WIW & K/R 7/9: Fab and forty and introducing Miss Scarlet!

I would have posted this earlier, but DS2 has been really colicky and I've been too tired to stay up. Before he left on his trip, DH bought me an Arby's roast beef sandwich, which was my #1 craving throughout this pregnancy, but I didn't realize until after I ate it that the bun has milk and soy in it and DS2 is allergic to both. So he's been having a big reflux flare with colic for the last several nights. Since he got up again and now I'm wide awake at 4 am, I'm just going to stay up and share my birthday story with you, since you all were so nice to post happy wishes on my birthday thread!

As you know from my milestone birthday thread, I've been looking for a special gift for my 40th birthday. I finally decided I would love to get a red Chanel classic flap purse, especially after seeing it on Kelly on Angie's recent blog post. But I knew these purses were hard to come by, and very expensive. DH OK'ed it, but still, it is a huge chunk of change. DH and I were going to go to Chanel on Saturday and go out on a dinner date in the city, but when we took the kids to the county fair earlier that day, I lost my purse. We were packing the car and about to leave and I thought it was in the stroller but it wasn't. I ran back in and incredibly, I found it! I had left it on a rocking chair in the baby tent (they set up a tent for babies where you could nurse them and change their diapers). It had been sitting there for about half an hour. Thank goodness no one had taken the purse and everything was still inside! But DH was so mad at me, he cancelled our dinner and we stayed home. We made up before he left for his trip, and he said I could go look while he was gone, but he teased me and said, "Don't you see the irony in buying a $5000 purse when you can't even keep track of your current one?"

I was sick with a cold and barely made it through work the day before my birthday. (I got some strange looks from some of the patients when they saw I was sniffling and coughing, but what could I do--there is no one else to cover and I can't cancel because the patients have already prepped and scheduled their procedures, so unless I'm deathly ill I have to come to work!). Plus the baby was up all night and my sister who is visiting from out of town helped me out and took the baby for about an hour and a half during one of his crying spells. She said that was her birthday present to me, staying up with him and letting me sleep at 3 am on my birthday!

Fortunately I had the day off work for my birthday. I was so tired, but I still had to get up and get the two older kids off to their camps at their two schools (#2). But I felt better enough to go shopping, LOL! I decided I needed to wear something nice to go to Chanel, and black and white just in case I found a red purse. So I wore an outfit entirely from White House Black Market--white blouse, B&W chevron skirt, B&W bib necklace, black pointy flats, and red purse (#1). My sister and niece (#9) went downtown with me and first we stopped by Neiman Marcus to look at their Chanel selection. They only had a black/white/red colorblocked classic flap in the jumbo size (#3). It was cute, but way too trendy for such an expensive purchase!

So then we went to the real Chanel store (#4) (with a detour to return the Brooks Brothers trench and try on some Burberry trenches, but I'll save that for another post). They had a red patent leather classic flap, which was very pretty and very tempting, but in a medium size, which turns out is very small and barely holds anything, so it's not very practical for me. She said the wait list for a larger jumbo size in that red patent was 15 deep and they were only expecting 5, and she said the people on the list were "regulars", so they just leave their credit cards on file and whenever a purse comes in that they want, it gets charged to their card. Sheesh! So there was really little hope of getting one. Besides, I was more interested in getting a caviar leather, which is much more durable. The patent and lambskin versions are pretty, but difficult to care for and can get damaged easily. I don't want to always be worried about carrying my purse, I want to use it! She did have a jumbo classic flap in red caviar, but the red changes every season and this current (fall) season it's this yucky brownish burnt siena color (#6). Not what I would call red at all! She told me if I didn't like their current red color, I'd have to wait for another season and that their previous season's red was all sold out.

Then I saw this very pretty red purse (#7). It looked very similar, but it wasn't a classic flap. She said it was called a French Riviera flap, and was from their Cruise collection. She said it was "only" $2700, as opposed to $4900. It is fabric lined instead of leather lined, and has fewer pockets. Also, there is no back pocket and no inner flap (the classic flap has both an outer and an inner flap closure). It was in caviar leather, with silver hardware, similar size to a jumbo, and the perfect red color. Basically, it had everything I wanted, except for not being the classic flap. But it was $2200 cheaper! It felt like the perfect size, both on me and to hold all my stuff (#14). I could wear the strap as a double (#10), single (#11), or crossbody (#12). I like the easy access of the single flap and the front pocket.

