Chanel Re-Opens Haute SoHo Boutique!

Chanel re-opens Soho boutique with a little more edge. The luxury brand has celebs and non-celebs flocking to its new store. There’s a new graffiti wall with Chanel spray paint and ten-foot high Chanel No. 5 bottle streaming the latest Paris runway footage that lets you know Coco is still in the house!

Haute handbags and dreamy lambskin makes this handbag bar second to none. There’s even an exclusive line of bags with a ‘Chanel Soho 2010’ engraved plaque. But don’t forget the shoes… the 2010 fall collection is out!

Personally, I can’t wait to view the J12 watch collection… still love mine! Looks like the first stop on my New York City tour will be in Soho.

Will you visit the new Chanel Boutique in Soho?

My Chanel Obssession Began in Paris!

It was 10 years ago that I made my way to Paris to buy my very first Chanel handbag. I remember walking through the boutique doors at 31 Rue Cambon and setting my eyes on all things Chanel. This is the flagship boutique where the double C logo makes you believe that starting your collection of haute Chanel handbags, shoes, clothes and jewelry is not just a shopping experience but a lifestyle!

As I entered the main area of the boutique it is customary to greet the sales team with a “bonjour” after all when in Paris… you make it a point to greet the shop keepers. As I browsed the amazing collection, I could feel the presence of Mademoiselle Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel. Her influence and philosophy about fashion is timeless.

I had to purchase the classic shoulder bag with the gold chain and lambskin leather. I paid a pretty penny for it, but the dollar was strong at that time so it was less than it would have been had I bought it in the US. Today, the bag has appreciated in value and costs about $3,000.00, but it is expected to increase even more since prices for these sought-after handbags increase annually.

The sales clerk handed my purchase to me in an oversized black and white shopping bag with a Camellia attached with black ribbon—so Coco! As I strolled the streets of Paris with my new purchase, I remembered something Coco once said, “A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous!” And so it is… my Chanel obsession began to take on a life of its own.

Today, my collection consists of several handbags, luggage, accessories and clothing. Every Chanel purchase was carefully thought-out before any investment was made. After all a true collector understands the importance of capturing just the right piece that would make even Coco proud!

What's your obssession?

Luxury Travel Inspired by Chanel

Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld was speaking my language when he designed the Paris-New York Collection in 2007. And thanks to my personal shopper from Neiman Marcus on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, I snagged an overnight bag from the collection. She tracked the bag down in San Francisco during last call and had it shipped to me!

Over the last couple of years, I’ve had a few people offer to buy the bag because I didn’t carry it due to its awkward size on commercial aircraft. But somewhere in my mind I always knew there was more to this bag than meets the eye. And I was right!

Just the other day, I learned from a Chanel specialist in Atlanta that my bag was part of a limited edition collection created when Lagerfeld found inspiration in his New York City apartment. As a result he designed a collection focusing on a return to luxury travel. Although, the PNY collection has since sold out... I’m on the hunt for the roller seen here in white. You can best believe that I’ll be in a resale shop, flea market or Paris consignment store in the near future working to complete my collection.

Lagerfeld has been the man behind the success and endurance of the French luxury goods company for more than 25 years. He’s also credited with turning the luxury brand around. But it’s still Coco Chanel who made it timeless and worth the investment. After all, Chanel bags, shoes, jewelry and clothes cost a small fortune, but they hold their value better than many luxury cars!

What's your favorite luxury travel brand?

Chanel Fantasy Fast Food Containers?

Would you like to see your fast food in designer containers?