Saving for Chanel
Recently, I have realized that I don’t want my handbag “collection” to get too out of hand. Though, walk in closets with lacquered shelves of endless Chanel bags are eye candy I can’t quite get enough of, I don’t find that realistic for my lifestyle…at least right now. The full sized handbags I have from Chanel are all pretty practical and versatile. And all are pre-loved…..(see below)
I am grateful for each one and worked very hard for every. single. bag. As I look to the rest of 2022, I will be saving for very specific things….
A Home
Emergency Fund
Chanel Bag
Because I have a decent selection of black Chanel handbags in varying styles and sizes. I am ready for my first bigger purchase in color. I would love a pastel bubblegum pink mini…specifically a small coco top handle in caviar. This bag has already found its way on my vision board. I do recommend getting a bag first in black or a neutral but I already own these beauties…
Top Tips for Saving for a Chanel Bag:
Identify the bag you are lusting for
Put the bag on your vision board (so you are reminded each day of your goal)
Open a new savings account for this special bag
Dedicate a percent of your paycheck (that is realistic for you) and transfer to the dedicated savings account as soon as you are paid
Be patient! Chanel bags are mega money, especially in 2022. But if it is a bag you want to have for a lifetime and it is worth it to you, take your time to get the bag…and closet… of your dreams.
Spring trends
Bring on the pastels…for me that’s the bubblegum pinks and baby blues. With these shades, sometimes its best to spend less for a fun spring look that you may not get as much wear out of. With that in mind, I’ve got some great dupes for you so you can look put together and have a little fun with color, without compromising your financial goals. Let’s get to the fashion…
Chanel 19 Sequin Handbag
Kensington Sequin Crossbody Bag
I think this is a great alternative, without trying to replicate the Chanel. I love monochrome pieces, and the Kurt Keiger logo is also in green, making it more understated. I honestly love the Chanel sequin 19 bag…in every color I’ve seen it in. However, many say it looks tacky and is not very classic, so I think it’s smart to try out the trend first in a more affordable way. I love that the Kurt Geiger line has matching green sequin shoes! It is a wearable heel, and this set would make any outfit pop, especially a white or black dress. Keep scrolling to see designer dupes for spring trends 2022:)
Bottega Veneta Lido Mule
Kensington Sequin Mule
Zara Textured Blazer
Balmain Double Breasted Blazer
Amina Muaddi Embellished Sandal
Gucci Rubber Platform Sandals
Woven Slide Sandal
Pink Sequin Pumps
Woven Slide Sandal
Huuricane Waterproof Boot
Bottega Veneta Woven Bag
Oscar De La Renta Earring
Bulgari Serpenti Handbag
Mink Fur Rockstud Glam Lock Bag
Convertible Vegan Leather Tote
Chiffon Drop Earring
Aldo Bayvia Crossbody Bag
Aldo Faux Fur Crossbody Bag
Which dupe was your favorite? These aren’t designer copycats, but rather more affordable alternatives that I almost like better than the designer version! I will continue adding to this post as I keep discovering hidden fashion gems for spring. Happy shopping:)
Chanel Unboxing
2021 Luxe Wishlist
I’m a little late to the game, but my wishlist for 2021 took some serious reflection. The purchases this year will be much fewer than 2020, but will be bigger ticket items. Last year I purchased quite a lot of apparel, and this year I am more focused on accessories, which is one area I haven’t really invested heavily in before. My affinity for jackets has always led me to purchase clothes over bags or shoes, etc., However, I am maxed out on jackets, and need a few amazing handbags that will suit my lifestyle. I already have a few new additions to my collection, and will be featuring a few unboxings very soon. While I don’t (and can’t afford to) amass a huge collection of amazing handbags, a small and curated collection is attainable. With all that said, there are amazing things to come and let’s jump into my 2021 luxe wishlist….
Wishlist Item #1: Valentino VLOG 70 MM Belt
Because I love a more understated look and prefer a belt that will literally go with everything, this is my pick for a designer belt. I prefer the matte black finish to the gold logo, because I think this is more wearable and will match any hardware on handbags/other accessories. The Signature Belt in Glossy Calfskin in 70 MM is my perfect version and would look fantastic with black leggings and black boots, which has been my go-to look lately.
Wishlist Item #2: Valentino VLOG Combat Boots
I have NEVER purchased luxury boots, but this pair has peeked my interest. I am a lover of boots, and because I now live in a much colder climate and these have a very minimal heel, they seem like a practical choice. I like the edgy look and how easy they would be to style. I am slightly obsessed with the VLOG collection from Valentino Garavani, and my wishlist definitely reflects that. Not sure that these will find their way into my closet, but I don’t own any combat boots, and I think these would be a great addition.
Wishlist Item #3: Balmain Logo Sweatshirt
I adore Balmain, and I think this is such a casual and easy piece to wear with jeans, leather pants or even a leather skirt. It’s a luxe touch to a laid back style and definitely a great piece add in for a capsule wardrobe.