So I decided to get the French Riviera flap instead! And a red lipstick and lipgloss to match my purse (#23)! I was so excited I impulsively hugged the SA (#16). Hahaha, how embarrassing. She was a bit taken aback, but very nice. I suppose most of the customers there are more blase about their latest Chanel purchase of the week. She was going to package up my new purse in the box, but I was on Team Wear and wore it right out of the store (#17). So she carefully wrapped up my lowly WHBM purse in the pretty Chanel box. I've gotten lots of use out of that purse, so this upgrade will definitely see a lot of action. After we had lunch, we went to pick up the kids from the nanny at the park and I took them to soccer (#18-19), so it already was pressed into service for MOTG. We had dinner at home and DD gave me a card that she wrote, and one from DH to me. And they sang Happy Birthday to me. And the cat promptly chewed the camellia off the Chanel bag. So it was a busy but fun and exciting day!

So, if you've made it this far, what do you think of Miss Scarlet? Keep or return? She said I have two weeks to return it if I change my mind. On the one hand, I'm a little worried I may regret not holding out for the "real deal", the classic "it" bag that everyone thinks of when they think Chanel. I could call all the other stores or search the used market (which is a little risky because you might end up with a fake). And I'm not sure how the other Chanel stores would respond to being cold called, whether they would take you seriously or not. But on the other hand, there is the significant savings with this version, and that is nothing to sneeze at! Even at $2700, that is more than I've ever paid for any item of clothing in my life, including my wedding dress ($600). Since DH approved the $5000 purse, I could pocket the savings, or using girl math, put it toward a Burberry trench. ;) Plus, I feel like this style might even be easier to use than the double flap classic style...you can open it one-handed and access the front pocket more easily. I took some more pics of the inside (#14, 20-22). It has fewer places to stash things than the classic flap, but overall may be more usable. I don't know whether Chanel aficionados would look down on me for having the "bargain" version, or whether people might think I have a fake. But on the other hand, it might be nice to have a slightly different one than everyone else...like "OK, I am not a sheep." This is a big big purchase for me (my biggest ever), so please weigh in with your honest opinion. If you really think it's important to get the real 2.55 classic flap I could consider looking harder, but otherwise I'm inclined to keep the cheaper one...I feel like I got a deal!

Thanks for sharing my special day with me and for your comments and advice! This has been lots of fun and so helpful...I am so lucky to be to have all of you sharing this whole fashion journey with me every step of the way! Forty is off to a fab start!

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42 Comments

  • replied 10 years ago

    I think it is PERFECT for you. Way better than that other one, actually. And you look SO HAPPY with it.

    I hope you are feeling better soon!

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Natalie with your schedule and your lack of sleep and the number of responsibilities you have I honestly do not know how you get it all done much less write about it with pictures! I am blown away reading your story. Now I am not a bag expert by any means and the deeper significance of which Chanel bag you carry is totally lost on me (I totally understand and respect that it is important to those in the know and in another context I can imagine it being important to me too). That said this one looks pretty darn amazing to me and you look like the cat that caught the canary, which has to be a good thing right? I will let bag people/Chanel experts weigh in on the other aspects, but in itself you and the bag look smashing together!

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for sharing your birthday story and thinking of you as you sit up in the early hours of the morning...the joy of being a mum:). I am a little conflicted over the bag. It reads pinker in some pics and orange in others. IRL would you describe it as a classic red? The size of the bag makes me want to see it carried as a clutch:). I think it looks a bit short worn across body (are the straps adjustable?). Worn on the shoulder is very classic and elegant. The quality of course looks fantastic and the size is practical. It does look like "you".

  • Sona replied 10 years ago

    I think it is gorgeous. wear it often and wear it with pride. I think the lighting is off in some of the pics taken at home but I think I get the truest shade that it probably is in your pics in the store and while out and about. A chanel is a chanel is a chanel. 2.55 or not. And your girl math rocks!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Natalie, nobody deserves this bag more than YOU!  It is gorgeous and you rock it!  Love!!!!!!

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    If it makes you happy, go for it!  And yes, use the girl math for a Burberry!

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 10 years ago

    I love it and so would have chosen that one for the price without feeling like it was settling.. Now time to spend that savings!!!

  • modgrl replied 10 years ago

    Your new bag is very beautiful! Congratulations on your milestone birthday. Mine is coming up soon too and I also decided that I wanted a special bag. I got the Michael Kors Selma in palm (http://www.michaelkors.com/p/M.....-Satchel/p) as my end of my 30's gift to myself. Now I have an excuse to get myself a start to my 40's gift next month!

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    Natalie only you can decide if it isn't the perfect bag for you and whether you would be happier waiting. However, from the pics I think it looks sensational on you. I love the colour, the style and the smile on your face when wearing it. 

  • Jamie replied 10 years ago

    What a wonderful birthday experience and what a lucky gal!  I love the color of the one you chose!  Of course, only you can decide which one is best, but it is undeniable that you are super excited with the one you chose.  Maybe that is your answer right there!

  • replied 10 years ago

    i love the bag. personally, I would give it a few days of "marination" before keeping it. I dwell a lot on bags, a lot.

