New bag advice

[Knicole]

I am in the process of transforming my closet and have been working on it for two years. I am lover of all things classic, staples, quality, and of course enjoying everything in my closet to pieces. Over the last two years I have put a lot of money (to me anyways) into clothes, so this year I want to save for a bag instead of go crazy on clothes. Right now I have the perfect for me everyday black leather bag, made by an independent designer. I love it but I'm ready for a new addition, but I need some help since the options I want are not cheap. I want something to complete the "basics" in my closet, I do not wear tons of jewelry, so I am highly interested in a nice bag. The two bags I am in love with are the Chanel classic flap, and the Proenza shoulder ps11. I want an addition that makes me feel great, something that compliments my minimal and contemporary wardrobe, and of course something I will love over the years. So opinions are truly appreciated...I'm leaning more towards the Chanel classic flap so far...as a modern girl in her mid twenties who normally wears staple items made by contemporary designers (acne studios, alexander wang, etc) , and doesn't like to attract too much attention, will a Chanel classic flap be ridiculous? I want it for me, but am aware something like that is going to attract sometimes unwanted attention..(although attention from bag lovers is entirely different!)..there's also the price increase factor.. I always think about big purchases for a long time before actually buying, so opinions are truly appreciated! If you do own a Proenza shoulder or Chanel bag, how has your experience been owning one of these bags for the first time? Do they make you feel amazing? Did you buy other designer bags first? Thank you!

 

[Tuned83]

I got my chanel jumbo flap a month ago and I love it. I have a load of other bags mulberry, miu miu, seasonal chanel, dolce and gabbana but my most recent purchase has been a highlight. I would get the chanel, ur wardrobe sounds like it would work, mine is more casual and I carry my flap very dressed up or dressed down. Only down side is because of the lining its a little heavy. I don't have any PS bags so can't help u with that. Good luck deciding.

 

[remainsilly]

I own a chanel 2.55 reissue. I chose this over classic flap, because: 1) more room inside, 2) no obvious "cc" logo, 3) more casual look & liked chain better.
I don't find it attracts tons of unwanted attention--but, I don't wear it in a fashion to do so.

It's as nice as one would expect that price category to be, which is tough to describe. This must be experienced.
I can't use chanel for every task in life, so I own other designer & utilitarian bags.
It feels good to use my chanel, but doesn't elevate my senses to euphoria. Nor do I become jubilantly powerful or desperately neurotic--it's a handbag.

I select for my own desires/uses, never for imagined investment/what others may buy in future.
I own fewer # than many here, I'm certain. I have no qualms about ditching irritating or nonfunctional bags--no patience to "keep trying."
I know my style, now, so am able to choose items without expensive errors.

You're lucky to be considering such bags @ your point in life.
Hope my thoughts help & best luck.

 

[dangerouscurves]

I don't own any but I have seen and felt both. The PS bag will always look casual while Chanel flaps can be formal and casual. Please put that into your consideration 😉

 

[Rocket_girl]

I own a chanel 2.55 reissue. I chose this over classic flap, because: 1) more room inside, 2) no obvious "cc" logo, 3) more casual look & liked chain better.

I don't find it attracts tons of unwanted attention--but, I don't wear it in a fashion to do so.



It's as nice as one would expect that price category to be, which is tough to describe. This must be experienced.

I can't use chanel for every task in life, so I own other designer & utilitarian bags.

It feels good to use my chanel, but doesn't elevate my senses to euphoria. Nor do I become jubilantly powerful or desperately neurotic--it's a handbag.



I select for my own desires/uses, never for imagined investment/what others may buy in future.

I own fewer # than many here, I'm certain. I have no qualms about ditching irritating or nonfunctional bags--no patience to "keep trying."

I know my style, now, so am able to choose items without expensive errors.



You're lucky to be considering such bags @ your point in life.

Hope my thoughts help & best luck.

I love everything about this post. Insight, candor, pragmatism and wit.

And this: "...feels good to use my Chanel, but doesn't elevate my senses to euphoria. Nor do I become jubilantly powerful or desperately neurotic -- its a handbag."

Simply brilliant. Thank you

 

[Knicole]

I own a chanel 2.55 reissue. I chose this over classic flap, because: 1) more room inside, 2) no obvious "cc" logo, 3) more casual look & liked chain better.
I don't find it attracts tons of unwanted attention--but, I don't wear it in a fashion to do so.

It's as nice as one would expect that price category to be, which is tough to describe. This must be experienced.
I can't use chanel for every task in life, so I own other designer & utilitarian bags.
It feels good to use my chanel, but doesn't elevate my senses to euphoria. Nor do I become jubilantly powerful or desperately neurotic--it's a handbag.

I select for my own desires/uses, never for imagined investment/what others may buy in future.
I own fewer # than many here, I'm certain. I have no qualms about ditching irritating or nonfunctional bags--no patience to "keep trying."
I know my style, now, so am able to choose items without expensive errors.

You're lucky to be considering such bags @ your point in life.
Hope my thoughts help & best luck.

Thanks so much!

