High Fashion

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 in black, pink, white and camel (Chanel knockoff)

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 in black (Chanel 2.55 knockoff)

Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Polly-1127 Quilted Shoulder Bagcj
($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 in red, black & grey (Chanel 2.55 knockoff)

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 in black and mink (Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag knockoff)

GoJane Quilted Chain Strap Shoulder Bagcj
($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 in black (Chanel knockoff)

ALDO “Scates” Quilted Bagamazon
($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 in black (Chanel 2.55 knockoff)

High Fashion 4803 Quilted Shoulder Bagendless
($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 in black (Chanel 2.55 knockoff)

ASOS Quilted Lock Across Body Bagls
($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 Crossbody Clutch in black (Chanel 2.55 knockoff)

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 Chain Strap Bag in black (Chanel 2.55 knockoff)

ALDO Bargen Quilted Handbagamazon
($40, Amazon)

{ 9 comments }

UPDATE: This post has been updated on January 26, 2012. Scroll down to see the new add.

The Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Crossbody Bag is very in right now, as it is the It bag making its appearance among quite a few celebrities. The hardware inspired embellishments along with the chained strap add a touch of masculinity but in a feminine way. It’s the perfect size if you’re on the go, or it can be simultaneously transformed into a clutch for a night out of town look. I especially love the military green color Shenae Grimes and Ashley Greene are sporting, too bad it’s $295.

Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Crossbody Bag in khaki suede

Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Crossbody Bag
($295, SOLD OUT)

P.S.: Available in other colors at Endlesscj & Zapposcj.

Celebrities Love Rebecca Minkoff

Shenae Grimes, Ashley Greene, Jordin Sparks, Whitney Port, Katie Cassidy and Michelle Trachtenberg carrying a Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Crossbody Bag

Who wore Rebecca Minkoff best?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

High Fashion 4046 Cross-Body Bag

UPDATE (01/26/2012): Look at this fantastic Rebecca Minkoff look-a-like by High Fashion! Isn’t it just lovely? Real leather and on sale for 50% OFF? Uhm, yes, please. Available in cognac or dark brown.

High Fashion 4046 Cross-Body Bag in cognac  (Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend knockoff)

High Fashion 4046 Cross-Body Bagcj
($87.50, Endless)

Steve Madden “BROCKS” Bag

HOT DEAL: Use code “SMFREESHIP” to get free shipping on your $75+ order!

This is a great alternative to the Rebecca Minkoff bag as it is practically identical to it but also very much budget-friendly. The Steve Madden “Brocks” handbag incorporates the same idea of masculinity in a chic way. It is available in scarlet red, black and light blue.

Steve Madden "BROCKS" Bag in red, black and teal (Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend knockoff)

Steve Madden “BROCKS” Bagcj
($58, Steve Madden)

{ 2 comments }

First let me start off by saying that I really, really love cobalt blue. It’s such a flattering, deep and intense color. Another thing I also really, really love are shift dresses. For me, they’re infinitely feminine and elegant. Upon browsing NORDSTROM’s newest arrivals today I discovered this cobalt blue shift dress and it was all over for me. I was obsessed. So much that I had to create a budget look around this dress. I know the red bowed accessories might be a little too matchy-matchy for some of you, but I find it kind of charming in this case. Let me know what you think.

Budget Look - Cobalt Blue, Gold & Red Bows

Go Shopping:

{ 2 comments }

UPDATE: This post has been updated on July 05, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.

Don’t you just love a BHB? What’s a BHB, you ask? Um, hello… a Big Honkin’ Bag, of course! Nothin’ better, I tell you. Even if I only ever fill my BHBs to 1/4 full, I like the idea that I have lots of room when I need it. And this studly Supernova Stud Devote Handbag by Rebecca Minkoff fits the bill perfectly. The only thing about this big bag that doesn’t work for me is the price tag. But never mind that anyway. It’s totally sold out.

