People today are trying to be environmentally conscious as possible due to the climate changes and just the general over polluting over the earth. The green business is booming and most people are trying to do their part in helping save the earth. One of the major ways that can help is both consigning your clothes and buying clothing through consignment. Even big-name celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker shop second-hand for the very reason that it is the environmentally-friendly choice. Even just donating your clothes and repurposing them in anyway is better than throwing them away and letting them sit in a landfill. Consigning clothes is just a good way to repurpose clothes while getting a payday at the same time.
When you buy through consignment, sell to consignment shops, or even donate to thrift stores, you help cut down on energy and costs retailers have to use when we buy clothes brand-new. When we recycle clothing, it means that new clothes don’t have to be bought and then made again, therefore, we don’t have to waste resources on making, transporting, and buying new clothing when there are pre-owned clothes that have already been made and transported that simply just need a new owner.
Clothing is also not the only things that can be recycled. Consignment stores also tend to sell house-hold goods, jewelry, and even furniture. All of which would be better off being recycled rather than sitting out in storage somewhere or even worse sitting in a landfill for the rest of eternity. Recycling these types of items also save on energy and labor costs when buying these items pre-owned rather than brand-new. Even the U.S. Environmental Protection agency recommends that we work with resale shops in order to help recycle any of our unwanted to goods. It goes a lot farther into helping the environment than we may realize.
Consignment shops also surprisingly help cut down on agricultural pollution. One major way is by cutting down on cotton production. When we buy less brand-new clothing that is made with cotton, which is most clothing by the way, it cuts down on the amount of cotton we have to grow. This also cuts down on the water used to grow the cotton. This is important because about 60% of water is wasted when growing cotton. Pesticides are also used in the process which contribute to air pollution. Needless to say, cotton is certainly not the most environmentally friendly crop to produce, which makes recycling the clothes made with cotton that much more important.
A lot of people tend to turn to online consignment and just buying second hand in general as a boycott to the textile industries terrible working conditions. Textile industries often treat their workers terribly with long hours, low wages, and provide an over-crowded and often dangerous work environment. Every time you buy that sweater from Old Navy or pair of booties from Saks Fifth Avenue, you’re supporting the textile industry and how they treat their employees. Working conditions in China are so bad that the companies often have to put up suicide nets, and how these working conditions are legal, even in China, is beyond anyone.
Now of course we all find ourselves shopping at main stream stores to buy very specific items, but it is a good idea to get what you can from online consignment stores or really any second-hand boutiques. Sarah Jessica Parker says she tries to buy everything second-hand, but she has a hard time finding pants and jeans that she likes and that fits her well, so buying some things brand-new is understandable. Although, if Sarah Jessica Parker can style pre-owned clothing, anyone can. And since consignment stores pay their clients for the clothes they donate, their clothes tend to be in great condition most of the time. So, while you are helping the environment and not supporting big corporation greed, you still get quality clothing that is typically still relevant and in fashion.
There are two types of payments when you consign your clothing to consignment shops. There is the standard payment upon dropping off your items, but there are some stores that won’t pat you until your items have been sold. This means that there is a chance you won’t get paid if your clothes do not sell, but you will still help benefit the environment by recycling your clothes. If you don’t like the second option, there are plenty of consignment shops, brick-and-mortar and online, that will pay you upon dropping off or sending in the items.
Online luxury consignment has become the smarter way to shop for luxury goods, but it has become obvious that consignment in general is just a good thing to do. Buying clothing, jewelry, and even furniture cuts down on waste significantly. This is so important since we are such a wasteful generation. Wasted energy and resources mean the Earth becomes that much more polluted and global warming gets that much worse. As human beings, who owe our lives to Earth being healthy, and we have to do our parts in making sure it stays that way. There are a million little things everyone can do to help the earth, but buying second hand and through consignment can make a much bigger difference than we could ever imagine.
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One of the biggest fears that most people face when purchasing luxury consignment items is purchasing something that isn’t truly authentic. Although it is smart to shop with a retailer that guarantees authenticity, it is still smart to be aware of the signs of a counterfeit, especially if you haven’t found a retailer that you trust yet. Until then, it is always smart to keep your eyes open for a knock-off just in case. Trust is something to be earned, especially when you are looking to spend around $1,000 or more of your own hard-earned money.
The best way to authenticate a Louis Vuitton bag is to look at their date code. A date code is something that only Louis Vuitton does. It does not matter what bag you buy, there will always be a date code. Educating yourself on what these codes mean can sometimes help you tell the difference between a real and fake Louis Vuitton bags. Each date code consists of two letters followed by four numbers. The letters indicate where the bag was made and the numbers indicate the date that it was produced. One should not just authenticate a bag by the date code alone, but it can certainly tell you if it is a counterfeit right away.
When reading the numbers of a date code on a Louis Vuitton bag, the first number and the third number represent the week it was made and the second number and the fourth number represent what year it was made. If the date code is SD2145, then it was made on the 24th week of 2015, but if the date code is SD3451, then it can’t be a real bag because the date code would suggest that it was made in the 35th week of 2041, which isn’t possible because the year obviously hasn’t happened yet.
Louis Vuitton bags are also very specific with the monogrammed logo that appear on many of their bags. The ‘LV’ on their bags have the V slightly above the L. There are also some bags, such as the Speedy Bag and the Keepball Bag that have an upside-down LV on one side of the bag. Making sure that the signature LV is just as it should be can help make sure that you are buying authentic products.
It is also a good idea to stay educated on any product that you are looking to buy in general to make sure everything is how it should be. For instance, the Capucines Bags never comes with the signature Louis Vuitton canvas pattern since is it supposed to be a more simplistic bag, and Speedy bags will never have feet like the alma bag. It is small things that can expose a fake Louis Vuitton bag for what it really is.
When looking at the overall make and quality of any Louis Vuitton bag can also help you figure out the authenticity of it. For any luxury bag, the craftsmanship will be very neat and clean. While people who make counterfeit bags are getting better and better at making these bags look good, a lot of times they aren’t going to spend too much time on the bag like someone would on the real thing. It is very common for counterfeit bags will have messy stitching, which can be a huge giveaway that a bag is fake. Always take the time to inspect the stitching on each bag to make sure that it is clean and consistent.
Stitching is not the only area that most counterfeiters won’t spend too much time and money on. Counterfeiters will almost never use the quality materials that Louis Vuitton uses to make the decorative hardware of their bags. The decorative locks and zippers that are on Louis Vuitton’s bags will be made with real gold brass hardware. Counterfeits won’t have quality metals and therefore they will fade and discolor over time. Some counterfeit hardware will just be plastic with gold or silver coloring over it.
Counterfeiters also tend to get lazy with the brand stamping on the bag, probably because they think buyers won’t pay attention to it. Louis Vuitton bags should have crisp and clean heat stamps. You can easily search the internet for real versus fake heat stamps to get an idea of what to look for when trying to authenticate a heat stamp and authenticate the bag overall.
Like brand stamping, stitching, and/or hardware, dust bags are yet another aspect of these fake bags that usually won’t look as they should if it were a real Louis Vuitton bag. One may not think that a dust bag can determine whether a bag is fake or not, but often times it can be the biggest indicator that a luxury bag is a sloppy knock-off.
The look of a Louis Vuitton dust bag can differ depending on what bag you may purchase and when that bag was made. So like heat stamping, the best thing you can do is to do your research and make sure that the dust bag you receive matches a real one. Getting a visual of what the real thing should look like will help you more than anything when spotting a fake Louis Vuitton.
More than anything else, you should always trust your instinct. If something feels off, then most likely it is. As mentioned previously, there are many consignment stores, both online and brick-in-mortar, that guarantee authenticity, but it’s still good to know for yourself what makes a bag real or fake. Once you find a trusted retailer that has given you their trust, then stick with that retailer if at all possible.
If you don’t completely trust your judgement, then you can always use a professional to help you out. Personally, I don’t think that hiring someone to help you out is necessary. I have come to learn that people making and selling these bags are not very smart and again pretty lazy, so it isn’t always too hard to spot a fake bag. If you just take the time to teach yourself the facts and use common sense then you should be good to go when shopping for your luxury goods.
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Gucci
Gucci has become more popular than ever before due to its popularity amongst millennials and even Generation Z teens. Gucci is also the most searched for luxury brand according to statistics from Luxe Digital. Within the first three months of 2018, Gucci’s sales shot up a solid 48.7%. Gucci has become a staple brand for many influencers from people like Jeffree Star to the Kardashians, which definitely plays a big part in the appeal of Gucci to younger people. The most popular Gucci product as of recently is their double G logo belt that everyone seems to be wearing. It is one of the top selling luxury products of 2018.
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is one of the most valuable brands of 2018. With an estimated worth of 41-million-dollars, Louis Vuitton has become a very sought-after brand. Not only does Louis Vuitton lead in sales compared to its competitors, but Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull bag, specifically pre-owned, is one of the most popular, if not the most popular luxury item sold in 2018. This bag specifically also probably contributes to their high number of sales. Another big contributor to the brands popularity for this year was their collaboration with the Supreme brand that helped reach a younger audience for Louis Vuitton.
Hermes
Behind Louis Vuitton, Hermes is the second most valuable brand of 2018 with a worth of 28-million US Dollars. While Hermes is one of the most exclusive luxury brands that only a few can actually afford, it is without a doubt a status symbol that people will get their hands on if at all possible. Public interest of the Hermes brand also shows in their online statistics. They are the 4th most searched brand on the internet and the fact that Hermes just came out with a new online store also doesn’t hurt their online presence and their overall sales either.
Versace
Versace has had more growth than any other brand in the luxury fashion industry over the past few years. The reason for such fast growth in such a short amount of time is because of the hit crime show, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” Another major contribution to Versace’s rising popularity in 2018 is the amazing Met Gala looks created by the Versace brand that was a huge hit on the red carpet. Some of these looks wore worn by big name celebrities such as Blake Lively, Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, and Gigi Hadid which inevitably caught the eye of their huge fan base.
