Designer Shoes - Are they worth it?

[texasnightcaps]

Hey everyone,

It's my 30th coming up and I've been saving for a bag from Chanel - however (price increases ) I am now still a little ways off...

As it's going to be a big birthday I kept thinking what can I get myself instead and have been tossing up between Chanel Ballerinas or Hermes Orans but then a little nagging voice thinks am I sabotaging my bag fund?

Now I think designer shoes are beautiful and would love a pair and if I had the bag already I would probably just get some but I have never actually had a pair of designer shoes only purchased SLG and bags previously.

What is everyones opinion here?

Am I wasting my money buying shoes - I am curious how long will they hold up? I am a minimalist so really only wear 2 different pairs of shoes on rotation so they would be getting used frequently.

Am I better off sticking to SLG and bags or will designer shoes bring me joy and last?

Thank you in advance for your responses
XXX

 

[Tina1010]

I would do bags first since they keep rising in prices and can be difficult to find. The little SLG's, shoes, they eat up the bag budget fast, so focus on the bags.

 

[Love Of My Life]

The classic Chanel ballet flat is a staple in a wardrobe & with that being said,
I don't know if the secondary market interests you at all, but perhaps you could take a look see
at the price points as well as condition of a Chanel bag & your decision might be easier.
Happy 30th, by the way

 

[papertiger]

Between the 2 shoes (and brands) I would definitely get the Chanel ballet flats. I think Chanel do great shoes and boots, and I think they're worth the money. I think H do too (I have 5 pairs shoes and boots) but I'm not a lover of the Orans.

But, if you want a bag, save up for a bag. There will always be shoes.

 

[CrazyCool01]

Bags before shoes

 

[Yramnna]

I’d do bags too (esp. classics) over shoes

 

[texasnightcaps]

Wow thank you so much everyone I really appreciate all these responses - I am a bit newer to the designer game and haven't ventured past bags, sunglasses and SLG's yet - It can be hard to have to wait so long while saving for those bigger items (bags, sigh - I've been obsessed since I was a kid) and I was wondering whether I was getting sidetracked because the wait felt so long. I think I will keep saving for the Bag until I have checked it off my Wishlist and then consider the ballerinas.
XXX

 

[texasnightcaps]

The classic Chanel ballet flat is a staple in a wardrobe & with that being said,
I don't know if the secondary market interests you at all, but perhaps you could take a look see
at the price points as well as condition of a Chanel bag & your decision might be easier.
Happy 30th, by the way

Thank you
yes very open to the resale market - I purchased my first Chanel bag vintage second hand and it was in incredible condition. I check a handful of resellers sites at least once a day just in case. I am yet to buy a boutique fresh Chanel bag (only SLGS) and a part of me does want that experience but I am sure at the end of the day if my dream bag popped up online I would definitely consider buying that way again as I am not exactly a VIP customer and I've heard it can be difficult to get offered a classic these days if you aren't.

 

[Emily1830]

I adore Chanel shoes and have several pairs. Generally I find them to be quite comfortable but durability depends on how you use (abuse?) them. I’ve learned over the years to baby them a little if I want them to last. For example, I will wear cheaper shoes to work but change into the nicer ones; I won’t wear nice shoes if it rains; I will acknowledge the shoes’ limitations and not try to wear something all day if they’re not that comfortable. I personally love designer shoes but some have been amazing and some total duds. It’s a bit of a risk since you won’t know until you wear them how good of a purchase it is. If your budget is limited, pick bags unless you have a pretty good idea the shoes fit your needs.

 

[texasnightcaps]

I adore Chanel shoes and have several pairs. Generally I find them to be quite comfortable but durability depends on how you use (abuse?) them. I’ve learned over the years to baby them a little if I want them to last. For example, I will wear cheaper shoes to work but change into the nicer ones; I won’t wear nice shoes if it rains; I will acknowledge the shoes’ limitations and not try to wear something all day if they’re not that comfortable. I personally love designer shoes but some have been amazing and some total duds. It’s a bit of a risk since you won’t know until you wear them how good of a purchase it is. If your budget is limited, pick bags unless you have a pretty good idea the shoes fit your needs.

Thank you for this response! I love their shoes which is why I was considering eating into my bag fund for a pair however I wouldn't want to have to baby them. I mean I am not going to be wearing them in unrealistic places but I don't want to have to think too hard about if its raining etc before putting them on - would just want to wear them most days all year round summer, winter etc. I already live in ballet flats (never outgrew the style I am tall so it feels chic without having to wear a heel) so I know I would get the wear out of them but I might hold off until I don't have a bag on my wish list anymore.