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Thanks all! Rushing off to work but a couple of quick answers...Deb, I think the color is about what it looks like in #7/8/10. Maybe a touch of pink or coral, but otherwise a medium red. The pics in 20-22 were at night with a flash so lighting is off. Shevia, the famous Chanel 2.55 bag is the classic flap or the reissue version, both are more expensive than the one I bought. Here are a few pics from the web of the classic flap version with the interior double flap. I don't know much about designer bags, I haven't been a high end bag lady before but I did do a lot of reading about this particular style.

    Zap, I know what you mean but it's hard to do when you're excited! I'm on Team Dive and Team Wear! If I'm not, then it's a sign I should probably return whatever it is I bought.

  • Scarlet replied 10 years ago

    You need a bag that fits your life. It's gorgeous. I would just listen to your own visual/sensual instincts on this and shut out any other concern. Adding a trench to boot makes "sense" to me too. So happy that you found your purse too that you had mislaid. What a relief. And so understandable that you might forget it, spread as thin as you are at the moment. I hope you are feeling better Miss Natalie. Glad that you are starting your fortieth year in such style. 

    P.S. High five to the mom awake at 4 in the morning. It came up in a work discussion when does the sun rise at the moment. Without hesitating I said oh, around 4:30. Everyone laughed because it was clear why I was so sure. 

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous! I had a hard time figuring out the difference between the two. But I think it is perfect, and I would not worry one bit about not having the "it" bag. With a brand like Chanel, I feel like any bag is IT. lol. You still have the signature quilting, logo, and chain strap. And it's easier to get into. 

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    KILLER TO THE POWER OF KILLER

    *faints with tomato red crash helmet*

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    It looks perfect to me!  congrats on finding a great bag at a  great price!

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    I think it looks great! And a great choice made.

    And the worst thing in the world is to buy an item because you think you are supposed to, rather than the one that fits what you need. Color, size, design, flaps, etc all are very personal.
    The other thing, that everybody of course knows, but your Chanel store experience brought home, is that no matter what you get, there is always someone else who has something "better" (not really, but YKWIM) so it's a lot of pressure to think of "the only" this or that decision for life, when you're talking about....clothes ( as opposed to say, spouses!).

  • Eliza replied 10 years ago

    Beautiful.  Happy birthday!

  • ramya replied 10 years ago

    Absolutely love it for you

  • harmonica replied 10 years ago

    Perfection!!! Need to come back and read properly later :-)

  • Kristin L replied 10 years ago

    The purse looks beautiful! Like other people have said, only you can decide it it's right for you. You look happy wearing it and it looks like it fits everything. 

  • Sylvie replied 10 years ago

    Wow!  I don't know you manage to juggle your incredibly hectic lifestyle and look so fabulous and write about it.

    On the purse front, I firmly believe you should buy what you like and not feel compelled to buy something just because it's iconic.  You get the Chanel look, it's red and it's better for your lifestyle.  The lower price is just the icing on the cake.

  • Beth replied 10 years ago

    Happy birthday, Natalie!

    I think unfrumped has some very wise words. Take the fact that it's a Chanel bag out of the equation: does the color work for you? Is the layout/size practical? Ask yourself the same questions if this was a $200 purchase. And then you'll have your answer. :)

    That said, I vote for girl math and toss the Burberry in there, too! 

  • Vicki replied 10 years ago

    Natalie, I love Miss Scarlet, and your wonderful story that accompanied her!  (Remind me to tell you my Arby's story, from high school, when I used to eat beef).

    What a beautiful, stunning purse (and your b&w outfit,too!).  I totally agree with what Scarlet, Rae and Angie said above.  This bag does fit your life and your color choice is the best!  I had a happy smile that you enjoyed it that moment and got excited with the SA (I would have done the same thing!).  Then, to see that you bought classic red Chanel lipstick was the cherry on top!  Congratulations, Mrs. Scarlet Chanel, and I hope the little one, DS2, is feeling much better and you, as well.

  • replied 10 years ago

    That is one gorgeous bag! Way to go Natalie! Hope you and little one are feeling better soon. 

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Uh oh. Lol. Angie's on the floor!

    I have to tell you, you actually look good with a Chanel. 2.55 or Riviera. Honestly, I don't think that's particularly common. Chanel was made for you. Suits you in every way.

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    PERFECTION!
    Thank-you for sharing the details of your Chanel-shopping experience too.

  • Makrame replied 10 years ago

    Happy Birthday!  I don't know enough about Chanel to be able to compare different purses but overall, this seems a great match for your ladylike style.  Enjoy!

  • replied 10 years ago

    That is YOUR bag, my dear. It is perfect in every way, and you know the better deal you got on it just warms the cockles of my heart. The color is perfect and it's medium size is just right for you and will always be in style. I like that it's easier to get into and holds all of your stuff. You can carry it a myriad of different ways and no matter which one you bought, there is always the chance that someone will think it's a fake (though I doubt it, with your fab wardrobe)! 