Givenchy
Everyone loves a good royal wedding, and the one to watch in 2018 was the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. The dress worn by Megan Markle was a custom Givenchy creation, bringing much attention, popularity, and even honor to the Givenchy name. All eyes watching the royal wedding got to see this amazing Givenchy creation and gave the brand much credibility for the future. This also gives much reason as to why the Givenchy brand is a favorite of 2018.
Fendi
Fendi has risen in popularity very quickly this year compared to other luxury brands. The fast rise in popularity can be attributed to big names like Kylie Jenner, Nicki Minaj, and of course the infamous Kim Kardashian wearing their clothing. Kylie Jenner posted an iconic photo of her and her new born daughter, Stormi, strutting an iconic Fendi outfit. Kim Kardashian was also the face of Fendi’s #MeandMyPeekaBoo campaign with her daughter North West and her mother Kris Jenner. Fendi’s rise in sales soon followed these iconic moments and Fendi quickly jumped from being the number 17 top luxury brand to being one of the world’s top ten favorite brands in 2018.
Chanel
Chanel is almost always a top ten brand world-wide, but for 2018, behind Gucci, Chanel is the second most popular online luxury brand. You can always count on the fact that the Chanel brand will have high sales period because of the quality and classic products that everybody of every age seems to want to get their hands on. Behind Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Gucci, Chanel is the fourth most valuable brand of 2018 with an estimated worth of 10 million US Dollars. It’s easy to see why Chanel manages to always stay on top. It is a classic luxury brand that offers both practicality and style. People also tend to love the history behind the Chanel brand as well and know they are buying something with meaning behind it.
Christian Dior
The Christian Dior brand has become very popular in the past year, not just for their amazing clothing and accessories, but mostly for their premium beauty products. The Christian Dior Brand is most popular amongst their online audience being the 7th most popular online luxury brand, which also makes Dior a very social media friendly brand.
Cartier
Cartier is yet another brand that has become popular amongst the younger generation and also another brand that has become popular because big-name celebrities. People like Kourtney Kardashian, James Charles, and Nikki Tutorials all own, if not multiple Cartier bracelets, and now everyone wants one. So many people are seeking after their own beautiful Cartier item that when one is made it is usually sold within a few days. Cartier is known for not having their bracelets stay on the shelf for very long. As of 2018, Cartier is the 7th most valuable luxury goods company with an estimated value of 7 million US Dollars.
Yves Saint Laurent
With an estimated worth of 3 million US dollars, Yves Saint Laurent is the 10th most valuable luxury goods company of 2018, just barely making the top 10. Saint Laurent is also the 14th most popular online luxury brand. People seem to mostly be in love with their cross-body bags and knee-high boots. This is yet another brand the Kardashian-Jenner clan loves and as a result we all love. Not necessarily just because they’re wearing the brand, but they introduced the brand in an iconic way and the people loved it. No matter how to brand reached such a high popularity in 2018, people are wearing the brand more than ever and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
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Chanel was able to successfully make clothing that was appealing to women, because she was the first woman to make clothing for women all over the world; she created fashion that had never been made or seen before. Some of her creations changed the course of fashion history and helped Chanel become the legend that she is today. These are creations that will probably never go out of fashion and will continuously be worn and enjoyed by future generations.
Worn by many iconic people, the Chanel 2.55 is a cult creation by Coco Chanel herself. It is called the 2.55 bag since it was released on the date of February of 1955. While at the time women had not yet worn cross body bags and were a bit hesitant to take it on, they eventually adopted it into their everyday looks and after that, the rest is history. For those of you who live for your functional and stylish cross-body bags, you can thank Coco Chanel for implementing it into women’s everyday fashion.
Created several years after the debut of the 2.55 bag, the Boy Bag was introduced to the world in 1983. Some may say that the boy bag is a more modern version of the 2.55 bag. While the flap bag is more historically known, the Boy Bag is the most popular and sought-after Chanel bag as of today. Even though it has not been around as long as some of other Chanel creations, it pretty much became an instant Chanel classic. The inspiration for this bag was not only Chanel’s tom-boyish style, but her late lover “Boy Capel” who helped her in her career.
Created in 1922, the classic Chanel No. 5 perfume was Coco Chanel’s first ever perfume and was also the most expensive perfume in the world at the time. It is so popular that even those who aren’t familiar with the Chanel brand or really fashion in general know what the Chanel No 5 Perfume is. It is referenced in multiple movies and television shows, including Gossip Girl, where it was the only scent that Blair Waldorf would wear since no other fragrance lived up to her standards. Back when the perfume was first created, it was famously worn by the infamous Marilyn Monroe, which heightened its popularity that much more. As of 2016, it is still the best-selling perfume in the world.
The creation of the little black dress in everyday wear was an iconic moment in fashion history. At the time, women only wore black dresses to funerals and when mourning, so it was seen as taboo to wear it for any other occasion. Of course, this did not stop Chanel from creating her iconic little black dress. Being both affordable, cute, and luxurious, vogue magazine claimed this dress to be a “uniform of women with taste,” which solidified the acceptance of black dresses in the fashion world and launched Chanel’s little black dress into the popular classic piece that it is today.
The Two-Toned shoes were first introduced in 1957, and once it had been seen worn by multiple celebrities of the time, they became instantly and exceedingly popular. Like most of Chanel’s popular creations, it became a classic for breaking the rules of fashion. Women at this time wore shoes that matched the color of whatever they were wearing, but since these shoes were two-toned, that didn’t happen, yet somehow it worked anyways. The shoes came in both heels and flats, so they could really be worn with any kind of outfit. Women loved the design and also were able to get great use out of them.
If you have any faux pearls or diamonds, or any faux gemstones at all, you can thank Coco Chanel for making it mainstream and acceptable to wear. Chanel was very well-known for wearing a neck-full of faux pearls. Her reason for normalizing this was so that everyone could accessorize and be more creative with their outfits, including the majority of those who could not afford real gems. Chanel said that if gems were more affordable, then more women could accessorize rather than just wear plain outfits.
In 1924, the House of Chanel started using tweed in the creations of her jackets. Chanel got this idea from wearing her boyfriend at the time’s jacket that was made from tweed. Chanel was very often influenced by menswear and is known for putting a feminine, tomboy twist on their clothing, and this case was no different. Chanel found that this tweed jacket of her boyfriends was very comfortable and inevitably became inspired by it. Now this classic jacket exudes sophistication by anyone who wears the jacket or really anything similar to it. It is the definition of luxury, chic style that has stood the test of time.
Designing pants and trousers for women was yet another historical creation in fashion. It was also yet another fashion creation by Coco Chanel that was influenced from men’s fashion. Chanel’s fearlessness when it came to fashion was the reason that everyday women felt like they could be fearless as well and it is also a huge reason why fashion is the way that it is today. Her yachting pants especially influence everyday fashion trends. It was without a doubt the beginning of women’s fashion becoming both stylish and comfortable at the same time.
The Breton top is famous for changing women’s casual wear forever. Coco Chanel was inspired to make the Breton top after sailing the French coast and seeing the stripes on the suites of sailors. She then immediately implemented these striped into her 1917 collection and has made an appearance in women’s fashion ever since. Today, having a basic striped shirt is a staple piece for most people’s wardrobe. It is simple, chic, and goes with a lot of different casual looks.
]]>In 1955 at the age of 70, Coco Chanel released her first quilted Chanel flap bag, also known as the 2.55 bag. It was called the 2.55 bag because it was released on that date, February 1955. Besides the boy bag, the 2.55 Flap bag is Chanel's most famous product and one of the most iconic fashion pieces throughout fashion history. Most people consider it one of the most important accessories created in fashion. Since the creation of this bag, many iconic women have been seen wearing this bag. From Jackie Kennedy to Princess Diana, the flap bag has almost always been an iconic fashion staple. Some even say that this purse will elevate anything you are wearing and show that you are someone who has taste.
Chanel's flap bag is probably most notably known for being one of her first shoulder bags designed not only by Chanel herself but one of the first shoulder bags designed for women ever. It was a redesign of a previously made handbag because Coco said that she was tired of carrying the purse around in her hand and losing it, thus the shoulder strap for the 2.55 Flap Bag was created. It was the first time in history that it was acceptable for women to wear bags on their shoulders. Before then, women only carried handbags.
Many different aspects influenced the design of the original flap bag. Some people believe that these straps were influenced by one of two things: the bridles and harnesses of horses or from the belts that the nuns wore in the orphanage that Coco Chanel lived after her mother died. The original burgundy lining of the bag was said to come from the school uniforms that she wore at the orphanage.
When the bag was initially created, it did not feature the double C logo that we all know and love today. The double C did not appear until the 80's, well after Coco Chanel's death. Like the Chanel logo, leather woven straps came later on as well. The first Chanel bags designs were all made with all chain straps. Coco incorporated the leather straps into her designs when she found herself running short on resources for her bags. This is when the leather woven chain strap was born. Now, only classic flap bags only use leather woven chain straps, as opposed to the modern flap bags which are all chain straps.
Another aspect of the purse that had a specific purpose, besides the strap, was the zipper compartment on the flap of the purse, which was designed to hide love letters. This was more than likely inspired by the affair Coco Chanel was going through at the time. The outside envelope of the purse was simply made for Chanel or anyone else wearing the bag to store cash. The outside pattern of the bags is not a coincidence either. It came from different inspirations such as the pattern she saw on the coats of horse-riding jockeys and also just from the pillows of her apartment. It is safe to say that Coco Chanel put much thought into each little aspect of the design of the purse. The flap bag fits perfectly into Chanel's original mission for fashion, stylish, yet practical.
When this logo-less, all chain-strap bag was first debuted, it only cost $220. To be fair, that was a lot of money at the time. Now, due to massive inflation, these bags sell for as much anywhere from $3000 - $6,000. This may seem high for a bag, but Chanel bags are a good investment when buying high-end bags. Flap bags especially hold their value very well and can resale for as much if not more than the original price of the bag. This bag comes in many sizes, from the mini bag all the way to jumbo. Of course, the bigger the size means, the higher the price tag, but once again, most people would agree that it is worth it.
