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a guide for authenticity & care
As promised, a quick guide to purchasing your first Chanel, along with care is finally here!
I have received SO many requests~ comments, emails, etc~ from readers old and new, new friends, and friends I know in real life…all about different aspects of Chanel. This includes current prices, craftsmanship, care, colors, advice on first time purchases….so here it all is in one post. Hope I help in some way, and you take as much out of it as possible.
Purchasing your first Chanel can be a very scary thing, because let’s face it- it’s the price tag that makes it a scary one. Also, the prices go up, esp on the classic pieces. Because of these factors, many try to buy pre-owned pieces to save money.
To be completely honest with you, I have never purchased pre-loved~~BUT , I feel that I know the brand inside & out, and am knowledgeable enough to share my information/tips with you so that you don’t regret your purchases. Yes, if you can~ I first and foremost recommend to purchase directly from Chanel or reuputable department stores like Saks and Bloomingdales. Why? Because they are large {luxury} purchases, and very pricey. A question that I hear often is,
“Gosh, how can you justify the price tag?”
Before you judge, I agree…spending so much on a material item made out of leather and cloth can be superficial and frivolous. People judge all the time. As long as you aren’t using money on yourself that you shouldn’t, incurring debt upon yourself, and if you have the resources to do so, I don’t think it is frivolous at all. Why? Chanel is timeless, and it will never go out of style. It is a brand that is passed down from generation to generation. I believe anyone in fashion will tell you the same. Instead of making 3-4 handbag purchases a year on styles that will likely fade within the next few years, I think it is wise to save all of that money and buy ONE great bag that encompasses your style.. and rock it… often, & well. There is nothing that compares to the look of timeless. Just take care of your Chanel WELL to preserve its lifespan- (that’s why I’m sharing my how-tos and tips here also, because
I think CARE it is JUST as important as the purchase itself.
Why make a purchase on something so pricey, when you aren’t going to take care of it well, & its appearance deteriorates along with its value? Unfortunately, buying directly from Chanel or dept stores isn’t an option for everyone, esp in this economy, along with the fact that the powerhouse seems to raise its prices almost annually! If you are thinking to buy one pre-loved, I think that is a smart idea, but please be smart and educate yourself before making your purchase. That’s the very purpose of this post – to educate and inform with the info I know, (because I’ll always be hopelessly obsessed with this brand because of the quality and timeless elegance it exudes). =)
Out of all of the Chanel I own, I decided to use these three handbags below as visuals, because they are the two most timeless designs of Chanel- The classic JUMBO flapand the cerf tote.
As for classic flaps, all of the ones I own happen to be the exact same size/style. {The Jumbo Flap} pictured above. Because of my lifestyle, I prefer larger handbags. For reference, the size for a jumbo is always 12″ x 8″ x 3″ . The current price (as of last Feb) is USD $4300.
The double C lock
is also referred to as the ‘Mademoiselle’ lock, because Coco Chanel never married. The C’s in every authentic Chanel bag interlock the way they are pictured below- the right C should always be over the top left C hook.
There are four grommets (holes) in each flap. On jumbos the four grommets are side by side- { OO OO}. On the small and medium/large flaps, the grommets are right under one another-{one hole with one right under it}.Under the grommets closest to the edge of the flap you will see this tiny little stich holding the flap to the body of the bag together. ALWAYS look for this tiny little detail!
Stitching
The quilted stitch design was designed by Coco Chanel to resemble the quilted jackets of horse jockeys back then. Look carefully, and notice that all of the stitching always matches up with each other (esp where the back pocket is) There should be at least ten stitches PER inch. Anything under that is simply not authentic.
If you want to get really nitty gritty, look at the bottom of the bag. This applies only to the jumbo- small medium/large of the classic flap is smooth on the bottom in both caviar and lambskin. As for the JUMBO CAVIARS -the bottom should be clean and flat, and there should be a seperation in the right and left partitions of the bottom. 1 perfect diamond consisting of 4 smaller perfect diamonds should be cut directly in half right down the center. *Note*- on jumbo lambskins it is completely smooth on the bottom with no separation partition.
