The Cerf Tote Club!

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#391
Hi all, when I went into the Chanel boutique yesterday to buy my ballet flats, I saw and fell in love with the Chanel Cerf Tote in black with silver CC. Even though this is a classic, I had never seen it before as I'm more interested in classic flaps. I have been meaning to add a structured tote to my collection that has a similar appearance to the Birkin. I'd thought of a Mulberry Bayswater or a Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote, as unfortunately the Birkin is out of my budget! Then I came across the Cerf Tote, and as I love all things Chanel, I nearly bought it there and then but thought I'd better research it a little first.

I've checked out some pictures online and it appears that the bag looks a little slouchy and unstructured in some pics. Does this bag soften up and lose its rigid structure over time? If so, perhaps then it's not worth the investment. Any advise from owners of the Cerf Tote would be much appreciated.
 
#392
I too was in a Chanel boutique at NM looking for a tote of some sort. I am looking for one for when I travel and need to carry more than my flaps and reissues will allow. I saw the cerf tote in black with silver hardware and loved it also and went ahead and ordered it, but with gold hardware because that is what I like better. It comes with a shoulder strap as well. I looked on ebay and notice some of the preowned seem somewhat slouchier, but that is okay with me.
 
#393
I fell in love with the Cerf almost 2years ago but I was nervous about it loosing its shape because I really like structured bags .I finally took the plunge last Christmas and I absolutely love it. It’s so classy and understated and I love it more than my jumbo. During my research on tpf and on the internet, I discovered that it does loose its shape overtime. Some people here have managed to retain the structure for a long time but it will eventually loose its shape. You just have to store it carefully and not overstuff it. However, I have seen pictured of the unstructured ones and its still looks nice. I saw a photo of one of the Olsen twins and its looks stunning. Its still a stunning Chanel bag whether structured or no so I’d suggest you get it.
 
#394
Having read through this entire thread I've been really put off the Cerf tote as it seems that it will quickly lose it's structured shape. As it is a structured bag that I am interested in, I would be so unhappy for the bag to become slouchy. I am so disappointed as it is such a stunning bag and exactly what I was after. Is it the case with all structured bags, including Birkins and the Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote that I mentioned previously, that they will all lose their shape over time?
 
#395
honeybunch said:
Having read through this entire thread I've been really put off the Cerf tote as it seems that it will quickly lose it's structured shape. As it is a structured bag that I am interested in, I would be so unhappy for the bag to become slouchy. I am so disappointed as it is such a stunning bag and exactly what I was after. Is it the case with all structured bags, including Birkins and the Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote that I mentioned previously, that they will all lose their shape over time?
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I also read through this entire thread because I was thinking about getting a Cerf Tote but the fact that it looses its shape quite quickly makes me hesitate a lot. I don't think all structured bags loose their shape like this one, I think it really depends on the type of leather it's made of. I have a black Mulberry Bayswater in a very thick leather (I don't know the name of it since it is a limited edition) and after 3 years it's still in perfect condition. I wanted to sell it in order to get the Cerf Tote but now I'm not so sure about it... I'm also thinking about the Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote but since I don't know anything about Prada's quality (I used to have a Miu Miu and was a bit disappointed) I don't know if I'll go for it or not. I too dream about the Birkin, but unfortunately, it's way out of my price range at the moment...!
 
#396
I have also seen the pictures of Cerf totes that have lost their shape. I own one and it has kept its shape nicely over the last year, however I think it depends on how often you use it and what you carry in it. I don't put a ton of stuff in the bag and I also don't use mine that often. I store it carefully on its side with a little bit of paper in it so it will keep the shape. Hopefully it will retain the shape, although only time will tell!
 
#397
hellokatiegirl said:
I have also seen the pictures of Cerf totes that have lost their shape. I own one and it has kept its shape nicely over the last year, however I think it depends on how often you use it and what you carry in it. I don't put a ton of stuff in the bag and I also don't use mine that often. I store it carefully on its side with a little bit of paper in it so it will keep the shape. Hopefully it will retain the shape, although only time will tell!
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I have the same one and totally agree with you hellowkatiegirl! My looks great!
 
