OOTD + Tips For Buying Pre-Loved Chanel

For the OG La Petite Noob readers, you will have seen me through my journey of not really understanding the appeal about luxury handbags straight to today, where I can officially say that I'm addicted. I absolutely love the look and feel of a high-end, timeless purse and am slowly amassing a small collection of treasures.  Even the process of acquiring a handbag in a boutique can be a luxury within itself, but it is not the only option when building a collection of luxury goodies.  Lately, I have come to really appreciate the online luxury consignment market, especially when looking to add the end-all, be-all handbag to my collection: a Chanel.

I was lucky enough to test drive this gorgeous, vintage Chanel Kelly bag from my friends at Love That Bag here in Canada. These ladies are my go-to for luxury consignment goods, and for when I'm looking to sell off some of my handbags that I'm no longer in love with (they recently helped me sell my 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli.) Their prices are also in Canadian dollars, which is awesome for us northerners (and makes their bags an absolute steal if you're shopping from the UK or USA!) Now that I'm on the hunt for my own Chanel, Love That Bag is helping me out big time and hooked me up with some incredible tips for buying authentic, pre-loved Chanel bags. Check out their page for a complete list, but here's a few takeaways that really stuck with me.

Dress - Zara, Bag - c/o Love That Bag (on loan)
Shoes - c/o Vince Camuto

Date Codes:

Chanel started using date codes in 1984. Since then, every bag comes with a sticker containing a serial number as well as a corresponding authenticity card. Date code stickers can usually be found on the inside lining and will vary depending on the year the bag was made. Date codes on newer bags will have a clear sticker with gold speckles placed over the number. Authenticity cards have a gold border. The border of a fake card can be unevenly placed on the card and have a holographic / rainbow reflection. Some authenticity cards will have a white circle in the top right hand corner. This indicates that the bag was made after 2005.

Over time, date code stickers can become detached from the bag and authenticity cards can be lost, so don’t worry if either are missing.

In terms of the actual serial number, there are a few important things to note: The first number of a date code will indicate which year the bag was made in starting in 1984 with 0. Date codes starting with single digit number are seven digits long while date codes starting at 10 and up are eight digits long. A nine-digit serial number is a clear indication of a fake.

Chanel “MADE IN” Stamp:

Chanel “made in” stamps are usually embossed directly into the lining of the bag or on a leather patch. The colour of the logo stamp will always match the colour of the hardware, so a bag with gold hardware should have a gold stamp.

Chanel bags are made in either Italy or France. Watch out for stamps that read “made in Paris.”

Lettering in Chanel stamps is always clean and sharp. Beware of crooked or messy logos with blurred fonts and uneven spacing.

CC Logo:

The CC logo is the most recognizable symbol of the brand, and thus good counterfeiters rarely make a mistake with it. However, always make sure that the right C overlaps the left at the top of the logo, and the left C overlaps the right at the bottom.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions:

If it seems like it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Remember that an authentic bag will always be made from the highest quality leather and materials. If you are buying used luxury bags from a reputable seller (like Love That Bag), you should have nothing to worry about. Don’t be shy to ask for additional photos or even receipts if they can get a hold of them and use an authentication service. There are authenticators on PurseForum.com that may look at the photos for you.

Bottom line is that if it seems to good to be true, it usually is.  I like to just purchase pre-loved through a consignment retailer that I trust in order to prevent spending big money on a fake Chanel - that's why I appreciate Love That Bag so much!

What do you guys think?  Have you ever tried luxury consignment?  What handbag is on your wishlist?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

NOTE: This post was NOT sponsored.  I just think that a good thing is worth sharing!

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