Smart Shares: Chanel Classic Flap 101

The following information are quoted from Spotted Fashion:

The Chanel Classic Flap Bag is the ultimate in luxury inspired by straps found on soldiers’ bags, Coco Chanel created this bag, as she grew tired of carrying her handbags in her arms. In the 1980s, Karl Lagerfeld introduced the signature CC turnlock on the classic flap bag.

It comes in 5 different sizes, Mini, Small, Medium, Jumbo and Maxi. Available in Lambskin, Caviar and Patent leather.

STYLE, SIZE and PRICES (Updated as of May 2013)

Style	Price	Size
Chanel Classic Flap Mini Bag	6.5” (L) x 5.5” (H) x 2.5” (W)	$2,400.00 (USD)
Chanel Classic Flap Small Bag	9.55” (L) x 5.5” (H) x 2” (W)	$4,200.00 (USD)
Chanel Classic Flap Medium Bag	10” (L) x 6” (H) x 2.5” (W)	$4,400.00 (USD)
Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo Bag	12” (L) x 8” (H) x 3” (W)	$4,900.00 (USD)
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Bag	13” (L) x 9” (H) x 4” (W)	$5,300.00 (USD)

I believe if you really like Chanel, you should already have the above information, which is quite commonsensical. However, I would like to say that if you are a real Chanel fan, you should also know that Chanel makes changes constantly:

1. The CC closure: the CC closures were thicker before 2009, and now it has the thinner Cs. Either way, it's the correct version, just depending on which year the bag was produced. 

2. The caviar leather: caviar leather was supposed to be matte in early years, and now it has a shinier finish, but no matter what, the leather, unlike lambskin, is soft yet sturdy to keep the bag in shape. This year, Chanel introduced the new caviar, aka the suede caviar, which is buttery soft like the lambskin. You can see the suede caviar bags from 2013 collection, which includes a newly released Iridescent bag (comes in a tote bag and a flap bag). Also, the grains on the caviar leather were more raised before, but a lot flatter in recent years that you can hardly feel the grains.

Older model on the left, Newer model on the right

The above is a Mini flap (please read more detailed comparison on the PurseForum). The leather on the left has a matte finish and the grains are more raised, while the newer model is shinier and the grains are flat (you can feel the difference with your fingers).

3. The lining: I don't remember the exact year (a friend of mine told me it's back in 2009 when Chanel discontinued the single flaps) when Chanel introduced a burgundy lining to all BLACK caviar flap bags, which used to have the black calfskin lined inside. For black lambskin, it's always the burgundy lining. Also, there have been different shades for the color burgundy. As far as I know, there are a reddish burgundy and a dark burgundy. 

Black caviar with both black and burgundy lining

Dark burgundy on the left and reddish burgundy on the right

There may be other changes as well that I might have been missing. You are more than welcome to leave a comment and share your knowledge about Chanel classic flap bags. Just to be sure, my summaries are based on some informative posts on the PurseForum and on a few authentic models listed on the malleries.com and the fashionphile.com:

1. Black caviar Maxi in thicker CC closure and black calfskin lining

2. Black caviar Maxi in thinner CC closure and reddish burgundy calfskin lining

3. Black lambsk Maxi in thinner CC closure and dark burgundy calfskin lining

Go Crazy on Black Friday and Prepare for Christmas

A customer asked why the Black Friday Promotion is limited to the items listed on my AliExpress store only. Well that's because I want to give you another BIG SURPRISE on Thanksgiving, which is TODAY. Here is the deal:

1. For items listed on http://www.aliexpress.com/store/228111, you will get 20% discount for the first ten pieces sold;
2. For items not listed on my AliExpress store (please refer to http://smarthandbags.v.yupoo.com/), you get a $100 deduction on each $500+ order, $200 off each $800+ order, and it's effect right on spot.  

Please note that during this promotion, the wholesale discount will be invalid. All prices I am going to quote will be shipping included, but unfortunately, I am not able to ship to Europe, Africa, and Latin America due to customs restriction in these regions.

Any one who spreads the news will get an autographed gift from me. For those who spread the news and place the order in the same time, the gift will be included in the parcels; for those who spread the news without placing the order, please PM me your address and I will mail you the gift separately.

Smart Smith on Thanksgiving 2013

Smart Presents: Celine Winter 2013 Collection

Introducing the bags of the Celine Winter 2013 collection which include some of the bags that were shown during the Fall/Winter 2013 Runway show. A few new bag styles are available include the newest tote, the “Tie” bag which almost looks like a larger Phantom with ties on the bottom of the handles. This new tote bag also includes a top closure that the totes don’t normally feature.

