Help this Newbie!

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C

chartreu

O.G.
Jun 4, 2010
41
81
#1
I've wanted a Chanel bag since I was a little girl and I've finally reached a point in my life where I can make it happen. I need help narrowing down my choices and just some general guidance. I've been looking at pre-loved options. but my general feeling is that I'm not really going to save much money going this route and I will still be paying a hefty amount for something that's not in perfect condition. My problem is that I am totally intimidated by the in store process. Can I just walk into a boutique and buy a bag? I am under the impression that inventory is limited and it's likely that without a bit of luck I am not going to be able to find what I want. I guess I am just looking for tips on how to navigate the in store process.

Additionally, I am having trouble narrowing down what I actually want. I know that I don't want a WOC - I bought the Gucci Marmont Leather Mini in black last year. I know that I don't want a larger (medium/large/etc) classic flap - I am a SAHM and 99% of my things have to be functional for kids, I want this to be something totally frivolous just for me and I don't want to be able to carry a lot in it. I was in Paris last year (yes I am kicking myself for not buying then) and fell in love with a grey tweed 19 (I think it was a small or even a WOC but I've not found it in this size on the resale market so I can't be sure) but I know I don't want tweed. I'm thinking about the caramel color - its a beautiful neutral that will go with nearly everything in my closet. Is the caramel color difficult to find right now? I also love the deep teal green - it was one of my wedding colors but I realize its not as versatile. I don't plan on accumulating a ton of designer bags so I want to make this one count. Should I wait until 22k hits next month - or even 23p in November (I know there is a fair amount of caramel and also that gorgeous green) to increase my chance of getting what I want? Or should I just try to find what I am looking for on the resale market now?

I know this is super lengthy so thank you to anyone who has taken the time to help me out!
 
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#2
I know you didn't ask about the small cf, but I'm also a mom of 2 little kids and wanted a piece that would work for both casual use and special occasion, so I decided on the small classic flap in black caviar. Both the medium and small classics are tight on space, but the medium felt too serious for me to carry around. Small fits my needs perfectly and I will carry very little on the occasions I plan on using the bag. Helps that I can do crossbody if needed with my little kids.

As for shopping at the store, just go in and ask for the items you're interested in and if you want something from a future collection just get the business card from your SA and stay in touch. I usually ask them how often I can contact them and usually they say check in every 2 weeks. Some SA's are really good about contacting you themselves about new stock but usually you'll have to follow up yourself.
 
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#4
If the classic flaps are not for you and you want something practical, I think the small 19 would be a great choice. Holds a lot and easy to access. Can be carried crossbody or handheld. And the leather apparently is quite durable. About going into the store, I would just be honest and ask to see whatever you want to. My experience is very good with the SAs. They want you to be happy with any bag you get.
 
#6
saligator said:
If you look carefully in films, you'll notice that bags often match hair color.

That might not be the route you want to go, but if you are deciding about color, it is something to consider.
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EpiFanatic said:
If the classic flaps are not for you and you want something practical, I think the small 19 would be a great choice. Holds a lot and easy to access. Can be carried crossbody or handheld. And the leather apparently is quite durable. About going into the store, I would just be honest and ask to see whatever you want to. My experience is very good with the SAs. They want you to be happy with any bag you get.
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Thank you. This is exactly what I need to hear. I appreciate your help!!
 
#8
Hello!
It’s tough to pick the right bag but I recommend going into the store to see them / try them on.
Go into a Chanel store and be honest/yourself. It is true that stock may be limited and you may have to come in several times. Ask to see what you’re interested in and if they don’t have it, ask your SA if they can locate or transfer (this may require CC charge tho) to their store for you to view. If there’s still nothing, you can always ask the SA for their number to keep in touch.
The caramel beige is a gorgeous and versatile color. I just got a BA in it and I’m in love
Good luck and hope you find your dream bag!
 
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#9
gsrdez1 said:
Hello!
It’s tough to pick the right bag but I recommend going into the store to see them / try them on.
Go into a Chanel store and be honest/yourself. It is true that stock may be limited and you may have to come in several times. Ask to see what you’re interested in and if they don’t have it, ask your SA if they can locate or transfer (this may require CC charge tho) to their store for you to view. If there’s still nothing, you can always ask the SA for their number to keep in touch.
The caramel beige is a gorgeous and versatile color. I just got a BA in it and I’m in love
Good luck and hope you find your dream bag!
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Thank you for your reply! This is great advice. Congrats on your new addition!
 
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#10
chartreu said:
Thank you so much for your reply! The styles I had pinned the most are the mini rectangular and mini square. How much does the small flap generally run?
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I've never seen a mini at any boutique where I am located, every SA has told me that they never get them. I guess even if they do, they probably get reserved for the already established clients.
 
#11
Tina1010 said:
I've never seen a mini at any boutique where I am located, every SA has told me that they never get them. I guess even if they do, they probably get reserved for the already established clients.
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chartreu said:
Thank you so much for your reply! The styles I had pinned the most are the mini rectangular and mini square. How much does the small flap generally run?
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I asked my SA this past weekend about minis because my mother in law wants a classic rectangular mini for her collection. My SA said it’s rare nowadays to find one in store and if there is one, it goes fast and no longer possible to reserve.
Small classic flap is currently 8200usd
 
#12
gsrdez1 said:
I asked my SA this past weekend about minis because my mother in law wants a classic rectangular mini for her collection. My SA said it’s rare nowadays to find one in store and if there is one, it goes fast and no longer possible to reserve.
Small classic flap is currently 8200usd
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That’s good to know. Thanks!
 
#14
If you are not going to purchase many designer bags and you’ve wanted a Chanel since you were young I would hold out and find a mini rather than getting the Gucci. Although there is a lot more inventory in stores now week of launch as compared to the frenzy of the last few years minis can be harder to come by. They tend to be more popular from a price point perspective. Although there are a few big differences between a rectangular mini and a small CF from a capacity standpoint it is very comparable. And a mini cost about $4400 where a small CF is $8200. Popular colors like black, caramel, burgundy go fast and are often reserved or there is a wait list. Caramel has been release several times now (maybe not exact same color code but similar shade) so there is a possibility that it may be easier to get one. The past few times I’ve been in my closest boutique I’ve seen at least 6 minis in the closet. More of the tweed and colorful ones. Black and neutral colors like caramel are harder to find just sitting around. Form a relationship with an SA and they can help you with getting one. Good luck!
 
#15
atlsweetpea11 said:
If you are not going to purchase many designer bags and you’ve wanted a Chanel since you were young I would hold out and find a mini rather than getting the Gucci. Although there is a lot more inventory in stores now week of launch as compared to the frenzy of the last few years minis can be harder to come by. They tend to be more popular from a price point perspective. Although there are a few big differences between a rectangular mini and a small CF from a capacity standpoint it is very comparable. And a mini cost about $4400 where a small CF is $8200. Popular colors like black, caramel, burgundy go fast and are often reserved or there is a wait list. Caramel has been release several times now (maybe not exact same color code but similar shade) so there is a possibility that it may be easier to get one. The past few times I’ve been in my closest boutique I’ve seen at least 6 minis in the closet. More of the tweed and colorful ones. Black and neutral colors like caramel are harder to find just sitting around. Form a relationship with an SA and they can help you with getting one. Good luck!
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Thank you for your reply!

I lucked out today and found a small C19 in caramel - literally my top choice.

7AFB221D-60F4-4AE8-A4FF-8C6D1FEEE4DA.jpeg
 
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