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?

One of our dds got a Chanel bag as a gift. She loves it. She has always loved Chanel bags.
It's small and she uses it as her 'going out of an evening' bag.
She got the calf skin rather than lamb skin as it is more durable.
It doesn't hold a lot though.

I think you need a jumbo size if you want to get a decent amount into it for an everyday bag.

I have the same as sqoosh - jumbo double flap in black caviar with silver hardware. It is very practical for everyday although I only tend to use in A/W as don't wear a great deal of black in the summer.

Blingy. To be honest she has hardly used it at all. She didn't take it to uni with her and even though she lives and works in London now the bag is still at home. I have no idea why. I have used it more. She uses a huge tote all the time. I think she just likes having it more than using it.

Medium flap you can get smart phone, wallet, lippy powder and keys but nothing else. Lambskin needs regular protector to stay fabulous. It works day and evening but overall I'd get more wear out of a jumbo caviar for sure.

I think I'd worry that it could get lost or stolen, or that it would deteriorate over the years in a way that a diamond wouldn't. Also, if she's 21 (I'm assuming she's a student in Leeds) would she really have the clothes needed to go with such an expensive bag?

Op, a Chanel or similar sounds lovely. I have lovely memories of going to selfridges and Harvey nics with my parents, trying on lovely dresses and buying an absolutely beautiful dress and a pair of Jimmy choos which I wore for my civil marriage ceremony in Harvey nics. Aside from beauty counters it was my first time ever shopping somewhere like that, the sales assistant made such a fuss and it felt completely special. Op, whatever bag you decide on/your daughter chooses just going shopping, browsing and picking something will be such a lovely and special experience for her. (Worth mentioning, I opened a store card and paid on that as you got an introductory discount- I just cut the card up when it arrived and never used it aside from that purchase- may save you a little bit! The sales assistant suggested doing this as she knew it was a one off purchase). Hmmm... May go and look at my beautiful dress later

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

She's not going to be reselling right away. The increased demand in Asia for luxury goods is having a positive impact on prices. If you buy a modern cheapo diamond ring you won't get much for it. If you invest in a really good quality diamond perhaps in a beautiful antique setting, it will hold its value for the future. The important things are - clarity, colour, carat weight and cut. (High clarity and high colour grade being the most significant to value).

I've got designer bags including Chanel and I've got family jewellery going generations back, plus my own. I can tell you which has held its value better.

One grandmother's engagement ring from 1930 is worth £30,000, for example. Her old bags (including Chanel, Schiaparelli & Dior) - not so much.

To resell a Chanel bag for a decent price it has to be in mint condition, so DD would have to have hardly used it. Diamond is the hardest substance known to man, unlike leather.

Thecontentedcat, Prada was my bag of choice in my 20s because it was a more fun brand.Prada and Milan sounds bliss

Bluesky that's a shame but at least she still gets pleasure of owning it. I think your Chloe Faye suggestion is an excellent one.

i get what everyone is saying about what holds its value but surely the resale value of a special gift given to you by your mother on your 21st birthday is irrelevant? Whether it's a bag or diamonds?!

Hermes Evelyene
Cross body bag.
Casual, chic and youthful.
When I see someone with one I think - understated wealth.
I don't see many though, where I live.

Hermes Jypsiere is my favorite. I actually think I like it more than the Chanel flap.

I'm local to Leeds and you definitely cannot buy Chanel there, or Chloe anymore. There is a Mulberry store, plus concessions in H of F and Harvey Nics. There is a LV store and Harvey Nics do sell other brands. However they don't sell a huge amount and there isn't a distinct bag dept now so you have to walk around the whole shop.

Personally I'd visit selfridges in Manchester city centre.

You mention turning up and surprising your daughter on her birthday. This is the only thing that had alarm bells ringing a little. Are you sure she won't have plans already or if she is a student, be in any fit state?

I'm 21 and as much as I love fashion I would hate for my mum to spend £2,500 on an accessory for me! Does she drive? Could you get her a car?

I would like a Jypsiere next - however that's more like £5k.

I am on a bag buying freeze until house is renovated. It is sad that I equate everything to bags, eg, sitting room curtains = a jumbo and a WOC.

Why not spend £500 on taking her to Paris then presenting her with the £2000 budget? I'd like that! And many brands, like Goyard (which sells an amazing investment tote for about £1500) are cheaper to buy in France.

*Actually think it's closer to £1000