Warning: If you don’t like reading about ridiculous first world problems, then this post is not for you.
I’m not the most complex person. I like sleeping in, cats, dogs, warm cups of tea, goofing off with my sisters and my friends, and I get excited about dumb stuff like finding change in a pocket or two-for-one deals on chocolate bars.
Another thing I get really excited about? Designer bags I can’t afford, in particular – my dream bag, a medium-sized Chanel Classic Flap Bag in buttery lambskin leather. While this bag gets my blood flowing, it simultaneous makes me feel guilty for coveting a simple bag that costs the same as a used car. Sigh.
Now, let me tell you a bit about myself. I live comfortably with my husband and pretty much want for nothing. For this, I am thankful. I donate to a host of charities on a yearly basis, pay my bills on time, and put savings away for retirement. When I want something expensive, I sleep on it…and when I am certain that I want said expensive item, I get to saving.
I have started saving for a Chanel bag more times than I can count, but always end up spending the savings on things I really need. For instance, the first time, the savings went to buying our home. The second time, went to furnishing the house. The third time? Down payment for my car. Fourth time? Landscaping. Fifth time? Trip to Europe. And so on and so forth. Right now I’m staring at my beloved car (her name is “Sassy”) and cringing at the fact that she has two bent rims that need to be changed asap. Parallel parking is my nemesis. DAMN IT.
I think the universe may be trying to tell me something, but I’m plugging my ears and forging ahead. When I went to Paris last year, I saw enough fashionable Parisiennes with Chanel bags to make me cry. One stylish girl had a red Chanel bag to match her red lips and I followed her down the street to get a street style shot as my husband pretended to not know me. I also keep seeing those heartbreaking memes about how the price of a Chanel bag just keeps rising; therefore making it a “great investment” (I can hear my financial advisor laughing his head off and reconsidering having me as a client).
So, I’m writing this post to make myself accountable. How you say? I’m going to start saving again, and I will probably start a monthly update where I provide my readers on my saving progress. I’m going to sit down and create a budget and timeline for saving for this bag. I welcome you all to check in and see how I’m doing. I also welcome you all to tell me to stop buying hundreds of lipsticks and nail polishes and throw that cosmetics money into the “Chanel Bag Account” (I love that I changed the name of my savings account to that).
What do you think? Am I being crazy? Don’t answer that. What super expensive, non-essential items are you lusting after?
xo,
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
Saving up is a smart way to pay for a splurge item. I did the same thing when I wanted to buy myself a pair of Fluevog boots. I plan on doing the same thing so I can replace my ancient MacBook without going into debt. 🙂
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EXACTLY! It’s important to me to not go into debt for something as simple as a bag. Glad to know that there are other savers out there with me! Good luck and hanks for reading!
Dom – This post made me laugh!! Love it. Now, you save up!! When you get that bag I will be in complete “aw” of you. It’s my dream as well to get one but I don’t think I have the discipline to save up for one! Good luck!!
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Hah! Thanks Renee! Not sure I have the discipline either, but now I have people watching me and can’t disappoint them!! Lol! So, when it comes to important stuff like saving for a car, I have no problem. We’ll see how well I do with this. Thanks for reading!
You seem responsible and rational about this purchase… I say go for it!
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Hey Chantal! Not sure if it’s 100% rational, but it won’t be an impulse buy – that’s for sure! Thanks for reading! xo
I admire your determination, girl! And your self-discipline! You know what is important and what must come first. You deserve to have that purse, and you will. I guarantee it.
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Thanks, Gail! I’ll only deserve it if I work for it, right? Appreciate you reading and supporting my crazy wants! LOL! Have a wonderful day! xo
Haha this post definitely made my morning and I feel so relieved to know that I am not the only one saving for something expensive that is most definitely going to break my bank. I am currently “saving” for an Anya Hindmarch featherweight ebury satchel or so I have been for years now hahaha!
Anyway, I really hope you do save up for your Chanel as you seem like you truly do need it in your life. I will most definitely follow up with you and see how your progressing; you should have it in no time girly. I BELIEVE IN YOU <3
Xo. http://www.sonamnaiducreative.com
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Thanks, babe! The Anya Hindmarch bag is gorgeous – wow!! Thanks for supporting my crazy wants and needs. I have been salivating over a Chanel bag for years now so I think it’s about time to make that plunge. Really happy that I could make your morning!! xoxoxo
This made me lol! And then I realized…I need a Chanel bag too! ? Nooooo!
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Let’s save together – or sell our cars to buy our bags!!! LOL! *weeping in the fetal position under my desk*
Hahahah! *starts writing ‘car for sale’ ad*… ?
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I just busted out laughing.
I too need a Chanel savings account!! It is sensible to save and work hard for it ?
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I think I may have started something here! xoxox
I adore this post. Thank you for following my blog. I just follow you back.
I really want a Chanel or a Yves Saint Laurent bag, but as you told, there is always something that is a priority and these bags are really an investement for life… Good luck on saving and keep the nice work on your blog 🙂 xo Nicole
golightlyscloset.wordpress.com
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Thank you so much, Nicole! Means a lot that you read the post and followed! Yep – hoping this time the saving will stick and something important doesn’t come up to eat away at the Chanel bag savings! LOL!
