Buying my first Chanel or LV bag

[lopape]

Hi everyone! I have a bit of a first world problem. I've decided I'm finally going to splurge on myself by buying a luxury designer bag. I already have a few less expensive ones from Mulberry, YSL, Coach but I haven't bought anything new since having children.

I am looking for a tote or a bigger bag since now I need to carry the kitchen sink with me. I'm looking at Chanel or Louis Vuitton since I think these bags will hold their value if I ever decide to sell them .

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited but also a bit sick by the thought of spending thousands on a bag.. BUT, I can afford it and I feel like I need a pick me up.

Anyways, I've been doing lots of research but maybe you guys can also chime in with your recommendations in particular if you own any of these bags.

The current contenders are

1. Chanel Tote- I adore the look of this one, I'm afraid it might be a bit too summery ?

1. Lv Neverfull- I think this might be the sensible option but literally every other school mom has this in my area.. so it feels a bit overdone. But on the other hand, it might last a long long time?

Anyone has either of these totes and can recommend them to me? Any other alternatives from top brands I should look into?

Also, do you use anything special to protect your luxury bags?

Thanks !!!

Hello :) Handbag enthusiast here!

Louis Vuitton
I don't recommend a Louis Vuitton Neverfull for purposes of holding value, but they are convenient and super sturdy. Also way cheaper than Chanel... however, maybe have a look at some of the other tote prints? They have come up with a whole load of different patterns slightly different from the traditional...

This is more likely to hold any value than the standard print.

I would also recommend checking out some of their newest or seasonal prints, as they tend to be quite sought after (better investment). I would check out the 'on the go' which are fabulous.

Links below:

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/neverfull-mm-tote-bag-nvprod2790031v?campaign=sem_LV_FLG_GBR_ALWON_MIXT_LG_OnGoing_EC_SHOP_GSHO_MUL_ENG_GBP_NOMT_LEATHER&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LV_FLG_GBR_ALWON_MIXT_LG_OnGoing_EC_SHOP_GSHO_MUL_ENG_GBP_NOMT_LEATHER&utm_term&gclid=CjwKCAiA3L6PBhBvEiwAINlJ9Iju_ninhvC9sFft8kj5l5mo1MCcD-9YlnhyYoH_NWoM1wVTFP7BoxoCAwEQAvD_BwE

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/onthego-mm-tote-bag-g67-nvprod3190107v#M59614

DIOR
Have you considered this? I have one of the classic book totes from Dior and it's fantastic. Holds up really well and i'm less conscious about it getting dirty than with other bags, as the print does not pick up or show scuffs...Also comes in loads of different prints!

www.dior.com/en_gb/products/couture-M1286ZRIW_M928_TU-dior-book-tote

Chanel
Expensive and lots and lots of fakes flying around of this. I love Chanel but the wearability is always harder than other brands as I feel they using more 'luxury' materials and can be more prone to scraps and scrapes.

FENDI
Another recommendation :) I recently bought the Fendi Peek-a-Boo and it is SO GREAT for day to day use. They have a whole range of really fabulous totes also. Totally comparable in terms of luxury to all of the others... comes in multiple sizes and fabrics (including canvas!)

www.fendi.com/gb-en/woman/bags/top-handle-bags/peekaboo-iseeu-large-grey-leather-bag-8bn328afq8f1f20

www.fendi.com/gb-en/8BH372ABVLF0PWZ.html

I prefer the LV Black Monogram Empreinte Leather Neverfull Tote Bag :)

Have you considered the LV onthego?

I have a black leather neverfull (wasn’t too keen on it in canvas) and although it is a stunning bag, I find it but awkward to wear on the shoulder with a winter coat. The onthego gives you the space and optional longer strap for the shoulder. I’d definitely recommend trying them on.

I’ve no idea about resale value I’m afraid.

I saw absolutely go for it I’m sure you deserve it but I wouldn’t rely on a tote holding its value. It’ll have a resale value for sure but unless you never use it it will get some wear on it and I’d be amazed if you got your money back. Maybe for a rare limited edition or something

Thank you so much for your replies! I'm looking at Louis Vuitton's empreinte leather as well! Is it quite sturdy or will I have to baby it?