Rebecca Minkoff Supernova Stud Devote Handbag in ebony black

Rebecca Minkoff Supernova Stud Devote Handbag
($695, SOLD OUT)

P.S.: They eyelet version is available at Singer22, Bloomingdale’sls, Endlessendless & Avelle.

Celebrities Love Rebecca Minkoff

Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port & Molly Sims carrying a black Rebecca Minkoff Supernova Stud Devote Handbag

Who wore Rebecca Minkoff best?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

High Fashion 5493 Shoulder Bag

UPDATE (07/05/2010): High Fashion has also a nearly identical version of the Minkoff studded bag in either dark blue or cognac, both currently on sale for $82.50.

High Fashion 5493 Shoulder Bag in navy (Rebecca Minkoff Supernova Stud Devote knockoff)

High Fashion 5493 Shoulder Bagendless
($82.50, Endless)

Steve Madden “BHotshot” Studded Hobo

If you have a supernova-sized crush on the Stud above, let me direct your attention to the “BHotshot” Studded Hobo by Steve Madden. Same shape, same buckles, same golden studs to reflect all those green-eyed stares as you waltz down the street with it on your arm. All for under a hundred bucks.

Steve Madden BHotshot Studded Hobo in black (Rebecca Minkoff Supernova Stud Devote knockoff)

Steve Madden “BHotshot” Studded Hoboendless
($95.16, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at 6pmcj & Zapposcj.

{ 1 comment }

UPDATE: This post has been updated on June 13, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.

For some reason I always tend to prefer Marc Jacobs’ diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs over his pricey luxury label. MJ (Marc Jacobs not Michael Jackson) is an eccentric designer and often times his designs will NOT translate well into real world fashion. That’s completely OK with me though and I still respect him for constantly thinking outside the box trying to break the boundaries of fashion. However, as far as my personal closet is concerned I rather turn to Marc by Marc Jacobs. Not only because it appeals more to me, but also because I like the relation between price and quality. In terms of high fashion diffusion brands M by MJ is definitely leading the pack. Take a look at his Classic Q Hillier Hobo and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Classic design, well constructed & far away from those horrendous hefty price tags of the so-called “It” bags (Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci and the likes I am talking to YOU!).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo Bag in black

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobocj
($398, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at NORDSTROMls & Shopbopcj.

High Fashion 4937 Hobo

UPDATE (06/13/2010): This hobo by High Fashion isn’t what I’d call a steal, but it will still save you about $150 compared to the real M by MJ bag. Plus, it’s also available in the most gorgeous nude and red color! ♥ ♥ ♥

High Fashion 4937 Hobo bag in black (Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier knockoff)

High Fashion 4937 Hoboendless
($238, Endless)

Nila Anthony “Bianca” Kisslock Hobo

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “SPRING2010” to receive 15% OFF your order!

Now I understand not everyone can or is willing to lay down almost $400 for a bag. I probably fall into this category myself since you may have noticed that I’m all about shoes. Luckily for us shoe aficionados we have Nila Anthony to lend us a hand, so we can keep our cash to spend it on shoes, but still not have to toss our stuff into paper bags. Her “Bianca” hobo is eerily similar looking to the Classic Q Hillier hobo, don’t you agree? It does seem to miss the detachable crossbody strap which I find a bit sad, but apart from that I totally dig this designer inspired bag.

Nila Anthony "Bianca" Kisslock Hobo in black (Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier knockoff)

Nila Anthony “Bianca” Kisslock Hobo
($44.95, Handbag Heaven)

ASOS Lock Detail Slouch Bag

Seeing this second bag by ASOS I’m starting to think that I might’ve actually missed the Real Deal bag because the ASOS version looks a lot like the Nila Anthony hobo. Anyway, this bag is also a great affordable option if you can’t afford the M by MJ original. Not available in black, but the mink color does look good as well, doesn’t it?

ASOS Lock Detail Slouch Bag in taupe (Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier knockoff)

ASOS Lock Detail Slouch Bagls
($54.11, ASOS)

{ 0 comments }

Page 1 of 212