Good luck! I hope you make it this time! Your blog is always a pick me up 🙂
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Awww! That means A LOT to read that. Really – you guys just make my day…and I’m thrilled that you like it. Thank you SOOOOO MUCH!! xoxox
Let’s just say I lust after a lot of designer items, A LOT!!!
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Well, you are in good company!! Haha! xoxox
Hahaha lol
Your a fashion blogger. You MUST own this bag! I feel your pain and can completely empathize. Not that you need rationalization but its a gorgeous bag and its a classic (its even in the name). You will carry this bag until your 104 and maybe even beyond that (I’m certain I’ll be buried with mine unless my nieces’ grab it)- keep in mind I don’t own one yet either. haha. I DID just buy a Chanel easy flap bag (considerably less). I love it. BUT….don’t get it- save past it and get the classic. Because now I have to start all over and save for that. Tip- pack your lunches and don’t buy coffee drinks, make them yourself. Hold off on higher end staples for as long as you can. Best idea- when your ready, purchase at a Chanel boutique at a Saks 5th Avenue on triple point day- then you get all those bonus points to buy stuff you warded off while saving. You can do it girl! xo
http://www.quintessentialjill.com
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Jill – I LOVE YOU. That’s what a friend told me – “You’re a fashion blogger. You need this bag as part of your uniform.” – Haha! Thank you for the awesome tips. Canada is FINALLY getting its first Saks Fifth Avenue in a few months in Toronto, so hopefully they will have a Chanel boutique.
Do you like your Chanel bag? What exactly did you get? What type of leather and colour, I mean?
As for saving tips, I usually bring my own lunch, rarely buy coffee (I brew my own at home and find it tastes better than anywhere else’s), and I’ll try anything to save a buck, including stealing my husband’s change. Pathetic, I know…but I have goals I gotta reach.
Jill – I gotta say, your comment really motivated me. You win “Comment of the Day”!! Thank you so much – means a lot! xoxoxox
Hey, I can completely relate! A Chanel bag can take any ordinary outfit to the next level. I keep checking Ebay to see if there are any deals on second-hand ones, but even those are crazy expensive!
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Hey babe! Thanks for your comments. Forget eBay. Check out http://www.fashionphile.com!!!
Cool, thanks! I totally will.
This is hilarious because I literally was just having this conversation with my husband a few days ago. I used to buy tons of bags, one or two mid-priced designer bags a month. I have done a complete overhaul in my closet and have been keeping pieces that are going to be more classic. I did keep a few trendy favourites (Kate Spade Beau red and pink combo!). I told him I was going to stop buying so many and put that money into a few a year, but luxury brands. When I told him how much the Chanel cost he about died! The way I look at it though, Chanels really do hold their value. Even Louis Vuitton and Celine bags do not compare as far as investing in an accessory. When I explained that to him he thought it made more sense to buy that, since I do treat my bags like a newborn infant. My motto- “Life is short, buy the bag!”
I’m impressed with your saving skills, and the areas that it has gone to. I hope you can get your bag sooner then later. If anything, you’ll love it that much more due to all your efforts. Good luck! ?
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Thank you so much, Asa!
good luck !!!
Oh dear! It sounds so familiar!:) I started a blog (spendersparadise.com) to write about my luxury goods cravings (and savings:) While I have not yet come across affordable Chanel (I suspect they don’t do sales on purpose!), I did find Gucci, Prada and similar brands discounted with up to 80%, including for their bags! Even then they are expensive, but I do see some good value in investing in good designer quality goods (especially bags) if they can be bought with such discounts!
I am about to post my latest handbag find- of Alberta Ferretti- also bought with an impressive discount. I would be curious to know what you think about it:)
I know, it’s not Chanel, but its also much less “look at me”, but understated luxury instead;)
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Hey Irma!
Thanks for writing! I will definitely check out your blog and latest bag purchase. I love Alberta Ferreti’s understated yet feminine designs, so I’m sure your latest acquisition is beautiful!
Xo, Dominique
Sounds great Dominique! I am so curious to hear your opinion! I am packing bags for Italy- will be spending a long weekend around Milan- will definitely report back on my finds;) hugs
Go for it….If you can dream it, you can do it. and I totally relate to this. Sometimes, I think i’m too materialistic for my own good but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. xo
Definitely go for it! Like you said in your post you’re smart with your money and are willing to save up for the splurge which I think it’s great. I was lucky enough to get a Chanel maxi lambskin leather from my wonderful mother who gifted it to me as a graduation/birthday gift when I completed my Bachelors. I absolutely love the bag and constantly get compliments on it. The only thing I would change would be not getting it in a color (violet) but rather the classic black. Color transfer is a big issue so you have to be careful! As far as my next big ticket wish item, would be a Hermes Birkin 35 in Togo leather with gold hardware. It’s my dream big but it will definitely take me a while to get it since the cost is a down payment on a house, but that’s the point of wish lists right?! Lust worthy items! Definitely keep us updated on the bag!
