The bag to end all bags - poll

[MrsSeanBean]

It's the 'big one' approaching. I've decided to treat myself to massively indulgent super-bag purchase. Chanel 2.55 or Hermes Kelly?

I'll still be wearing this in 50 years time so need to choose wisely.

Your vote?

I have caviar, and lambskin and the pebble finish leather which is no longer available.
Pebble was the most durable then caviar, but i think Op is looking for really special item.Caviar is not a seasonal item, it is just if it is available and in stock.
Calfskin is used in the aged looking 2.55, however lambskin is a very popular and classic 2.55 finish. It is not as durable, but i look after mine and it is fine. I think it is the nicest looking fine finish, sounds perfect for OP.

I was told in chanel that the 2.55 wasn't currently available in caviar just the distressed calfskin.

Or the navy patent but I'm not a fan of patent handbags.

If you look on purseform mrssb - they've got a good thread on what's coming for pre-fall/fall this year. I think the 2.55 was going to be available in burgundy or that may have been the classic - it all gets so confusing after a while

Maybe it wasnt available in store, it depends how good your sales assistant is, mine will source bags from all over and different stores carry different stock.
I can never get what i want if it is a seasonal bag in the uk, so i have gone abroad to buy, as they have more stock sometimes.

mrscampbell black key differences are reissue mademoiselle lock, classic flap cc lock, reissue chainmail strap, classic chain and interwoven leather strap.

Yeap, I know the differences between the 2.55 and the classic flap - as I said I did a lot of research

I was in the Bond Street Store where they appeared to have pretty extensive stock.

Let us know what you go for MrsSB - the 2.55 is very lovely indeed. Would you go for black and which colour hardware? I thought silver but actually the gold was very nice too.

Oh also - could be worth buying in harrods as you get points then on the loyalty card if you have one.

sorry, mrs c, i was only replying to your comments about you being confused!

That's a good tip re Harrods mrsCB, I'm in the market for one.

Definitely the Chanel OP, I'm going for a classic flap.

I meant that some people refer to 2.55 when they really mean classic flap and wanted to clarify what MrsSB wanted

Am amazed that we've managed to talk £££ bags for a while with no-one coming on to berate us over the cost.

I did learn something else from the purseforum ladies and that is that one chanel is just not enough. Not sure DH agrees with that though

Am very envious of your collection Madbengalmum. But as I keep telling people - a chanel bag is an investment

Which colour amber and which size? I thought you were going for a boy?

Absolutely, mrsc, i have sold a few in the past as i fancied a change and they are really good sellers and hold their money.
At the moment i am after a new Hermes jypsiere but not sure which colour to go for.
My favorite chanel for this summer is my new denim tote which is great fun.
My 2.55 and classic flaps are my babies!!
I also love the mini classic as well.

Imhave my DH trained now, he sees them as assets!!

Unsure on colour, either black or red (if available) but I think I'll just see on the day. I do love the Boy but I worry it might date, and when you're spending that kind of dollar it needs to endure!

How about those hideous Girl bags though? Sorry Karl, you've lost me there.

I would love one of these, but cant afford one new. Where is the best place to buy 2nd hand 2.55 or classic flap Chanel bags? The internet is a bit of a minefield!

Certainly not ebay, there are soooo many fakes there.
Try vestiere collective, or hardly ever worn it. I sell on there and items are guaranteed genuine and certificated. Also remember that if it is too cheap then it is likely to be wrong. Look at paying £1250 plus for a good example.

Leaning heavily towards 2.55... I would def get a black one. Unsure on hardware though. Always thought gold (more classic?) - but really like the silver in the pic MrsCB linked to. I need to go and 'try some on'.

MrsSeanBean the lambskin 2.55 serves the being driven around/ served nice things function quite well. It's something you keep mostly in a box (it comes with gloves...). Think a little where you would use it - mine is black and I mostly take it to very dull and formal work parties and classical concerts, but it's not a proper evening bag. I could take it to restaurants but it's not exactly a fun bag - do I want to drop olive oil on it It's a bit too impractical for travelling. It would probably be great for funerals so I look forward to using it more frequently as I get older In the meantime, it's function is mostly to wait on a shelf. However, it is aging a bit faster than I am, I bought it in 2012 and the first wrinkles are already there. At this rate, it will probabaly die before I do.

They say you cannot get enough Chanel but I strongly disagree. It's just a bag, and there is something very middle-aged and bourgeois about it, and I'm a bit ashamed that I fell for the hype. It is most definitely not my baby.

The 2.55 marked a milestone for me too, but in terms of pleasure, I think would spend that money differently now, probably something I would use constantly, a small painting, or on a trip I would never forget - I do know what I will do for the next milestone

Frugal- middle aged is good!
This lamb skin sounds a bit if a nightmare though. Not likely to last 50 years by the sound of it..? Does it look tatty when showing wear? Or just, 'creased'. 'Creased, but still beautiful' I could cope with.

the chanel without a doubt.
I have just had a 'big' birthday and received a chanel jumbo flap in black caviar with ghw. Was pretty sure I was going to choose silver but the gold was just so classic.
It is like a work of art and I absolutely love it.
If I was you I would deffo pick the 2.55
In fact, I never thought I would lust after another chanel but now want the executive tote.

Not that I am in the market for either the Chanel or the Hermes option, but I am interested I. What you say Frugal about buying something you would use constantly. I am a strong believer in everyday luxury and don't understand 'saving things for best'. If I were to spend thousands on a handbag, I would want to a) let it become my signature and b) allow it to become worn in and loved.

It is creased from the inside, in the same charming way the corners of my eyes crinkle up - I like it, but not sure how long it would look good, and there is no miracle eye serum for lambskin. Also some accordion pleating happening on the sides. I idly looked into its reasale value, but considering the commission and the wear and tear, it would be a net loss. I am keeping it - it marks a phase in my life and will probably be just the thing for funerals, paired with my grandma's mink coat

OP lambskin isnt that delicate, i use all of my bags, and the lambskin ones havent creased and. They dont all come with gloves!! They come with a box and a special sleeved cover.
It is a beautiful bag that is perfect for a multitude of occasions and would be perfect for a big birthday. It will take you more places than the majority of handbags, and. I would want something classic for a big birthday rather than fashion frippery.
i certainly see young and old wearing these bags, must be my imagination

God frugal, you really come across a very condescending individual

Saurus the Chanel bag sort of punctuated my brief flirtation with luxury items. It's a mass market product with a ridiculous markup, a cash cow for a conglomerate, the emperor's new clothes, nothing unique about it, and it says nothing about me and my personality. (I wear it to places where a dull corporate identity or a zombie trophy wife look is just the right thing.) Have something unique made for yourself: it will be more valuable, no matter the price. Pick a beautiful object, anything you find exquisite; it will be more valuable. In some ways, I think, the dream of having that bag is much more valuable than having that bag actually cluttering up your closet. So keep the dream and use the money towards something else

Or maybe just buy the bag youve always lusted after OP and sod the haters!!

The Kelly is nice, but I find it to be the wrong shape and size for my life - and it is quite heavy - but the quality is very good. I was lookin at getting a Jypsiere a few years ago, and it was just too heavy as an everyday bag.

I would use a 2.55 far more - the quality of Chanel is very good.
If having something as nice and expensive as that kind of bag, it would be a pity to never use it or save it for special occasions.

Dior have quite nice bags too - again a bit impractical for me, but they look great. The leather Louis Vuittons are pretty nice too - they are much nicer than the canvas bags. But it all depends on your style...