How do you feel about settling for a Chanel Flap Alternative?

[880]

+1 with @Jereni and others above. The advice above is the sane and sensible way to go.

However, I’ve been in the position of being certain a n expensive bag would work, only to find it doesn’t; sell it at a loss; then realize I miss it, and buy one back for more money. Sometimes the heart isn’t logical. I guess the answer may be different for all of us and for each bag.

 

[Mariapia]

I want to give this post 1000 likes!

It’s so true - sometimes one can love the way a bag looks in photos, plan how it will work with their wardrobe, and even love it in person, but until you wear that thing every day and in different situations, it is hard to know what bugs you and what truly works for you.

For this reason, for certain bags, I try to find a similar style at a much lower price point and try that first. Sometimes I have found that this scratches the itch for the more expensive bag entirely. And then in other cases something about the style drives me nuts and I’m cured for that reason.

 

[slytheringirl]

I bought the RM bag and figured out that I will never be a one bag girl. Instead of going over and under for a cf or boy, I am content with multiple colors of my contemporary premier designer bags.

If it is the Love you want to try, I never lost anything with that bag. Whenever I feel like my bag is going to be tossed around (also something you won't do with a Chanel) I use a small pouch for my even smaller things.

If you try out the Love, at least it won't be such a costly mistake. Or you can try out an inexpensive pre-loved or high street flap bag, maybe even borrow one from a friend.

I used to be a one bag girl. I used to wear the same bag all day every day. I seriously just started wearing different bags. Not only will that make my bags last longer, but it is fun to try out different bags. Also, I like the idea of having a bag for work that I can be just a tad bit unkind to, and not feel too bad about it. For my job, I kind of have to hide my bag by shoving it in somewhere.

I'm leaning towards getting to RM flap. Not only is it the cheaper alternative, but I won't feel too bad if it turns out I really just don't like using flaps. I've also heard very good reviews about the bag quality, so that's a huge plus for me.

 

[foxgal]

I agree with both sides. If you really and truly want the Chanel bag, have done your research, the pros outweigh the cons for you, and there's absolutely nothing about it you hate, get the Chanel. You'll just waste your money by spending it on the alternative that you really don't even want.

If you really just want the Chanel for the look of it, and it isn't something you really and truly want, go for the cheaper alternative. You'll be spending $6000 on something you're not totally in love with.

I'm currently debating on whether or not I want a Chanel boy flap, or want to go for a Rebecca Minkoff flap bag. I like the look of both. However, I've never owned any kind of flap bag as I've always preferred bags with zippers. I feel like my things are more secure that way. I would hate to spend $6000 on a bag only to find out I don't feel like my things are secure in that bag or that the flap annoys me.

I'm also wondering if I want a Chanel bag only because of the name. That's something I really have to think long and hard about. Do I want a Chanel because I really and truly like Chanel, or am I being influenced? I really don't know, but will refrain from buying a Chanel bag until I figure that out.

Wise words re: asking yourself about being influenced. Also, an RM is a great way to “test” if you like the style or not. I’ve had several of her bags and have always been impressed with the quality.

 

[slytheringirl]

Wise words re: asking yourself about being influenced. Also, an RM is a great way to “test” if you like the style or not. I’ve had several of her bags and have always been impressed with the quality.

Thank you

Don't get me wrong, Chanel is beautiful and I really would like to own one. However, I would really like to see whether or not I like flap bags first. Also, I watch reviews of bags on YouTube and it seems the Chanel Classic flap that you can wear crossbody is the bigger and heavier bag and I've heard that the chains dig in. Now I would like to shop around more and see if they have something that I find beautiful and that I hear is comfortable to wear. I hear the Boy flap bag is easier to wear, but I don't really know because the lock is magnetic and I'm not so sure how comfortable with that I am. I know I'll never really know unless I go into the boutique myself and try them. I'm usually quite impulsive, so thinking about it is quite hard for me especially since I really do think they're quite beautiful bags.

That's what I keep hearing about RM, that the quality is really very good. I definitely want the love as my first flap bag for sure. That way if I really don't like flaps, I won't feel too bad about it. I will still keep it for maybe a date night or something, but having it as a once in a blue moon bag won't make me feel as guilty as getting and not loving a Chanel would.

 

[Egel]

@slytheringirl if you don't love the bag and it takes up to much space, you can either put it up for consignment, sell it or give it away without worries. Not that bags should be disposable goods, but at least it won't be a four digit mistake.

