Medallion

My next item in CHANEL 101 is this lovely tote with the signature quilted leather. It features a roomy interior with a zippered pocket and a zip-top closure that has a medallion attached to the pull. I think this is where the name comes from but it could also be from the oversize interlocking CCs on the front. Unlike the Shopper tote, your precious goodies are securely kept inside and won't fall out if it is overturned. The handles are made out of rolled leather instead of the classic chain strap. It comes in a variety of colors and is a wonderful alternative to the Shopper. Photo: www.katsluxury.com

PST & GST

So when I first started reading about CHANEL in the Purse Forum, it was like reading another language. Everything was Greek to me since I was used to the jargon of Vuitton. I couldn't understand what they meant by GST and PST until I saw it in the boutique. Pretty much like the GM and PM of LV, GST and PST means Grande Shopper Tote and Petit Shopper Tote, respectively. It was then that I decided that I needed to have this versatile bag. The construction is quite sturdy having two compartments with a central zippered division. A D-ring and pocket on one side as well as another zippered pocket completes the interior. The quilted leather is either luxurious lambskin or indestructible "caviar" . Mimicking Mademoiselle Coco's design of having an outer pocket, it also features her signature chain strap but this time with leather strips interwoven into it and shoulder straps for ease and comfort. As a finishing touch, the interlocking CCs are emblazoned on one side in full glory. All in all, I am totally in love with this bag and is a must for any CHANEL collection. Photo: VipStyle

CHANEL 101 Flap Chart

For your homework, please memorize this chart. There may or may not be a quiz next week.
Photo: rui

You could never go wrong

So to wrap up this week's CHANEL 101, I am posting a pic of both "Classic" and "Reissue" side by side. Whatever you chose to accesorize your life, it will always turn out stylish, classy and something that Mademoiselle Coco would love.

The "Reissue" Quilted Leather Flap

The "Reissue" Flap on the other hand has these features a) Mademoiselle rectangular closure b) leather has a slightly worn look c) chain does not have the interwoven leather d) sizes are W X H X D: Baby 7.5" x 5.75" x 1.75"; Small 9.75″ x 7.06″ x 2.16″; Medium 11″ x 8″ x 2.5″; Large 12.25″ x 9.18″ x 2.5″; The X-Large aka Jumbo 14.2″ x 9.8″ x 3″ e) comes in either caviar or lambskin

The "Classic" Quilted Leather Flap

The "Classic" Flap as we know it today contains these essential features:
a) double CC interlocking turn-style closure introduced in the 1980s by Karl Lagerfeld b) leather has a smoother look to it c) chain links strap has interwoven leather also introduced by Karl d) sizes in inches are W x H x D: Small - 9″ x 5.5″ x 2″;Medium - 10″ x 6″ x 2.5"; Jumbo - 12″ x 8″ x 3″ e) Jumbo size does not have double flap f) comes in either caviar or lambskin leather

In the last few days that I have been reading about CHANEL, it became apparent (at least) to me that the styles are not as clearly defined as Louis Vuitton's, my other great LVoe. So, I decided to blog in short course format about CHANEL's myriad of designs from its core collection of handbags and accessories. I can only go as far with this but I hope it will help the beginner to get a bird's eye view so as to make an informed decision of which bag to chose. Excuse me if I do ever make a mistake and feel free to post any corrections. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the wealth of information that the ladies and gents of the Purse Forum have provided. Without them, I would be very much lost.