Trying to love my Jumbo...

[Bisoux78]

Coming from LV, I’m used to big bags and carrying everything with me. I’m also used to the slouchiness of bags. I love how my speedy b was so carefree. I love my ponthieu and how squishy and light it was. I’m trying so hard to love the jumbo. I’ve had to really minimize my items and carry just the very bare minimum. What if I need my emergency portable battery to charge my phone?! What if it rains; where’s my umbrella?? I’m not used to such a structured bag. I’m also terrified of scuffing the corners whenever I’m walking. I’m terrified of just using it. And if I try to carry it cross body, it’s heavy and awkward. It’s a heavy purse. Am I just not meant to carry a classic flap? And don’t get me started on my mini rectangular bag bought last month too. Very cute to look at, but not very practical for my needs. Two very expensive bags that I fear will just sit in my closet...advice?

2 very different bags in my opinion. I personally don't use my Chanel Jumbos as an everyday bag. I use them for special occasions, formal events, and when I know I won't be taking the NYC Subway. I use my LV's as my workhorse bags along with my Balenciaga's and other "less expensive" designer bags.
I think that if you can separate in your mind the 2 bags into 2 separate categories then you won't have these negative feelings about your Jumbo. I know some women use their Jumbo as an everyday bag but that's their prerogative...maybe they carry less than you and me or they have no qualms over stuffing their bag.

 

[CassieH]

I think there's more people who have been in your situation (not that it's a dire one, or anything).

Would you consider selling it? It's totally okay not to love the jumbo because it doesn't meet your needs...sometimes you won't know it til you get the bag. As suggested by another poster, it's always best to try them in store before purchase. While the jumbo is praised as a holy grail bag - I think it's part marketing.... people want the bag because other people want the bag... and other people want the bag because people say how great the bag is... the cycle goes on. This doesn't take into account individual needs.

But now that you already have and don't like it, why not get some money back? You can try it for a couple more months as or wait until another price increase, then sell it.

 

[Sparklett22]

Thanks everyone! I think I’ll try it for a couple of months and if I still don’t truly love the bag, I may sell it....or keep it for my daughter to pass on to her. Like people have mentioned, I may be trying too hard to use it as an every day bag. I’ll take everyone’s advice to heart. Thanks again! I love tpf!

 

[OCMomof3]

OP, you have gotten some great advice here. I can relate to you; I love large, slouchy bags (think LV Artsy, etc) and I used these bags exclusively for quite a while. Then came my holy grail: the Chanel reissue 227. Same size as the Jumbo, but single flap. I loved (and still love!) that bag SO MUCH, that getting used to carrying less was a pleasure. Every time I looked at the bag, I was thrilled. It was worth it. I don't use it everyday (or even every month) but I love it when I do. It's possible that the size of the Jumbo is just plain inconvenient and non-workable for you. If it doesn't make you feel like downsizing is a pleasure due to the beauty of the bag, let it go!

 

[Sparklett22]

It’s me again. Here’s my ongoing dilemma. I ordered this bag from fashionphile. They did disclose of the perfume smell. I just didnt think it would be THIS bad. However, I love this new bag. I love the softness of the leather. However, the smell from the previous owner is so bad. The perfume is so strong. I have read the whole thread on tPF on getting yucky smells out of handbags. It’s only been a day but the smell is still so very strong....I’ve used baking soda and ordered Cadillac to clean the leather. I’ve used febreeze on the inside. I used Cadillac conditioner on the leather already. It’s not just the canvas inside. It’s the leather too that reeks of the perfume. The little office I kept in to air out overnight now smells like the cologne. I’ve also sent an email to Leather Surgeons but I don’t know if this bag is worth it for $2350 already and it smells this awful. I don't want to spend additional funds for a purse that may already looks outdated if that makes sense? I’ve definitely not spent this much on a used purse that is well, very used. Should I just return?

