My vote is the a black Cerf with GHW. Such a fabulous bag. Great for carrying and organizing your daily essentials plus paperwork, etc. that you will have for work.
I just
mine!
Department stores do offer promotional discounts off your first days purchases (new card holders only) - usually anywhere from 10% (Saks) to 15-20% (Bloomies).
Neimans also offers special promotions too, like 6 months no interest (which is nice).
Its also great to buy big purchases during a department stores point events or gift card events. I am a Saks gal myself
.. and love double and triple points events!
For me, I think I would want the Chanel experience of buying my first bag at the store...would be a neat father/daughter outing to get your first Chanel together... but if that doesn't matter to you,
you could save him sales tax by shopping with Bergdorf's or Hirschleifers.
See Chanel Shopping/Recommended Sales Associates for details as to who people recommend to shop with.
Wishing you happy shopping for your first Chanel and congrats on passing the bar!