Moving on, the Chanel Cerf Tote is often referred to as the Birkin of Chanel, because it resembles the its tote shape and feel with shorter handles. The bag is meant to have a structured look. Even so, like the Hermes Birkin, the leather gets smooth, soft, and more worn which gives it a less structured look and feel. The best part of the Cerf though, is that it comes with a detachable strap (perfect for shopping days) and a detachable make up pouch.
the bottom of a cerf tote is not flat- it has four rounded feet, the feet should have abs no markings. This bag used to come in just black and beige (take a look at my beige one HERE). Recently, it came out in a mocha color which is very dark, deep and rich! It’s def next on my Chanel wish list!
Serial Numbers
Serial stickers were first introduced in 1984 and continue to be used today. Bags made before this time, don’t have stickers.
6 digit codes-bag was made some time between 1984 and 1986.
7 digit codes- handbag was made between 1986 and 2004.
ANY 8 digit codes means it’s a model, made in 2005, still being made TODAY.
8 digits is the max amount of digits you should see on a Serial Number. Anything over 8 digits is not authentic.
Authenticity Cards
The “card system” was introduced the same time as the serial sticker. There should be absolutely no rainbowy “hologram” type effect. It is made out of plastic and feels just like a credit card.
As you see below, the serial number on the bag, and the number on the authenticity card, ALWAYS match.
It always comes with a small 2×2 creme envelop with info on the bag.
More details about hardware- Every single zipper pull has CHANEL (in all caps) printed on only the top face of the pull. Naturally, the color of its hardware will always match the rest of the bag’s hardware. The straps you see below (which come with every cerf tote) are the same leather- its pebbly caviar feel matches.
If you were to open your tote at the turn lock and take your first peek inside the bag, that serial number will always be at the TOP right hand corner of the bag. ( i pulled it out below so you could get a better look). *NOTE- on the reissues it is aways at the bottom left hand corner.
all flaps have the brand embossed in whatever color the hardware the flap is. It always matches. The jumbo below has SHW which matches the embossment.
On the other side of the turnstyle lock, the backplate should have flat head screws. On the left it should say Chanel, and on the right it should say Paris.
Before February 1955, when Coco Chanel still owned the powerhouse, there was no leather interwoven in the chain. In the 80s when Karl Lagerfeld took over, he added a leather strap interwoven in between the chains. Today we refer to this as the classic flap. If you are looking to purchase one that has no leather interwoven in the strap (with the rectangular turnlock) it is called referred to as the reissue or the 2.55. This bag was also reissued in feb of 2005.
As you probably know, Coco Chanel came from an orphanage, & her caretakers wore chains around their waists which held their keys. That is the meaning behind the chain. In a lot of bags made before 2008 there is no stitching in the leather interwoven in the chain– at all. If there is stitching on the interwoven leather in the chains, it will ONLY be on one side.
A big reason the flap is a timeless classic, is it can be worn in a variety of ways. Below, I am wearing the strap with both chains doubled. When doing so, the jumbo always hits my waistline.
If you open the jumbo (or any Chanel classic flap) you can readjust the strap messenger style (just as pictured below). When I wear it messenger style but just on one shoulder, it hits my bottom.
you can also wear it messenger style, and literally so-! (Not just on the shoulder like pictured with the white jumbo), but on the opposite shoulder, crossing over to your waist- (pictured below)
It can be a bit overwhelming, as there’s a lot of things to look at before making your decision on purchasing pre-owned.
The last thing that I want to firmly say, is that if I were ever to even consider buying preloved, I would not even consider it if it did have the original box, dustbag, and card. These things hold value in the bag+if the person took care of the bag very well with minor wear=it looks new/comes just as you would purchase at Chanel, then I would go for it. Always look at every single detail including the lining. The lining should always be very firm against the bag and not baggy in any way at all.
In conclusion, remember:
-hardware including double C lock, zipper pulls etc
-serial #s / authenticity cards
-the stitching/quality & craftsmanship
CHANEL CARE
Dating back to my very first Chanel purchase, (well, gift I should say) I just knew that I wanted to preserve its lifespan. As women, we are always trying to avoid any kind of premature aging or even turn back the hands of time if there is little damage to our skin, no? I think bags are the same way. You have to take care of them, just like you would take care of your own face. Step by step you can ensure/preserve their life span and youth. Back to my first Chanel. I scoured the internet trying to figure out just what in the world I should use on it. This is what I used, and it’s STILL what I use today. New purchases look shiny, and “older” purchases look just like the day they were bought. I promise you would never know that they were used unless you stared hard at the CC locks (you can see teeny tiny scratches that blend together to look like a sheen).
enter
I use these three items on my bags every single month. After each use, I wipe them down with a damp cloth, and in the summers smudge just a tiny dime size amount of the conditioner over the entire bag. Here is what I do in order:
Go to your local craft store, and find this type of cloth- something that is more “rigid” on one side, and soft soft soft on the other. Buy a piece of it and cut it into many smaller pieces. I use the rigid side for the leather cleaner. Like an exfoliater on your skin, it has more surface texture that can really get into the crevices of caviar leather. On the baby soft & smooth side, I condition the leather.
