Weekend Shopping: Obsessions & Impulses
In a continuing series of 2021 contradictions, Chanel raised its bag prices again this week. The last price hike was in May and took customers by surprise as health concerns and financial struggles seemed to be at an all-time high.
Most customers voiced their opposition and expressed that the price increase came at a bad time and “was in very bad taste.” Another observer rightfully stated that “all these slight increases will eventually add up.” The numbers seem boggling, as of today, a Medium Classic bag is priced at $7400. A Maxi size is $8000.
I don’t believe that the most recent $300 price increase will deter many Chanel shoppers from desiring a bag. To put prices in perspective, a 25cm Birkin is $9850 (in swift leather), a yellow gold Cartier Love bracelet is $6400, a Van Cleef Vintage Alhambra necklace with 10 motifs is $8800, and a Rolex Datejust 36mm stainless steel watch with a Jubilee bracelet retails for about $7000.
If you look closely, Boy Bags have not gone up in price as significantly. In four years the Large/New Medium has only gone up in price $400. If you’re looking for a good deal on a pre-owned bag, I suggest you set your sights on a 225 or 226. The retail values are currently very deflated. If you click on the image below, the chart will expand and you can review Chanel pricing dating back to 2008.
Getting back to more reasonable shopping. Bergdorf Goodman is running a promotion where you can save an additional 30% of sale merchandise. Here are Manolo Blahnik slingbacks for $296 from $885, a Bottega Veneta quilted skirt with chains is $577 from $1650, and Givenchy sandals are $290 from $700.
DSW is secretly discounting all of its Gucci shoes an additional 25% off when you add them to your cart. Sylvie loafers with a block heel are $374 from $890, strawberry print sneakers are $337 from $550, and fur-lined Princetown slides are $562 from $890.
If you’ve been deprived of shopping the Ssense private sale you should keep checking back to the site as it’s continuously adding more merchandise to the public portion of the sale. A Rick Owens puffer with a funnel neck is $1300 from $2270, new style Saint Laurent pumps are $440 from $845, and this purple wool Saint Laurent Jamie bag is $1474 from $1890.
If you’re still in need of shoes, Savannah’s is clearing out past season shoes at 70% off. These Alexander McQueen pumps are $267 from $900 snd these Manolo booties are $600 from $1200.
Looking back, Saks discounts topped 70% off. This Loewe bag is still available for $1225 from $2750, this Prada dress is 70% off or $447 from $1500, and this Givenchy mini Mystic is $1743 from $2500. Click this way to see the full blog post with lots of great outfit inspiration.
Also this week, I had an amazing time trying on clothing during an Instagram Live at Ba&sh. Online shoppers can use this link and use the code MADISONAVESPY to save an exclusive additional 25% off. (It’s the best discount you’ll find anywhere.) Get to the full blog post to see all my favorite items and see the try-ons I did at the store. The promo ends Monday.
HauteFind is currently offering a flash sale where men’s Fall Valentino fashion and accessories are up to 85% off. This sweater is $240 from $795, and Rockstud sneakers are $313 from $695. I also spotted this Glam Lock bag that’s $786 from $2245. You can see the full blog post here. A little hint, add your favorite item to the cart and you’ll find some extra discounts.
MatchesFashion also just started a promotion where a majority of sale merchandise is an additional 20% off. You can use the code EXTRA20 to engage the additional savings at checkout. These classic Valentino high boots come to just $800 from $2065, Saint Laurent high boots are $542 from $1700, and a heavy gauge Isabel Marant cable knit sweater is $442 from $1130.The promotion ends Monday.
My favorite haunt of the week has been Net-a-Porter, where discounts hit 80% off. This Fendi ski jacket is $1800 from $3600 and Valentino gloves are $190 from $635. You can see more of our finds this way.
I had no idea what a busy week it was until I started this post. I think I need a vacation, well, more than a new Chanel bag. That’s for sure.
Until next week…same time same place?