 

[Knicole]

I got my chanel jumbo flap a month ago and I love it. I have a load of other bags mulberry, miu miu, seasonal chanel, dolce and gabbana but my most recent purchase has been a highlight. I would get the chanel, ur wardrobe sounds like it would work, mine is more casual and I carry my flap very dressed up or dressed down. Only down side is because of the lining its a little heavy. I don't have any PS bags so can't help u with that. Good luck deciding.

thank you! It always helps to get other opinions and advice since I am just starting to add designer items to my wardrbobe.

 

[remainsilly]

I love everything about this post. Insight, candor, pragmatism and wit.

And this: "...feels good to use my Chanel, but doesn't elevate my senses to euphoria. Nor do I become jubilantly powerful or desperately neurotic -- its a handbag."

Simply brilliant. Thank you

Wearing my deeply touched & blushing face--thanks for your kind words.

 

[immigratty]

If you do not want to attract attention, I would definitely stay away from the Chanel Flap. I don't do Chanel [not my style] but do like premiere bags that don't "scream" premiere. Some bags in my collection that are high quality with little "flash" [unless you are a bag person you won't know] are [all Gucci] Bright Bit tote [in black], Park Ave Horsebit Tote, Lady Lock Tote, Men's Large tote [yes it's men's, but I have and LOVE it and use it, and I'm a woman], Lady Lock Bamboo Top Handle, Lady Stirrup, Duilio Top Handle Bag, Bright Diamante [white on white], daily leather tote, and to a lesser extent Lady Buckle. while Gucci may not be your thing [if you can't tell I LOVE Gucci] these are all examples of bags that are not only conservative [no obvious logo] but also can be formal or casual. All of these bags can be worn in a professional work environment [business suit], business casual, or casual.

 

[libertygirl]

Chanel 100%. It was always my dream bag and when I got my first Chanel (in my early twenties - pre-loved!), it was such a special moment for me. I had to save for ages for it and it did signify a certain amount of achievement for me.

I still have that bag, and it's still as classic as ever (not to mention worth more now than I paid for it). I bought it when I couldn't afford particularly nice clothes but I felt it 'made' every outfit that I had

 

[Knicole]

Chanel 100%. It was always my dream bag and when I got my first Chanel (in my early twenties - pre-loved!), it was such a special moment for me. I had to save for ages for it and it did signify a certain amount of achievement for me.

I still have that bag, and it's still as classic as ever (not to mention worth more now than I paid for it). I bought it when I couldn't afford particularly nice clothes but I felt it 'made' every outfit that I had

That sounds like a wonderful experience and exactly what I am hoping for when I am ready to go in for my first one! I love the feeling of being able to get an item after a long time of daydreaming, planning, and saving. Thank you for sharing.

 

[serenityneow]

You're considering two very different bags.

I'm not a fan of Chanel. Yes, it's classic and beautiful, but I don't think it can pull of modern or edgy at all, and I think it looks like an older woman's bag. It's Upper East Side to me, and on anyone but the old-school Upper East Side older woman I typically think it is wearing the woman, rather than the other way around.

The PS11 is the complete opposite end of the spectrum to me. It's downtown New York cool, and something only a younger, fashion-forward woman could pull off. I like it much better than Chanel for you, but I also feel like something between the two might be best. Have you considered Celine (my personal fave) and/or Givenchy? I think they both have modern, high-quality bags that will stand the test of time.

Good luck!

 

[seleena]

I was in the same situation as you, wanting an ultimate classic bag. I got a chanel classic flap and I actually don't use it as much as I thought I would- it seems too conspicuous for me to use casually and I find myself opting to carry mulberry or celine. For what you're looking for, I would second the previous poster and perhaps look at celine for classic, understated styles that are also fashion forward. Good luck with whatever you do decide though!

 

[Knicole]

You're considering two very different bags.

I'm not a fan of Chanel. Yes, it's classic and beautiful, but I don't think it can pull of modern or edgy at all, and I think it looks like an older woman's bag. It's Upper East Side to me, and on anyone but the old-school Upper East Side older woman I typically think it is wearing the woman, rather than the other way around.

The PS11 is the complete opposite end of the spectrum to me. It's downtown New York cool, and something only a younger, fashion-forward woman could pull off. I like it much better than Chanel for you, but I also feel like something between the two might be best. Have you considered Celine (my personal fave) and/or Givenchy? I think they both have modern, high-quality bags that will stand the test of time.

Good luck!

This is such a great way to look at it! That was exactly what I was afraid of- the bag "wearing me". I just didn't know if it was just in my head or if a Chanel bag was for any woman who wanted to complete their outfit. I'm new to this scenario so it's good for me to get opinions. I want to stay away from anything making me look like I'm "trying to fit in", but at the same time, I will always love to have that Chanel in my closet. this is such a hard decision. I do love Celine and Givenchy!. I eventually would love to have items and bags from those designers as well! I highly appreciate your post. Thank you!

 

[Knicole]

I was in the same situation as you, wanting an ultimate classic bag. I got a chanel classic flap and I actually don't use it as much as I thought I would- it seems too conspicuous for me to use casually and I find myself opting to carry mulberry or celine. For what you're looking for, I would second the previous poster and perhaps look at celine for classic, understated styles that are also fashion forward. Good luck with whatever you do decide though!

Also great advice! I'm going to keep an open mind to all of these designers mentioned. What about some other styles of Chanel bags? Such as the boy bags? They seem to have a classy but modern look. I could be wrong? I love them all! Such hard decisions.