Step one: For a jumbo, pour a quarter size amount onto the textured side of your piece of cloth. Rub always diagonally, following the quilted stitching. Use your fingers to really get into the stitching- it’s not just the caviar or lambskin that is getting dirty, its the cloth in the stitches that soil fast too.
Let this dry for about 15 mins.
Step 2: Reverse your cloth to the soft side, and apply another quarter size amount of leather conditioner
Step 3:
Now this is the anal part. I put the chain of my jumbo hugging the neck of a hanger. Hold it two feet away from you, and spray a thin sheen to all surfaces of the bag. DON’T forget the inside too, that’s the dirtiest part sometimes!) After I am done, I leave the bag open, and and hang on a closet pole. (of course I remove any clothing or hangers nearby). Let this dry, and then place the bag where you normally store it.
Being the ocd freak i am, I actually rub any access product off of any hardware that it might have touched by using a clean soft side of the cloth.
As for inside care/lining of my bags- I first use a lint roller to pick up any pieces of debris in the bag, then quickly do a once all over swipe with a baby wipe to make sure the wipe picks up anything the lint roller might have missed in the lining.
Take care of these beauties just as you would your own face or body. The step by step process might be tedious, but the results are amazing, and I promise you your bags will ALWAYS look brand new.
I hope I have answered most of your questions but most importantly given some of you some insight about the brand, and what to look for if you want to buy preloved. No matter how you purchase, make sure you are purchasing the bag that is not a trendy color, or what you have seen many others carry, purchase the bag that encompasses YOU. Please feel free to email with any questions that I might have forgotten to cover!
Happy hunting, and shopping!
this is so useful! thanks so much for your detailed review and tips! How do you preserve the structure of your cerf tote? Mine sadly doesn’t stand on its own like yours anymore. sigh.
Hi becks! I should have included that in this post. I display my bags in my closet so I can visually see which one I want to use for each outfit. This works out if you are an ocd person and clean a lot- I bring this up, because I take the dust bags, and stuff them full with tissue paper or plastic grocery bags. Then I tie up the dust bag and use that to stuff the bag. Every single one of my bags, Chanel or not is stuffed to the max to maintain its shape. Try it (all of my totes still have a mucho structure! =) xO!
Great tips!! I only knew about the serial numbers but amazing to know about other aspects!
thanks A! xO!
wow this is so useful..I’m going to refer to this post in the future! I love the double c locks and the stitching. such fine craftsmanship
161cm.com
joanne♥choi
I know… seriously the best craftsmanship ever. xO!
Thank you for this! I know where and what to watch now.
I’ve been lusting for a chanel bag to call my own for ages. Maybe someday 
I’m so jealous of your collection!
Xo,
Natalie
np, thanks beb! xO!
Interesting post especially the origins of the quilted design and the chain.
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
thanks! xo!
Thank you so much for the information! After your quick response to my Cerf tote questions, and many many research on the internet, I finally took the plunge and bought my Cerf this Monday.
Couldn’t be more happy with my purchase – especially now that I know how to take care of it. When I asked the SA at Chanel she told me: just use a cloth once in a while. But after taking one look at your bags I know I will take your word for it instead! I also own a 2.55, which is begging me for some attention.
So again, thank you for your help!
I’m so glad that I could be of help during the whole process, and I know you will be happy with your new cerf! I’ll always be here to answer your questions so please continue to email me as much as you need! xO!!!