Not only has the Chanel bag proven to stand the test of time and become an ultimate classic, but so has the brand of Chanel overall. It is safe to say that it will not go out of style anytime soon. Anyone who loves fashion probably dreams of owning their very own Chanel 2.55 flap bag one day. It may seem like a big price tag, but again they are almost guaranteed never to lose their value, so if for whatever reason you need to sell it, you will probably get most, if not all of your money back.
The Chanel bag has become classic accessories over many generations for a reason. Not only is it just practical, but it goes with any outfit, and as stated previously, it really can make anything you're wearing look that much better. The bag exudes class and sophistication. If you are ever able to wear a Chanel flap bag even once, you can consider yourself lucky, because most people only get to dream of styling such an iconic piece of fashion.
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Most big-name celebrities would never be seen in something that is not made by a big-name brand. Meanwhile, there are other down to earth celebrities that know shopping consignment and secondhand is not only fun, but the only way to find unique clothing that they probably wouldn't find anywhere else. There are also some celebrities that shop secondhand because that is the only thing that they could afford before fame. Some people may turn their nose at it for whatever reason, but these celebrities know that secondhand is the way to go.
Macklemore
This may not come as much of a surprise considering Macklemore us most notably known for his hit song "Thrift shop." But even after his fame, buying second-hand is something that Macklemore still loves to do. Macklemore says that it was something that he resonates with from when he was just a young kid, which is probably the main reason he wrote the hit song in the first place.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts in one of the main A-list celebrities who has been spotted shopping at consignment stores. She and her children are both eco-friendly in that they all sometimes wear gently used clothing from consignment and thrift shops. Roberts is even one of the few celebrities seen wearing second-hand dresses on the red carpet, specifically for a unique look that she had been looking for.
Anne Hathaway
Most of us can agree that Anne Hathaway is a style icon. She especially loves vintage clothing and with the help of her stylist, wore exclusively vintage clothing on her colossal press tour. During this tour, she stopped by Good Morning America and styled a vintage dress only costing $15. Shopping second-hand has not only allowed Hathaway not only to be eco-friendly but style some very unique yet stylish looks on the red carpet.
Shailene Woodley
Unlike Hathaway, Shailene Woodley is usually seen wearing couture looks on the red carpet, but that doesn't mean that her everyday looks have to just as sophisticated. In her free time, she likes rocking second-hand looks. She said in an ASOS interview that she loves finding baggy jeans that you can only find in thrift shops because she finds them very comfortable.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Smith has been photographed thrift shopping in her spare time. She especially loves consignment shopping with her daughter Willow Smith in order to find unique style options. Jada and Willow both have a creative sense of fashion and it makes sense that second-hand stores offer the best options for creating individuality with their style.,
Sarah Jessica Parker
We all know Sarah Jessica Parker best from Sex and the City, but like everyone else on the list, she had a life before fame. Like Macklemore, thrift shopping and consignment shopping is something that resonates with her from her childhood, yet something that she still loves doing to this day. She credits her mother for her sense of style that she has today. Before her fame, she says that she just shopped where she could afford, today she dresses herself and her son in gently used second-hand clothing mostly to help protest the horrible labor conditions in the fashion making industry.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore is the queen of Hollywood, but very down to earth at the same time and knows that she isn't too good to wear secondhand clothing. In 2010, Barrymore wore a $25 thrift shop dress on the red carpet, which inevitably became an iconic look. No matter what Barrymore wears, she always looks great with her fantastic sense of style.
Gwen Stefani
Like Sarah Jessica Parker, a lot of Gwen Stefani's fashion sense came from before her fame, and a lot of that came from her shopping secondhand. Stefani would find the unique finds that consignment and thrift shops often have and she would alter them to make them exactly how she wanted them. She has certainly come a long way since then with multiple fashion lines and not to mention her infamous singing career.
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel is another star who started out with not very much money in her childhood. She shopped at thrift shops specifically because that was the only way she could afford to buy cute clothes and fill up her closet the way she wanted to. She told InStyle that the limitations she faced helped her have a more creative sense of fashion.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross' mother, Diana Ross, taught her many life lessons, including shopping and financial lessons. Ellis Ross admits to Instyle that she was never really a big shopper, but she did learn from her mother that it is important to get longevity out of your money. Ross also mentions that she can feel extraordinary in their clothes without having to spend a lot of money in the process.
Debbie Harry
Singer and songwriter Debbie Harry is also a celebrity who shopped at thrift and consignment shops when she was a child and quoted that she "just couldn't shake the habit." She says that now she loves shopping at secondhand stores to find unique clothes that no one else has and that it is something that is a thrill for her.
Overall, there are many benefits to shopping in secondhand stores. It is environmentally friendly, it saves money, and again offers unique options to choose from. It is always a good idea to consider shopping secondhand for gently used items, so never think you are too good to do so, because if these A-list celebrities know that it's the best way to go, then you should as well. Especially if you love being creative with how you dress and finding clothes at the best possible price. The consignment market is growing fast for a reason. People are begging to realize that shopping at consignment shops and thrift stores is the smarter way to shop.
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The Second-hand luxury market specifically helps those who would not typically buy luxury products the opportunity to own iconic brands. It is also a smart business move for those who are consigning their luxury brand products. The main people consigning their luxury products are the super wealthy, a.k.a. the top 1%. Instead of just throwing out their old clothes and accessories, they consign these items. While the already wealthy get a payday, it gives us who are not in the top 1% a chance to shop in their closets. A lot of the super-rich only wear each clothing item one time. When we as buyers purchase these clothes that are still practically brands new, we are able to put them to better use and actually wear them more than one time.
When shopping online, you can not only take your time, but you are saving time. Online second-hand stores are definitely a new thing in the recent years. We all love finding our treasure when buying consignment items, but now we have the luxury of not having to set aside a day to do it, and we also don't have to fight the dreaded crowds either. Time is money, and buying through consignment is all about saving money.
While consignment itself started out as just a brick-and-mortar business, the internet is the main reason for the growth of luxury consignment. The internet provides us with many more options to shop for at one time. Not only are we given more items to choose from at one time, but there isn't any pressure to buy anything right away. You can take your time to carefully chose what you may be looking for. We all love online shopping because everything is organized in front of us and we can filter out anything we don't want. We are now able to do the same thing when buying second-hand thanks to the online stores.
Not only does online consignment provide more options at one time, but consignment, in general, provides more unique options when shopping for luxury brands. More people are starting to realize this. Especially those who are collectors of certain brands. Consignment stores can have products that are no longer sold or rare items that are just hard to find in general. More people are appreciating high-end brands and even more so are starting to recognize the products that are rarer than others.
Of course, you are going to save more money on some items rather than others. These are collector's items that you can find at consignment shops are still going to cost a good bit of money. Since they are rare, they are going to keep their value over time. Hermes bags and Chanel flap bags are especially great at keeping value over time because they are both collector's items. Hermes is also a rare bag because very few are made every year. People still tend to buy these items through consignment because they are so expensive, to begin with, and people are often looking to get them at a discount whatever that may be. These high-quality products have great sustainability and buying them second-hand means they still get an amazing product without having to pay the full price for it.
While there are a lot of brands that will try and take their products away from these stores simply to burn them just so they aren't worn by the "wrong people" there are plenty of people who can still get their hands on these brands products before they are taken away and burned for the worst reasons. When these brands burn their products, it is not only wasteful but terrible for the environment in general. So, when we can get our hands on these products, it not only benefits us as the buyer who loves fashion, but it benefits the environment as a whole. People are slowly but surely starting to realize these benefits of buying second-hand and again that it is a win-win for everyone involved.
In the past, there was a lot of people who would turn their nose up ay buying used items through both thrift stores and consignment shops. Now it is becoming the new normal way of shopping and inevitably becoming the new smart way to shop. Most consignment shops require that the items they buy from consigners be in very good condition, so when you are shopping second-hand, you know that you are getting a good product for an even better price. Every time you buy from a consignment shop or sell to them, you are also contributing to a business that has many benefits. Next time you are looking for a designer bag or luxury clothing, consider consignment. There is nothing to lose once you can find a trusted retailer to sell you good quality products.
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When reselling luxury items, there are some things to keep in mind in order to get the most money and just also to know what to expect. The first step is to research whatever item you are thinking about selling. You want to know how much the item or items like it are being sold for. You specifically want to have an idea of how much the bag is worth in used condition. Doing your research is important, so you make sure that you are getting a fair amount of money for what you are consigning. Knowledge is power, and there are plenty of people who would love to take advantage of you if you give them a chance.
Always go into a consignment negotiation with confidence. The biggest thing to remember is never to undersell yourself. Don't worry if you are going to hurt someone's feelings or not. Of course, you don't want to insult someone and make them walk away altogether, but don't let them insult you as the seller either. Consignment is just business, and you shouldn't be intimidated and let your feelings get in the way of getting what you deserve. If you are confident in what an item is worth, go with it and trust your gut. If you feel that you are not getting what you think the item is worth, you have every right to walk away and find someone who will work with you.
A big factor in determining how much you will receive for an item is current trends. There are always those classic items like a Chanel flap bags or Hermes Birkin bags that will never go out of style, but most items will eventually go out of style at some point and slowly lose its value. Some places may not even buy an item from customers if it is not on trend or just more than a few years old. If you are not entirely sure right off hand, then it is good to continue to do your research. Google will forever be your best friend.
If even after doing your research you are still not confident in your consigning abilities, you always have the option to use a consignment expert. Utilizing a consignment expert will almost guarantee that you get more for anything that you want to resell. This is especially a good idea with your luxury brand items since you probably spent a good bit of your hard-earned money on them, so you want to make sure that you get as much money back as possible.
If you do not use a consignment expert, one way that can help you get more money at the end of the transaction is to make sure everything is clean and looking its best. Taking the time to get any stains out can be the difference in how much you earn from the item. You want to show anyone who is interested in buying your items that it was taken care of and they are purchasing a quality item from a responsible owner.
At the end of the day, one of the best things you can do is once you find a trusted retailer to consign your old clothes and other products, stick with that retailer. It can be hard to find someone that you trust right away, so once you find that person/place, it's smart to not stray away from them. Old clothes you no longer wear is just money in your closet waiting to be made, and you want to find someone who will give you a fair price every time you decide to clean out your closet.