 

[m_ichele]

View attachment 4485196 It’s me again. Here’s my ongoing dilemma. I ordered this bag from fashionphile. They did disclose of the perfume smell. I just didnt think it would be THIS bad. However, I love this new bag. I love the softness of the leather. However, the smell from the previous owner is so bad. The perfume is so strong. I have read the whole thread on tPF on getting yucky smells out of handbags. It’s only been a day but the smell is still so very strong....I’ve used baking soda and ordered Cadillac to clean the leather. I’ve used febreeze on the inside. I used Cadillac conditioner on the leather already. It’s not just the canvas inside. It’s the leather too that reeks of the perfume. The little office I kept in to air out overnight now smells like the cologne. I’ve also sent an email to Leather Surgeons but I don’t know if this bag is worth it for $2350 already and it smells this awful. I don't want to spend additional funds for a purse that may already looks outdated if that makes sense? I’ve definitely not spent this much on a used purse that is well, very used. Should I just return?

If you’re able to return it despite having already used conditioner to try to get the smell out, return it.

 

[Iana24]

I would return it. I personally wouldn’t deal with strong smell. What if you can’t get rid of it. I bet you’ll be reluctant to use it due to its smell. It will be a huge waste of money and hassle

 

[Ruby5]

Hi sweetie,

Have you tried odor remover bags? (I think that they contain activated charcoal perhaps)?

We went on vacation & my dh forgot to toss the fish in our fridge. Came back to a horrific smell. Almost threw the fridge away. But dh bought a bag on amazon and saved our fridge. Absolutely no bad smell.

Anyway, maybe check it out? Good luck.

 

[Sparklett22]

Hi sweetie,

Have you tried odor remover bags? (I think that they contain activated charcoal perhaps)?

We went on vacation & my dh forgot to toss the fish in our fridge. Came back to a horrific smell. Almost threw the fridge away. But dh bought a bag on amazon and saved our fridge. Absolutely no bad smell.

Anyway, maybe check it out? Good luck.

Hi there. I tried charcoal also. I may have not tried it long enough. When I contacted Leather Surgeons they said smells are a tough one to determine. I decided to just return it. It grossed me out to even touch it because it just smelled old.
I went ahead and ordered the black one that Fashionphile had and it’s in better condition than the pictures described. And it still smells like leather! I’m super happy!

 

[Ruby5]

Hi there. I tried charcoal also. I may have not tried it long enough. When I contacted Leather Surgeons they said smells are a tough one to determine. I decided to just return it. It grossed me out to even touch it because it just smelled old.
I went ahead and ordered the black one that Fashionphile had and it’s in better condition than the pictures described. And it still smells like leather! I’m super happy!

So glad it worked out!!

 

[Sparklett22]

The navy blue stinky one is on its way back. Here is her beautiful replacement. I can not believe how good the condition is! But the best part, all I smell is the leather!!!

 

[Bisoux78]

Sorry but the fact that you've used all those chemicals on the bag already, qualifies it as used even if you didn't cut off the tags. I know that it's pre-loved but you did all that stuff to the bag then returned it. It's a bit dishonest don't you think?

 

[Sparklett22]

Sorry but the fact that you've used all those chemicals on the bag already, qualifies it as used even if you didn't cut off the tags. I know that it's pre-loved but you did all that stuff to the bag then returned it. It's a bit dishonest don't you think?

I tried cleaning the inside with a little wet towel and placed the arm and hammer in it overnight. Yes, I used Cadillac conditioner on the outside of the bag. How does this qualify as dishonest?

 

[Sparklett22]

Sorry but the fact that you've used all those chemicals on the bag already, qualifies it as used even if you didn't cut off the tags. I know that it's pre-loved but you did all that stuff to the bag then returned it. It's a bit dishonest don't you think?

Oh yes, I did febreeze on the wet towel and tried to clean the inside that way too. Sorry if you think that’s dishonest. I’m not trying to be. I wanted to keep the bag. It’s a beautiful bag. The musty cologne smell was just way too strong. You’re right that I did attempt to try to clean it with the tags still attached. I will let them know that in my comments to them so they know that. Thank you for being my moral compass.

 

[CassieH]

Oh yes, I did febreeze on the wet towel and tried to clean the inside that way too. Sorry if you think that’s dishonest. I’m not trying to be. I wanted to keep the bag. It’s a beautiful bag. The musty cologne smell was just way too strong. You’re right that I did attempt to try to clean it with the tags still attached. I will let them know that in my comments to them so they know that. Thank you for being my moral compass.

To be fair to the OP, the next person who may potentially buy the bag would probably also try to get the smell off. Unless the bag was truly damaged, then I think returning it as just. I think letting fashionphile you're not satisfied with the bag and you tried to get the smell off by using non-abrasive means should be sufficient.