Love the Cerf tote! That is something I am thinking of getting
The red jumbo is from 2010 Cruise? I personally think red from Cruise 2010 is the best! I use Meltonian to clean mine, get rid of stain perfectly 
Fab collection and great info
oh WOW~ you have SUCH a great eye!!! I know how you know.. the difference of the double c lock the cruise line that season (less boxy) and that red…oh that red. The perfect fire truck red, not too pink, not to brown, just firetruck red. As soon as I saw the red they were going to come out with, I knew it was the one. I was so dissatisfied with all of the reds in the past seasons (do you remember the 09 red?? I hated that one the most). I didn’t want to buy vintage (though I noticed there was two reds that I desperately wanted), so I felt so lucky when I got this one~I noticed also that the reds in every season aren’t the same! You never know…they just MIGHT bring out this color again……
this is absolutely incredible and fascinating! I thought I know quite a bit about Chanel but this just blew me away. Thank you for taking the time to go through the entire authentication including caring for the bags in such detail. This would’ve taken a lot of work and thought on your part. I’ve bookmarked this page so that I can refer to it again.
awe np thank you! ps, thank you so much for your tweet!
xO!
Great post. I have two chanel bags and care is so important to maintaining their beauty.
xo Ashley
http://www.ashnfashn.com
thanks ashley! xO!
This is awesome, thanks for all the great information. I don’t have any chanel bags (sad face), but I’m hoping to add one to my collection at some point. I’m definitely going to use all of your tips!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
np girl! hope I help you out in the future! xO!
now that is love right there! i definitely won’t be able to afford one any time soon, but i agree it is your money and if you can afford it then you should be able to do whatever the heck you want with it
-Jessica
http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com/
lol, thank you~ xO!
first! loving your chanel. i’ve always wanted a jumbo and the tote, but always ended up getting other pieces! i should probably get the jumbo soon before the price goes up AGAIN!!
now going back to your post…wow!!! now that was a lot of information to absorb! but very very useful!!!! i thought i took care of bags well, but i think you beat me
thanks for taking the time to share this!
xx,
jin
np beautiful~ thank you! xO!
i take care of all my bags too but used cadillac brand leather cleaner (wonder how it compares). i also use my lint roller to pick up debris in my bags
!
thanks for sharing all the tips – a lot of work, i know!
hiiii mama! hehe, you must be ocd too then…huh???! just admit it~! xoxoxo!
This guide will be useful for years for so many readers! A great post, you really made a huge effort! Wow! And I love both the 2,55 and the Cerf… Xoxo Caroline
thank you C! xO!
Awesome post Sooae! I really want the Chloe Paraty, but after reading your post, maybe I’ll spend a little more and get the Jumbo! I have the classic flap, but it so small and with 2 kids and everything I need to carry, I cant carry on a regular basis. Jumbo seems like the way to go…in Vintage Silver!!! drool~~~
Hi Eunyoung! How the heck are you??? Wow, long time, had no idea you followed my website~~ thank you!!!! <3 I DEF recommend to just go for the jumbo. EVERY single year that passes, you won’t regret it!
xoxo!
I Love your blog~~ it’s part of my daily routine…come to work, check out your blog, then do real work!
aweee- that makes me so happy that you enjoy it, mama
When are you coming back to the states!?! xoxoxoxoxoxo
lovely bags!
thanks!! xO
Wow so much useful info. My next Chanel is definitely going to be a red one.
just wait for the RIGHT RED!!! ps, see you soon!!! xO!
i think i’m going to sell my chanel jumbo. i like your red though! not a lot of girls have the red caviar.
nooo…why? Yours looks so perty, didn’t you just get it!? sell it in a few years!
This is fantastic Sooae! I’m booking-marking this post to refer to when I hopefully come to purchase a Chanel bag someday, and I’ll also be sharing this with friends. Great and invaluable information and tips, thank you so much for sharing! You have a lovely Chanel collection, a great investment, sooooo envious!
xxx
awe thanks! I’ll reveal several more in my collection soon.
Glad that I could inform! xO!
You have a wonderful collection! Good tips! Xoxo
http://www.rockandglamour.com.br/
thanks Pati! xO!
Well, hot dang mamma! This is the MOST DETAILED POST I’ve EVER read on Chanel — and I’ve read my share: I am Style-ish, Really Petite, Extra Petite, and Purse Blog. The details on the stitching and bottom and back are things I’ve never read, so bravo for covering them! And your cleaning routine for the bags is (1) thorough because your bags certainly look brand new — now I wonder if I should be cleaning my LV Speedy! And (2) makes me tired! Maybe I don’t want a Chanel now because I’d be too lazy to clean it
. Tks for the post though. I’m definitely PINNING it and adding to my collection of Chanel articles. Ya know, just in case.
awe thanks so much girl! And thanks for the pin too! xoxoxoo!!!
I love this post! Thanks for all the useful info. I never clean my bags properly, and I really should. I just never knew how to. Maybe one day I will splurge and buy a Chanel!