More and more people are looking to buy luxury items through consignment. The internet being the main reason for this. When shopping online, you can find a lot more options that you would if you were to walk into one or two consignment shops while also saving money on these items. That being said, consignment shops are looking to buy luxury items more than ever. If you have old Louis Vuitton bags or Michael Kors dresses that you don't wear anymore, there are plenty of consignment shops, in-store and online, that are just waiting to give you money for them. Keep all of these tips in mind, and you can find yourself having a good payday.
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Louis Vuitton Malletier was born on August 4th, 1821. He came from a long line of working class people. He was only 10 years old when his mother died, and his father soon followed. Not too many years after his parents’ death, Vuitton decided to leave home at the ripe old age of 13. He was headed for Paris and would travel from Anchay, France completely by foot. It was a long 283-mile journey. Along the way, he took odd jobs in order to survive. It took over two years, but at the age of 16, Vuitton made it to Paris.
Once Vuitton finally made it to Paris, he began an apprenticeship with Monsieur Marechal as a trunk maker. At the time, this was a very respectable job. The main mode of transportation at the time was horse-drawn carriages, boats, and trains, which could prove to be rough to one’s luggage. People who were taveling often looked to craftsman to pack and protect their objects.
Most trunks made at this time had rounded tops. This design was to help water roll off of the top, but it made them impossible to stack them and took up much unnecessary space. Louis Vuitton started making unique trunks that was light-weight with flat tops instead of round tops so that people could stack them. Vuitton got the idea from HJ Cave Osilite, who made his trunks with flat tops as well. This made traveling a lot more practical and just easier overall.
After much success as a trunk maker for 17 years, Vuitton decided to open up his own trunk shop in Paris. Vuitton’s trunks proved to be very popular and he eventually had to find a way to keep up with demand, so Vuitton opened up workshops and even a factory outside of Paris in the French countryside. This helped keep up with the demand of his trunks that were wanted from people all over the world.
One of Louis Vuitton’s most famous and unique products was the trunk bed. The purpose of the trunk-bed was so people could sleep while they were on a safari. It was also used by military officers during exploratory adventures. The bed-trunk was most famously used in by French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza in three of his exploratory missions. On his last mission, he had two of these trunk-beds adapted to exactly his size.
When Louis Vuitton passed away in 1892, his son Georges Vuitton took control of the company. He was set on a mission to make Louis Vuitton a world-wide company. He visited many cities in America trying to sell Louis Vuitton’s products to American companies. Gaston Louis Vuitton, his son also took part in the company in 1897. The brand continued to expand creating new bags and even launching three perfumes.
It is important to note that During World War II, like Coco Chanel, the Vuitton Family was accused of aiding the Nazi’s during German occupation over France. The Vuitton family used this opportunity to increase their wealth in exchange for business affairs with the German government. Unlike Coco Chanel, the Vuitton family didn’t suffer much backlash from their Nazi affairs, maybe because they have done such a good job covering it up in the past. Though in recent years, their Nazi collaboration has seemed to catch up with the company. In 2004, a spokesman referred to this as “ancient history” and claims to be a very “diverse” and tolerant company.
In 1945, right after world war II and France once again gained control of their country, the Louis
Vuitton company started to incorporate leather into their luggage and began producing other products such as hand bags and wallets. While the brand was becoming wildly popular, the company was facing major issue of people trying to copy to companies work. Georges Vuitton came up with a solution and created the companies iconic canvas monogram so no other brand at the time could try and copy their work. This is the pattern that we all know to be on a lot of Louis Vuitton products today that makes it instantly recognizable.
Since the very beginning of the Louis Vuitton company, it has mad massive strides. Today, the company has an estimated worth of 19 billion dollars. It went from being just a trunk shop in Paris to being one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands that sells not only trunks, but wallets, purses, clothing, and much more. It is also safe to say that Louis Vuitton is in no danger of going out of style any time soon. While a lot of us may think of their expensive designer handbags when we think of Louis Vuitton, keep in mind that they are actually known for their luggage. So, next time you think of buying new luggage, maybe the historical Louis Vuitton luggage is a good way to go
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There were some classics that we all love and a few comebacks from decades ago that we would never imagine return from the grave. Nonetheless, all of the top designers have determined the trends for Spring 2019 and whether we like them or not, we will certainly see others taking on these styles.
Raincoats
Most of us never really thought that raincoats were out of fashion, but designers like Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs brought back the basic long trench-coat rain jackets. The trend of raincoats also incorporated other trends with colors and patterns such as Lilac and the bright yellow we have seen everywhere during New York Fashion Week. If you live in a place where it rains a lot, this is your season for fashion.
Lilac and Lavender
Lilac and Lavender seemed to be a recurring color in many of the designs shown on the runway. It was especially noticeable in Rodarte’s return to New York Fashion Week in the beautiful and feminine head pieces and dresses. Lilac was also present in some of Gabriela Hearst’s Designs as well as Kate Spade’s. If you are looking to expand your closet and keep up with the trends, then looking for lilac colored clothes is a good way to go.
Yellow/gold
Lilac and Lavender was certainly a trend on this seasons runway, but the color yellow certainly stole the show. Yellow seemed to be the theme for Spring/summer 2019. It would make sense that rain coats and yellow would go well together, but this color was present in many more ways. Karen Walker incorporated it into her pants, jumpsuits, and coats. Other designers that used this color for their designs is Brandon Walker, Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Escada, and many others. While yellow has been a trend during NYFW in the past, it was certainly the theme for this seasons designs.
Tie-dye
Like bucket hats, we thought tie-dye was left way in the past. Typically, we only see tie-dye casually in T-shirts we got from a school event, but top fashion designers have decided that 2019 needed something fun and fresh. Nothing was off limits to being tie-dyed. The runway included tie-dyed dresses, jackets, and even socks. While a lot of us may be opposed to this new trend, maybe a 70’s comeback is just what we need to add some fun to our closets.
Cargo pants
Cargo pants may also be a trend that some people are opposed to at first. Nonetheless, women have already been wearing cargo pants in multiple street styles and now designers have determined that cargo pants will officially make a comeback in 2019. While it may take some time for us to get comfortable with this trend and maybe even longer to implement it into our own style, cargo pants are officially a trend for this upcoming spring.
Slip-dress Netting
Netted Slip-dresses made an appearance on the runways this year over dresses, bodysuits and even under hoodies. These dresses are the perfect staple for layering clothes this spring and summer time. While it isn’t necessarily a casual piece, it can be worn with more unique outfits. Whether or not you decide to take on this trend, just know that big A-list celebrities most likely will if they haven’t already.
Bucket hats
Like cargo pants, this one may come as a surprise. Most of us thought that we left bucket hats in the 90’s with jelly bracelets and crimped hair. Nonetheless, if it was seen on the runway of NYFW, then there is a good chance we will start to see other people to start taking on this style. So, if you are at the beach and you see multiple people rocking those nostalgic bucket hats, don’t be too surprised.
Crochet
For most of us, either you love crochet or you hate it. For those of you who love it, spring 2019 is your time to shine. The runway presented us with crochet shirts, rompers, and beautiful dressed. Michael Kors designed some beautiful crochet designs for the upcoming spring season. If you hate crochet, that is fine, but don’t be too surprised if you see some people dressed up from head-to-toe in crochet designs.
Suits
We all love a classic power suit and this season was no exception for creating unique suites for working women. Types of suits features include satin, striped, hounds tooth, and even plaid. There was certainly a diverse twist on the classic two-piece suit that we all love. Some iconic designers who created these suites were Dion Lee, Sies Marjan, and Tibi.
Florals
Floral print is something that a lot of us can appreciate and have probably worn more than one time at some point in our lives. It has officially gone form something that we wear every now and then to this season’s new trend. During New York Fashion Week, floral prints were seen in Kate Spade’s rain coats, Chiara Boni La Petite’s dresses, and even in the hair of Rodarte’s fashion models. If you like bright and fun fashion, then this trend is definitely for you.
In summary, if you are one who loves fashion and is trying to keep up with this seasons trends, then this is certainly for you. You can wear yellow rain coats on rainy days and floral dresses for sunny days. If you plan on going to the beach, crochet slip-dresses and bucket hats would be the perfect attire. Of course, what you decide to wear is up to you. Fashion is an art form and is a great way for you to be creative. So, don’t be afraid to do your own thing and be confident in whatever you may decide to wear.
]]>The prices of their bags start only as low as $10,000, so even if you get a bag at a discount when buying a used Hermes, you will still pay a good little bit for it. This means that the buying process shouldn't be taken lightly. The most important thing to keep in mind is to always buy from a trusted consignment store. Most stores will guarantee authentication, but you should still know the signs of a counterfeit bag for yourself because you can't always trust everyone right away until they have proven themselves.
The two easiest ways to spot a fake Hermes bag without putting in much effort is by looking for an authenticity card and looking at the price. Hermes bags never have authenticity cards, so if you are looking at a bag that contains one that is typically an orange plastic, then chances are you should walk away. Also, never be fooled by a "too good to be true" price on a Hermes bag. Chances are, if it is too good to be true, then it is. Just think about it, no one in their right mind is going to sell their authentic $10,000 Hermes bag for only $3,000. It's just about using common sense at the end of the day.
Hermes bags are notoriously known for their seamless and small stitches. Any authentic Hermes bag will not have a single flaw in their stitching. Craftsman making authentic bags can take up to two days stitching the bag. The craftsmen are not going to take all that time they spent trying to perfect their work just to have a sloppy product as a result. If the stitches are off or a little on the big side, this should raise a red flag. This does not just apply to the outside of the bad, but for the inside lining of the bag as well. When looking at resale bags, always take the time to look at the detail in the stitching. Do not just make sure that the stitching itself is neat, but make sure it is in a straight line all the way around.
When looking at a Hermes bag, not only should the stitches be seamless, but the entire bag itself should be as well. There should be no bulging or wearing of the leather or any sloppy craftsmanship at all for that matter. The handles of the bag should not hang down but instead sit straight up. Of course, there is always the exception of the previous owner not taking care of the bag properly, but it is usually easy to tell the difference between shoddy craftsmanship by someone who sells knockoffs and just improper care to an authentic luxury bag. The logo on the bag should also be as perfect as the rest of the bag. The sizing of the letters should not be off, and the logo itself should be properly centered. You can use google images to compare and contrast real and fake logos.
