Instyle Handbag
Designer Handbags 101

Chanel Handbags

Coco Chanel wasn't just a fashion designer - she was the very first fashion icon. The French born designer's famous jersey-and-tweed suits closed the gap between male and female clothing and created a fashion that offered women both comfort and haute couture style. In a time when inequality ran rampant, Chanel took the reigns of feminism by the designer skirt hem by doing away with rigid corsets and cinched waists, in favor of pants and suit jackets for women - emerging as a pioneer for women's fashion and women's rights.

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Born in 1883, Chanel was raised in a French orphanage. In 1912, she was backed by a wealthy aristocrat, Arthur Capel, who funded her first hat shop. Even during the Great Depression of the 1920's, Chanel's designs grew - thanks to word of mouth. Even though this was a time of tightened purse strings many people still found they could afford a $700 Chanel designer suit, from one of her Paris or Biarritz boutiques. After inventing Chanel No. 5 perfume, Chanel's name was on everyone's lips, so much so that director Samuel Goldwin commissioned her to dress the stars of his films, including Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor.

In 1940, Chanel was forced to close her boutiques and turned to nursing during WWI. When she got romantically involved with a Nazi officer and fled to Switzerland, Chanel was exiled for fifteen years from her beloved Paris, only to return to fashion in the 1950s, when she caught the appreciative gaze of American Hollywood.

Coco Chanel died in 1971, leaving her moniker in the hands of Karl Lagerfeld, who still uses the Chanel name and traditional style philosophy.

Chanel Fur & Leather Bag with Chain Strap - made of soft, plush, genuine fur, this bag features a single chain strap wrapped around leather. Its interior is completely lined in leather and it features the trademark "CC" turn lock, secure clasp. Available in soft burgundy fur from $780 to $1,500 online.

Chanel 10120 - is made from 100% authentic quilted lamb leather. This shoulder-style bag has the gold signature "CC" monogram turn lock hardware and burgundy leather lined interior. All Chanel bags come with authenticity paperwork for between $1000 and $1,600 online.

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HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEENA REAL CHANEL AND A REPLICA!! Step 1: Check the logo. The Chanel logo is comprised of two interlocking "C" letters that face away from each other. The top of the right-facing "C" should bisect the top of the left-facing "C." Some vintage bags exist that have a reverse overlap located on the interior flap. This rule is for handbags only and does not necessarily apply to other items in the Chanel line. Step 2: Find the authenticity card. An authentic Chanel bag comes with one. This embossed card contains a serial number. If there's no card, if the card is not embossed or if there is no serial number included in the text, the bag is likely a knock-off. Step 3: Locate the serial number. There must be a serial number placed somewhere within the bag's interior. Prior to the late 1990s, the serial number was printed on a white sticker with the Chanel logo printed in gold across the background. From the late 1990s to the present, the serial number has been printed on a white sticker beneath 2 gold Chanel logos. The serial number is most often located inside the bag at the lower left corner or on the zipper pocket. The sticker should be covered with a rectangle of clear tape large enough to cover then entire sticker. Step 4: Examine both the serial number on the authenticity card and the serial number on the bag. They must match. Step 5: Look closely at the hardware on the strap of the bag. The Chanel name or logo should be engraved on the strap's hardware. If an engraving is missing, chances are the bag is a fake. Step 6: Examine both sides of any zipper pull hardware. One side is engraved "Chanel" and the other is engraved with the Chanel logo. The pull itself must match the rest of the bag's hardware in color and tone. Step 7: Track any repeating pattern on the bag. The logos and quilting must line up. If there is a pocket sewn to the front of a quilted bag, the quilted pattern does not break or deviate on the bag. The pattern aligns from the top to the bottom of the bag as if there was no pocket at all. And last but not least..Jesus Crimany people. Check inside and read where your bag was made from. If it says "Made in France", it's a total Replica.. where it should say it was made in if your handbag is real is "Made in Italy"
Posted on 7/11/2008 7:10:00 AM by Anonymous
I have a black caviar leather bag which says "Made In Italy". I KNOW it's authentic, due to the fact that I bought it while working at Neiman Marcus.
Posted on 6/30/2008 10:57:00 PM by Anonymous
actually they are made in paris
Posted on 5/23/2008 10:49:00 PM by Anonymous
i have 1508 chanel handbags so dont go on about how expensive they are and i pay full retail!!
