True Classic

Wait. Just before you scroll down for pictures, do spend some time linger on the words as I have a short story to tell... Although it's not a meaningful one and there truly isn't any substantial moral value behind it, it gives you an idea of who I really am apart from the preconceived notion--materialistic, conceit, vanity, self-importance, or whatever synonyms that you'd add to the list.

And the story goes like this...

Approximately 2.5 years ago, when Chean was shooting for a Nike commercial in L.A. for about a week, he called and asked if I want anything for souvenir. I jokingly told him a Chanel Classic Flap Bag (it has been sitting on my wishing list for years) is everything I wanted. I was completely joking because I really x100 wanted to buy that myself, with my own saving instead of having him to get me another bag. I want it to be special, to be "MY BAG".

"Bao Bei, I found you a pink one, medium size. They said it's limited edition,"

"W.H.A.T!? No way. Where are you?"

"Beverly Hills. You want it?"

"Nah. I just bought the LV Neverfull, guess I'm done for this year."

"You sure? I can get that for you, it's limited edition, once you've missed it, you miss it forever."

"Hmm... Ermm... Never mind. I don't need another bag. Just get me something cute & cheap."

"Ok then. I got to rush for production. Let me know, it's ok if you change your mind. Love you."

So Chean ended up getting me a cupcake design letter set at $7.99. I love it, I used to write very often to my family & friends; that seems like a sweet little thoughtful souvenir. But to be completely honest, I do hope that he will somehow get the bag to surprise me although the angel on my right shoulder strongly opposed that idea. In fact, he should. You know why? Because in the same year, 3 months after Chean got back from L.A. to be exact, Chanel decided to jump on the price hike bandwagon and the price of Chanel classic bags have skyrocketed since then. Boo Hoo (T^T)

Never mind. Keep saving, Bev, keep saving. Be positive, never lose faith, your dream will come true one day. You'll be working after you graduate and you sure can afford that bag yourself. R.I.G.H.T?

Noop. I was wrong. And this year, yup, 2012, I finally woke up from the delusional situation that I set myself up. Despite Chanel's shocking annual price increase in the past few years, the price went up again this January. Guess what, now the price of the medium classic flap bag has doubled compared with 2.5 years ago. D.O.U.B.L.E!!! You hear me!!! Not ringgit, but USD. Here's the reality check, I can never afford it, never even if I keep saving at a consistent rate, I simply can't keep up with the 30% price increase two times in a year. Thus I proposed the crazy idea to Chean again as my birthday present, intentionally this time, he rolled his eyes and then said, "Jeez, you should have bought it last time! You better make sure you get it this time,"

I will and I must, by hope or by crook!

Hence, I begin the intensive search by making multiple calls and conversations with several sale persons at the high-end department stores as well as Chanel boutiques across the States. No trace of the classic bag that I wanted, and as unrealistic as it sounds, No.23 is the quickest I could get on a waiting list. That equals to a 3-months wait, at least. Apparently there are many more insane shoppers like me out there, phew, glad that I am not alone and no doubt that this bag is in great demand.

3 days, 10 calls, and the deal is sealed. Pre-ordered the bag on January (right after the price increase, sigh) and got it by end of March.


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Truly adore its elegance, the sense of heritage and timelessness; it's the O.N.E true classic bag that I know I'll have it forever, or I can even give it to Bao Bao when she grows up.

So now maybe I have some of you pondering: It's just a bag, why must it be Chanel? And why so many materialistic girls are willing to pay high price for this simple bag? Well, first of all, it's not just another bag. You really have to feel it in person, you'll be able to tell the difference, quality wise. Second of all, I'm not materialistic, I'm more like a value-driven person; it just happened that the stuff that I really into are always the expensive one. It's kinda sad actually, but it's true. Go ask Chean.

This luxury piece truly has a magic spell, that's why so many girls are dying to own one. Yet, its unique charm is still a subjective one. If you do not see the value in it, you will never learn to appreciate it no matter who tells you what; but if this post is talking to you, I'm sure you understand the rationale and the underlying reasons of my extravagant purchase ;)




#6 Here. The F21 bag that I used as a Chanel Classic Flap substitute before, not too bad huh? *grin*



Ending this while filing for bankruptcy,
Bev