[quote AM2476]Hello :) Handbag enthusiast here!

Louis Vuitton
I don't recommend a Louis Vuitton Neverfull for purposes of holding value, but they are convenient and super sturdy. Also way cheaper than Chanel... however, maybe have a look at some of the other tote prints? They have come up with a whole load of different patterns slightly different from the traditional...

This is more likely to hold any value than the standard print.

I would also recommend checking out some of their newest or seasonal prints, as they tend to be quite sought after (better investment). I would check out the 'on the go' which are fabulous.

Links below:

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/neverfull-mm-tote-bag-nvprod2790031v?campaign=sem_LV_FLG_GBR_ALWON_MIXT_LG_OnGoing_EC_SHOP_GSHO_MUL_ENG_GBP_NOMT_LEATHER&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LV_FLG_GBR_ALWON_MIXT_LG_OnGoing_EC_SHOP_GSHO_MUL_ENG_GBP_NOMT_LEATHER&utm_term&gclid=CjwKCAiA3L6PBhBvEiwAINlJ9Iju_ninhvC9sFft8kj5l5mo1MCcD-9YlnhyYoH_NWoM1wVTFP7BoxoCAwEQAvD_BwE

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/onthego-mm-tote-bag-g67-nvprod3190107v#M59614

DIOR
Have you considered this? I have one of the classic book totes from Dior and it's fantastic. Holds up really well and i'm less conscious about it getting dirty than with other bags, as the print does not pick up or show scuffs...Also comes in loads of different prints!

www.dior.com/en_gb/products/couture-M1286ZRIW_M928_TU-dior-book-tote

Chanel
Expensive and lots and lots of fakes flying around of this. I love Chanel but the wearability is always harder than other brands as I feel they using more 'luxury' materials and can be more prone to scraps and scrapes.

FENDI
Another recommendation :) I recently bought the Fendi Peek-a-Boo and it is SO GREAT for day to day use. They have a whole range of really fabulous totes also. Totally comparable in terms of luxury to all of the others... comes in multiple sizes and fabrics (including canvas!)

www.fendi.com/gb-en/woman/bags/top-handle-bags/peekaboo-iseeu-large-grey-leather-bag-8bn328afq8f1f20

www.fendi.com/gb-en/8BH372ABVLF0PWZ.html[/quote]
Congrats on your fendi peekaboo! I love that bag, so elegant and understated!

I would always go Chanel over LV personally. Canvas is indestructible though so I understand the appeal. I don't like the logo on the deauville though so have never considered it. I guess you just have to decide what will work best with you lifestyle/wardrobe and pocket (the Chanel is twice the price) and go from there. Not sure how shimmery/?fabric Chanel will work with children. How will it wear? There is going to be a trend towards large bags now apparently with this whole phase of small X body bags on the out maybe. Hope you find what you r after.

@duvetdayforeveryone

I prefer the LV Black Monogram Empreinte Leather Neverfull Tote Bag :)

Me too, it's so chic

The LV print is just so tacky I would always swerve that. You've linked to one black bag and one brown - which colour goes with more of your outfits?

If you can afford Chanel now then go for it. The price jumps are insane and what you can afford now mightn’t be what you can afford in the future. I bought my Chanel back in 2009 and it’s increased by over 400% in price since then. I do have an LV Neverfull which I use so so much. Not a tote but the lv noe range is great too

@lopape

Thank you so much for your replies! I'm looking at Louis Vuitton's empreinte leather as well! Is it quite sturdy or will I have to baby it?

It’s amazing. Really study but not too stiff

I love an LV bag too, I know there are lots of fakes about but the quality is just phenomenal and worth the money.

The last one I purchased was a hobo

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/carmel-mahina-nvprod2130104v?campaign=sem_LV_FLG_GBR_ALWON_MIXT_OTHER_OnGoing_EC_SHOP_GSHO_MUL_ENG_GBP_NOMT_ALL&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LV_FLG_GBR_ALWON_MIXT_OTHER_OnGoing_EC_SHOP_GSHO_MUL_ENG_GBP_NOMT_ALL&utm_term&gclid=CjwKCAiA3L6PBhBvEiwAINlJ9BmXOrYfsgMJUNSZHIQXPtdT6fJq4XzBVeMZgsePF3m30jm1bIqctRoC2fUQAvD_BwE

@lopape thank you! It’s my new absolute favourite !