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Will do, my friend! I love that violet Chanel bag of yours. The colour is stunning, especially against your lovely skin tone. How kind and generous of your mother! When I graduated, the only “gift” my mother got me was the need for an explanation of why I didn’t graduate with my French certification. Sigh. Tiger moms…what can you do?? LOL!
Speaking of colour transfer, my friend was heartbroken after buying a camel-coloured suede Prada tote. She wore it with brand new dark denim jeans and ruined the bag on the first day she used it. I cringe just thinking about it. OUCH.
Haha that’s amazing and so refreshingly honest, saving is hard enough as it is, my savings account always gets raided when I become weak but good luck you can do it for us girls xxx
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Thanks so much for your kind words. I was kinda scared about posting this one as I really didn’t want to come off as a spoiled brat obsessed with material things. The response has been overwhelmingly positive though! If I ever get my dream bag, I’ll thank you personally, for your kind words and encouragement! xoxoxo
OMG I LOVE LOVE LOVE this blog! Great idea to start a Chanel Bag Account instead of a boring ol’ Savings Account! I own one Chanel bag. I bought it on a whim in Vegas when I got up dinner to use the restroom and wouldn’t you know, I had to pass the Chanel Boutique on the way! Already a few cocktails in, it was super easy to rationale the splurge. The problem is, it is a fashion Caribbean Blue color and it would’ve been better for my first (and only) Chanel bag to be a classic like the one you have your sights set on. Can’t wait to hear about it when you get it! xo
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WOW – now that is my kind of impulse purchase!! LOL! I am absolutely not allowed to go shopping in Vegas after a few cocktails! I do not trust myself whatsoever. I’d come home with a Valentino gown or something crazy and thousands of dollars of credit card debt. LOL! Your bag sounds beautiful – Caribbean blue? What a happy colour!
It means a lot that you love my blog! Loving all of the support and encouragement! Your blog is great too – keep it up! xo
Thank you! You totally just made my day! I feel like I should go celebrate with a new handbag purchase lol! Xo Gina
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I wholeheartedly support your new handbag purchase! It’s important to make yourself feel great at all costs! Lol!!
Great post, and I totally feel you! I’ve been trying to do the same for years and the rise in prices makes me want to cry!!
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Oh God – you’re in good company. My recurring nightmare is finally managing to save thousands for the bag, turning up at the Chanel store to finally make this happen and realize that I still don’t have enough money. SIGH!!! Thanks for reading – means a lot!
OMG this article Just lightened up my morning. Silly me, I never knew You actually had a blog until This morning while “creeping” on your IG!! I guess bio’s are invisible eh? Seriously tho i have Been on your blog for the past 30 minutes and i Just wanted to let You know that Your blog is officially my new guilty pleasure!! Please post more skin and personal style(cough cough: maybe a fall essentiels post? )?? FYi: I love your sense of humour ?
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Awww Hawa! LOL! Thanks so much for reading! So happy Style Domination is your new guilty pleasure – haha! People are always surprised when they realize I blog…then always say “Well, I guess that makes sense!” I can’t wait to meet you – we have so much to talk about.
And yes – the bulk of my emails from readers are “Where have all the beauty posts gone?” There just isn’t enough time in the day! I will be devoting this weekend to beauty reviews and I will get to work on the “fall essentials” post, as all of my friends have been requesting one. xoxoxoxoxoxxo!!!!
I literally love you!!! I understand the struggle and I am here to hold your hand lol
stylishranter.wordpress.com
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Hahahaha! Thanks for the love and support! God knows my bank acct needs it! Lololol!!! xoxox
Ah, I have a few of these “accounts” that always get depleted for silly “needs” like food, transportation, my childs RESP’s
My luxury wishes are:
1. Classic Channel Flap Purse
2. Hermes scarf
3. Burberry Trench
4. Birkin Bag (this will never be acheived, i’m sure…but a gal can dream)
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Ahhh Leah – sounds like we have the same “silly needs” – lol! Hey – you never know about the Birkin. I have a friend who picked one up at an estate sale for $300. She mentioned that the person didn’t seem to know the value of some of the stuff he was selling. Clearly!!!
I’m with you on this! Btw- you’re not crazy, just passionate!!
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Awww! Thanks Tiffani! LOL! I want a Chanel bag so bad! xoxo
I stumbled on to your blog after googling “do I need a Chanel bag??” and it totally made my day! I finally saved enough to buy my long coveted Chanel bag and keep going back and forth on whether or not to blow the whole savings!
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Olivia! YOU made my day! I’m so glad you found my little blog and found the article helpful! Good on you…get the bag. You only live once (and they are only getting more expensive)!
Did you end up finally saving enough to buy your Chanel bag?!
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OMG – I have saved enough many times over, but I just can’t seem to pull the trigger. I almost got one at Rebag this past SEptember when I visited New York City, but chickened out and bought sneakers from Burberry instead. Sigh.
Buy it, this bag increases in price about $700 every 8 months. It’s not a material item it’s basically an investment.
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Oh. I did. In fact, I’ve bought six of them since this article was posted. Lol!