#398
hellokatiegirl said:
I have also seen the pictures of Cerf totes that have lost their shape. I own one and it has kept its shape nicely over the last year, however I think it depends on how often you use it and what you carry in it. I don't put a ton of stuff in the bag and I also don't use mine that often. I store it carefully on its side with a little bit of paper in it so it will keep the shape. Hopefully it will retain the shape, although only time will tell!
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I've owned my cerf tote for about 6 years now and I ADORE it! It's my go to bag for day or night when I have some extra "stuff" I need to lug with me. It's perfect for work as well! It's loosing the shape has always bothered me and I used to fuss with tissue but have since found these bag inserts:

http://www.bagavie.com/

Here is the blog where it explains about how to use with cerf tote:

Your Bag-a-Vie, your way! Chanel cerf tote.....gorgeous bag, soft leather! How do we keep it looking firm while not in use? Depends on you! If you are very particular and would like to keep the corners as firm as possible, use 2 MEDI stacked horizontally one on top of the other. This will support the body while keeping the base nice and firm. Not that picky and love that "broken in" look? Use 2 GRANDE side by side vertically. Keeps the bag firm and makes storage a breeze! Your Bag-a-Vie..............for the love of handbags!

I have been using them for about 2 months now and they are just amazing!!! The bag is perfectly formed and stays "sharp", if you know what I mean. I can't say enough about these!! Love them!!!
 
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#399
smiley said:
I've owned my cerf tote for about 6 years now and I ADORE it! It's my go to bag for day or night when I have some extra "stuff" I need to lug with me. It's perfect for work as well! It's loosing the shape has always bothered me and I used to fuss with tissue but have since found these bag inserts:

http://www.bagavie.com/

Here is the blog where it explains about how to use with cerf tote:

Your Bag-a-Vie, your way! Chanel cerf tote.....gorgeous bag, soft leather! How do we keep it looking firm while not in use? Depends on you! If you are very particular and would like to keep the corners as firm as possible, use 2 MEDI stacked horizontally one on top of the other. This will support the body while keeping the base nice and firm. Not that picky and love that "broken in" look? Use 2 GRANDE side by side vertically. Keeps the bag firm and makes storage a breeze! Your Bag-a-Vie..............for the love of handbags!

I have been using them for about 2 months now and they are just amazing!!! The bag is perfectly formed and stays "sharp", if you know what I mean. I can't say enough about these!! Love them!!!
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Thanks for the information. I am going to try these. I am tired of stuffing with tissue paper.
 
#401
Yesterday I went shopping and saw a beautiful gal toting the cerf. The cerf looked so elegant, chic, and sophisticated at the same time... (It suited the woman carrying it very well.) It was very structured and it immediately made me want to go and buy it. After reading some posts here, I guess it seems that it will eventually lose its shape... :( I don't think I want to get it now... If it retained its shape then definitely, I would get it.
 
#403
luv2ownabirkin said:
Yesterday I went shopping and saw a beautiful gal toting the cerf. The cerf looked so elegant, chic, and sophisticated at the same time... (It suited the woman carrying it very well.) It was very structured and it immediately made me want to go and buy it. After reading some posts here, I guess it seems that it will eventually lose its shape... :( I don't think I want to get it now... If it retained its shape then definitely, I would get it.
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Totally, totally agree. I was so in love with this bag and nearly bought it on the spot. I am so disappointed to read about it losing its shape and I've changed my mind about it now. I really couldn't be bothered worrying about stuffing it or inserting things in it to help it keep its shape. For the money I would fork out for it, I wouldn't expect to have to do this.
 
#405
smiley said:
You'll love them! My bag looks perfect everytime. I religiously use them when storing the bag and when I take it out, it's lovely and crisp ;-) LOVE my cerf will never give it up!
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Just make sure you put them in firmly and direct them into the corners so it "molds" kind of. Hard to explain but I'm sure you'll see what I mean when you use them.
 
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