A lot of Hermes bags come with decorative locks or keys. These are always made with precious metals such as palladium or gold-plated finishes. Of course, the real gold or palladium will not tarnish or change color over time. Fake gold especially does this, so it can be easy to spot a fake this way from a mile away, especially if the hardware has already started to wear. It should also be noted that fake hardware will be light and flimsy, while real locks and keys will be heavy. If it feels fake, then it is probably fake.
One of the more detailed designs of a Hermes bag is its zipper. Not everyone knows that like the handle, the zipper should not hang down. Hermes zippers are known to run parallel to the zipper. If the zipper of the bag you may be looking at does not stay parallel to the zipper at all times, then this is a big red flag. A Hermes zipper might not always have the logo on it, but it will always stay in place.
Despite the many various ways to tell apart a real Hermes bag from a counterfeit one, there are still higher quality counterfeits that exist. People are also getting better and better at replicating these very detailed bags. Always take your time when looking at these bags to try and look at every little detail. If you still are not 100% sure or something just feels off, there are professionals who can authenticate a bag for you. Once you find a store that you know will sell you real, quality products, then it is a good idea to stick with that retailer, so you know that you are buying from someone you trust.
Hermes bags are of the best quality which also means that they will always have a high price point, so it is worth saving some money and buying them through consignment. If any luxury bag stands the test of time, it's a Hermes bag, so a used bag can still look brand new. Nonetheless, the buying process should always be taken seriously. A Hermes bag is iconic, but not something everyone can afford and scammers know this. They prey on peoples love for the bag knowing that not everyone can pay top dollar for it. Knowledge is power and always be smarter than these scammers who for the most part are not very smart themselves. Never settle for a bag that might be fake just because of a lower price point. Otherwise, you are just wasting your money, and you are letting these scammers win.
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It is safe to say that many of us love big name brands, but the sad truth is the majority of us can't afford to drop $3000 on a purse or pair of leather boots just whenever we feel like it. Nonetheless, just because something is out of our price range doesn't mean we still don't appreciate the item and the history behind it. There are ways that one can purchase luxury items without paying the full price. One of the best and most popular methods of doing this is through consignment.
More and more people are beginning to purchase luxury items through consignment/resale shops and even through online sites like eBay. People are begging to realize that they can buy luxury items that are still in great condition without paying top dollar. Consignment and resale have proven to be a smarter way to buy luxury items. One can still be an owner of an iconic piece of fashion without having to give an arm and a leg for it. Even those who can afford to buy these items brand new still sometimes buy resale items simply because they know they can get more for their money that way.
Part of owning an iconic piece of fashion is being able to appreciate the craftsmanship behind any one item. Brands like Gucci or Chanel are specially handcrafted rather than mass produced and just thrown together like the purses you see at Target. Making a Chanel bag can take up to 18 hours to make. Like any luxury bag, they are carefully designed and carefully crafted.
Some people may go their entire lives without buying from a luxury brand, not necessarily because they cannot afford it, but because they don't appreciate the value behind such brands. You have to be someone who appreciates fashion to see the value in owning such amazing items. The main reason we tend to want to purchase form luxury brands is to own an iconic piece of fashion. It's understandable that some people would not see the point in putting out the money needed to own something like a Hermes bag or Gucci shirt.
It's not necessarily about being flashy. It's about knowing the quality and value behind luxury items. While some people come from money and grow up wearing Dior, Gucci, Chanel, and other big names like it’s no big deal, for others, it's a symbol of success. It can be a symbol of a true rags to riches story. For those of us who work hard for what we have, we want to treat ourselves while still knowing the value of the dollar we're spending.
The amazing quality behind luxury brands means that if you choose to buy a pre-owned item that it'll still look great and continue to stand the test of time. Buying these items through consignment can make it a bit easier to save up for them. Just because someone is not buying something brand new doesn't mean that it won't be as good, especially items with such amazing quality. Of course, some items may hold up better than others. For example, shoes might not hold up as well as a shirt or handbag. Handbags especially hold up for what seems like forever. Either way, any luxury item you may decide to buy will be made with the best quality materials.
Buying luxury items, new or used, can even be a good investment. If you do your research and find the right products, then it can continue to keep its value over time. For example, a $5000 Chanel bag can resale for $3000 - $4000. So, if you ever decide to resale that Chanel bag yourself, then you can have yourself a pretty good payday. Of course, some brands hold their value better than others, which is why it's good to do your research ahead of time if you are trying to invest your money in the right brands.
The best kind of investment is in items that are no longer sold or produced. Consignment shops gives us the opportunity for us to find these rare items we wouldn’t otherwise come across. This gives us a chance to not only own a piece of fashion from an iconic brand but own a rare item from the brand as well. If you are able to come across such an item, they have a good chance of increasing their value over time if for whatever reason you ever need to resale the item yourself.
Aside from giving yourself an extra payday, reselling ourselves can have its benefits. A lot of clothing and accessories made by luxury brands actually end up in landfills and sit there to rot until the end of time. Reselling, whether it's privately or through consignment, is a great way to recycle any items that we may no longer want. It also helps support local business when sold to local consignment shops, and as we all know, supporting local business is great for the economy. So, when we're reselling your luxury items instead of just throwing them out, we're helping both the environment and the economy.
A lot of us know that there is no better feeling than buying something brand new. Having something so clean and perfect out of the box can be a great feeling. Sadly, that feeling only lasts temporarily. Meanwhile, the feeling of getting something expensive at a great price can last a lifetime. When buying luxury brands through consignment, you can show off your iconic leather purse and brag about not giving an arm and a leg for it.
Buying luxury items through consignment shops is starting to become the new normal. Most stores guarantee authenticity, so you know you're getting the real deal, and you won't be sent home with a knockoff. Online consignment shops specifically can give you peace of mind that no one will pressure you into buying an item, that you'll get real quality items, and that you'll get a great deal no matter what. It is worth looking into if you plan to shop for luxury brands in the future.
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The story behind Coco Chanel and her iconic brand is a true rags to riches story. Coco Chanel, at the time known as Gabriel Chanel, was born into a working-class family. At the age of 12, her mother passed away suddenly and while her father also left the family. She was soon put into an orphanage. She was not dealt the best cards in life from a very early stage. This of course did not take away her determined and ambitious personality that would take her very far in life.
The only family she remained in contact with was her Aunt Adrienne, whom Coco Chanel would spend her summers with. She already knew how to sew, but her aunt taught her how to sew creatively and turn plain items into extraordinary ones. She was a talented individual when it came to a sewing needle which would come apparent to anyone who laid eyes on her work.
At the age of 18, she was given the option to either stay at the orphanage as a nun or leave. Chanel was not one to settle, so she left to find a life for herself outside of the orphanage. Quickly, she was offered a job as a seamstress. Although this was a great job for someone her age, Coco Chanel didn’t see herself doing this for the rest of her life.
Eventually, Chanel found herself wanting to start preforming in local music halls, and so she did. This is where she got her iconic name “coco” that we all know today. This name came from the song she sang at the music hall, “Qui Qu’a Vu Coco?” Eventually, this is the name that everyone knew her by.
Preforming in the music hall is where she caught the eye of Étienne Balsan. He was a millionaire who was a bit of a playboy, but Chanel saw him as her way out of poverty. After becoming Balsan’s mistress, she was able to quit her job as a seamstress and lived a much more lavish life socializing with some of the wealthiest people in France while also making very important connections.
Eventually Coco became not only Balsan’s mistress, but Arthur “Boy” Capel’s Mistress as well. Boy Capel was one to recognize Chanel’s business ambitions and Coco felt Capel was someone who could truly make her dreams become a reality. Chanel eventually left Balsan For Boy Capel, but she did not cut ties with Balsan completely. Eventually, the two men came to an agreement to fund coco’s first business endeavor, a hat shop. This would be the beginning of people recognizing Coco’s amazing talent as a designer and creator.
At the time, men were the people producing clothing and fashion for women. The clothes that were being made for women were uncomfortable and impractical. Chanel recognized this, she decided to be the solution to this problem. Her simple and practical style is what really caught people’s attention.
Eventually, Boy Capel funded the opening of another Chanel store all on his own. This time it was more than just hats, it was the first couture clothing line made for women exclusively by a woman. She stuck to her simple and practical style that people loved, and after connecting with the right people through Boy Capel, she solidified her reputation in the fashion industry.
Practical, comfortable, yet stylish was Coco Chanel’s brand. This was especially needed during World War I when men in France had to go to war and women had to take over their jobs. The clothing women were wearing at the time was not only impractical but it was very dangerous to wear in the factories where a lot of the women were working. Chanel took this as an opportunity to make a new everyday wear line for the working women of France and naturally, they fell in love.
After the war ended and later after the passing of Boy Capel in a car crash, Chanel continued to defy odds and became more and more successful. Her first daring move was when she created her first perfume. This is when Chanel No 5 was born. One of the most iconic perfumes we all know today and the most expensive perfume in the world at the time. She also proceeded to create her signature black dress and became one of the first people to put women into stylish trousers.
Coco Chanel was living a lavish life of success, but sure enough things did not stay great. In June 1940, the Nazis bombed Paris and within days France surrendered to German control. The Nazis took over and occupied North West France. Although most of Paris was swarming with Nazis, Coco stayed in the Ritz hotel where Nazi officers also stayed. She quickly found herself romantically involved with a German office/Nazi Spy, Hans Gunther von Dincklage
Hans and other German officers thought that Coco could be used in a Nazi plot to try and end the war with Britain on terms favorable to the Nazis. The Germans knew of Chanel’s connections with the people of Brittan, including Winston Churchill whom she would try to meet up for the Germans. Her attempt was failed, but now she was on record as someone who collaborated with the Nazis and was labeled as a Nazi Spy. She was a trader to her home country of France.
In 1944, France was once again liberated and free. People soon found out about Chanel’s relations with the Germans. Though she had been saved from facing consequences, the rest of France would not forgive her and they no longer wanted anything to do with her brand.