Special credits to the Celine Tie Tote Bag. This latest tote bag from Celine first appeared during the brand’s Winter 2013 Collection. It also appears in the Celine’s Spring (Resort) 2014 Collection in fresh new colors. The bag features a flap front which can be tucked in or shown on the exterior. The bag is aptly named by the “knots” or “ties” at the base of the handles. The Celine Tie Tote bag is an updated version of the Celine Phantom bag and coincidentally the Spring collection no longer includes the Phantom in the lineup. It includes a mini pouch, has an internal zipped pocket and two slip pockets. The flap can be tucked inside the bag, and it has a much larger roomy interior.

The Celine Tie Tote Bag:

The Celine Edge Shoulder Bag:

Celine Trapeze:

 Celine Phantom Luggage:

 Celine Luggage Mini

Celine Cabas Tote:

 Celine Box Flap Bag:

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL2MWtzUWrI, or you can view the entire collection here: http://v.yupoo.com/photos/smarthandbags/albums/9623126/

Smart Presents: Celine Trapeze and Christina Aguilera

It seems like everybody is on YouTube, so I guess video up some of my favorite bags won't be such a bad idea. Smart is a silent guy who doesn't talk much (instead he writes), so you are not gonna hear his voice on any of his videos. Instead, he uses some of his favorite songs so you don't get bored watching.

I started making these videos with "ezvid", but later I found Microsoft Movie Maker is bit more practical to use. Here you go, this is not my first video, but the most recent one. The first a few videos are not really good, as I am not video-savvy. It's a beloved Celine Trapeze bag in tri-color smooth calf and suede, and it's available in 2 combinations: smooth calf plus suede ears and smooth calf and suede flap. The song was from an Oscar-winning cartoon that's adapted from a Chinese folk tale "Mulan": Reflection by Christina Aguilera. I like the match, as Christina Aguilera is always sharp in music and fashion as well (the combination of her white hair and metal studs is always the center of attention) and this Celine Trapeze is quite catchy, especially for the tri-color combinations.

If you think the video is good, please subscribe to Smart's YouTube Channel here. Thanks in advance.

 

Smart Urban Dictionary: What is a Diao Si

A friend of mine asked what "屌丝" (diao si) means when she learned this word from a movie. It's a pretty new word and you can't find it in a published dictionary. This word was first known on a forum (exclusive for fans of a star) where an intruder got in accidentally and he happened not a fan of that star, so he called those fans "屌丝".

"屌丝" literally means pubic hair of a male, "cock hair". It's used to describe somebody who is ugly, fat, sloppy, impoverished, and slow (I meant to say stupid, I guess slow is a more proper word), to sum up in one word "unwanted", that no woman wants to have sex with him so he has to do it himself (masturbate). Therefore it's very rude to call somebody else a "屌丝".

However in the forum, instead of fighting against the intruder, some forum members started to accept the "name" and even used it for self-mocking. They believe we are in one way or another like that, "unwanted loser". The term soon got popular, not just inside the forum but all over the Internet. And since it's got popular, the bullying effect has been weakened. We can not only use it for self-mocking, we can also call a close friend "屌丝" and he won't get angry. However, if you really want to call somebody not a friend a stupid loser, yeah, that's the right word to use.

The antonym of "屌丝" is "高富帅", literally meaning a man who is tall, wealthy and handsome, in one word "desirable", while "白富美" is to describe a woman who is fair, wealthy and pretty.

Here is a typical example clipped from China's best-selling movie ever in history - "Lost in Thailand" that explains without a single word what a real 屌丝 acts when he sees a 白富美.

What's Louis Vuitton Doing with the Capucines Bag?

You probably have noticed that Louis Vuitton is going crazy with sky-rocketing prices in the recent releases, especially the W bag and the Capucines bag from Fall/Winter 2013 collection. What's the agenda behind the famous French fashion house?

In June 2013, Louis Vuitton launched the new Capucines bag, and Michelle Williams was the face of the Ad Campaign. She poised with another infamously pricey bag from the same season, known as the W bag previously.

Later Angelina Jolie was spotted motoring around LA with her eldest son Maddox, carrying a brand new Louis Vuitton Capucines Bag. She is considered to be the first one carrying this bag, it's no surprise as she has a classy taste for fashion in and her friendship with the brand is not something new (Angelina starred in a Louis Vuitton “Core Values” campaign back in 2011).

