The day is here! After countless hours of research and just a tinge of luck my new baby is here!
Bracelet: Etsy :: Rings: Forever 21 (old) :: Bag: Chanel
She is a Chanel 2.55 medium in silver hardware, and she is as stunning on photo as in person. The soft buttery leather is pure luxury, and I couldn't be happier. The quilting creates these little pillows, and for the lack of a better word, adorable.
While the lambskin is buttery soft and luxurious it does not come without a price. I knew it was going to be high maintenance before I purchased it, but after just one use I have already noticed slight creasing in the leather from opening the flap.The zipper inside also creates these little indentations on the inside flap so storing the bag with padding is crucial.
Tank top: Madewell :: Sunglasses: Dior
Cardigan: Banana Republic :: Bottom: J. Crew
Bag: Chanel :: Shoe: Target (yes! really!)
Funny Story. I know how most men feel about our splurges on purses and shoes. Mr. K is not an exception either. He always says I buy the most "useless" bags. I couldn't disagree more. Before this bag I was used to bigger roomier bags. Mr. K was present and we shared the magical moment of unboxing my first Chanel bag together. To his utter disappointment I could not fit more than a wallet and lipstick in my new purse. We sat there for 20 minutes trying to figure out how to put my keys in the new purse without scratching the delicate leather. In the end we tossed in the white towel, and agreed I should just leave my keys at home and take his car to dinner instead. Since then, I have been on a hunt for key holders and a smaller wallet. In his opinion, this bag is the most"useless" of them all. The conversation went something like this:
Mr. K: So this is the purse?
Me: Yes, isn't it gorgeous? *holds purse inside my arms*
Mr. K: I guess so. What's so great about it?
Me: It is a CHANEL!! *paused* Okay, imagine you just unboxed a Canon 5D with L series lens.
Mr. K: *chuckles* I see. Let's go to dinner. Get ready.
Me: Ok ok! *transfers belongings to new purse* Uh oh....
Mr. K: What's wrong?
Me: It doesn't fit
Mr. K: What doesn't fit? What do you mean?
Me: *shows Mr. K Chanel purse with only my wallet in it* Its full....
Mr. K: 5D with L series lens clearly wins. I can't believe this bag is so "useless".
Me: What does you mean "useless"?? *offended*
Mr. K: Well, if you can't even use a purse doesn't that make it use-less??
I personally don't think any purse is "useless". Sure, maybe this one is less practical given its delicate leather and smaller compartments inside, but that does not make it useless. It just needs a little...consolidating for those of us that like to bring the whole house with us. ;)
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This particular beauty currently retails for over $4400, which is just absolutely...expensive. If you are looking for a Chanel I would highly suggest going to a Chanel boutique and trying some on in person to get a good idea how much room you have. Also, consider buying vintage or pre-loved, but make sure you do your research before committing to a bag. There are a lot of fakes out there and I would hate for any of you to be scammed.
Here are some valuable resources for when you are buying your Chanel in the second hand market. Immerse yourself with photos of authentic bags, and be familiar with how fakes can present themselves so you can spot one when you see one. Good luck and happy shopping!
Wendy from Wendyslookbook, who is always an inspiration for me, has a video on buying purses online. Wendy and MM always have magnificent art like photographs on the blog. Here is one featuring her mini.
A blogger that I have followed for a very long time Jean from extrapetite.com did a review on the 2.55 flaps if you want to know more about the bag click the link above. She also has a post on the Petite shopping tote and wallet on a chain if you want to see them in action.
Last but not least Sydney from petite little girl shared her Chanel buying experience. I found it very helpful and inspiring.