Urban Expressions

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)

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Can I just say how much I love this beautifully bright look of Kim Kardashian? This is colorblocking at its best! I love, love, love the combination of yellow and teal. See our budget-friendly take on Kim’s colorful outfit below and let us know if you like it.

Kim Kardashian wearing a yellow Chloé silk blouse, turquoise L'Wren Scott pencil skirt and nude Christian Louboutin Lady Daf platform pumps

Our Rating: ★★★★★

Who?Kim Kardashian
Where?Out in Dubai
When?October 12, 2011
What?Chloé Tie Neck Silk Blouse ($695, available at NET-A-PORTERls & NORDSTROMls), L’Wren Scott High Waisted Pencil Skirt & Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Platform Pumps

Kim Kardashian’s Look 4 Less

Kim Kardashian's Yellow Blouse & Turquoise Skirt Look 4 Less

Go Shopping:

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UPDATE: This post has been updated on July 29, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

The Alexa Hobo is an absolutely great shoulder bag by Mulberry! I’m really loving the postman’s lock closure in the front and the braided handle. This bag also comes with an extra shoulder strap just in case you’re being lazy. I’m all about a great hobo bag, especially one where you can throw everything in plus the kitchen sink! Yet, still a little on the pricey side; selling at €1.000 (approximately $1.440), let’s give you a bargain!

Mulberry Alexa Hobo Handbag in oak

Mulberry Alexa Hobo Handbagcj
(€1.000, LUISAVIAROMA)

Melie Bianco “Clair” Hobo

UPDATE (07/29/2011): Here’s another great Mulberry Alexa hobo alternative by Melie Bianco. Available in turquoise, orange, red and white.

Melie Bianco "Clair" Hobo in teal (Mulberry Alexa Hobo knockoff)

Melie Bianco “Clair” Hobocj
($53.90, Endless)

Urban Expressions “Annabelle” Hobo

This Urban Expressions “Annabelle” Hobo certainly fits the budget! Priced at $42.95 (sale price!) and available in espresso (shown below), black, grey & cream you can have more choices of colors and get the same great look the Mulberry offers.

Urban Expressions "Annabelle" Hobo in espresso (Mulberry Alexa Hobo knockoff)

Urban Expressions “Annabelle” Hobocj
($42.95, GoJane)

P.S.: Also available at Amazonamazon.

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Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a Kim Kardashian style stalker. It’s one of my (few) guilty pleasures. For some reason I have this weird fascination with whatever Kim K. wears; I need to identify it, recreate it or simply gush about it. Yup, you can call me strange. I guess Monica Rose, Kim’s stylist, does a very good job because I know I’m not the only one digging Kim’s newly evolved style.

Kim Kardashian wearing a black Torn by Ronny Kobo polka dot top, James Icon cargo pants, Hermès Birkin bag and L.A.M.B. Zayn sandals

Our Rating: ★★★½☆

Who?Kim Kardashian
Where?At a Nail Salon, Beverly Hills
When?June 23, 2010
What?Torn by Ronny Kobo Brigitte Polka Dot Topcj, James Icon Sedwik cargo pants, Hermès Birkin bag and L.A.M.B. Zayn sandalscj

Kim Kardashian’s Look 4 Less

Kim Kardashian in Torn by Ronny Kobo, James Icon, Hermès & L.A.M.B.

Go Shopping:

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Sometimes I see photos of Victoria Beckham and I wonder if we actually live in separate universes. Her’s is a world where you can go anywhere and 4+ inch heels seem to be the appropriate footwear choice. When my day calls for those shoes I cringe and throw a pair of additional flats into my bag. Nonetheless, seeing photos of her makes me want to be a person who wears heels more often. Though Victoria never looks comfy, she always looks fabulous. This outfit is no exception – sleek, sexy and pretty simple, but the bright yellow dress gives it the pop of color it needs to be defined as Very Victoria.

Victoria Beckham wearing a yellow Goat Sheath Dress, Hermés bag and Brian Atwood Zenith ankle strap pumps

Our Rating: ★★★★★

Who?Victoria Beckham
Where?Out & About in Cannes, France
When?June 26, 2010
What?Goat sleeveless sheath dress, Brian Atwood Zenith ankle strap pumps, Hermés Himalayan Birkin bag

Victoria Beckham’s Yellow Sheath Dress Look 4 Less

Victoria Beckham's Yellow Sheath Dress Look 4 Less

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