Awe thank you! U def should, it will always be timeless! xO!
Loved it! a luxury
karenklun.tk
thanks Karen! xO!
ok this post is just too cool! i didn’t know so many things.. thanks!
xx
np! xo!
this is brilliant!
i want a chanel bag too!
http://spliffedcookies.blogspot.no/
hope this helped if you have to go preloved route! xo!
Nice post! Chanel bags are so pretty and timeless, I love your white one! And I agree with you, care is just as important as the purchase itself, same for skin; I’d much rather give up my make-up than give up my skin-care.
And I get so sick of people saying “Oh, you’re going to spend all that money on yourself?!”! (As far as I know) YOU worked for it, it’s not like you robbed a bank or somebody just gave it to you. Same for blogging; people say it’s unfair some bloggers get paid but I think it’s just as much a job as, I don’t know, being an accountant or so.
Sorry for my long rant, haha.
xoxo Sootjeelina
lol! i agree !!! xO!
This is such a great post.
blogg♥mfashionfreak
thanks girl! xO!
That was such an interesting post, I really enjoyed reading it! I think to buy authenticate (vintage) desinger/chanel bags can be really difficult, it’s a thing I really am not able to do.. but maybe with the help of this post, I’ll have a closer look next time
xxx Anita
np , hope it helps if you decide to go the preloved route. XO!
wow, this is such a a great and thorough post. I love this and all the tips you provided. Chanel is my dream purse and when I finally buy one I’m definitely coming back and re-visiting this post.
-Christine
http://www.trendenvy.blogspot.com
im glad you found it informative! lmk if you want me to authenticate anything for you
xO!
I’m printing this bad boy out – abs love it!! do more of these plssss *care tutorials with pictures*
Hi!
Your tips are extremely helpful! I recently purchased a Chanel Single Flap Jumbo via eBay and matched up my purchase point by point with your post. The only thing I wasn’t too clear on was this:
The lining should always be very firm against the bag and not baggy in any way at all.
I was wondering if you could show a photo of what you meant by that because in the photo where you pull out the serial number (so we could take a better look at the positioning of the serial number), doesn’t that make the lining looser? So that it isn’t firm against the bag anymore? Or maybe I’m confused about the definition of lining.
Thanks!
The lining should be able to be pulled out but should still feel firm when resting against the bag- it shouldn’t be baggy or loose- more of a structured lining- do you know what i mean? I’m willing to take a photo of a particular area of my bag and show you what I mean. Just let me know your email addy, and what photo you would like me to take. I can always help you authenticate too, if you would like! Always here to help =))) xO
Oh yes!
you are too sweet!
My email is judywgee@gmail.com
If you could take a photo of what the inside lining looks like when you’re looking into the bag I’d really appreciate it!
Thank you for such an informative post. I am about to purchase my first Chanel bag and I am doing my research so that I can make an informed decision, and this was really helpful!
I do have a question though: from my research, I thought the madamoiselle lock refers to the rectangular one on the reissues, not the double C one…?
Hi! I was wondering if you could help me out with finding out if some Chanel clothing I bought is really authentic?? Thank you! Lorna
sure, please email me the photos, always happy to authenticate for you.xo!
Your post has been sooo helpful i have always wanted a chanel, and debate Medium or jumbo! Do you find the jumbo is perfect size to wear longer?? I dont live near a chanel store, do you know any websites that are safe?? When the bag says made in…Is it always in Paris!?
Thanks again for the post , last question where did you get your black shoes, there beautiful?
i forgot to ask……if its a double flap will it be made in italy? and a single in france? im looking to buy one preowned online and im confused alot say Italy and others France soo i get worried and think one is a fake?………….
I am purchasing this bag & it seems to have sign of being authentic but I was hoping you could help me verify with your expertise? Thank you so much
Ebay item#321042754127
I called Chanel in Costa Mesa, CA and they said the serial # listed on the authenticity card the seller provided in the listing belongs to the “lady braid” collection 2008 but this bag does not have any braid details to it?
Hi Dawn! Omgoodness, It has been so crazy around here I haven’t been able update and respond until now. I’m so so sorry that i see that this item has been sold (unless it was to you) I think its def authentic. IF it wasn’t you that won, better luck in the future. Sincerest apologies for not being bale to help in time!!!! If you EVER need any other authentication help, please just email me directly at sooae@thehautecookie.com. Hope you had a merry xmas!!! XO!
