I think this Tod's bag might work as a bag you are looking for:

http://www.tods.com/us/shopwomen/sig...m-shoulder-bag

Originally Posted by Harper Quinn

Hey OP, I hear what you are saying. Indeed the prices are ridiculous. The flap bag is exquisite and Chanel is milking that of course. You are asking for an alternative but are you sure, deep down, you want the alternative or are you just settling? If you are settling you will still be coveting the Chanel. And the money you've spent on an alternative bag could have gone towards your HG. If you really want the Chanel you might want to save towards it

That is very true! but what can i girl do, i just cant spend so much on a bag even if it is chanel.

Originally Posted by Zahzah

That is very true! but what can i girl do, i just cant spend so much on a bag even if it is chanel.

I think it's absolutely fine to have a line that you won't cross when it comes to the amount you will pay for a bag. Dare I say, I think it's even sensible?

I see bags everyday that I covet, but I have my limit and I don't go beyond. I find plenty of things below my limit to keep me happy.

Liking, even loving something and not getting it hasn't done me any harm yet.

Originally Posted by slowlikehoney

I think it's absolutely fine to have a line that you won't cross when it comes to the amount you will pay for a bag. Dare I say, I think it's even sensible? I see bags everyday that I covet, but I have my limit and I don't go beyond. I find plenty of things below my limit to keep me happy. Liking, even loving something and not getting it hasn't done me any harm yet.

I respect that. You have self control lol something I'm trying to have lol

Originally Posted by slowlikehoney

I think it's absolutely fine to have a line that you won't cross when it comes to the amount you will pay for a bag. Dare I say, I think it's even sensible? I see bags everyday that I covet, but I have my limit and I don't go beyond. I find plenty of things below my limit to keep me happy. Liking, even loving something and not getting it hasn't done me any harm yet.

Love this. :)

Originally Posted by slowlikehoney

I think it's absolutely fine to have a line that you won't cross when it comes to the amount you will pay for a bag. Dare I say, I think it's even sensible? I see bags everyday that I covet, but I have my limit and I don't go beyond. I find plenty of things below my limit to keep me happy. Liking, even loving something and not getting it hasn't done me any harm yet.

hey :)

just thought i would ask what do you think of this bag.
http://www.jimmychoo.com/cross-body/.../124rebelllpl/

maybe in a diff colour though lol.
i think its cute.

Originally Posted by slowlikehoney

I think it's absolutely fine to have a line that you won't cross when it comes to the amount you will pay for a bag. Dare I say, I think it's even sensible? I see bags everyday that I covet, but I have my limit and I don't go beyond. I find plenty of things below my limit to keep me happy. Liking, even loving something and not getting it hasn't done me any harm yet.

Wonderfully said!!!!! I agree with every word! This, to me, is the meaning of finding true happiness!!! My very wealthy grandfather (who earned his money by working 18 hrs. a day & not inheriting it) once asked me what I would want. After I told him he responded with "and then" and I told him and this kept going on until I said no more and he said there will always be more. The true secret to happiness is having enough!

OP, I used to feel the same way, wanting an Hermes Birkin. The price and exclusivity (more than Chanel) actually made me upset enough to not like it anymore LOL

I knew that the price for a new Chanel is out of my reach so I settled on a pre-owned and was able to get it on eBay. However, it needed a lot of cleaning to get it to a very good condition.

The only thing that is putting me off the crazy price hikes of Chanel, LV is that it creates a kind of snobbery to those who have and a kind of desperation for those who don't. I've learned a few things since owning my Chanel flap. Especially on how people treat you when they think you have money or if they think a Chanel bag is all that you have and judge you in that way.

I think a person needs to decide if it is worth their time to pursue Chanel or settle for something within their budget (Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, whoever makes quilted flaps) and be happy with their choice. If it is Chanel, then know that it is attainable. Sometimes it is just luck and timing. It is no doubt easier if one lowers the bar on what they want. They not only can obtain it, they can obtain more of it!

