Handbag Heaven

Real vs. Steal – Chanel Classic Flap Bag

by Irina on February 1, 2012

UPDATE: This post has been updated on February 1, 2012. Scroll down to see the new add.

I think it goes without saying that owning an authentic Chanel bag is something each and every girl is dreaming of. And while I’ve never been much of a handbag freak, having a real Chanel bag in my closet would be the ultimate accessory and I would pair it with each of my outfits. It’s so wonderfully perfect and classic and suits almost everything.

Chanel Quilted Classic Flap Bag in black

Chanel Classic Flap Bag
(~$2.500, N/A)

BagInc The Obligatory Classic Flap Bag

UPDATE (02/01/2012): Our reader Chelsea informed us of BagInc‘s fabulous Chanel flap bag look-a-like made of real leather for $59 only. Available in black, fuchsia, white and camel. Don’t forget to use our exclusive promo code “INTHEIRCLOSET” for 10% OFF your order!

BagInc The Obligatory Classic Flap Bag
($59, BagInc)

Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Polly-1127 Quilted Shoulder Bag

UPDATE (01/26/2012): Can’t tell you how psyched I was to discover a new great and budget-friendly Chanel look-a-like! This one’s by Co-Lab by Christopher Kon and it comes in 5 variations: black, black patent, bone, navy and pewter metallic.

Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Polly-1127 Quilted Shoulder Bag
($135, Endless)

Handbag Heaven “Bridget” Quilted Shoulder Bag

UPDATE (01/26/2012): Here’s another great and affordable Chanel knockoff. Currently on sale at Handbag Heaven in red, black & grey.

Handbag Heaven “Bridget” Quilted Shoulder Bag
($45.86, Handbag Heaven)

GoJane Quilted Chain Strap Shoulder Bag

UPDATE (10/16/2010): OMG! Look at this amazing Chanel look-a-like version by GoJane. I’m in total awe and want it in both colors!

GoJane Quilted Chain Strap Shoulder Bag
($53.30, GoJane)

ALDO “Scates” Quilted Bag

UPDATE (10/16/2010): While this ALDO bag is not a super obvious knockoff, overall it’s still a great and budget-friendly alternative to the real deal.

ALDO “Scates” Quilted Bag
($45, Amazon)

High Fashion 4803 Quilted Shoulder Bag

UPDATE (06/16/2010): Doesn’t this quilted bag by High Fashion look like the Holy Grail of Chanel knockoffs? OK, some might be turned off by the white stitching, but make sure to check out the other 6 colors including cream (!), nude and pewter which are my favorites and you’ll see why $130 seems like a reasonable price for such a well-made Chanel look-a-like.

High Fashion 4803 Quilted Shoulder Bag
($130, Endless)

ASOS Quilted Lock Across Body Bag

UPDATE (06/16/2010): ASOS has also a great Chanel knockoff in various colors including black, white, blush, mink, berry & navy. I ordered the blush version and I’m loving it! It’s so cute & feminine.

ASOS Quilted Lock Across Body Bag
($28.65, ASOS)

Wet Seal Quilted Cross Body Clutch

UPDATE (10/05/2009): Found a new and super amazing Chanel handbag knockoff by Wet Seal.

This budget-friendly Chanel alternative looks amazing if you consider the low price and it comes in either black or silver. Click on the link below and navigate to the accessories > handbags section or enter style number “41213209” in the search field to find the Chanel knockoff on the Wet Seal website.

Wet Seal Quilted Cross Body Clutch
Style: 41213209
($16.50, Wet Seal)

ALDO Bargen Quilted Handbag

Until you have enough pocket change for the real deal, you might want to settle for a less pricier version first. This quilted flap bag by Aldo certainly meets the criteria. Now don’t expect the same delicate quality of a real Chanel because there is simply no competition. But if you want an affordable alternative this bag is probably your best bet. It does have silver hardware instead of gold and it doesn’t have the cute CC clasp (which the original 2.55 bag however didn’t have as well by the way), but everything else is quite identical.

ALDO Bargen Quilted Handbag
($40, Amazon)

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Real vs. Steal – Prada Studded Medium Tote

by Vahni on August 19, 2011

Just in case you haven’t noticed, right now hardware is hot. Studs and spikes are showing up on everything from jackets, to gloves, to footwear, and more. The Prada Studded Medium Tote is the grown-up way to rock this trend and not look like a rocker wanna-be. Gold and sliver studs beautifully outline this supple black leather tote, which is roomy enough to serve as a chic work carryall. Available in black, forest or brown.

Prada Studded Medium Tote
($2.076, Bluefly)

Amanda Seyfried Loves Prada

Amanda Seyfried carrying a black studded Prada bag

Bag Inc B Knowles Studded Luxurious Bag

UPDATE (08/19/2011): So thrilled to have found another Prada bag look-a-like by Bag Inc. Doesn’t it look absolutely amazing and of superb quality. Love it! Use promo code “FLASH20” at checkout to take 20% OFF your order (valid through 8/21).