Hi – I am eying a chanel bag on ebay. It is a flap bag, but I question its authenticity since it has an internal zipper on the interior of the main flap with a simple leather pull – No chanel branding on it. Does this automatically mean that its fake? Thank you so much for your help!! Amazing site!
HI there…Love the blog and this post was so very helpful for me! I purchased some of my bags at the NM stores, but I am considering saving some money this year by purchasing a “pre-loved” bag, so I wanted to know what to look for in case I end up with a fake purse on my hands :/
My question has nothing to do with bags. I wanted to ask you which is the brand of the white jacket you are wearing with the white jeans. It looks so sexy! Hopefully it is still for sale…It looks like this post is old enough for the jacket to be out of stock..
Thanks!!
it’s a year or two old by now- purchased from zara.They actually bring the same style out every spring. Look for a white tweed with silver zips soon! XO!
I love you so much for writing this incredible post ! You have so much knowledge on the subject, it is quite impressive. I am glad to have stumbled upon this post and would like to know if you could help me out (I have been lucky to be given a vintage Chanel purse, but I am wondering about its authenticity)!
Thank you so much,
Best,
Sarah
Can you please help me? Have a look this bag, is this real? Thank you so much … I wanna get them
sure, always here to help! it’s def authentic. hope u get it! =)
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/clunes/bags/authentic-chanel-cream-caviar-leather-classic-jumbo-bag/1013128538
The website
It’s authentic
Thank you for your help
you know what? I want to share the experience to all the fan of your blog. It happened to me about an hour ago. After I posted you about the web site. I kept contact with the seller about the bag. I asked about where did the seller go the bag from. Anyway,and seller said in America and bought it by herself. I asked for discounted and she said down to $1000 which is too cheap, for me it was too cheap for sale.I even call to Chanel boutique in Us to ask about the authentic card no. But unfortunately, it was Sunday and seems like they are not open. The seller said she got the receipt and everything so, I asked her to send me the receipt’s photo to me the next day still I only got bag, a card, a box and the dust bag photos not receipt. She also said let her know ASAP because there are fews people interested in as well. So, I said ok I will take it. By the time, she didn’t pick up my call only talked by texting and she told me that she forgot her phone somewhere and when she text me then I called her back straight away and still didn’t pick up the phone and replied me that she felt sick and sore throat and she can’t talk. I found that a bit weird in one stage. Anyway, I asked her to pay $500 and when I got the bag I will pay the rest because who knows she might send me a fake bag and when i open the box, I will be absolutely heart attack. I gave her the information about where I work and she can call my boss to make sure that I am the real person and I will pay her for sure. She asked me to pay $750 and refused then she said $600 ….. And an idea popped up. I asked my friend to post a question to ask her about the bag on those website. Badly, she said the bag still available and bought it in Singapore 
by the way, we still have conversation by text on the phone. Lastly, I couldn’t accept it anymore so, I asked her that “So, you bought it in Singapore not in New York aye? She went quiet and didn’t reply me again. Bad people …. Bad bad bad 
I wish my story would be helpful to everyone who wants to get a nice bag. Those people can be very bad one. They might own an authentic one took pictures but send you the fake one or they will never send you anything or get $500 or whatever deposit money that they asking for and disappear!!!! I reckon she just copied those picture from a website and tried to rip off buyers. Hope this helps to All Chanel Lovers oxoxox Cheers
Hi, I just received an authentic Chanel purse as a gift from some of our family friends in China. To be quite honest I would rather keep the money. Where is the best place to get it priced? Or can I send you some pictures of it and maybe you would know?
hello, i’d be sure to look at your photos for authentication purposes. xo
Hi! Thank you for the really great tips! I just bought a classic black maxi (caviar) and I love it:-) its interesting since the sales rep told me that all I needed to do was use some warm water and soap but honestly I prefer to use your recommendations. Also I have noticed a lot of women have bought the jumbo and now I am wondering if I should have considered that size too! Thanks for your advice! XO
both are great sizes, and despite what others think I don’t think they are too large at all. Id def continue to clean with apple care products.. u dont know what is in that soap!!! =O np! xo
This is awesome!
Well, I’m recently checking a pre-owned 2.55 Medium bag and find that the zip detail is different from what you mentioned. Is that because of the diffidence between medium and jumbo or that means the bag is fake?
All other facts are great and match what you provided.
I’ll appreciate if you can help me!