Wishlist Item #4: GoldenGoose Superstar Sneakers
I own one pair of Golden Goose sneakers and I am in love! I can walk around the city for hours without any discomfort. I can honestly say these are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn, so I think this purchase is not just aesthetic, you are paying for the support and comfort of the shoe. The pair I own is white iridescent, so I would like a darker pair that are more hard wearing and that I won’t worry about in rainy weather.
Wishlist Item #5: Chanel Mini Square, Patent
Clearly this is the big ticket item on my wishlist. Initially, I was more drawn to the boy bag style, or the Trendy CC bag. However, I do love a small bag and the black hardware and chevron style are extremely rare. The caviar version of this bag are even pricier than this patent version I spotted on Fashionphile, just under retail price. However, this is a collection from 2018, so it is not currently available.
The home page of my blog shows my love affair for Chanel’s So Black collection. The mini bag is still a trend, but I genuinely prefer smaller bags. The square mini is an amazing size if you pair down to the essentials, although I am basing this on videos from trusted fashion bloggers that I have watched. I have heard good and bag things about patent leather, but would eventually like to have patent in the mini size and a caviar bag in a small classic flap. I do love the patent leather and have always known that I would own one at some point in life and I think the black color way in this crumpled calfskin will be the most hardwearing. While a mark on patent leather is supposedly impossible to remove, I think any accident would be less visible in this distressed, crumpled calfskin.
Wishlist Item #6: Chanel So Black Coin Purse
Such a perfect pair for the Chanel square mini. I only own one card holder, which is a Valentino rocketed version in electric pink, so a classic black coin purse (or even small wallet) with black hardware is the ultimate classic small leather good for any handbag.
Wishlist Item #7: Something Else from the Chanel So Black Range!
My new obsession. I think it the ultimate classic, all of these options are so classic with the black hardware, from the boy wallet on a chain to the top handle.
After looking at my wardrobe, I think this hardware suits me the best and works with all my outfits, without having to worry about clashing hardware. These bags literally will go with everything! Sometimes, we can change our preference in silver or gold and I have items in my closet with both, so the So Black range is the ultimate Chanel collection in my mind.
These items would have to be bought preloved, and the resell value reflects how rare these pieces are. I am doubtful that I will add any of these beauties shown above to my closet, but just putting it out there that I would gladly add one of these stunners over almost anything else on my wishlist!
Wishlist Item #8: Prada Cahier Bag
I have been eying this handbag for quite some time. This bag comes in raffia, velvet, leather, etc. The raffia version would be incredible for spring/summer and I can envision this styled effortlessly with summer dresses.
The Prada cahier in black, grey, or beige would be an incredible casual everyday bag. I have heard rumors that this bag can be very heavy, but I cannot speak to that. I actually prefer the raffia pink version as my spring/summer bag because I own so many pastels, pinks and baby blues. While I think most of our handbags should be in a neutral and versatile color, this pink bag is a fun departure from the basics in a casual, edgy style.
Wishlist Item # 9: Classic Chanel Sunglasses
This is an item that I will wait to find the perfect version of. I own only 3 luxe pairs of sunglasses, and none of them are black. I think a pair of chunky black sunglasses, possible cat eye, definitely have a place in my wardrobe. I would be open to buying these preloved or new, depending on when I find the right pair.
Black Friday 2020
As we approach Black Friday, I wanted to “throw together” a few luxury looks that are literally what dreams are made of. Though I am not able to splash out on a Chanel classic flap right now, I do like to have a luxury wishlist in mind before going cyber crazy when Black Friday sales launch. Being conscious of the quality and style that I value, will prevent me from overspending on fast fashion and just shopping because something is on sale. This pink Balmain cardigan looks unbelievable, but I would never spend this amount of money on a cardigan.
If I happen to find it pre-loved at some point, and it is 65-70% off retail price, then I would consider purchasing. I have seen amazing Balmain pieces in amazing condition on TheRealReal for a fraction of the retail price, and I recommend knowing exactly what you’re looking for when browsing reselling retailers. While most of these featured items are available on The Outnet, the houndstooth Balmain cardigan shown below is exclusively available on MyTheresa.
I am so in love with this 2 piece Balmain set. I absolutely adore how Claire Chanelle styled it and she is 100% my inspiration for this. The cardigan would like incredible with any white dress, thought it is quite the splurge, especially for both the cardigan and the skirt. If you are looking for a game changing outfit to really make a statement, this might be the investment for you.
The Outnet is currently offering 25% off clearance items. That is AMAZING!!! Typically, the clearance category offers 70% or more off retail, and with this promo, you get an extra 25% discount. For a limited time, they are also offering 22% regular priced items. It will work for the Balmain dress above, however it did not work for another Balmain sweater dress. It also didn’t apply for higher price point Zimmerman pieces. If you see something you love, try the code before checking out and maybe you can save an extra 22%.
In full transparency, I have no affiliation with The Outnet. It is just my go-to shopping spot for high end apparel at a more accessible price. Instead of shopping my heart out at a handful of retailers this Black Friday, I will be focusing on a few specific investment pieces.