Have you found one you love enough yet ? Look through all of the tote section for LV some of the newer prints are really fun! X

Love an LV - just waiting on the delivery of my croisette 😍. I find the neverfull a really useful bag and use it most days. Not sure it’ll hold value but it does what I want it to - looks smart, holds loads!

I got a Neverful 10 years ago - it was £550 then (amazed at how much they're charging now!) I take no care of it - use it for wet swimming gear, fruit and veg, I've split stuff in it got it muddy etc. All I've ever done is wipe it clean and wash it out and it looks totally fine - I still get compliments and people assume it is "new". So I'd totally recommend from a durability perspective. They are super common. You could look at the special editions when they do in different prints - or personalised one with badges etc.

LV is just so ubiquitous now, everyone has one. Definitely go for Chanel.

Another handbag enthusiast here too.

I had an LV speedy in the empirente leather and I didn't have to baby it at all. I sold it on as I'm not a fan of the logo either and there are so many counterfeit LV's everywhere.

The Chanel is lovely, I've seen the Deauville in real life ( my friend has one ) and they aren't as sturdy as the LV that's for sure, her corners are wearing and it's quite grubby from everyday use.

Have you thought about a Dior booktote or even an Hermes Garden Party? I've had both bags and they are lovely and a lot less common than the LV.

You can buy them from re-sellers such as Bagista, hardly ever worn it or naughtipidginsnest, they will be guaranteed authentic and are usually in pristine condition.

Chanel don't make them anymore but the grand shopping tote is leather and if you can find one in caviar leather they are quite bombproof, again you'd have to look for pre-loved.

It's great fun bag shopping, enjoy choosing your lovely bag!

Am not a massive fan of Louis Vuitton and have always preferred Chanel bags. I have contemplated a Deauville tote for quite some time but have never been quite convinced they're worth the money as I know they often wear badly. Additionally, I didn't really like the handles/straps. Dior book totes have never been a consideration as I think they are not worth a four figure price tag, mid-three figures maybe, but definitely not four figures.

But, I do love a tote and in the end, I surprised myself a few years ago and bought the Neverfull MM in Nicholas Ghesquière's designed textile. I love it and always receive so many compliments.

Happy shopping OP. Enjoy whatever it is you do decide to buy!

I think the Empreinte black leather is nicer......everyone has the brown monogram fakes.....everyone.....!!...i have a Noe in the red Epi leather / blue trim....been all over the world for 20 years and still looks good and its leather and not canvas.i bought my bag second hand in Tokyo also....years ago....had a courier job and a 2 day stopover once....lots of high end good quality stuff in Japan...no fakes....

to add...i have the empreinte noir small zip purse...leather is quite firm....not soft....not sure how the bag is...??

Thank you everyone!! I've decided I will go in store and look at both of them (I don't live very close to the boutiques so it'll be a journey). Everyone made really good points about both bags (and some alternatives) so I will just see them in person, try them on and then go with whatever I love more on the spot! Which is not like me at all, I research bags for ageeeeees and decide before I go shopping.

I have the deauville in a cream with navy blue logo/straps. I love it but only use it as an overnight bag/beach bag/pool party bag. It's too big and clunky for everyday use imo

The neverfull is everywhere BUT practical, however my suggestion would be a goyard tote. Pay the extra (and wait the extra 3weeks) and get it monogrammed in whatever colour way you like and it'll be perfectly individual. I have the white/grey goyardine with my initials in white but the colour options are endless. The goyard wears really well and looks fantastic still, years on.

How exciting!
I have three LV Neverfulls and they really are indestructible.
The Chanel is lovely but less practical. I have a Chanel classic double flap and a WOC which I adore but they are definitely more delicate and obviously more expensive.
Happy shopping

All these handbag nuts and nobody has said Goyard??!

@AtillatheHun I did I did!