Originally Posted by Zahzah

hey :) just thought i would ask what do you think of this bag. http://www.jimmychoo.com/cross-body/.../124rebelllpl/ maybe in a diff colour though lol. i think its cute.

I like it! But it doesn't look like they offer it in any other colors. I would really like to see it in something solid, not python or whatever that is. Reptile/Animal skins kind of gives me the willies.

Originally Posted by rainrowan

OP, I used to feel the same way, wanting an Hermes Birkin. The price and exclusivity (more than Chanel) actually made me upset enough to not like it anymore LOL I knew that the price for a new Chanel is out of my reach so I settled on a pre-owned and was able to get it on eBay. However, it needed a lot of cleaning to get it to a very good condition. The only thing that is putting me off the crazy price hikes of Chanel, LV is that it creates a kind of snobbery to those who have and a kind of desperation for those who don't. I've learned a few things since owning my Chanel flap. Especially on how people treat you when they think you have money or if they think a Chanel bag is all that you have and judge you in that way. I think a person needs to decide if it is worth their time to pursue Chanel or settle for something within their budget (Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, whoever makes quilted flaps) and be happy with their choice. If it is Chanel, then know that it is attainable. Sometimes it is just luck and timing. It is no doubt easier if one lowers the bar on what they want. They not only can obtain it, they can obtain more of it!

Very true :)
I think there is more important things to be obsessing over than a Chanel bag ( which I admit I have been)
I'm looking for an alternative. But thanks for the advice :)

Originally Posted by slowlikehoney

I like it! But it doesn't look like they offer it in any other colors. I would really like to see it in something solid, not python or whatever that is. Reptile/Animal skins kind of gives me the willies.

They have black purple and nude.
Black is out of the picture as I have too many black bags and clothes I think I'd want the nude but they also have it in a patent leather in greyish. Which is cute. Too bad I can't go see them in store, nothing near by.
For a small day bag it's either going to be something like this or Eva clutch? But. I kind of want a leather item instead of a canvas.

I like the Jimmy Choo too, it's very fashion forward for going out but I am not sure if it will be a classic?

Kate Spade has some beautiful quilteds this season,in Good & Plenty colors

Personally I like Marc Jacobs' Single XL bags, they are rather close to a Chanel flap bag, quilted. I have several of Marc Jacobs' Stams, they are Chanel-esque, lots more room and bolder.

Originally Posted by rainrowan

I like the Jimmy Choo too, it's very fashion forward for going out but I am not sure if it will be a classic? Kate Spade has some beautiful quilteds this season,in Good & Plenty colors Personally I like Marc Jacobs' Single XL bags, they are rather close to a Chanel flap bag, quilted. I have several of Marc Jacobs' Stams, they are Chanel-esque, lots more room and bolder.

oh thanks for the suggestions. do you think the marc jacob single is a classic?

Originally Posted by Zahzah

They have black purple and nude. Black is out of the picture as I have too many black bags and clothes I think I'd want the nude but they also have it in a patent leather in greyish. Which is cute. Too bad I can't go see them in store, nothing near by. For a small day bag it's either going to be something like this or Eva clutch? But. I kind of want a leather item instead of a canvas.

I think it would look very nice in nude! I agree about leather vs canvas too. The style is definitely classic, so you shouldn't have to worry about it ever looking dated or anything like that.
I think it's a good choice. I actually like it better than the Chanel, personally!

Originally Posted by BgaHolic

Wonderfully said!!!!! I agree with every word! This, to me, is the meaning of finding true happiness!!! My very wealthy grandfather (who earned his money by working 18 hrs. a day & not inheriting it) once asked me what I would want. After I told him he responded with "and then" and I told him and this kept going on until I said no more and he said there will always be more. The true secret to happiness is having enough!

Yes! I agree with your grandfather, too! I think a lot of people seem to see this attitude as "settling" which to them is a bad thing. But the fact is, there will always be more to want. At some point you have to find peace with yourself and be happy with and truly enjoy what you have.