*Rant* A Recent Chanel Purchase That Left Me Wondering

I recently bought a Chanel Classic Medium Flap Bag in black caviar leather for my mom. Unfortunately, the experience that followed has left me confused and concerned.

The first bag I received from a CDG Chanel duty-free location turned out to have a defect. I contacted the store immediately, requesting an exchange for a non-defective piece. Initially, they insisted they could only offer a repair, not an exchange. After much persistence, they finally agreed to replace the bag if I brought it back to the store in person.

When I returned to make the exchange, the new bag raised more questions than it resolved. but right away, something felt off. The caviar leather looked noticeably dull compared to the original bag. Not just slightly different, but significantly less vibrant and polished. I mentioned this to the sales associate, and she told me it was “very normal” because each leather is different. While I understand natural variation, the difference in shine and finish was striking.

What unsettled me most, though, was how the transaction was handled. The SA was struggling to input the serial number into the system, referring to a handwritten note rather than scanning the tag…. which oddly, had a different number printed on it. Another associate approached, pointed at the tag, and asked something in French. The SA helping me responded in French, and the other associate walked away. The whole exchange felt strange and unsettling.
In that moment, I honestly hesitated. I almost said I would just keep the defective one, because I felt bad for coming all this way and going through all of this…. only to receive a replacement that didn’t feel right either.

Back home, I compared the bag to my own Classic Medium Flap, the exact same model. The replacement looks noticeably larger and lacks the richness and finish I’ve come to expect from Chanel craftsmanship. The new bag also had a strange chemical smell and insIde, it was filled with plain gray packing paper, and there was visible dust from the paper coating the interior of the bag.

I don’t know what to make of this experience, but I’m left with more questions than confidence. From the inconsistent handling in-store to the condition of the replacement bag, too many details just didn’t feel right. Maybe because it was a duty-free shop, that’s why there was an issue. I’m genuinely wondering whether I should reach out to Chanel customer service, as what I’ve experienced raises valid concerns not only about product quality, but also about transparency and brand consistency. Or maybe I’m just being paranoid about it. 😟

Why is the dye of the leather trim on my Mini Lin Manon bleeding onto the fabric after getting wet?

I just bought a pre-loved LV. I’m spot-cleaning the fabric, and the water has come into contact with the leather. Which should not be a problem. But the dye from the leather is running like mad!! What does this mean? Was it manufactured poorly? Did the previous owner paint the leather for nicer photos for resale?

Attachments

  • IMG_2850.webp
    IMG_2850.webp
    380.4 KB · Views: 17

Mini LouLou or Gaby? Need Your Thoughts!

Hello,

Does anyone have this bag - YSL mini Loulou - in their collection and can comment on the durability of the lambskin leather? The lambskin on this bag looks so yummy 😆

I'm considering buying this one or the Gaby. Which would you go for? I usually carry only the essentials.

Thank you!IMG_7404.webp

Attachments

  • IMG_7388.webp
    IMG_7388.webp
    26 KB · Views: 1
  • IMG_7387.webp
    IMG_7387.webp
    26.6 KB · Views: 2

Neonoe dilemma… help 🙏🏼

Hi,

I’m in complete bag dilemma and would like some pearls of wisdom if anyone has any they could throw my way… it a long story…

For many years I’ve owned and loved various vintage LV Bags, once my kids got a little older I sold off my vintage collection with the intention of buying a new Muria. But in the end decided to buy a Neonoe in black and monogram and an adjustable bandouliere strap, the decision was mainly based on the fact it was a more hard wearing material, as I still have young kids and more affordable, but shared a similar style, I was so happy with it. This was April 2022

10 months later I noticed the glazing edge was cracking and took it in for repair, it came back a month later reglazed. Fine.

Fast forward to April of this year and I noticed that it had happened again, I’m super careful with my bags and this time it had started to cause the canvas to split, so I reached out to LV, to my surprise they offered to replace the body and base canvas (not sure why the did the base) free of charge, so off it went again and they’ve just notified me it’s on the way home.

But im struggling to decide what to do, I think I need to sell it and choose something else. It’s basically going to be coming back to me brand new but I’m so worried it will keep happening, I don’t want big collection anymore just a smaller bag and a bigger bag. But I need that bigger bag I can’t afford to have one that spends so much time in repair. I have just bought a Neverfull BB Inside out to use as my little bag.

I don’t want huge just big enough to hold an iPad, phone, wallet and a pouch of essentials. That I could either use out with the kids or on my own for a longer day out.

I have been looking at Speedy 30 Bandouliere. I never used to be mad on the shape, but my daughter got a 20 for her birthday last year and it’s such a classic little bag. Will a speedy 30 be too big or awkward on me I’m 5’4 and quite petite. I’m guessing a 25 is just too small for my needs.

The Neonoe was fine on me so how do they stack up side by side.

I looked at petit noe also, but the amount of vachetta stresses me out. But I love the bucket bag shape too and the fact it’s designed to carry champagne bottles, I hope one day I have that need 🤣 Maybe if I could cope with the vachetta that would be a good option.

If anyone has any other designs they could suggest. I’ll try and get into store eventually, but I would consider buying preloved if I find the right bag.