Louis Vuitton, with its much-copied tan and brown monogram design, must have felt the latter particularly keenly. Which explains why, with the understated Capucines, the French label is turning the emphasis away from trends and back to timeless style.

The bag is named after the Rue des Capucines in Paris, where Louis Vuitton opened his first shop in 1854. With it, the brand seems to be celebrating craftsmanship rather than the brash logos for which it has been known of late. Indeed, the success of the bag marks a turnaround for the brand, which has been struggling to win back its reputation as an upmarket and exclusive label.

The Capucines is made with full-grain Taurillon calf-leather, which comes from the top layer of a hide. It is subjected to minimal chemical processing (which can weaken it) and so is known for its quality, durability and signature texture. This is the same leather used by Hermes – which is famous for still operating long waiting lists for its coveted Kelly and Birkin bags, decades after they are launched. 

Funny thing is, despite the $5,150 price tag,  this bag has been reported shortages in Europe and now the US, and all Louis Vuitton boutiques have long waiting lists while stock is not to be expected till the end of this month. Is it worth the wait - and the cash?

Important Announcement About Ordering from Smart

Dear Smart Smoothies,

When you are buying replicas, chances are they are not going to be 100% exact to the authentic, and it's always the case, no matter what quality you get. Based on that understanding, it's always gonna be easier for you to take your purchases lightly. If you are counting stitches, microscoping the engravings, measuring the length by mm, etc, it would be a lot easier for you to buy the authentic.

Running a replica business is very risky. We are like dealing drugs in the black market. We can't get the items until it's off hours, that's why I always send out the order at around 8:00 PM (China time). We hear and see with our ears and eyes that there are factories been shut down the whole time. That's why some of the factories are not putting so much energy and time to perfect their items, by perfecting, I don't mean leather quality, but accuracy. If an item comes in good leather or canvas quality, but it's off a bit from the authentic, it should be a blessing in disguise.

As a seller, I am the one who is keeping all the returned merchandise here. I am nice enough to accept returns even when the items are not defective but out of your own dissatisfaction, that's because I value your friendship/clientship. All factories now have the same rule: return in brand new condition within 7 days (calendar days, not working days). Basically when I am selling internationally, it's not possible for me to receive the return within 7 days after the merchandise is sold to me. So even when the items come as brand new after 7 days, I am not able to return them to the factory for a refund or exchange.

Another thing about stock pics. The pics on my Yupoo site are stock pics, most of which are taken from the first batch in production. There are always upgrades made to replicas, so different batches may come in small differences, which should be accepted. Take the Chanel flap bags and Reissues for example, the CC stitching should be matching with the leather on the flap, but the pics show a red color stitching, which is wrong, but the actual items are burgundy or black. This should not be an issue as long as it's good materials and workmanship. Please don't come back to me and tell me that the item you receive has a different detail from what's shown in the pics.

I recently came across news about someone who bought a designer bag from a consignment store that turned out to be fake, and complaints about an authentic bag that comes with unacceptable flaws. This is not a one-time case. It happens a lot according to TPFers who claim their items to be 100% authentic. Therefore I am making this announcement as a disclaimer in a way, and the following decisions are really a bit tough for me to make, but they are for the best:

1. I don't accept returns if the item(s) you purchase are not defective, by defective, I mean loose stitches, broken zippers, ripped off leather or lining. If you are simply not happy with your purchase because of the color, the size, the shape, or minor inaccuracies to the authentic, I am really sorry but I have to say no.

2. All refund will come as a store credit. It's not like that I am gonna run away with your money, but most online stores are doing the same thing about refund. It's unconditional and non-negotiable.

3. I am not going to provide preshipment pics before you make payment. I will also charge a 15% restocking fee if you ask for preshipment pics but decide to cancel your order after I make all the efforts to get you the pics, no matter what reasons.

With all the above said, I once again confirm that you will receive the best quality with the price you have paid. It's not like I am gonna change and become a bad seller. I am still the same honest and nice Smart Smith you know of. You have my word on this.

Always, with Love.

Sincerely

Smart Smith

Say No to Replica Shoes or Watches

I have been selling bags for a while, and small leather goods like wallets, clutches, belts, and key holders, and in every fall/winter season, scarves. These are basic items for everyday life,  and you don't expect them to be as durable as like forever, as we are always trying to get something different in styles, a shopping tote is the the love of summer, but by next spring, you may adore a satchel. There should always be something formal for work, something casual for the weekends, something elegant for an evening party and something sexy for a night club. Who knows how many bags a woman may need! This is the reason I love handbags and enjoy selling them. 