Posted on 2/3/2008 5:18:00 AM by Anonymous
I have reported stafford universal to the better busines bureau since they are the company I was sent to to buy my Chanel replica and they canceled my order and did not refund my money. I said I was going to write everyday about this company that is no good . The owner of the company claims the bank froze up his account. Duh, I wonder why since he likes to steal from others.
Posted on 1/29/2008 11:10:00 PM by Anonymous
This company is a farse I have talked to the owner oif stanton universal and he refuses to refund my money and will not send the purse I ordered. I have turned him into the internet better business bureau which infuriated him. This company is a fake and is ripping people off,. I will write a blog everyday to see that eventually he is put out of business.
Posted on 1/29/2008 12:06:00 AM by Anonymous
I have two Chanel bags and they say made in Italy. Why does ebay sell bags made in France. Can someone tell me?
Posted on 1/23/2008 5:28:00 PM by Anonymous
wow this is cool
Posted on 1/20/2008 5:42:00 PM by Anonymous
how can i buying the bag
Posted on 1/16/2008 10:56:00 PM by Anonymous
DON'T EVER BUY A BAG FROM THIS WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!! THEY JUST STEAL YOUR MONEY!!!! I bought a bag from here during the middle of december 07 and i still have yet to receive it. Just letting you know, before your money is robbed from you. I wish i would have read the comments before purchasing my Chanel bag. Altogether, this whole website should not even exist, its a scam! Don't make the same mistake i did and if you still decide to buy from here i guess you will learn the hard way.
Posted on 1/14/2008 1:28:00 PM by Anonymous
hmmm, how can you tell which chanel bags are fake nd which aren't yo. :/
Posted on 1/12/2008 11:53:00 AM by Anonymous
http://www.eluxurybay.com only sell high quality louis vuitton handbags, wallets, rolex watches and jewelry.Have fund!
Posted on 1/11/2008 11:10:00 PM by Anonymous
im the real chanel lover here!!!!! hah so bitch please okay lets meet up at the mall
Posted on 1/11/2008 2:57:00 PM by Anonymous
ohhhh helll no, that beezy down there breezy. and i do have chanels so you need to shut the flip up. so yeah lets fight. meet up ya heard. i'll knock the chanel off you.
Posted on 1/11/2008 2:56:00 PM by Anonymous
OHHH MYY GADDDDD. tell me why chanel is sooooooooooooo cheap. LIKE COME ONE NOW I BUY THEM FOR MY FRIENDS FOR THEIR BIRTHDAYS. LIKE GIVE ME A BREAK. I EVEN HAVE CHANEL INTERIOR IN HUMMER CUZ I DRIVE HOMEGURLS AROUND TO BUY CHANEL BAGS.
Posted on 1/11/2008 2:54:00 PM by Anonymous
OMG! these bags are what only $3000? $4000? that's nothing to me. I wish they would come out with bags that cost even more. Like get real i can buy 100 chanel bags just in one day. GOSH.
Posted on 1/11/2008 2:31:00 PM by Anonymous
I ordered a Chanel purse from this web site December 8th and they still have not sent it to me and they took my money right out of my checking account. I have sent several e-mails to them with no response. I was screwed out of $105.00.I tried to call there number and all I get is a recording and they will not call me back. You better not order from these thieves.
Posted on 1/4/2008 1:13:00 PM by Anonymous
i bought the most amazing Chanel replica on replica-handbags-shop.com it even came with a serial number and a care kit! my rich friends don't even know it's a fake! Sharon Roads
Posted on 1/1/2008 4:27:00 PM by Anonymous
i meant ITALY...my bad
Posted on 12/31/2007 5:43:00 AM by Anonymous
no offense, but even though it says that Coco Chanel was growin up in France, that doesn't mean that's where the purses are made. Apparently you have never been out of this country because there are a billion of Chanel stores in Italy and they all say IAL, not france. It won't and never will be made in France. Sorry doll.
Posted on 12/31/2007 5:41:00 AM by Anonymous
1,000 dollars is way to much for a purse! Only someone insane would buy a purse for that much money! Seriously, the prices should be lowered. I know how to tell the difference between a real chanel purse and a fake one and let me tell you they look totally different!
