Chanel: The Decline of an Icon

There have been rumors swirling about the internet for weeks, but it has finally been confirmed by a legitimate source: Chanel will no longer offer its refurbishment/refinishing services for handbags 5 years after initial purchase. In addition, Chanel will require proof of purchase before repairing any products within the 5 year timeframe.

Understandably, many fans are upset with the new policy change. People buy Chanel bags with the intention of keeping them for decades. Some even consider their Classic Flaps to be family heirlooms. So it is especially disappointing that such a renowned brand would choose to pursue this course of action and alienate many longtime customers.

Chanel is allegedly doing this to combat resales. Vintage handbags make up a significant portion of the secondhand market. Yet, Chanel's heavy-handedness may do more harm than good. When people buy a Chanel handbag, they expect the quality craftsmanship and customer service that comes with the exorbitant price. With all of the recent changes, people may not feel as tempted to spend their money at Chanel when there are better options at a similar price point. Chanel's actions sound suspiciously like planned obsolescence. As one commenter put it: "This 5-year policy will inevitably result in 5-year thread, 5-year finishes, etc. That's just the way economics works."

Is this the final nail in the coffin? Probably not, since Chanel is such an iconic brand and people will continue to buy anything with the double-C logo. Still, the brand has made many unpopular business decisions such as soaring prices and deteriorating quality. According to Racked, Chanel pricing increases an average of 15% each year. The Classic Flap that cost $1,650 in 2005 now costs almost $5,000. Handbags used to feature 24K gold-plated hardware until 2009; now they use mixed metal alloys. Megs from Purseblog shared her story of how her Reissue 227 broke after a little over a year. As much as I would love to own a Classic Flap or a Boy Bag, I feel wary of investing money in a company that won't stand by its supposedly "timeless" products.

Update: Purseblog has posted an official statement from a Chanel spokesperson

A Look at Tsumori Chisato

Today, I'm featuring one of my favorite designers: Tsumori Chisato. Tsumori Chisato hails from the city of Saitama, Japan. After graduating from Bunka Fashion School, she began work with Issey Miyake in 1977 and later debuted her own line in 1990.

Tsumori Chisato is known for her whimsical/bohemian designs inspired by manga illustrations. I love the playful yet casual elements of her clothes, from the drapey/oversized fits to the fun patterns. Her clothes perfectly encapsulate the quirky and youthful feel of Harajuku fashion.

Tsumori Chisato designs usually feature a cat motif, as seen on this zipper.

The brand also has a handbag/accessories line called Tsumori Chisato Carry. Here is my review of a card case from the Carry line:

Tsumori Chisato is not widely available in America yet. She does have an e-store, where you can check out products from her current season. Alternatively, you can find many Carry items on the international Rakuten site.

Sidenote: Japanese customer service is absolutely phenomenal. I was blown away by the professionalism of the SA's from luxury boutiques to 100 yen shops. Everyone takes pride in their work, and it really shows in how they interact with the customers.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored blog post

Tory Burch Robinson "Wear and Tear" Review

Hello, and welcome to my blog! Today, I want to share my experience with the Tory Burch Robinson coin purse.

Tory Burch is a mid-range contemporary designer (often compared to Michael Kors and Coach). The brand is mostly known for its handbags and Reva ballet flats, but Tory Burch is quickly becoming a household name thanks to its accessible luxury status. I bought a coin purse from the Robinson line a couple of years ago, which I have been using everyday since then.

The leather has held up surprisingly well considering all of the abuse it has gone through. I have taken it hiking through Asia, backpacking in Europe, etc. Once, it got completely soaked during a camping trip.

The color and texture of the saffiano leather do a great job of hiding scuff marks and discoloration. Overall, I can't recommend this wallet enough! I think it's a great budget-friendly alternative to the Louis Vuitton zippy coin purse (retail $445 in epi) or similar models from high-end brands.

You can buy the same Tory Burch Robinson coin purse for $115 here or like styles here

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored blog post