Like always,  many of my customers have been asking if I carry replica designer shoes or watches. Honestly I can get designer anything in the replica market, as most of my handbag suppliers are selling shoes, watches and jeweleries as well, but I don't want to. Here are the reasons:

1. For shoes, we have different measurement systems with the rest of the world. In China we go with the European sizes, and it's still different because different factories make different sizes. A size 41 from one factory may actually be the same as size 40 or 42 from another. This is the reason why I would suggest you go to the department store or consignment store and have the shoes actually tried on your feet to see if it's fit or not. It's a misery to walk in some unfit shoes, and I guess we all know how that feels.

2. Watches are the most delicate invention in the world I believe, and it's very difficult to replicate, the precision of the mechanic is critical, otherwise Swiss made couldn't be selling so expensive. I personally would NEVER buy a replica watch, I would always stick with the authentic, even when I can't afford the IWC, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Tag Heuer or Rolex, I will go with Tissot or Seiko. Either one I can use it for the rest of my life. But honestly no replica watches can last for a life time. However, if you only want to use the watch for a couple of years, and don't mind changing from model to another, it's a different story. In this case, I am ready to sell.

I am an honest dealer, as you may have already known. I don't want people to have something that doesn't fit or last for a while. This is probably another reason I am not a successful businessman, by successful I mean wealthy. I am still trying to make ends meet every month. Sigh!

My Experience with Paypal is Outrageous

Paypal is a convenient way for buyers to send money and make purchases, but it's a pain for rep sellers! I set up the account in 2012 when I first started my own business, as many customers kept asking me to use Paypal. I learned that Paypal does not support replica business, so I was very careful using it and decided to accept payments from repeat customers only (I never received payments via Paypal for first time buyers). Those customers are just friends and I asked them NOT note anything when they sent the money, so that's what they did. However, it happened that my email address is very similar to a replica site domain name. Some of you already noticed and even asked me if I am with deluxepurse.com, well I am NOT, nor do I have anything to do with it! Then only after 4 receives, my account was limited, PERMANENTLY. Paypal accused me of taking unauthorized payments on behalf of deluxepurse.com. At that time I didn't even know that site! Then I set up another account, and you know what? After just 1 receive, Paypal limited my account once again, PERMANENTLY. No appeal was allowed. I was so pissed off that I called PP asking why they kept blocking my accounts, and their response had me shocked to death: you are blacklisted. That means even if I am gonna do legal business other than rep selling in the future, I will not be able to use Paypal any more. Honestly, no report from the money senders, they are all repeat clients who've been friends with me. Paypal just assumed me as someone who I am not! It's so irritating, and this is why I cannot take Paypal any more, and even if I could, I would not!

YSL Chyc Cabas VS Saint Laurent Paris Cabas

I posted some pics of the Saint Laurent Paris Cabas bag in the previous post a few days ago, those pics were taken of the 1:1 quality medium size. This bag comes with an optional shoulder strap. I know some of the YSL fans would love to have an optional strap for this size, but it turns out the authentic medium-sized YSL Chyc or Paris (the updated version in 2013) does not have a detachable shoulder strap.

On the request of a member here, who is looking for the YSL Chyc Cabas bag (the classic version), I've found the best YSL factory after 3-4 days of searching in the market. This factory carries both the Chyc and the Paris Cabas. I am gonna attach a few pics of the Chyc Cabas in red here: 

 

It's also available in a variety of other colors:

All pics updated above are of the MEDIUM SIZE (14” W x 10.5” H x 7.5” D). This bag also comes with a LARGE SIZE (15.5” W x 12.5” H x 8” D) and a SMALL SIZE (12” W x 8” H x 6” D), which has an optional shoulder strap, as in the authentic.

These are the updated version of the YSL Chyc Cabas Tote - The Saint Laurent Paris Cabas tote, released in Spring 2013. You will notice that the new version comes in some brighter and fresher colors, more of a candy color variety:

Differences between the YSL Chyc and the Saint Laurent Paris are: The emblematic giant "Y" disappears on the updated version and we are left with a smoother exterior. The leather hang tag with "Saint Laurent Paris" in gold writing is added and the signature YSL brass zipper pulls are replaced with regular gold zipper pulls.

PS: this factory only makes original quality YSL bags and wallets. Anyone interested, you know where to find me.