Posted on 12/27/2007 10:46:00 AM by Anonymous
i think that they are very cute bags,, but where exactly would you purchase one?!!!!! like i checked every store.. i cant find them.. hhhhhelp i want one pretty please.
Posted on 12/23/2007 10:19:00 PM by Anonymous
k
Posted on 12/17/2007 7:06:00 PM by Anonymous
Why buy an expensive handbag when u can get one that looks completely real for $50 to $65!
Posted on 12/16/2007 11:12:00 PM by Anonymous
i love chanel so much just because their clothes ,sunglasses and purses are really nice
Posted on 12/16/2007 3:07:00 PM by Anonymous
I Love Chanel Bags Before Buying i am getting a knock off so i have time 4 my parents to spoil me and buy me a $ 99.99 Black Shoulder Bag
Posted on 12/14/2007 6:36:00 PM by Anonymous
You would take my comments down. I realize the truth may hurt sometimes but it is merely the sad reality we live in today. If you want to keep the wool over the eyes of these over privileged divas' be my guest. Buying $2,000 worth of fabric or leather is NOT, and will NEVER be, a good way to spend money! CoCo Chanel was a HACK; who names their kid Coco?
Posted on 12/9/2007 6:47:00 PM by Anonymous
WHOEVER THINKS THAT CHANEL IS MADE IN FRANCE - SORRY. YOU ARE VERY WRONG. ALL THE HANDBAGS ARE MADE IN ITALY, AND IT WILL SAY "MADE IN ITALY". OBVIOUSLY - YOU ARE A "WANNA BE" OBNOXIOUS PERSON WHO THINKS THEY KNOW FASHION. BUT YOU ARE APPARENTLY BUYING FAKES. YOU ARE THE SAD ONE. TAKE IT FROM SOMEONE THAT OWNS THE REAL DEAL BAGS.
Posted on 12/6/2007 12:37:00 PM by Anonymous
who is a chanel purse freak? i think i am. but i dont own any chanel purses. they are way to over priced. lol. email meeee at cghottibabe@yahoo.com
Posted on 12/1/2007 10:59:00 AM by Anonymous
i am 16 and i cannot afford a chanel purse.. who wants to buy me a chanel purse?! it would make a great x-mas gift lol. THESE PURSES ARE OVER-PRICED!!!!!!!!!!! EMAil ME... cghottibabe@yahoo.com
Posted on 12/1/2007 10:58:00 AM by Anonymous
chanel rocks
Posted on 11/30/2007 11:45:00 PM by Anonymous
i love chanel, but it's so expensive. but they are so cute!!!! -Sarah Campbell sarahscampbell@insightbb.com
Posted on 11/25/2007 8:51:00 PM by Anonymous
omg iuv all your purses even the hobo ones iiiiiiiiiiii llllllllllluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuvvvvvvvvv
Posted on 11/23/2007 10:59:00 PM by Anonymous
i dont know about yall, but the girl who said she has nothing but desiner stuff, and her mansion, shes 12!!! her daddy pays 4 it!!! get real and come to life!! these thing are expensive!! Im 18 and im saving for a chanel bag. I work for my stuff!! GROW UP!!!
Posted on 11/22/2007 10:33:00 PM by Anonymous
Theese things are to expensive!! RIP-OFFS!!
Posted on 11/21/2007 9:13:00 PM by Anonymous
OMG!!! i love chanel purses i now own 53, and as a student in college, i cant afford the 1000 dollars and up that nomal chanel purses cost, but with this websit it is easier to have HOTTT purses ike these!!!
Posted on 11/18/2007 11:49:00 PM by Anonymous
i luv these purses by chanel! were do u buy them though?!
Posted on 11/17/2007 7:56:00 PM by Anonymous
wait are these chanel bags fake??
Posted on 11/13/2007 6:54:00 PM by Anonymous
if your bag is fake there won't be a serial number sewn into the bag. On the wallets the number is stamped on the inside. Also, the authenticity "booklets" should not be a real book. The real "booklets" are just fold out.
Posted on 11/12/2007 1:42:00 AM by Anonymous
For all you people here who are saying "They're only $89" or "Your bag is HOT", if you were smart enough to read the disclaimer, it says plain and clear that they are fakes. Seriously, people.