Ten years later, after giving up fashion design, she decided it was time to try and make a comeback. Once her new line came out, the French were not impressed and they still had not forgiven her for her past with German forces. They thought that her new clothing line was the same style and not much had changed. Meanwhile, Americans loved Coco Chanel’s Classic and elegant style and adopted it for themselves.
Coco Chanel had finally made her comeback dressing working women in America in a fashionable yet practical way. Eventually, France and the rest of Europe forgot about Coco Chanel’s Nazi ties and began to wear her brand once again. The whole world was wearing her brand. After never officially retiring, she eventually died January 10th, 1971. Leaving behind a massive fashion empire and legacy. She will forever be known as a major fashion icon and loved amongst those who love and appreciate fashion the way Coco Chanel did.
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Hermes bags are probably one of the most iconic luxury bags on the market and are certainly collectors’ items for fashion lovers. Hermes bags have become so iconic that is has become a must have amongst big celebrities. People like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have their own collection of these very expensive bags like it’s no big deal. At one time, so many people wanted to get their hands on a Birkin bag that there was a wait list for it. One day, those of us who appreciate Luxury brands, want that sleek, new feel of a Hermes bag on our arms, but when we are purchasing such an extravagant item we all need to know exactly what are we buying. There are multiple factors that go into making a luxury bag. What materials they are made from, where the company gets its materials, and the process that goes into making each bag. These factors can also differ from bag to bag.
Hermes uses a wide range of exotic leather in their bags that they acquire from all over the world. Some of these leathers include lizard, ostrich, alligator, calfskin, etc. One of the reasons they are probably so popular is not just because of the wide range of leathers, but the wide range of colors they come in as well. These skins are often dyed to produce a wider variety of purses to give the customer more options to choose from.
Two of the more popular bags, Birkin and Kellie bags, are made up of calf leather. These bags are specifically made up of bull calf, while the inside of the bags are lined with goat skin. These bags are not quite as durable as some other bags. Water marks and scratches are more noticeable on this type of bag.
The most popular of the calf leathers is the Togo, natural bull calf leather with a pebble finish. This bag is totally scratch resistant and can be refurbished into what is practically brand-new condition. Another very popular leather that these bags are made of is the Epsom leather. It is very similar to the Togo leather. It is also completely scratch resistant and has a somewhat similar texture. What makes this leather unique is that it is very easy to clean while also being lightweight and easy to handle.
These bags are far from mass produced. Rather than just being thrown together, they are slowly and carefully handcrafted to ensure every bag looks its best and stands the test of time, as every luxury item should. Hermes can only produce up to 15 bags per month because their handcrafting process takes so much time. This also means that their bags are more rare than other, which definitely plays into the cost of these bags. The Price of a Hermes Birkin bag can range anywhere from $10,000-$150,000.
The process of making a Hermes bag is very detailed. It can take anywhere from 18-20 hours just to make the handle of a Kelly bag. The process for any Hermes purse begins with inspecting the skin that the bag is going to be made out of and ensuring that there are no imperfections. A professional leather cutter will look at the skin and pick out the best part of the skin for the bag to be made out of. There are many fabrics to choose from, a lot of which are dyed, especially crocodile leather.
Once the craftsman starts putting the bags together, they use extremely small stitches to ensure long-lasting quality that holds up over time. Craftsman even use double magnifying glasses to get the stitches as small as possible. This detailed stitching process can take 48 hours just for this one step. Even the medal that is made for each bag is hand welded, again to ensure the best quality for each bag that is made.
Any one bag will go through multiple different craftsman for each part of the bag. Each of which will spend many hours on each bag they help create. Each bag is a little bit different than the rest and each worker takes pride in every bag that comes across their path. Every little detail is given the most attention. There is no time wasted and no time spared in the creation process of a Hermes bag.
As always, we recommend looking into buying through consignment. Hermes bags especially will almost never wear over time. Each intricate step taken to make the bag is not for looks purpose, but for functionality. Hermes never mass produces and never uses machinery. It is one of the most expensive bags because it is of the best quality, so when you buy one through resale you can almost guarantee that it will still look brand new.
Hermes bags also hold their value well over time due to how rare they are. So, anyone who ever buys a Hermes bag is almost always making a good investment. If you whatever reason you many find yourself in financial trouble, and hopefully you won’t, a Hermes bag you may have lying around can offer you a good payday if you decide to resale it.
While being one of the more expensive luxury brands, Hermes is also a brand that values every little step that goes into making their product. Being able to own such an iconic bag is a privilege that most people work very hard for. A Hermes bag or any luxury item for that matter is a symbol of success for a lot of people. Any owner of this bag should take care of it and cherish it at all costs. If you ever decide to become an owner of such an amazing bag, you can always appreciate the hard work people put into creating it so you can look your best when carrying it.
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Julia Lewis
Vintage trends are definitely making a comeback in the fashion and retail space; especially with social media being a go to platform for content and getting celebrity fashion looks. I have found that brands like Fendi, Hermès and Chanel vintage items are a hot commodity in 2018. There is something about a nostalgic look that so trendy, especially on social media platforms. Celebrities and fashion influencers have been spotted with these luxury brands but do not tell us where to get them. With being active in the social media fashion space, I notice that trends stem from celebrities and then bloggers will try to find pieces that look the same but are more affordable. They will also create style pages and tag multiple companies to help followers get the same look as that celebrity has, or influencer was wearing. Having luxury bags, shoes and clothes really can determine your social media status. Those brands and more can be found on the Luxury Resale Network online shop where you can be affordably fashionable without questioning authenticity.
Speaking of the influence of social media, Kylie Jenner is of course known in the cosmetic world, but she’s also known for her handbag collection. Recently, Kylie did a handbag closet walk through video on YouTube. She actually collects luxury handbags, from Hermès to Gucci, she has it all.
Last week, Kylie Jenner posted a picture on Instagram in the mini multicolored Takashi Murakami x Louis Vuitton bag. Takashi was called upon by Marc Jacobs to design Spring/Summer 2003 Louis Vuitton accessory collection. Any handbag he created with his signature multicolored Louis Vuitton print was known as the “it bag” for over a decade. Seeing Kylie photographed with this vintage bag has definitely created a buzz and people are on the hunt for this print or a bag similar to it with Takashi’s design.
Now, unfortunately the multicolored print by Takashi Murakami has been discontinued by Louis Vuitton back in 2015, but that won’t stop anyone from still looking for it! Now you can find this rare print and get the multicolored Louis Vuitton bag at Luxury Resale Network.
This Multicolored Speedy x Louis Vuitton bag is timeless, classic and is back in season because of Kylie. It’s now even more valuable because it’s discontinued, so don’t be surprised if it sells out! The power of social media, right? I truly believe that Louis Vuitton will ask Takashi Murakami to do a future collaboration to rerelease this print. I haven’t heard to seen anything about a relaunch, but we are definitely on the lookout.
are in great condition and go for the highest resale value. I have learned that all fashion trends that were really good will come back and be popular again. Luxury brands like the ones at the Luxury Resale Network are a great investment when shopping for luxury items.
Not only can you buy products from the Luxury Resale Network, but you can also sell items too. When you make the decision to purchase an authentic luxury brand item, more than likely you are spending a lot of money. Like I previously stated, it’s an investment and it probably won’t be something you want to donate later down the line. Personally, when I’m spring cleaning, there are quite a few things that I donate. I have items that I know I spent a lot of money on, but I won’t use it again or no longer is important to me. It’s kind of like finding the balance between donating or hoarding. There are items that still have a little value, that are in ok condition and have no use to you; those are things that people usually donate. Then there are items that have a lot of value, are in good condition and you no longer want that item. That is when you consign and have the Luxury Resale Network sell your products for you.
At the Luxury Resale Network, you will get the highest possible value for you item to be resold. Known for it’s 100% authenticity, the Luxury Resale Network has all your luxury fashion needs without worrying. When you consign your items, you get paid up to 75%. What’s great about concept of consignment is that you do not have to worry about marketing your items. The Luxury Resale Network will determine how much each item is worth and both parties will earn a profit. The best way to get your items accepted is to make sure that they are in great condition. Check for damages no matter what high end brand it is, it still needs to be in a sellable condition, especially if you want the most money for it. I also believe having integrity is important in this space as well. When you considering consignment, your item should be authentic.
If you are consigning to make some extra money, do consider that it does take a while for items to sell. So, the better the condition and look of the products will definitely increase chances of quicker purchases. The website it very easy to maneuver and you can get you questions answered right away. The Luxury Resale Network will sell your first item for free, offers free shipping and a money back guarantee.
Another great thing about consignment is that it gives you an excuse to go shopping again! Out with the old, in with the new right? You can get a decent amount of money for your items when you sell them to the Luxury Resale Network. You can use that money to get an upgrade of the luxury brand you sold. You are creating space and room for more items and someone else can potentially use the ones that you no longer wanted. You can check out what’s new on the Luxury Resale Network website for you to add to your closet as well!
Happy Shopping!
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Bags that will probably outlive us all.
Julia Lewis
Resale consignment is a current trend in today’s fashion industry and Chanel is definitely a key player in this market. From fragrances, fashion, shoes and jewelry, Coco Chanel has it created it all. She first opened her shop in Paris in 1910 after working at a tailor shop. She started making clothes and introduced her iconic gold double C’s logo on handbags in 1924. Fast forward to today, (2018), Chanel is a high-end luxury brand, in which handbags can range from two thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. They have created a truly innovative brand that people are willing to spend their money on to look good and feel good while wearing it as well.
No matter the cost of Chanel, there will always be are a market for such a beautiful high-end brand. There are two factors play a part in making Chanel a hot commodity: the high price point, which makes it valuable, and social media, which creates this perception that owning luxury brands determines your fashion influencer status (and ultimately allows you to earn more money as well). Luxury to some people can mean amazing quality, having longevity, or being very durable. Then you have people who say that luxury can just mean that the product is expensive. Either way, Chanel truly applies to both descriptions and that plays a big part in why consumers go for that brand, even if has been gently used or if it’s brand new, the quality is still amazing. On social media platforms, you can make money from Instagram, YouTube, etc. and the more popular or wealthy you appear to be, it has an impact on your status as an influencer. If you are just starting out as an influencer and you want to gain a bigger following, the Luxury Resale Network is a great place to get Chanel and other gently used brands for a lower price.