Bag Inc B Knowles Studded Luxurious Bag
($109, Bag Inc)

Handbag Heaven “Daisy” Glam Rock Tote

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “SUMMER11” to get 15% OFF your entire order!

Had your heart set on Prada’s Studded Tote…until you saw the $2K price tag? Yeah, me too. Alas my lovelies, there is hope yet. The Daisy Glam Rock Tote by Handbag Heaven has the same studded outline, the convenient shoulder strap, and lots of cargo space. And—hello!—you can save even more on the already low price by using the coupon code above. Available in black or brown.

Handbag Heaven “Daisy” Glam Rock Tote
($53.95, Handbag Heaven)

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Real vs. Steal – Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Bag

by Irina on May 30, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on May 30, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

I already mentioned I am by no means a handbag expert. I think I own about 10-15 bags and usually have around 2 or 3 in rotation per season which works out totally fine for me. However, from time to time I find myself obsessing over a particular handbag such as the Marc Jacobs “Stam” bag which was named after topmodel Jessica Stam. The satchel has some obvious Chanel references (e.g. the quilted leather or the gold chain), but I’d still consider it unique enough to stand on its own.

Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Satchel
($1.350, NORDSTROM)

P.S.: Also available at S|SENSE, Barney’s, Harrods & Bloomingdale’s.

Celebrities Love Marc Jacobs

Ashley Tisdale, Sophia Bush and Vanessa Minnillo wearing a black Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Bag

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BagInc “The Inescapable It Bag Of The Decade”

UPDATE (05/30/2011): Stupid name but awesome bag for an awesome price. I love that BagInc is so blunt about their bags being “designer inspired” (well, it’s a little bit beyond just the inspiration, isn’t it? ). Anyway. $43. Awesome!

BagInc “The Inescapable It Bag Of The Decade”
($43, BagInc)

Handbag Heaven “Sami” Quilted Handbag

HOT DEAL: Use code “SPRING11” to get 15% OFF your entire order!

Don’t have $1.350 lying around? Handbag Heaven‘s “Sami” quilted satchel is an amazing and budget-friendly MJ “Stam” knockoff which comes in either black, purple, red, pewter or cream leatherette.

Handbag Heaven “Sami” Quilted Handbag
($54.95, Handbag Heaven)

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Real vs. Steal – Balenciaga Giant City Bag

by Vahni on May 3, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on May 03, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

You had me at “Balenciaga.” Really. No need to add “Giant City Bag,” but since they did, oh… swoon. I’ve loved this species of Balenciaga bag for years, but the supersized, gold-studded version is to. die. for. Except for the killer price tag, natch.

Balenciaga Giant City Bag
($1.795, Balenciaga)

Celebrities Love Balenciaga

Ashley Tisdale, Fergie, Kourtney Kardashian, Adrienne Bailon, Vanessa Hudgens and Dakota Fanning carrying a Balenciaga Giant City Bag

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BagInc “The Grand City” Medium Leather Bag

UPDATE (05/03/2011): Great find alert! Check out this sick and virtually identical Balenciaga bag knockoff by BagInc. The price is moderate considering it’s made of real leather. The bag comes also in navy or grey. Plus, until May 4th, 2011, get free shipping and a free gift on your order. Use promotion code: “BAGINCFREESHIP“.

BagInc “The Grand City” Medium Leather Bag
($89, BagInc)

Handbag Heaven Broad Ripple Satchel

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “SPRING11” to get 15% OFF your entire order!

So I totally dig Balenciaga’s Giant City Bag, but I’m not about to fork over nearly $2K for it. Lucky for me (and you) there are several high-style, low-cost alternatives, starting with this version from Handbag Heaven. And need we remind you that there’s a little special going on at Handbag Heaven? Even better. Available in black, bronze, pewter, brown, white, purple & red (phew!).

Handbag Heaven Broad Ripple Satchel
($53.95, Handbag Heaven)

Baghaus Forever A Squared Handbag

Of the three Balenciaga Giant City Bag look-alikes we’ve featured, the Baghaus versions are my favorites. The Forever A Squared Handbag is synthetic, but the crinkly look makes it totally believable. If you’re anti-leather, it’s a wonderful (and chic) alternative.

Baghaus Forever A Squared Handbag
($49.95, Baghaus)

Baghaus Tara Patrick Tote

Also a strong contender for best (almost) Giant City Bag is the Baghaus Tara Patrick Tote. It’s just like the Forever A Squared Handbag above, except that it is a couple inches larger and has silver hardware instead of gold. Both Tara Patrick and Forever A are also available in other colors.

Baghaus Tara Patrick Tote
($55.95, Baghaus)

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InTheirCloset.com Turns 2! Join Our Anniversary Extravaganza & Win! CLOSED!

by Irina on December 16, 2010

UPDATE: This post has been updated on December 16, 2010. Scroll down to read the news.

