Chanel (or other 'investment) bag advice needed

[whoseafraidofnaomiwolf]

My DD is coming up to a milestone birthday (21) and I have been saving my pennies hard for many years to get her something special. I have settled on an investment handbag.

Now I don't know much about beautiful bags, most of mine come from places like independent stores, Cath Kinston, or Top-Shop so I need some advice please. I've cruised the net a little and think that a medium Chanel flap bag might fit the bill, but I don't want to give her something she doesn't like, so I would like surprise her on the day with a shopping day out to a Chanel outlet to choose a bag within my budget . I think I'll have about £2500 by the time it's her birthday - the most money i will ever have spent on anything that isn't a house or car (gulp).

Can anyone advise:

1. Anywhere near Leeds that sells Chanel bags?
2. Do you think I'm on the right track with this - or should I be looking to other brands/designers?

If your DD is set on having a designer bag, maybe have a look at mulberry or Ted Baker? They're less expensive and you'll still have plenty money left over for something else?

I got my DD a Mulberry Bayswater for her 21st. She absolutely loved it and uses it almost everyday. It was under a £1000 but that was 6 years ago. Not sure how much they are now but it's a great bag.

Designer bags hold there value better than diamonds.

I'd go for a mulberry lilly and save the rest of theoney or buy yourself one too!

If you got her a bag for a 1000, you could take her away for a weekend too

Designer bags hold there value better than diamonds

Seriously?

And from someone who can't spell 'their'.

A friend's sister runs this site - www.vintageheirloom.com
They specialise in Chanel and the bags are even validated by Chanel. (Or something like that). That way you could get a bag and do a lovely day out. But realise it doesn't give you the joy of buying it on the day.

Manon, seriously! Diamonds have a terrible resale value at the moment.

The experience of being in the boutique buying the bag is part of the excitement though .
Threads like this cause division because people who wouldn't dream of spending that money are shocked that some of us do .
Neither side is wrong but getting a Chanel flap bag , new , from a Chanel boutique is an amazing gift for a 21st and I think it's a brilliant idea.
I'd rather have a Chanel bag than a trip anywhere .

Jackie, I agree!
The only problem is in store stock availability, as this can lead to disappointment. As some bags are hard to get hold of in the colour or finish you might want.

I bet you have a great collection Mad .
I got mine by pure luck in the Dublin boutique .
If I knew then what I know know I think Little Bond Street would have been my first port of call .
I'd still ring ahead though.
That reminds me the SA in Selfridges will take a card payment on the phone and hold it .

I do have a good few Jackie! I can never get what i am looking for when I go shopping for it in London.
Randomly, I always find what I want on holiday from the foreign boutiques, maybe the demand for different style, colours changes in different countries?

Zero advice to offer but I am so jealous of your dd as that is an amazing gift. I always said that I was going to treat myself to Chanel bag for my 40th but I got a baby instead (obviously I wouldn't exchange him for a bag).

Threads like this cause division because people who wouldn't dream of spending that money are shocked that some of us do .

Further to my previous comment, I do have 4 Mulberry bags and would love a Chanel bag, but still stand by my suggestion.

I saved for 6 months for my Chanel bag in 2009. It cost £1390 tax free from the airport. It's now worth nearly £4000 which I would gain around £3500 if I sold it. So yes, an investment but I wouldn't dream of selling, it's a classic.

What ana amazing present! And totally timeless as long as she looks after it

Do you know anyone who flies long haul/out of the EU?
Chanel have stores in terminal 3 and terminal 5 at Heathrow, and their bags are 10-15% cheaper than their boutiques

Another option might be a Rolex or Omega watch?

Definitely Chanel. Mulberry is already viewed as a bit..chavvy. Dior might be another option.

Agree with the watch idea from spare above. I'm song that for my 30th this year.

Sparechange, the airport idea is an option. However, they do not sell the classic bags now. At the airport it is only the seasonal bags that are available. Years ago you could if you were lucky get a classic tax free, but those days are long gone.

Firstly, I'm jealous of your daughter !

Secondly , that won't be enough for a Chanel flap bag (maybe a WOC?)

Thirdly, I personally feel that a Chanel is a bit too dressy and perhaps best suited to older people with more formal places to be. I'm around her age and those are my thoughts anyway. If it were me (and I know it isn't) , I would be asking for a Prada tote or Celine trapeze/belt bag. If you wanted smaller bags, Prada and Celine do do them aswell.

Hmm I know Leeds has a Louis Vuitton but I've never seen a Chanel there. Maybe Manchester ? Or nice trip to London?

Just my little opinion

I think a basic stainless steel Rolex idea is a very good option. A nice investment and a lovely mother to daughter gift. It will hold its money too. You should get one from around the £2350 mark.

Just finished reading the thread and . OP clearly asked for advice regarding designer handbags. If you don't agree with them , you can find another thread - no need to try and make her feel bad. OP, you know your daughter best and know what she wants. Ignore the jewellery/holiday/bench comments - I'm sure she will love the bag and remember the memories every time she uses it.

Not sure about mulberry - depends on her style. Go check out ' the purse forum' for more information on designer handbags and pictures of them in use.

Don't get Ted baker - it's not very special. She could buy it herself (me too - and I'm broke!) and I think you want to get her something special for her 21st.

I disagree with the 'too formal' comment. I have a black caviar 'jumbo' flap bag in caviar leather with silver hardware. It's as comfortable to wear with a dress and heels for a night out, to jeans and trainers out shopping. It's not an 'everyday' bag but it definitely could be!

I also had a minor problem with it last time, took it to the Chanel store where they sent it off for repair and I returned to collect it a couple of weeks later. It was reboxed and bagged as good as new! Plus it was completely free of charge for repair.

This is the 'jumbo' size.

You can do a couple of days in New York from about £500 - why not do that and take her to coach or One of the department stores to choose a bag there? You could get a beautiful Coach bag for less than £500 over there, plus an amazing holiday!

I'd go for Gucci Bag. Let's say about £1,100 - lots of choices in Selfridges

Then inside the bag, I would put a round ticket to Australia or America or Maldives or Asia. Let's say £600

Then lastly inside the bag is cash for pocket money, £500

I would be more creative than just giving her an expensive bag.