Not only does resale consignment make it a little bit more affordable, but it makes it is an investment as well. Gently used luxury brand items are sellable and is becoming a huge market all over the world. According to Forbes, if customers know that they can make 75% or more of the price of the item back, then they are more likely to buy that product. On the Luxury Resale Network website, you can resell your items and buy luxury items as well. Investment is key. It is one of my favorite parts of this entire luxury consignment industry. When you have luxury items, yes, its pricey, yes, it’s a lot of money to drop at once but if you take care of your items, you can make money back on them through resale consignment.
Think about how long your bags last that are under $80.00 or even under $150.00. In my personal experience, my everyday low-end price bags will last less than a year. I cannot begin to count the number of bags I have bought over the years that I ended up throwing away because the strap broke, the zipper stopped working, and it looked worn out overall. It’s like a temporary use, something to go with an outfit a few times but won’t have value later. While your thinking about the number of lower priced bags we have all spent money on; also think about how many of them you still have and use on a regular basis. If your number is close to mine, it may be equivalent to the price of a Chanel bag. And truthfully, all Chanel bags will probably outlive all of us! Another great concept to consider is that vintage Chanel is also a trend. So, with investing in a Chanel bag right now, consignment and resale will always be an option later. The value of Chanel bags can also increase over time; you can pass your bags down to your children and they can decide what to do with it, or you can sell yours for a more current version of your bag. And because there are so many different versions of Chanel bags, so many different models and remakes; there are some models that may require a waiting list. If you can get your hand on bag like that, over the years the value of the bag will go up because it will be harder to find, but easier to sell. Sounds much more appealing right? 😊 You can buy a Chanel bag on the Luxury Resale Network as well if you’re not ready to get one full priced from the Chanel website or a luxury boutique.
So why should you buy and sell Chanel with the Luxury Resale Network? Not only can you get luxury items for a lower price, but you can also make payments on the product as well through Affirm and still receive your item immediately. The website is very easy to use, and the owners will answer any questions or concerns you may have. There are other websites that you can sell and buy your items on but on the Luxury Resale Network, you will not have to worry about the authenticity of the products. I know that I am always worried about if products that I am buying online are fake or will not be exactly as it was described; so, having a trusted website to shop on is extremely important especially when your spending thousands of dollars. The Luxury Resale Network has Chanel shoes, purses and accessories for sale.
Take this found on the Luxury Resale Network, it is gently used, and it comes with the authentication card. They verify that all items are authentic or your money back guaranteed. Chanel is magic. We should feel confident and secure while shopping online, making these expensive purchases. We also build a relationship with a company who will help you sell your items later down the line as well.
Happy Shopping.
]]>If you have luxury bags you don’t use anymore, consignment is a quick and easy solution to your problem. With second-hand fashion markets on the rise, reselling pre-loved items is a great way to free up your cluttered closet and earn some extra cash. Here are a few tips and tricks to help pick out a bag that will be easy to resell, and leave you with the most money in your pocket.
1. Brand Matters
For the highest resale value, the best brands to buy are Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes. These bags are timeless: people will still be carrying the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Chanel Flap, and Hermes Kelly styles ten years from now, while brands like Gucci seem to fall in and out of favor.
2. Style
Avoid any super-trendy pieces that are only around for a season or two, because items like these are always a hit or miss. A limited edition bag could be resold for far more than the initial retail price, but it could also turn out to be worthless, leaving you stuck with a bag you don't want and no chance of getting your money back. Stick with the classics that have been around for awhile.
3. Condition
No one wants a bag with stains that won't come out, or one appearing so worn that people can tell it’s used with just a glance. Maintaining your bag's condition will give you the best chance of reselling it for the highest price possible.
4. Let Consignment Shops Do The Work
Selling your items yourself can be stressful and time-consuming. It's a lot more difficult than you may think: pictures need to be taken, price determined, and shipping and handling taken care of. Using a consignment shop like Luxury Resale Network takes away all of the headaches for a small percentage of the sale price, guaranteeing that you will receive the money you deserve for your items - to learn more on how to consign, click here!
]]>You would think a superstar like Kylie Jenner would have no trouble getting her hands on a limited-edition Louis Vuitton camouflage scarf that sold out instantly in all boutiques… but no, you’re wrong. When she couldn’t get the infamous piece directly from Louis Vuitton, the Kardashian sister instantly turned to Luxury Resale Network, a Boston-based online consignment shop, where she was easily able to find one and have it shipped to her Hidden Hills mansion.
The online consignment site is a hidden gem for celebrities and fashionistas seeking hard-to-find designer pieces at discounted prices. The company’s massive selection of rare designer fashion makes it a go-to shop for celebrities like Kylie who want to stay on the cutting edge of style. To get in on the secret, check out Luxury Resale Network's exclusive collection now by clicking here!
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When Chanel staged it's Cruise 2017 show in Cuba, up-close shots of the collection's designer bags and accessories weren't readily available. I spent hours on Instagram and scouring other fashion sites to see what I could find and ended up with a good assortment of bags and the scene of the show. The Rainbow Chanel Boy Bag really stood out, but the collection included plenty of other bags that paid homage to the aesthetic culture of Cuba as well.
Today, we have a closer look at some of the bags that I shared in the first post, along with others that will be released as part of the Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 collection. Khaki plays a big part in the offerings, with casual backpacks and classic shoulder bags both being finished in khaki fabric. There is also a heavy focus on sequins, which dresses up the casual khaki and is used in a way I wouldn't have expected to like so much. The good news is if you're looking for something from a Cruise 2017 collection that isn't bright or pastel, this collection has something for you. And even if you are, there are some beautiful multicolor woven bags that I'm certain are masterpieces if you see them in store.
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 White Embroidered Leather BOY CHANEL Bag
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Multicoloured Tweed Drawstring Bag
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Khaki and Red Embroidered Toile Backpack
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Orange and Coral Embroidered Tweed Backpack
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Khaki Embroidered Toile Shopping Bag
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 White macrame bag with a CC lock
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Khaki Patchwork Toile Backpack
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Khaki Patchwork Toile Bag with a CC Lock
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Wood and multicoloured tweed minaudiere
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Wood and Golden Metal Minaudiere
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Clutch Bag Embroidered with Blue and Pink Sequins
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Khaki Toile and Tweed Shopping Bag
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Belt Bag Embroidered with Khaki and Pink Sequins
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Multicoloured Tweed Hobo Bag
Chanel Cuba Cruise 2017 Khaki Quilted Toile Bag featured in our luxury online consignment shop for designer products.
Source:
http://www.purseblog.com/chanel/bags-chanel-cruise-2017-cuba/
Article Written by Megs Mahoney Dusil on July 14th, 2016
On the final day of the Discover Chanel program, my fellow bloggers and I were whisked away to a super-duper secret location outside of Paris to visit the CHANEL Handbag Workshop…aka the place where the brand produces their timeless bags. It was the very first time that CHANEL had invited bloggers to visit this workshop, and I can’t explain just how lucky and grateful I felt to be able to see and experience the step-by-step process from development to quality control. It is a valuable part of our business to learn about what happens behind the scenes in a designer handbag and purses factory.
After being greeted by a giant CHANEL bag installation in the lobby, we were ushered into the room where the development phase takes place. With prototype bags lining the walls, sketches and photographs strewn across a table, we were told that this was the first step in creating a bag. Sketches come to life as prototype bags, before it’s decided whether they’ll actually be produced. With 6 collections per year, this is a busy place, where a bag can go from sketch to production in days.
We recommend you learn more about our online consignment store for designer products to get the best available for better prices.
Moving on, we stopped by the raw materials and hardware rooms. One was full of various skins, leather, and signature chains, while the other had trays of iconic CHANEL bag closures that are put through stringent testing, along with chains and leather, to ensure the highest quality and durability. Being in the raw materials room was so tempting…I was dying to create my own bag out of all the components on hand.
Next, we popped into a room where leathers like lambskin, calfskin, and others are carefully inspected under special lights that mimic daylight. Each piece has to look and feel perfect before it’s allowed to continue on to production. There’s zero tolerance for imperfections, as expected.
After the hardware and the leather have been thoroughly checked and tested, the next stage of production is cutting. There are three different ways that CHANEL bag patterns are cut: by hand, digitally, or using special metal plates. We watched various methods at work, fascinated by the amount of accuracy it takes to cut those patterns. When dealing with hand-cut exotic skins, precision is even more important, to ensure a symmetric end result, and zero imperfections.
The most fascinating room of all was the assembly/production room, where CHANEL craftspeople split leather (to make it thinner and smoother), assembled bags, stitched and hammered. It takes 4 to 5 years for each specialist on the site to learn how to perfectly master the techniques necessary for the manufacture. Those working with exotic skins wear masks and gloves to ensure that no droplets mark the delicate surface, even going so far as to use plastic wrap on top of skins to protect them further.
What I learned in the assembly room is that CHANEL bags are actually put together using one of two methods: inside-out, and molded techniques. Most iconic bags are made using the inside-out method, where all of the components of the bag are stitched inside-out like a Ready-to-Wear piece, so that the stitches are on the inside when the bag is turned the right side out. The body and base are brought together with the “bag in bag” technique: the interior bag is mounted inside the exterior bag, assembled by hand, and ensuring a luxurious finish inside and out.
When working with more delicate materials like alligator, and turning the bag inside-out is not an option, the moulding method is used. The outer part of a bag is put together around a mould, and hand-stitched, before the inner flap can be dropped in and stitched together with the outer flap.
All in all, it takes over 180 manufacturing operations to create one iconic bag, with 80% of the total production time spent on the assembly table. Once the bag is finished, it is then sent to the quality control room, where a team of testers painstakingly check each bag by hand. But thanks to the attention paid in all the other parts of the manufacturing process, the success rate is very high, and most bags that reach this phase of production meet the CHANEL standard.