Thank you to all who entered our giveaway and told us about their most precious birthday gifts. We loved to hear what you valued most; whether it was a pair of shoes, a special moment with all your loved ones or something super fancy like a flying lesson. Now, onto the winners…

The Winners

1st prize: Kim Jackson
2nd prize: Cherrelle
3rd prize: McKenzie
4th prize: Stacy
5th prize: Kristy Le
6th prize: Alicia

Congratulations! All winners have been contacted by us via email.

Phew, time flies! I can’t believe another year went by so quickly. Believe it or not, but November 22, 2010 marked InTheirCloset’s 2nd birthday! 730 days full of fashion fun… and shoes. You are welcome to celebrate this happy day with us by joining our anniversary extravaganza:

InTheirCloset.com Turns 2! Join Our Anniversary Extravaganza & Win!

Prizes

This giveaway is kindly sponsored by the wonderful folks of Boutique To You, MsHeel, LuLu*s, Handbag Heaven, GoJane and Affordable Scarves (A big thank you to all our sponsors!). 6 lucky winners will get one of these awesome prizes:

1st prize: A $200 shopping spree toward a non-sale item from Nicole Richie’s 2nd clothing line Winter Kate at Boutique To You
2nd prize: A $100 gift card from MsHeel
3rd prize: A $50 gift card from LuLu*s
4th prize: A $50 gift card from Handbag Heaven
5th prize: A handbag inspired by Mulberry’s Alexa bag from GoJane
6th prize: A $25 gift card from Affordable Scarves

How to Enter

In order to enter this giveaway all you have to do is to leave a comment by answering following question: “What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?“

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only (sorry, international readers). You can join the giveaway until Friday, 12/10/2010 (11:59 PM EST time). Winners will be drawn shortly thereafter and contacted by us via email.

Please remember to leave your (first) name and a valid email address when writing the comment (just fill out the comment form correctly and you’ll be fine). A comment equals 1 entry. You can leave multiple comments here if you want to, but only your first one will be accounted.

Bonus Entries

If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can score more entries by doing one or all of the following things:

NEW! Make a donation (BIG or small!) to our mycharity: water project and help providing access to clean drinking water in developing countries. Do good and increase your chances of winning drastically! (each $1 of your donation = 1 entry)
Follow @intheircloset on Twitter (1 entry)
Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this pre-written tweet if you like: @intheircloset turns 2 & they are celebrating it with a great giveaway extravaganza. Find out how to enter here: http://bit.ly/cMRUQJ (max. 1 tweet/giveaway = 1 entry)
Join our Facebook community by “liking” us (1 entry)
Subscribe to our newsletter. (2 entries)
Blog about this giveaway on your own blog and link back to this post. (3 entries)

A Quick Note on mycharity: water

Right now, one billion people on the planet don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. That’s one in eight of us. On mycharity: water, you can run, bike, give up birthday presents or just raise money to fund water projects for communities in need. 100% of the money you raise will go directly to people in need and in 12-18 months, you’ll see proof of the projects built using photos and GPS. Get involved, too!

The goal of our mycharity: water project is it to raise $1,000 until the end of this year. This will ensure 50 people having access to clean drinking water for the next 25 years! We are celebrating the gift of life by giving up our birthday to help establish what is a basic human need and should be a right for everyone, not just 7 out of 8. Join forces with us! Make a donation and increase your winning chances!

IMPORTANT: If you are already subscribed to our newsletter or already follow us on Twitter, please say so in the comment. Don’t forget to mention or email us the email address with which you’ve signed up to it if it is different from the one you leave in the comment form. Also, if you sign up for our newsletter, please make sure you have clicked on the confirmation link to activate your subscription. Unverified subscriptions cannot be credited. Private/Protected tweets also can’t be credited as well as anonymous donatiosn (you don’t have to leave your real name, but at least some kind of nickname, email address or unique id).

If you decide to do one of the things in the list above, please mention them in your comment here on this page. You can add as many comments as you want if you should decide to do things one by one. Just remember to always use the same email address when writing a comment, so the additional entries can be credited to you. Also, please mention your twitter username and include the link to your tweet about the giveaway as well as your Facebook name or link to your profile (or simply reply with your comment name to the giveaway status message on our Facebook page).

Furthermore, if you decide to blog about this giveaway, please do NOT hotlink the image above. If you want to use the invitation graphic, use this image URL: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9697/intheircloset2yearanniv.jpg or simply copy and paste the HTML code provided below:

This is an example of how your comment could look like:

The best birthday gift I have ever received is [describe your gift here] I am subscribed to your newsletter, follow you on Twitter (username: @[Your Twitter Username]) and donated $10 under the name [Your Name Here].

This example would sum up to 14 entries (1 best birthday gift comment = 1 entry, subscription to newsletter = 2 entries, twitter follower = 1 entry, $10 donation = 10 entries). This fictional reader would have increased her/his chances of winning by 1400%.

If you have questions regarding this giveaway, don’t hesitate to ask. Good luck to everyone and thank you for 2 wonderful years of frugal fashion!

With Love,
The Team of InTheirCloset.com

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