix it, you might worry about it happening again (at least I would, paranoid as I am about my bags). For the money, you should get one that's perfect - have your SA check all Saks stocks, and if that doesn't work, check all of Neimans. Gold seems to be easier to find than say purple.

[pamper-me-silly]

I would also return the handbag. To spend that much on a new handbag you should not have to send it out for repair right away - and then to add insult to injury they want you to wait 6-8 weeks for its return. As lovely as the bag is there will be others. If you are anything like me you will never be happy with the bag because you will always be inspecting it instead of enjoying it.

[harley]

I just got the same bag, have not used it yet ... wonder if I will have the same issues ... if I were you , return it ... it should be in perfect condition, especially coming from Saks ...

[ChenChen]

Thanks ladies! Yeah, I'm leading towards returning it... I was just thinking earlier today all the other handbags I could buy for what this cost LOL!! I really love the metallic colors but I just don't know if I can deal with being constantly worried about the color flaking away.

Now I just have to not feel guilty about returning the bag to my SA!

[Celia_Hish]

It's gd to return it as i don't think i will regret for a metallic bag. I'm still a fan for caviar leather than any other leather, as well the matte distressed leather reissue.

[janny328]

I would return. Thank goodness this hasn't happened to any of my metallics... Especially with the prices of Chanel these days, they should all be keepers and hold up with time. Even if it's fixed, you're not guaranteed that it won't happen again, for as much as we are spending, you shouldn't end up with a bag that you'll constantly be paranoid about. Good luck with everything!!

[ChenChen]

Thanks for all your support everyone! I agree, I'm surprised that this even happened in the first place, and I'm so anal about my handbags that even though I know the flaking is *probably* not that bad, it looks glaringly obvious to me. My bf didn't like this bag either (more specifically, he thought it's disgusting LOL... please don't be offended though, he knows nothing about handbags), so he's happy that TPFers are in agreement with him!