Today I wanted to share some of my favorite Chanel pieces. For me there’s always something very special about Chanel – to be honest their items (especially the clothes) are some of the worst cost per wear items I have, but there are a few pieces I just can’t bring myself to part with, even in my most aggressive closet purges, because they just feel so great when I do get to wear them (or look at them, hanging prettily in my closet). Here are two of my favorites below – a black jacket from the 2014 season, and a black Chanel bag which was the first Chanel item I ever bought, in 2002, from the boutique on Madison. I think it’s so cool that they are twelve years apart, and five and nineteen years old, respectively!
This jacket always makes me feel great – I’ve worn it only around ten times but I just like looking at it in my closet. I need to wear it more. I got it on sale and was so thrilled because I had been assured by a salesperson that it would never make it there in my size and it did. So HA! Chanel sale shopping is definitely it’s own sort of addiction. I got off the bandwagon after I had kids, not really practical for my life or affordable. But so fun.
A close up of the bowler – you can read about it here. I had thought about parting with it earlier but just couldn’t do it. Too many memories. I don’t want to burden my daughter with a bunch of my items (mommy justified spending 2934820394 dollars because I can pass it down as an “heirloom!”). But I do hope she likes this one.
Also, an honorable mention – my first cardigan, which I think is from the 2011 season. I loved, loved this cardigan and thus committed the cardinal sin of purchasing it full price but I don’t regret it because Chanel rarely does these “jacket look” sort of cardigans in cashmere and in classic colors. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. The buttons are wood and super heavy and to die for.
Also by the way, the issue with self timer photos – your children think you are a lunatic and also decide they want to be in the photos. And also you can see why I always cut off my head in photos (besides that I’m usually wearing no makeup) – there’s a giant fan on the wall behind my head.
In honor of Karl Lagerfeld and all that he did to make women feel great, and empowered, I’d love to hear about your favorite memories of Chanel, the pieces that meant a lot to you, and just your general thoughts!
8 Comments
Kristen
February 25, 2019 at 8:00 amYour earlier post about TheRealReal has had me combing over their app looking at Chanel jackets for hours every night after my kids go to sleep. Your jackets are amazing and I think you are right to keep them. I’ve never tried one on before so wonder how sizing runs? I have heard that the craftsmanship is amazing.
Katherine
February 25, 2019 at 9:33 pmGo to the shop (or NM) to try on the jackets – one thing is that they are really expensive so mistakes are pricey, so get the sizing right. Believe me, I have learned!! But TRR is a great way to get some killer deals and plus you can return them if it doesn’t work out
Kristen
March 1, 2019 at 6:22 amWent to the Chanel store on Wednesday and tried on a bunch of jackets. I just loved them. Now that I have a sense of sizing I ordered three jackets from TRR and fingers crossed they work out. Katherine, any advice on how to navigate Chanel sales? With six collections per year I’m not sure how to go strategize.
bisbee
February 25, 2019 at 8:13 amI have only 1 Chanel piece…the small shopping tote in black with silver hardware. I got it on a day trip to NYC at the boutique in Soho. Not a terribly popular style, but I loved it…and still do, although I haven’t used it in years. But…I will hold on to it for the foreseeable future!
K
February 25, 2019 at 10:18 amMy first Chanel purchase was a flap from I Magnin in the very early 90s. I was so nervous at the time to spend what seemed to me a lot of money. The Chanel SA assured me it would be easier to buy after & she was right! I amassed a large collection of anything Chanel. KL was a one of a kind genius. I am appreciative of his influence, even though remote , of my fashion choices & style.
Ella
February 26, 2019 at 10:16 amGreat post. My Chanel RTW items have the worst CPW in my closet and not because they are expensive; my jackets from Balmain, Gucci, etc are nearly as expensive (well, half) but i wear them all the time. is it that I “save” the Chanel? Because I don’t like to get them cleaned? Maybe! But I am thinking about not buying those items any more because I am so reluctant to wear them! I love looking at Larkie’s pics on Instagram because she models the jackets in such an approachable way, with jeans or cropped black trousers, which is pretty much all I wear – but then the next morning I reach for the Balmain again.
Sarah
February 26, 2019 at 3:45 pmPart of my love for Chanel is my deep respect for Coco and all she achieved at the time she achieved it. I have two blazers, one from TRR and one from Luxury Garage Sale, and they both fit beautifully – the drape is incredible. Gorgeous details in the lining, the buttons, the stitching…special. I feel great when I wear them and get compliments because they fit so well. Received a gift of a Reissue 2.55 that I love, love, love. Great bag.
Sesyhassan
February 27, 2019 at 9:35 pmMy first Chanel that I bought in 2003 was a camellia clutch in mauve. It is made of soft lambskin with patent leather trim with a camellia flower adorned strap that suppose to encircle your wrist. I got it in Maiden Lane, SF boutique. It was love at first sight, I was in college so the color black and beige would not appeal to me then. The price of it was equal to Chanel card case now.
Btw, I love you were pairing Chanel jacket and bag with undone hair and no makeup. I think it looks fresh. And how the bowler still looks current and not a day old.