Need advice for first Chanel bag

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winnie0806

O.G.
Apr 27, 2010
44
139
#1
So after lusting over Chanel bags for years and never daring to pull the trigger, I might be getting one this year! I had always been an LV fan and this would be my first Chanel purchase. I had always had my heart set on the medium classic flap in black caviar leather, but I also really like the look of the small flap bag with top handle. Any advice for this Chanel noob? If you have either one (or both!), which would you recommend?

Also, since I have never bought Chanel before, I have no idea how the process works...is there really a wait list? I read about how sometimes you have to wait for a long time for a bag to come in. How hard is it to actually be able to purchase a medium classic flap bag, since they're really popular?

Thank you all so much for reading.
 
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#2
I love both the classic flap and the coco handle. I would suggest for you to try both on first and see which suits your style or frame better (or which one makes your heart jump). However, if you've always had your heart set on a classic flap ... you will definitely want it .. and pretty sure the price increase will keep going up. I personally love the classic flap more as it is such a versatile and timeless piece.

For the waitlist, I believe there is one right now (I know for my store there is one) due to the pandemic.
 
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#4
I will also suggest to go to the store and try them. I was set in buying the coco handle as my first Chanel mostly because of the price point but when I tried it in the store, the strap kept falling off which was a deal breaker for me. It may work for you. I then tried both jumbo and medium CFs and fell in love with the Jumbo (it looked way better on me than the medium and was also more roomier). Take as much as time you need to try the bags! Good luck! :)
 
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#6
Hello and how exciting buying your first Chanel!
Ditto the comments above, you really must try the bags on in store and I’m sure your heart will flutter with the right bag!
In terms of the current climate, the prices are forever increasing so now would be the time to buy a classic flap perhaps but again it’s about the bag that sparks joy in you and I’d go with that feeling over anything else!
Good luck and keep us posted!
 
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#7
Thank you! Now I'm debating between silver and gold hardware...I initially was set on gold but after seeing more pictures online the silver is looking more and more attractive. Argh! Any advice on that? Does having silver hardware decrease the resale value? (Not that I plan to sell it but just in case...)
 
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#8
winnie0806 said:
Thank you! Now I'm debating between silver and gold hardware...I initially was set on gold but after seeing more pictures online the silver is looking more and more attractive. Argh! Any advice on that? Does having silver hardware decrease the resale value? (Not that I plan to sell it but just in case...)
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I’ve never had any issues reselling flaps with silver hardware. They are both very popular. I would say gold more so at the moment. You can see this when you look on Instagram. Gold is very classic and silver is a touch more modern. I just think gold stands out more and silver can look a bit “cold” with black.
 
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#9
winnie0806 said:
Thank you! Now I'm debating between silver and gold hardware...I initially was set on gold but after seeing more pictures online the silver is looking more and more attractive. Argh! Any advice on that? Does having silver hardware decrease the resale value? (Not that I plan to sell it but just in case...)
Click to expand...
Aha! Well it’s truly down to personal taste and preferences. I’m a GHW lover in any bag and enjoy mixing metals so I don’t wear jewellery to match my bag which can be a factor for some people who like to match their jewellery to their hardware.

I bought my first SHW bag this month, a beige Clair, my first choice would have been gold but I’ve been after a beige Clair for so long and then I saw the bag, it was love at first sight and I was happy to add it to my collection. I find many people prefer silver because it gives them a casual feel however I feel I can dress my GHW bags up and down. So really it’s up to you!
I have never bought or sold on the pre loved market before so not sure about resale value. Sorry!
 
#11
winnie0806 said:
Ah! I just contacted Chanel via their live chat and it seems there is no medium classic flap with silver hardware available in the US at this time.
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There's a suspected price increase coming soon and classic flaps go up the fastest in price, so as soon as the rumour comes out, everyone goes nuts and buys the classic flaps. I would suggest that you try to get in touch with SAs (use the "ISO an SA thread) and try to get them to find you a classic flap.
 
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#12
pinkrose398 said:
There's a suspected price increase coming soon and classic flaps go up the fastest in price, so as soon as the rumour comes out, everyone goes nuts and buys the classic flaps. I would suggest that you try to get in touch with SAs (use the "ISO an SA thread) and try to get them to find you a classic flap.
Click to expand...

Oh! Another one so soon?! This is a total noob question but would you happen to know if buying from Bergdorf Goodman from outside of NY is still tax-free?
 
#14
winnie0806 said:
Ah! I just contacted Chanel via their live chat and it seems there is no medium classic flap with silver hardware available in the US at this time.
Click to expand...

Congrats on taking the Chanel plunge! What an exciting time. I would suggest calling a few different boutiques or department stores (BG, NM, Saks, Nordstrom) to check stock - the Chanel customer service is not always 100% accurate in my experience. However, you will not be able to make a purchase at a boutique unless you have made an in-store purchase before. Some department stores you should be able to buy over the phone and they'll ship for free to you.

I just bought a black medium caviar CF with silver hardware 2 weeks ago when I stopped by my local Neiman Marcus Chanel. I wasn't on any waitlists, so you might get lucky too!

I've also been seeing a lot of black CFs pop up on this thread lately, so take a look through: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...chatting-please.937411/page-397#post-34274396
 
#15
intelectualratchet said:
Congrats on taking the Chanel plunge! What an exciting time. I would suggest calling a few different boutiques or department stores (BG, NM, Saks, Nordstrom) to check stock - the Chanel customer service is not always 100% accurate in my experience. However, you will not be able to make a purchase at a boutique unless you have made an in-store purchase before. Some department stores you should be able to buy over the phone and they'll ship for free to you.

I just bought a black medium caviar CF with silver hardware 2 weeks ago when I stopped by my local Neiman Marcus Chanel. I wasn't on any waitlists, so you might get lucky too!

I've also been seeing a lot of black CFs pop up on this thread lately, so take a look through: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...chatting-please.937411/page-397#post-34274396
Click to expand...

Oh wow thanks! I'll try my luck at my local Neiman Marcus too then. Another noob question...do you know if we can use Neiman Marcus gift cards on Chanel bags?
 
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