 

[Love Of My Life]

Thank you
yes very open to the resale market - I purchased my first Chanel bag vintage second hand and it was in incredible condition. I check a handful of resellers sites at least once a day just in case. I am yet to buy a boutique fresh Chanel bag (only SLGS) and a part of me does want that experience but I am sure at the end of the day if my dream bag popped up online I would definitely consider buying that way again as I am not exactly a VIP customer and I've heard it can be difficult to get offered a classic these days if you aren't.

The market for bags seems to be going in a different direction as many of us are finding.
Keep checking the reseller sites because you just never know what will pop up.
Of course having the boutique experience is certainly lovely, but the amount of money you
can save exploring other options just might land you those Chanel ballet shoes sooner than you expect!
Have fun on your quest..

 

[A bottle of Red]

Ballet flats from Chanel are classic and always will look great, but since you mentioned wearing them very often idk how they will hold up.
I feel like there are two different schools of thought about spending a lot of money on basics. 1) spend the extra money on super high quality and /or designer ( not always the same unfortunately) because it's worn so often
Vs 2) spend less on basics because it gets worn so often and will wear out but can easily /cheaply be replaced.
Neither is right or wrong, just personal preference

Eta price and brand don't always correlate with quality.
I spent more than I usually would on a basic black v neck hoping it would last a long time, but the first time I hand washed it and laid flat to dry, the whole v neck distorted and lost its shape.

 

[texasnightcaps]

Ballet flats from Chanel are classic and always will look great, but since you mentioned wearing them very often idk how they will hold up.
I feel like there are two different schools of thought about spending a lot of money on basics. 1) spend the extra money on super high quality and /or designer ( not always the same unfortunately) because it's worn so often
Vs 2) spend less on basics because it gets worn so often and will wear out but can easily /cheaply be replaced.
Neither is right or wrong, just personal preference

Eta price and brand don't always correlate with quality.
I spent more than I usually would on a basic black v neck hoping it would last a long time, but the first time I hand washed it and laid flat to dry, the whole v neck distorted and lost its shape.

This is so true, I guess I fall somewhere in the middle of that sometimes I do agree paying more for certain basics is a good idea for example I hear a lot of people say designer sunglasses are a waste of money but I have a few pairs and I wear them so often and they are barely showing any wear they make an otherwise "basic outfit" feel a bit more chic. I also have some mid range basic purchases that are holding up incredibly well after more than 5 years and excessive wear and I don't have to panic wearing them like I might if they were on the more high range end.

I think I will hold out for the bag at the moment because of all the price increases I can hopefully get in before another one *fingers crossed*

Thank you so much for all this advice, it is really nice to have people who understand and have so much knowledge give advice on the topic!

 

[Emily1830]

Ballet flats from Chanel are classic and always will look great, but since you mentioned wearing them very often idk how they will hold up.
I feel like there are two different schools of thought about spending a lot of money on basics. 1) spend the extra money on super high quality and /or designer ( not always the same unfortunately) because it's worn so often
Vs 2) spend less on basics because it gets worn so often and will wear out but can easily /cheaply be replaced.
Neither is right or wrong, just personal preference

Eta price and brand don't always correlate with quality.
I spent more than I usually would on a basic black v neck hoping it would last a long time, but the first time I hand washed it and laid flat to dry, the whole v neck distorted and lost its shape.

Great points! I do both actually for all kinds of items. I have these Zara boots that are super comfortable, warm, and durable and they last through all kinds of weather. But I also wear my knee-high Chanel boots quite a lot too.

I became more aware of the need to baby my expensive ones after I wore my eel skin designer boots on a snowy day. They were completely ruined and since the pair was so unique, I have never to this day been able to get a replacement for those. I learned my lesson so I check the weather before going out in nice shoes.

 

[Tina1010]

Thank you
yes very open to the resale market - I purchased my first Chanel bag vintage second hand and it was in incredible condition. I check a handful of resellers sites at least once a day just in case. I am yet to buy a boutique fresh Chanel bag (only SLGS) and a part of me does want that experience but I am sure at the end of the day if my dream bag popped up online I would definitely consider buying that way again as I am not exactly a VIP customer and I've heard it can be difficult to get offered a classic these days if you aren't.

You don't have to be a VIP to get a classic ( at least in the US). They will sell it to you if they have it. With the prices being so high, plenty are available for purchase.