If you do love the Love, you can always go for the Boy after.

 

[slytheringirl]

@slytheringirl if you don't love the bag and it takes up to much space, you can either put it up for consignment, sell it or give it away without worries. Not that bags should be disposable goods, but at least it won't be a four digit mistake.

If you do love the Love, you can always go for the Boy after.

That is true, I didn't even think about selling it. Though I know me. If it's my first Chanel ever, I'm going to want to keep it forever because it's my first. This is why Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton have are special to me right now. Prada and Gucci were the first designer bags ever (preloved and bought at the same time), my Louis Vuitton wallet was the first designer SLG I bought from the website itself, and my Gucci Marmont is my first designer purse bought in the boutique. Yes, I'm like that.

That's also what I was thinking. If I like the Love, then I'll definitely save up for a Chanel flap. I would love to go try them on before I make a final decision about the Boy Vs. Classic even though I'm hearing the Boy is more comfortable.

 

[Egel]

That is true, I didn't even think about selling it. Though I know me. If it's my first Chanel ever, I'm going to want to keep it forever because it's my first. This is why Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton have are special to me right now. Prada and Gucci were the first designer bags ever (preloved and bought at the same time), my Louis Vuitton wallet was the first designer SLG I bought from the website itself, and my Gucci Marmont is my first designer purse bought in the boutique. Yes, I'm like that.

That's also what I was thinking. If I like the Love, then I'll definitely save up for a Chanel flap. I would love to go try them on before I make a final decision about the Boy Vs. Classic even though I'm hearing the Boy is more comfortable.

I love your bag history. And I absolutely know what it feels to be sentimental about bags.

If you are worried about the chain, than you can also look at the reissue. If you love the logoclasp the reissue is not for you but the chain is flat and wears really comfortable.

 

[slytheringirl]

@Egel thank you! Yes, that's also what I'm hearing. I can't wait until I'm in the position to actually be getting one.

 

[barbariska]

I so badly wanted a Chanel bag. I actually went into the store and tried them on intending to drop a large coin and the quality really disappointed me. I didn’t buy it and looked for other classic options. I actually got a lady dior on eBay. for I kid you not 378$ I took it to leather surgeons and had it restored. Because it had a good amount of edge wear. So if you didn’t wanna settle you could get a preowned Chanel and send it off for the restoration service for me it was 480. Im completely happy. I don’t feel like I settled at all. And I’m glad I didn’t spend thousands at Chanel. I feel like they have borderline Hermès prices without the quality.

I'd love to see the end result!

 

[me0wlola]

I'd love to see the end result!

Sure ! Here she is !!!

 

[barbariska]

Sure ! Here she is !!!

Awesome! Thank you for sharing! The bag is lovely

 

[One_Crazy_Bag_Lady]

I learned the hard way of not settling. When I was starting my bag collection some 10 years ago, I found this YSL chain flap bag on sale. It was crazy, from USD 2500 down to USD 400 (Kate Moss had the same bag). It was the store display hence it had some penmarks and it wasn’t completely clean. I immediately bought it because it reminded me of Chanel. I was happy for about 2 years until I realized nothing really beats the real deal. I once read this article about the top 8 or 10 bags a woman should own. It wasn’t anything like the essentials bag list article, it actually explained the original design of handbags. For instance, the doctor’s bag is an original LV speedy, and the Gucci Marmont flap is anything but a derivative of a Chanel flap, that said, the Chanel is part of the list because it’s the “original flap bag with chains”. It then shaped the way I bought bags. As much as I was completely in love with the black and white chevron Gucci Marmont flap, I just couldnt buy it because I already own Chanel flaps. I would rather wait years than take “shortcuts”.
(ps. Ive spent years trying to locate that article ive mentioned but to no avail)

 

[Sa26]

Sure ! Here she is !!!

Wooow it’s a gorgeous bag, I can’t believe you got it in such a good price on eBay. Really nice choice. I thought for some reason you bought the mini size which Is my favorite but thi one is Reaply beautifu.

 

[daisychainz]

I don't think you should settle when your heart is set on one particular bag - the feeling of not having *that* bag rarely goes away, and you keep spending money on other bags that could have gone towards the dream bag. It's a good idea to test a style beforehand though to make sure it's what you want. So if your heart is set on a classic flap, test a very low-end similar style from an under $100 brand, and see if you truly like it. I was wanting a PSM for so long and when I got a cheap tiny backback to try out for a few weeks I knew I had saved myself from making a costly mistake.