Fashion and Fitness: The Classic Bags

My Gorgeous French Ladies

Because my Instagram account with the handle @whenyouloseyouwin is very much all about all my other significant interests in life like tidbits of my marriage and my food adventures as it is (primarily) about fitness, let me discuss one topic here that is as hot as the prepared food I'll be microwaving for lunch: Bags

Specifically, the Two Most Stunningly Timeless Bags of which, as of yesterday, I managed to complete.

Almost every single website dedicated to fashion and, of course, bags, indicate that the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 and the Chanel 2.55 Classic Flap Bag always belong to the highest of rankings where classic bags are concerned. While it is arguable to some people who are either the fashion industry's connoisseurs or those who are just really big fans of other luxury designer brands to have these two as the most stunning of all classic bags, my opinion is rather particularly based on my taste, the place in history of these two bags and, yet again, while not consistently number 1 or 2, even 3, their consistent existence or placement in lists and rankings.

I don't really wish to lengthen this blog but listed below are some factors that I think are critical to the standing of these two absolutely gorgeous bags:

1. The Houses of Chanel and Louis Vuitton are both in the fashion capital of the world: Paris. So yes: The French = Tres Chic!

Historical Headquarters of Chanel at 31, Rue Cambon, Paris (photo not mine)

The Louis Vuitton flagship store on Champs-Elysees in Paris
has an art gallery on the top floor (photo not mine)

2. Two of the strongest and most adored female fashion icons in the world are associated with Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Audrey Hepburn was often photographed with her Speedy 30 in monogram canvas while most of us know that strong-willed Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, otherwise known as Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, founded the House of Chanel in 1909. Her most famous bag, the chain strap purse otherwise known as the "2.55", became the physical break women in the 30s to the 50s needed away from their handbags.

Audrey Hepburn with her Speedy 30 (photo not mine)

Coco Chanel is famous for saying "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different". This is perhaps the reason why the shoulder bag, especially the Chanel 2.55 is different as it is irreplaceable. (photo not mine)

3. If you don't like the size of the Speedy 30 or the Classic Jumbo Flap as much as I do, these bags also come in different sizes that cater to one's needs and of course, height. I am 5'2 1/2 and swinging between 118 to 123 lbs and I find that the Speedy 30 and the Jumbo Classic Double Flap do not overwhelm my size or underwhelm my daily requirements (so glad I didn't purchase the medium Classic Flap).

4. Both bags can dress up anything and still adapt to one's preference. If you prefer a flirty and feminine casual summer look, there's the Speedy 30 in Damier Azur. If you wish to look put together during a wedding or a big event, a Classic Flap Bag with gold hardware can add that finishing, striking touch.

The total cost of my outfit excluding the wedding and engagement rings
and the Chanel flap bag? $100. Really. I swear.

5. There's no denying that both are expensive. I remember my Air France La Premiere (First Class) trainers telling us that in France, there's three brand categories: Low Cost, Top-of-the-Range and Luxury. The Lost Cost category is affordable and easily accessible to the masses. The Top-of-the-Range is expensive but is, more often than not, available to those who really want it. The Luxury Category is made to particularly appear exclusive therefore not always accessible or available. Shockingly, Louis Vuitton belongs to the Top of the Range category while not surprisingly, Chanel is with the Luxury Group. Now that I have a clear and uncluttered mind to think about it, I understand now why it is so. Louis Vuitton's sought-after bags are almost always in stock especially the Speedy 30, which is considered by many as the entry level designer bag to have. Chanel bags on the other hand, particularly the Classic Flap, may not always be available in a particular style. In fact, I almost succumbed to being placed on a month-long wait list/reservation for the Jumbo Maxi Flap in Black Caviar until I saw my Navy Blue Caviar winking at me ;)

Craftsmanship-wise, even the dust bag and the bag box scream high quality.
This is the reason why resellers place a huge premium on pre-owned bags that come
with their original boxes, carrier bags and dust bags.

6. With the Speedy 30 and the Flap Bag, you truly get what you pay for even if people will always argue that there are stylish but more affordable brands out there. What can you do? You're paying quality craftsmanship (hand-sewn stitching that is accurate down to the single mirror detail), historical associations and lifetime service warranty. You're also paying for an investment that you can possibly proudly pass on to your future daughters or use as collateral, pretty much like jewelry and cars, during a financial need. There's truly value for money there.

One way of knowing if a Speedy is fake? Take a look at the stitching on the two bases of either handle. Each of the four bases (the pentagon-shaped base that attaches the handle the canvas) should have exactly the same number of stitching on the left and on the right for the bag to be authentic.

So for those who dream of building their designer bag collection, while it's completely your choice on what arm candy to include in your closet, I would strongly encourage you to consider saving up for these two classic bags.

And for my fitfam? Consider putting a dollar, maybe a hundred (lol) towards your bag savings fund for every 5 to 10 lbs you lose. These two will truly look good on a fitter, much healthier you. Case in point:

With my Speedy 30 in December of 2011 at 180 lbs

With the same Speedy 30 in March of 2014 at 120 lbs