Shopping for CHANEL

For several years I've lusted after this bag. I've always wanted it in black with gold hardware. But the prices kept rising like 20% every year! So I took a chance and bought it on eBay. I bought a vintage CHANEL medium/large classic double flap in black lambskin with gold harware. The vintage bags are gold plated.

This bag is so classic and will never go out of style. It's so practical as well, it can be used as a clutch, cross body or shoulder bag. Can be dressed up or down. So I feel this justifies the investment.

Personally I feel that a designer bag can make an outfit. It can make a cheap outfit look more expensive. I usually buy bags that are classic, ones that will not go out of style because you'll get more use out of the bag considering the amount of money spent on each one. Also if I want a bag, I must be thinking about buying it for months, I can't do impulse purchases. My bags are bought with my own money....months and months of savings. I feel that I will appreciate it more because I can see my hard work.

Before this bag I did lots of research. It's extremely important to do research. There are so many fakes out on eBay. Don't let the prices fool you! Some fakes get sold for hundreds of dollars by dishonest sellers and uninformed buyers. Here's what I did before I took the plunge:

• googled how to authenticate CHANEL bags, this was to get a rough idea for what I should look out for
• searched eBay and made sure the seller posted plenty of photos, if you are unconvinced it's authentic ask the seller for more photos, a genuine seller should be more than happy to provide more photos
• ask PLENTY of questions
• read seller feed back, check what else they were selling, check how many years the seller has been on eBay, AVOID low feedback sellers, check refund policy
• get a second opinion, I used the Purse Forum which is a free service and is authenticated by ladies with plenty of years experience, there are other authenticators out there but some do charge a small fee
• set limits: how much to spend, what to expect from bag, quality vs. price
• pay by PayPal, PayPal offers buyer protection of up to $20,000. It is also illegal to sell fakes
• as an added backup I paid by Credit Card, the bank will also offer some sort of buyer protection, do not use a debit card

Feel free to ask me anything, by no means am I an expert. But I'm always obsessing over bags and have a keen eye ^_^

Shopbop purchase

One of my favourite US shopping site is SHOPBOP. They stock their own house label as well as lots of designer items. I had been searching for a clutch with a detachable strap for quite some time now. I recently found a MARC by MARC JACOBS on sale for 50% off! Best thing about shopbop.com is that they offer free EXPRESS international shipping when you spend over US$100 which is not hard to accumulate considering the brands they carry.

My clutch was well packaged and protected

MARC by MARC JACOBS // Jane at the Disco in Twinkle

In real life it's a dark aubergine/purply eggplant shimmer colour. The hardware trim is gold, although sometimes it looks rose gold. Inside the bag had 6 credit card slots and the large compartment is big enough to hold money, change, phone, and keys. The strap is detachable which can be used for a dinner date. With the strap on the bag is good for clubbing because of the shimmery leather. I also use the bag for a nights out with my girls because it keeps your hands free. 

Pros of shopbop

• very fast shipping 
• order confirmation and shipment emails
• good sales
• easy to navigate site
• customer reviews
• item measurements

So far I have not had a negative experience, will update if I ever do =]

It's not just a bag, it's PRADA

PRADA saffiano lux tote in fuoco. I've had so many compliments on this baby :)

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Wanted

In December I'm heading over to the Philippines and Hong Kong =]

I'm Planning to get this Bag
Does anyone know how much it costs in Pesos or HK Dollars? Much Appreciated

new handbag =]

Hey ladies! I'm so excited! a few days ago was my boyfriend's and I 2 year anniversary!

We didn't do too much, just a casual lunch and very low key dinner. No fancy restaurants or anything =]

but he got me what i'd been wanting in ages! A Louis Vuitton handbag and wallet! YAY