Thanks ♥️
  • Like
Reactions: Majuriel

Help selling a loved VCA piece

Hello all, I am new to this but know it well as my beloved Mom was a big fan of the purse forum. I am here sadly for advice. My family is hurting financially and I need to sell a beloved necklace I inherited from my mother. It was a holiday pendant I believe. It is the:

Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold and Pink Opal with Diamond. (attached a screenshot of it, can send my own photos)

It's one of my favorite and unique pieces, as VCA rarely does that beautiful pink color. I am reaching out to this community to see if anyone has any advice on how to sell such a piece.

Thank you so much in advance for anyone taking the time to read this.
Best,
Elizabeth

Attachments

  • Screenshot 2025-07-10 at 7.40.29 AM.webp
    Screenshot 2025-07-10 at 7.40.29 AM.webp
    17.5 KB · Views: 91

Inventory-Post Hard to Find Items Here

I couldn’t find any other thread like this. I figured we could help each other and post hard to find VCA items here if we know of availability. This can be in online boutiques or physical boutiques. PLEASE POST COUNTRY AND/OR STORE. You can also request if anyone has seen a particular item lately. Thanks for helping our community!

"Every day necklace" (suitable for to wear in the office) - white gold/diamonds?

I'd like a new necklace suitable to wear in the office. I have a VCA Vintage Alhambra necklace (pendant) but I am looking for something in gold with diamonds. I have looked at Messika "Move" and Repossi "Antifer" but I am sure there are other options as well! Please hit me with your best suggestions! (no long necklace or lariat- I am thinking more of a chain/double-chain with some type of pendant). Thanks in advance for your help:flowers:
  • Like
Reactions: A bottle of Red

Do I Need a DBTY if I Already Have a Diamond Necklace?

I have a beautiful 0.69 ct fixed setting white gold diamond necklace (below). However, I find myself wanting something more casual for summer, particularly the tiny Tiffany Peretti 0.10 ct DBTY below. Do you think these are different enough to own both? Bezel vs. invisible setting? Tiny versus medium? I also love collecting Peretti pieces:-) Thanks so much!

Attachments

  • IMG_4820.webp
    IMG_4820.webp
    65.4 KB · Views: 46
  • IMG_4822.webp
    IMG_4822.webp
    33.7 KB · Views: 45
  • Like
Reactions: jayjay77

Service repairs to remove dents and scratches off serpenti ring?

Has anyone here sent in their serpenti ring or jewelry for repair?

I dropped my pave serpenti ring on Monday and I’m pretty upset about it. I know rings are meant to have scratches but I was stupid just trying look at the inscription as I was comparing it to another preloved ring I got.

Was looking to see if anyone had any experience in their aftercare services.

Attachments

  • IMG_1409.webp
    IMG_1409.webp
    47 KB · Views: 15

Saving Bags?

Can I ask you a naive quesetion: how did you know they saved the bag for you? The last time I got mine, my SA just went to the stockroom and before they left they said let's see (if i can see...) and came back within 5 minutes. And I also guessed they knew exactly what was available as they read off their phone what other choices if I wanted GHW. They knew my general interest before our appointment. I was just assuming that they checked the stockroom that day for me :D

Buccellati bangle

Hello, I’m still in the market for a bracelet. Right now I have the Reg JUC, Serpenti, and 5 motif. Looking for a bracelet that is different and I’ve been eyeing on Buccellati for a while now. Went to the boutique to try some pieces and unfortunately they didn’t have a YG version of the macri bangle that I can try. However, I did not expect to really like the WG bangle. The SA told me that the WG one that I tried is 5mm and the one RG is 3mm but when I checked the website it seems like the sizes are actually the 8.5mm for the WG and 5mm for the RG. I will have to clarify with her tomorrow. I also tried other pieces from the Opera collection.

I’m not looking to stack in particular so i don’t mind if my next piece won’t stack well with the pieces that I already have. I can just wear it on its own. Which one do you think looks good? For those who have the macri bangle, mind sharing the pros and cons? Thank you so much!

Attachments

  • IMG_1772.webp
    IMG_1772.webp
    52.9 KB · Views: 73
  • IMG_1771.webp
    IMG_1771.webp
    77.5 KB · Views: 75
  • IMG_0784.webp
    IMG_0784.webp
    72.6 KB · Views: 73
  • IMG_1773.webp
    IMG_1773.webp
    69.7 KB · Views: 62
  • IMG_1774.webp
    IMG_1774.webp
    61.2 KB · Views: 59
  • IMG_1775.webp
    IMG_1775.webp
    102 KB · Views: 68

Is this stack “basic”

Okay, so posting this in the jewelry thread vs the Bulgari thread because I want unbiased feedback.

This is my stack. I just bought the Bulgari serpenti seen here in the photo. I like funky jewelry. I like unique pieces. My favorite earrings of all time are by Anita Ko and are large gold and diamond safety pins. I like different.

My daughter told me the stack is basic and “instagram cute”. I don’t want to look like everyone else but I also LOVE snakes.

Does this stack look cliche? Does it seem boring? Predictable? Something more about money and status than true style? Brutal honesty only.

Attachments

  • IMG_5081.webp
    IMG_5081.webp
    58.4 KB · Views: 131
  • IMG_5084.webp
    IMG_5084.webp
    64.5 KB · Views: 131

Filter

Top