Posted on 11/9/2007 1:36:00 PM by Anonymous
im pretty sure your bags are "Hot" i payed 2000 for my chanel bag. thats on here for 90 dollars...
Posted on 11/6/2007 11:15:00 PM by Anonymous
are these bags fake??? cause I dont' want to buy one if its fake
Posted on 11/6/2007 12:33:00 AM by Anonymous
insted of saying omg is it real just go to a dang store and buy one im 12 and have tons of chanel stuff so i know
Posted on 11/4/2007 4:51:00 PM by Anonymous
i have 230 chanel bags should i sell them or keep em anyone interested and ther real anfd made in france they also have the card interested rite a comment
Posted on 11/4/2007 3:34:00 PM by Anonymous
i love chanel but im 13 i cant aford the bags cause i already have 3 realll ones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im going to her fashion shows !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 yeah me
Posted on 11/4/2007 3:29:00 PM by Anonymous
These simply cannot be true prices. A family member works for them and I have been to the company store and she purchased a purse for me from the employee sale. These seriously retail for a min. $1,000 however the company employee only sale is drastically reduced, but still not as low as this. Can't see how they are real. Unless they fell off of a truck................
Posted on 11/3/2007 7:08:00 AM by Anonymous
i love the bags but not the price
Posted on 10/31/2007 3:46:00 PM by Anonymous
do u have anything in the range of 20 dollars?
Posted on 10/29/2007 6:26:00 PM by Anonymous
The Chanel Bags that are only $89 are fake. They're called replicas, made to be an exact replica of the real bag where as knock-off alter the image of the bag/logo. Chanel bags are very expensive but if you want the design with out spending hundreds to thousands of dollars, go with a replica. Replicas are made with the aesthetic integrity of the bag in mind. Just some food for thought! Ciao :) ~ MISS JP the high fashionista!
Posted on 10/27/2007 2:55:00 AM by Anonymous
need to know if a gift is real or fake
Posted on 10/25/2007 2:47:00 AM by Anonymous
These bags dont look real
Posted on 10/23/2007 3:58:00 PM by Anonymous
i agree with whoever said that they are too expensive and that you wouldnt be able to tell the difference whether it was real or not!Everybody gets something they cant have to fit in!....please lower prices!...you will get ALOT MORE PEOPLE! <33
Posted on 10/19/2007 9:45:00 PM by Anonymous
uhmm i meed a chanel bag!...<33
Posted on 10/19/2007 9:42:00 PM by Anonymous
i agree whoever buys knock offs are retarded i would rather have no chanel or coach or whatever purses then a million knowckoffs
Posted on 10/13/2007 10:13:00 PM by Anonymous
omg people you think these are expensive these that i just looked were only 89 frickin dollars
Posted on 10/13/2007 10:01:00 PM by Anonymous
cute chanels these are a great price i want one
Posted on 10/13/2007 10:00:00 PM by Anonymous
A bag should never cost as much as a used honda
Posted on 10/13/2007 7:30:00 PM by Anonymous
I am 12, i have 2 COACH purses, 5 Louis Vuitton, and 8 CHANEL, there is NO telling how much all of these cost. I get them for gifts and i buy some. In my 4 story mansion I have 1 room decorated in Purely Designer Stuff. Painted on the walls is the CC,LV, and COACH sighs! I keep that room LOCKED and i have shelfs boxed in by glass that each have their own lock that i keep my purses in. I LOVE DESIGNER BAGS! toodles!
Posted on 10/13/2007 6:03:00 PM by Anonymous
you guys that are saying that the prices are too expensive well your just stupid cuz they are only like 80$ and have you ever seen the prices to like coach and boony and bourke? they are alot more and these are cuter
Posted on 10/9/2007 10:34:00 AM by Anonymous
i luv chanel but the prices r WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY 2 high! PLEEZ LOWER THEM!
Posted on 10/7/2007 12:28:00 AM by Anonymous
I want to buy a Chanel purse, but I am a student so $ is a little tight. I have found a lady on Craigslist selling a real, but used, one and she has the authenticity card and says the number on the purse matches it. What else do I need to know that it is real?