This room was amazing, as we were faced with rows upon rows of finished CHANEL handbags everywhere – what fashion dreams are made of! And just like that, our magical tour was over. Talking to the passionate craftspeople, seeing the extensive step-by-step process, and learning just how much work and intricacy goes into each and every CHANEL bag made me appreciate the few bags that I do own that much more…and fuelled my desire to run to the nearest CHANEL boutique right after our visit. These bags are truly investment pieces that never go out of style, and knowing that they are made with so much love and attention to detail makes them that much more special.
Source:
http://styleblog.ca/2015/04/07/discover-chanel-how-chanel-bags-are-made-chanel-factory-paris/
Article written by Nelia Belkova
Our luxury online consignment store features Chanel brand products and other high end designer styles
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When you think of Chanel, the Classic Flap and timeless appeal comes to mind. But another iconic piece from the brand is the Chanel Two-Tone Shoe, which was created in 1957 by Gabrielle Chanel. Mademoiselle Chanel had already made the little black dress, the tweed suit and the quilted shoulder bag, but with the addition of the Two-Tone Shoe, she ensured that every classic element your wardrobe needs is available at Chanel.
If you are looking for designer products at reasonable prices, than you have come to the right place. The luxury resale network sells high quality and pre owned designer bags from consignment.
The Chanel Two-Tone Shoe is simple in its design, colors and style. While incredibly high stiletto heels have been the most popular fashion footwear of the past 20 years, Chanel is refocusing on the iconic Two-Tone Shoe. Originally dubbed "the new Cinderella slipper," this shoe went global and quickly became the thing everyone wanted. The Two-Tone Shoe lures in so many because it can be worn with so many looks and can easily transitions from morning to night.
While the colors are classic, there were many things taken into account when Mademoiselle Chanel picked them. The beige lengthens the leg, while the black toe cap shortens the foot and keeps wear from showing. Today Karl Lagerfeld continues to reinvent this shoe and keep its sixty-year legacy alive. In 2015, Lagerfeld brought the shoe back in a big way and created a slingback sandal with revised dimensions, but retained the square heel. When asked about his love of this very shoe, Lagerfled said, “The slingback has become the most modern shoe and makes the legs look beautiful”.
It's always intriguing to see how some of our favorite items are made, and Chanel has shared images of the creation of a Chanel Two-Tone Shoe. The shoe is available in goatskin with grosgrain and kid suede with grosgrain; both are $800 via Chanel.
You can buy luxury resale products online with our network of consignment items available at great prices.
Source:
http://www.purseblog.com/chanel/chanel-two-tone-shoe/
Article written by Megs Mahoney Dusil on September 29th, 2016
The Chanel Classic Flap Bag is undisputedly one of the most important accessories in the history of fashion, and its creation, along with those of its 2.55 Flap Bag predecessor and Boy Bag descendent, are filled with historical fashion lore. There's also a lot of confusion and misinformation about the bags, as well as their details, differences and origins, though, so we set out to debunk or confirm what we could.
Below, we've created a primer, including a handy guide to the differences between the 2.55 and Classic Flap, what makes a bag a "Reissue" and where Coco Chanel got her inspiration for several of the designs' most iconic details.
Coco Chanel designed her first bag in 1929, but like all the others available to upper-class women during the era, it was hand-carried and cumbersome. In February 1955 (thus the 2.55 moniker), she debuted the shoulder-carried version and changed handbag history. For the first time, it was acceptable for women of considerable social status to carry a bag on their shoulders.
We recommend you learn more about our online consignment store's large selection of luxury designer fashions to get the best available for better prices.
It's hard to imagine a handbag market in which most Chanel flap bags aren't festooned with interlocking CC locks, but until Lagerfeld added them to the bags and spun off the Classic Flap in the 1980s, Chanel's flap bags bore the logo-free Mademoiselle Lock the 2.55 Flap Bags hold today. The Mademoiselle Lock gets its name from the fact that Coco Chanel never married.
Chanel's first bags had all-chain straps, but the story goes that Coco subbed in leather-filled straps when resources were scarce; over the Chanel Flap Bags' histories, several different types of chains have come and gone. Classic Flaps only use leather-woven chain straps, though, and modern 2.55s only use all-chain straps.
More specifically, the shade of burgundy leather that has long been used to line the original flap bags (as well as some Classic Flaps) was chosen because of the uniforms worn by Coco and her fellow charges at the convent orphanage where she was raised.
Chanel's signature quilting was purportedly inspired by the jackets worn by male stablehands that Coco was particularly fond of. Also, Chanel's most recent flap bag line, the Boy Bag, was named after and inspired by Coco's longtime lover, polo player Boy Capel.
Chanel's Flap Bags have one of the more confusing taxonomies in handbag history. First and foremost, the Classic Flap refers to the Flap Bags with CC locks that follow the design conventions Karl Lagerfeld debuted in the 1980s. The 2.55 refers specifically to Coco Chanel's original design with the Mademoiselle Lock, but is often used as a catch-all term to refer to all Chanel Flap Bags that use the brand's traditional structures. A Reissue is a 2005 version of the 2.55 that Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced as an exact recreation of the original. Technically, Reissues are only those bags from 2005, but the term is often used as an easy way to refer to all recently made 2.55s.
The double flap/single flap distinction is something about these bags that evaded my understanding for a long time, but I dug into it and parsed it out. Traditionally, 2.55s and Classic Flaps are both Double Flaps, which means they have both the exterior flap closure and an interior flap compartment. The 2.55s have always been this way, but at times, Classic Flaps have been made in certain sizes that have only the exterior flap with an open interior. When that's the case, they're called Single Flaps. As far as I can tell, Single Flaps were discontinued a couple years ago, and all 2.55s and Classic Flaps are now Double Flaps. Single Flaps are still widely available on the resale market, though.
In 2014, Racked took a deep dive into how much Chanel bag prices have skyrocketed over the years. Plain leather versions can now retail for as much as $6,000; that increase surpasses the rate of inflation just a bit.
Under the top flap, Chanel bags have a weird little zipper compartment that you won't find in bags with similar structures from other brands; as the story goes, Coco hid it there to have a secret spot to stash her love letters. She was having a rather torrid affair at the time.
Because Chanel constrains its supply, regularly raises prices and has a long history as a luxury favorite, Chanel bags are a favorite on the resale market. Hard-to-find seasonal versions in like-new condition regularly sell for above their retail prices, and even gently used bags in regular leathers tend to hold their original value very well. There's relatively little risk in splurging on a flap bag. Happy shopping.
On our website you can buy used designer handbags from Chanel and many other high quality brands.
Source:
http://www.purseblog.com/guides/chanel-flap-bag-facts-history/
Article written by Amanda Mull on February 11th, 2016
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The very wealthy are both just like us mortals and not like us at all. They’re like us in that they want to have cute stuff to take to the pool with their friends or on their next beach vacation, but they are not like us in that their next terrycloth beach set might be from Chanel.
The beauty of Chanel’s size is that it can afford to manufacture the kind of fun, idiosyncratic, small-audience pieces that would put a financial strain on a smaller brand. That frees Karl Lagerfeld up to get a little bit funny, and he’s done it with everything from ping pong paddles to surf boards, which fashion obsessives are known to use as home decor. In this case, he’s taking his talents to the beach.
Search through our large inventory of discounted luxury designer handbags and purses.
The set, which is part of the brand’s Metiers d'Art 2016 Paris in Rome collection and in stores now, will set you back $1,650 for the towel and tote together. The pair are made of cotton terrycloth patterned to look like classic Chanel tweed, and the material and color variation mean that they’d actually make a pretty functional pool set if you wanted to use them for their intended purpose. If you’re gonna drop the money, you’ll probably end up leaving them safe in your fabulous cabana, though.
Our consignment for designer products has a large selection for you to get the best available for better prices.
Source:
http://www.purseblog.com/chanel/chanel-beach-tote-towel/
Article written by Amanda Mull on June 24th, 2016
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We recommend you learn more about our online designer luxury resale to get the best available for better prices.
In a recent study conducted by Baghunter, experts analyzed the pricing history and investment potential of the 2.55; however, they note that the pattern is largely indicative of Chanel handbags as a whole. What they found was that between 2010-2015, the retail value of the 2.55 outpaced the rise of inflation in the United States by more than eightfold: "Housing prices increased by 8.1 percent and the S&P 500 by 13.2 percent during that same period, with neither coming close to matching the rapid value increase of the Chanel Medium Classic Flap bag," reads the study.
Baghunter CEO Evelyn Fox points out that the rise in value of these bags coincides with an increase in luxury marketplaces all over the world. "We feel that these marketplaces have played a significant role in making these bags available to a wide range of women, peaking interest in more people than ever before, and contributing to Chanel having the ability to increase the value of their bags so rapidly over such a short period of time," she said in a statement.
Another pricing increase has been hypothesized for as soon as this year, and the same can be expected for newer styles like the Boy Bag (launched in 2012), which is poised to become a new classic in the handbag world. Click here to read the study in full. And then, if you have the means, get thee to a boutique tout de suite. You can thank us in 10 years.
Source:
http://fashionista.com/2016/06/chanel-handbags-investment
Article written by Karina Hoshikawa on
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Chanel's Graffiti Backpacks had been a deft mix of high and low, the grunge-y spring messenger bags that seemed intended as their successors reached just a little too far.
And what were those bags made to look like cardigans? Now that the collection is in stores, though, some of our questions have been answered and it's clear that there's still plenty to like.
First of all: the weird cardigan bags are now known as the Chanel Girl Bag, and they are still weird. They will likely not be one of the more well-received of Chanel's recent structural experiments, but hey, sometimes that's how experiments go. On the other hand, if you ever wanted to tie a sweater together by its sleeves and wear it as a bag, you're in luck.
The real winners of the collection are the pieces that appear to be water-colored, as well as the Classic Flaps and Boy Bags that were refreshed with chevron instead of diamond quilting for the season. Chanel is calling the former the 11.12 bag, and Kristen Stewart will be its public face.
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Below, check out the full lookbook from the Chanel website, including prices where available.
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Article written by Amanda Mull for Purse Blog