XO-Ashley
yes, of course. send me the photos at sooae@thehautecookie.com. always will help autheticate!
I send you the email, did you receive that?
I just bought a Chanel Bag and i can i have it right here next to me and i was looking at each little detail on my bag as a was scrolling down and it looks perfect (exact) but i still dont know if it is Authentic. I have my doubts but with all of these indicators being exactly the same, i may have found a real one! The only thing that was different was the little envelope, it was black and not cream. Please help
of course i will help u authenticate girl. anytime. send me closer photos. sooae@thehautecookie.com
Hi there, could you please help me if the vintage chanel bag I just bought is authentic? It’s a 1 series. I will link below the site so you could see the pictures from the seller. I noticed the quilted pattern on the side of the bag is not connecting. Thank you.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330873069915?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
the listing is ended/and not viewable anymore.
thanks for the great article! I have a couple of qns that i hope u can help me with.
1) do all chanel bags come with authenticity card? I’ve one grand shopping tote that i bhought in paris last year that didnt come with the a. card
2) i’ve 2 other chanel a. cards that i mixed up, not sure which below to which bag. Is there anyway to telly with the bag? one is a jumno 2.55, would i see any number imprinted/ embossed in the bag itself?
Thanks!
Very informative! Thank you. Quick question, would you use all the apple leather care products on a light, camel colored lambskin flap bag? The leather seems so supple and I am scared it will be easily spotted/damaged.
This was actually very helpful.
Hi there, just wondering whether the zip for the Chanel jumbo 255 is stated ykk?
Hi sooae! I’m so GLAD I found ur blog. I cant afford the retail price of a maxi so im buying preowned. Ive been duped b4 buying a fake!! carried it in a chanel store and was sooo embarassed. If u can help me authenticate this I would really appreciate it. I haven’t had a good experience with the purse forum. I’ve had no reply and this eBay auction is almost over.
-Item desc: Chanel Classic Maxi (lambskin w gold hardware)
-Listing #: 130880786108
-Seller: bagswithstyle90210
-Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/130880786108?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
-Comments: It looks genuine to me but unfortunately does not come with auth card or box. This is probably an irrelevant detail, but I thought the felt cover that comes with chanel bags were black not white as shown in the listing photo? Please help. Thank u for ur time!!
just bought a chanel hand bag flap, in a charty shop for 15.00, was wondering if it was real, could it be before 1985, how would i know if it was real deal.if before they put the tags on them
Hi Cookie, I have a Jumbo single flap exactly like urs n just wondering if urs have the same problem like mine. The back of my bag has a wrinkle caused by opening the bag time after time, as well as the front but not sure how it comes.
none of my jumbos do that. how old is the bag?
Awesome info, so helpful. I am looking at a bag on Ebay that looks totally authentic, my only worry is the picture of the hologram. It is sewn into the bottom corner, the small part is sewn straightly onto the larger piece, but that piece appears to be slightly off center. Hard to tell from pictures of course. You’re thoughts? Thanks
Just realized I should have sent a link. Thanks for your help in advance.
Item number:290904336250
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290904336250
Can someone verify if Chanel makes their leather straps like this instead of having it connected. This strap is for a Chanel caviar medium flap bag bought back in 2000.
Can someone verify if Chanel makes their leather straps like this instead of having it connected. This strap is for a Chanel caviar medium flap bag bought back in 2000.
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5899/chain2g.jpg
I would like to know how to get blue ink out of a whit python skin chanel purse
Hi all! Just letting you know that I think some of the details have changed since this was posted, as I just bought the Jumbo classic flap in caviar form the Harrods boutique in London. The eyelets (or grommets) on the classic flaps aren’t side by side, they’re like the mdeium/large and are sets of two, so it looks like [: :] on the bag. I actually prefer it this way!
Hi, Great write up on care. I recently purchased my first Chanel bag and I’m not sure as to what is the best care to keep it nice for years to come. Do you treat your lamb skin leather the same as you do the other leather bags?
Hi,
I’d like to know if there is a cleaning supply you can recommend to remove the ink mark from the leather by myself, or should I rather take it to the professional bag repair service?
Thanks a lot in advance!
hi i just bought reissue metalic jumbo 2.55 from ebay top seller 100% i noticed that the screws on the plate at back not cc plated chanel flat plate has star shapes screws
i beleive it to be authentic but i was concered about srews all otherparts of bag are or appear to be perfect
can u help