Posted on 10/5/2007 1:47:00 AM by Anonymous
I love chanel ,but I won't spend so much on a purse! I prefer buy a replicas ,who care !I just like the design,who care whether it's original or replica?I just enjoy the design,I bought from replica website:www.8abag.com. their quality is nice ,I don't think there is any different ,I love my bag
Posted on 10/4/2007 8:13:00 AM by Anonymous
There are sad people selling Chanel Bags on E-bay. They truly believe that Chanel is made in Italy and reckon its authentic!! - losers!! Look out for this as there are bloody good fakes about and still expensive prices. Up to you if you want the real deal or a good fake. Even a good fake on Ebay, be prerapred to pay 4 figures!. Personally I'd rather save and have the real deal. Chanel is and always will be Made in France. Read the label!
Posted on 9/14/2007 7:39:00 PM by Anonymous
i love chanel. i am so lucky i have alot of chanel stuff. i have bags, makeup, makeup brushs, earrings,rings,braclets,and clothing. it is my fav.
Posted on 9/13/2007 11:23:00 PM by Anonymous
i love chanel. it is my fav desinger. i wish i could have some of it.
Posted on 9/13/2007 11:18:00 PM by Anonymous
I agree with you person above me. If my fashion career goes the i want it to go then i will hate all reprductions of anything i do. It would be stupid and cheap. I am so glad some one else agrees that knock offs are stupid cheap and lack of fashion knowledge. Because i pretty sure the people who are buying the knock offs only buy them beause everyone else has them and they are stupid posers. As you can see i love chanel. Peace-sg
Posted on 9/12/2007 12:48:00 PM by Anonymous
if i had the money i would absolutely spend 1,000 or more on a REAL AUNTHENTIC chanel bag. yeah ok its ALOT of money for a purse, but thats not the point. i would never by a fake. sure its cheaper and not alot of people can tell, but I WOULD KNOW. its not JUST a purse. a chanel bag stands for everything that coco chanel has worked for. if it weren't for coco chanel, who knows if women would even be wearing pants these days. "id rather go naked then wear fake chanel"- courtney love & i absolutely agree with her. i hate alll you people you talk of chanel as if its JUST brand. its so much more then that. when you purchase a chanel bag, you should be proud of what it stands for. you cant be preoud if it's a knockoff. if you don't agree you are all ignorant.
Posted on 9/8/2007 10:20:00 PM by Anonymous
way to much I'd rather get a knockoff!
Posted on 9/7/2007 4:44:00 PM by Anonymous
why r ur purses so cheap r they hella gay or wat r they like supposed to be payments?
Posted on 8/26/2007 8:09:00 PM by Anonymous
She might have been a style icon, and a creative and spirited woman, but the flamboyant use of fur is still disgusting no matter how you look at it.
Posted on 8/24/2007 12:35:00 AM by Anonymous
are these bags FAKE?????
Posted on 8/10/2007 12:37:00 PM by Anonymous
How the helll do i no if mines fake ?
Posted on 8/8/2007 10:20:00 PM by Anonymous
You know, the knock offs are not that badly priced here compared to the real thing, its the shipping which is $30 for one item which is crazy. They should really find a cheaper way to get their products to their customers...
Posted on 8/4/2007 10:15:00 PM by Anonymous
chanel is awsome!!! i want one of those cute black and white quilted bags, but how can u tell if its fake????
Posted on 8/3/2007 5:35:00 PM by Anonymous
I LOVE LOVE CHANEL!!!
Posted on 8/3/2007 4:24:00 PM by Anonymous
I LOVE UR BAGS SO MUCH BUT I AM ONLY 13 AND SO CAN NOT BUY ONE OF UR BAGS. I WOULD LOVETO HAVE ONE OF UR PRUSES ITS LIKE A DREAM. PLEASE PLEASE LOWER UR PRIZE. I LOVE CHANEL :)
Posted on 8/3/2007 4:22:00 PM by Anonymous
wat are some facts about chanel hand bags
Posted on 8/3/2007 1:43:00 AM by Anonymous
CHANEL IS AWESOME!!!!! F#$@& HATERS
Posted on 7/31/2007 4:59:00 PM by Anonymous
uhm. well then your weird. if you think that because Selling Knock-offs are Illegal and the real thing is bettter then a Cheap KNock-off that you can get at the Swap Meets.
Posted on 7/29/2007 6:43:00 PM by Anonymous
its too expensive and the knock offs look too real sometimes
Posted on 7/15/2007 11:46:00 PM by Anonymous
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