thin, dryfus site is amusing but I'm saving for a chanel classic knowing it can be sold

Kagoo, if you fly AirFrance, you'll get the least expensive large tote.

No one asked me but, I don't get the appeal of these bags for use as handbags. There are no pockets inside. I do have two of the short handled ones (one given as promotion from a French company) that I take along to carry home extra purchases. But as a handbags, those bags do not seem practical to me.

If you know anyone headed to China, he or she can pick up an excellent copy for about $10US.

I 've been know to purchase a few Lancel purses when in Paris. Always get compliments in San Francisco as they are difficult to purchase in the states.

http://tinyurl.com/y3gutdr

I really like this bag from Luisa Via Roma.

Thin

Mimi, will you buy your Chanel new or from a consignment shop in Boston?

eskscrunchy, did you have a good time in Asia? I think I read that you went to Bangkok.

Thin

The appeal for me is that the handles never rip and also that you can just wipe them off. They last forever and can hold a lot of weight. They fold easily, weigh very little and never look worn. They are great for travel.
It would be nice if they have inside compartments.
A $10 knock-off would probably last only about 10 days.

dutyfree- as your long lost twin can you tell me if we have any really wealthy relatives?!!

About not having all the zippered compartments in the handbag: I used a nylon, over the chest bag for traveling for years because it had lots of little compartments. Last year I bought a new one (Eagle Creek) after much angst about getting the perfect one, including asking on here.

Here's my point: I realized I rarely took the time to actually compartmentalize anything! Grab my change and dump it in the purse.

So now I'm just going to look for lightweight--maybe I'll even carry one of my Vera Bradley's because it weighs nothing. Can you imagine how "American" I'll look? Horrors :) But I'm all about the comfort now.

Long before there was ever a Vera Bradley, there was Pierre Deux. So, Vera Bradley's bags aren't really American at all.

Thin

Off topic (and I am purchasing a new longchamp bag when I get to Paris) has anyone ever priced Chanel shoes in France and in US? I want to buy classic ballet flats and they are selling for $550 right now in Calif (yikes!). Can't seem to find any pricing for them in Europe.

There are many different styles of Chanel shoes, even ballerina flats, so hard to say, but that price doesn't sound unusual. That would be about 400 euro, and I've seen Chanel shoes marked 250-500 euro in Paris. They have Chanel shoe boutiques in Galleries Lafayette and Bon Marche.

mac, they are priced $550 here in Boston.

Thanks, Thinster--I did have a great time and am only now getting over jet lag/excitement of travel! One of these days I will get around to posting a trip report! Take care!!

Yes, I want to get the classic beige with black toe cap. I looked at a pair two years ago at Bon Marche and I think they were around 300+ euros. Even if they are close in price, it will be fun to buy them in Paris. Also, I assume I can get the VAT back. Does anyone know the process for that?

You must get the form in the store where you purchased the item. They will fill out and stamp the form. Don't lose it.
When you fly home from the EU there will be a customs area where you will show your form, it will be stamped and then you can mail it for your refund (this is done at the last airport in the EU). You can select to have it refunded directly to your credit card. You must also have the item purchased with you to show the customs agent so don't pack it in your checked luggage!
Munich airport now will give you the refund in either cash or on your credit card at a booth in the airport. I don't know if CDG is doing this.

Now the toe is more pointy. I'm looking for the vintage round toe

thanks so much, Lynnaustin. I need to keep better records of my purchases in Europe. We are flying home via Frankfurt, wonder if they give the refund?

Cigalechanta, are you looking for a vintage pair?

Thanks, everyone! Who knew there would be so much good advice and conversation generated from my little question? I'm leaning toward buying the bag here (for the very if-I-don't-what-will-I-carry-TO-Paris? reason), but may well bow to economy and wait anyhow. At any rate, thanks to all....

LOL! What a thread. Did it go around in circles or what? I needed my daily laugh. Smiles. And Thin, the Jerome Dreyfuss store on rue Jacob, and the second one around the corner from rue Jacob on rue de l' Echaude, is fabulous. The apartment I rented was about a 15 second walk from it. As for Balenciaga(sp?)... never been into it. Smiles. Happy Travels!

kagoo

My girls and I have several Longchamp bags - mostly Pliages but I have a couple Planetes which are pretty too (I don't like the new colors this year, though). I found them to be cheaper in France or the Eurpean continent for that matter, than here. UK is also cheaper than US.

I have one gorgeous cream leather one (I don't know the model name) which was around 250 euro - a splurge for me but I love it.

We have several of the larger tote sizes to use as bookbags, carryons.I also have several smaller makeup bags (or whatever you want to call them) that I use inside my "purse" size bag to keep organized. They are very sturdy. I would wait until I got to Europe. They usually have many more colors and styles to offer.

I have a black leather shoppers tote and I love it - great for travel and just about everything else. It goes with everything, is a classic bag - understated, elegant at the same time.