    FWIW, my Rolex, that I told you about, does not have the iconic "datejust" feature--that little bubble over the 3 where the date turns. DH saved several thousand dollars by buying the budget (ha!) model, but it hasn't decreased my enjoyment of it one bit. 

    Enjoy your gorgeous bag, and may the girl math be with you!

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 10 years ago

    1.  You've named it.    Like cats and dogs, once you've given it a name, it is yours forever :)

    2.  I can 'hear' the joy bubbling up in your words.    This is the bag for you!

    And someday, if the 2.55 is still haunting you, you can bring home a sister for Miss Scarlett.    :D

    I cannot tell you how excited I am for you!    It is a gorgeous bag!

  • Cindy replied 10 years ago

    It's beautiful and it makes you happy. Nothing else matters. And a belated happy birthday!

  • marianna replied 10 years ago

    Wow, it is PERFECT!

  • Aziraphale replied 10 years ago

    First of all, congratulations on your 40th, and also on your new baby (I don't know how old he is -- I've obviously missed a bit! -- but last time I saw a pic of you, you were preggers!).  

    OK, the handbag.  My disclaimer: I'm not a bag girl.  When it comes to bags, I just don't get it.  I'm clearly lacking the handbag gene.  However, I'm reading all these gushing, swooning comments so I understand that, to people in the know, Miss Scarlet is a very nice bag.  So here's my take:

    1.  You find the bag so visually appealing that you hugged the sale assistant in a moment of rapture.  
    2.  You named the bag.  La Belle Demimondaine makes a good point.
    3.  You are prepared to spend serious coin on an item that will mark a milestone, possibly a turning point, in your life.  

    I vote keep it.  You clearly love it, and to my eye it looks the same as the other one you were coveting.  Again, I'm not in the know when it comes to Chanel bags, but neither is 98% of the rest of the world, and if you love the bag and it's pretty and it suits your style, which it does, then go for it.  I don't think you will regret it.  And Angie (who certainly DOES know her bags) gave you a "killer", which is as good a blessing as you're going to get anywhere.

    Plus, this way you could also get an expensive trench.  It's a win-win!

  • lyn* replied 10 years ago

    Amazing love it!!!! I think this bag is absolutely perfect for you (and you've named her!) - forget about the other bag - this is the right one!

    Happy Birthday!

  • Runcarla replied 10 years ago

    Great bag, and I think the better bag, because #1 it is the colour you want, and # 2 I think that second flap in the more $$ version would drive me crazy, iconic or not!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    I positively, absolutely, without-a-doubt LOVE THIS BAG FOR YOU!!!

    I think the size is perfect, the finish of the leather is perfect, the colour is perfect and it will work with your wardrobe beautifully. I wouldn't change a thing :)

    And Happy Birthday beautiful lady!

  • shedev replied 10 years ago

    I think the bag is lovely. It's definately not settling. Keep and enjoy.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Natalie, Miss Scarlet is the perfect bag for you! Enjoy her. Take her out for many spins. Show her the town. And congratulations! 

  • Marley replied 10 years ago

    Hey Natalie - somehow I missed your B-Day - so, let me first wish you happy belated birthday (and I hope that you are still celebrating!)  And, second - well, that bag is YOURS!  It seems to be perfect for you and your happiness factor is soaring - so, enjoy to the fullest!  Also - dear woman - how do you juggle all of your responsibilities???  I am amazed and in awe!  I lose my purse, my keys, my watch, shoes, etc. all of the time - and I don't have the excuse of taking caring of children and juggling a career and husband as well!  You rock!

  • Adelfa replied 10 years ago

    Now I know why you were talking about red bags on my thread :-)

    I missed this post!  Though I caught the one where you were thinking about it!

    Congratulations! I like Rachy's point about how you actually look good in Chanel--I've often thought I wouldn't! I also like how you thought through all the different aspects of your purchase.  Good job! Can't wait to see this bag many times!

  • krishnidoux replied 10 years ago

    Congratulations on having found the perfect bag for you.
    What a story about the *almost* lost bag! You are so overworked from all sides, I think it was a bit harsh from your DH to cancel everything and hold it against you. An accident is an accident. Of course, you CAN keep track of everything, but you have so much on you shoulders! Your brain had to pick its priorities. Remind him that at least it wasn't the baby you forgot in that tent! lol. Imagine that. 
    Happy 40th! 40's are the best, trust me. Better than the 30's!

  • Archer replied 10 years ago

    Totally agree with krishnidoux. Perfect all round. Well told story too. You life makes me feel lazy. You misplaced a purse!! I am with kd on that too.
    Happy BBD.

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