Mademoiselle Chanel was a lady that was basically born into poverty, having been raised in an orphanage by nuns. I still have yet to watch "Coco Avant Chanel," but since the airing of the
Lifetime film based on her life story, I have become intrigued by this woman. I always admire those who take the road less traveled in order to achieve their passions and dreams in life. Coco Chanel has simplified the fashion lives of women. She has played such a huge role in fashion history such as inventing "the little black dress," women's tweed dress suits, menswear and comfortable clothing (goodbye, corsets!) that were contrary to the glitz and glamour of the time period she resided in.
That being said, it has become my obsession to attain one of her classic 2.55 bags for some time now (haven't had any luck at the thrift shops). The name "2.55" represents the month and year (February 1955) the bag was created and it has significant meaning behind it. The inner "secret" flap was used to store her love letters. The back pocket was meant for storing money and lipstick for the inner pockets. The red leather lining of the black bags were inspired by her school uniform as a child. The chain straps were created in order to keep women's arms/hands hassle-free during that time period. And finally, the quilting was inspired by the jockey's riding coats she often saw and seat cushions from her apartment in Paris.
Recently, I've even contemplated whether it would be worth it to
STOP shopping for a year to purchase
something from the boutique. Yes, I'm
that crazy. I looked up the recent prices for the tiniest 2.55 bag and felt defeated as I realized I would need to halt my shopping habits for
TWO YEARS. I think that is a bit ridiculous. Perhaps I could afford a used one instead...
Though I cannot help but think:
If Chanel had wanted to simplify the lives of women by steering away from the extravagant, why has her label become only attainable to the wealthy, or those willing to succumb to its pricetag? If she were still alive today, would she be content with the direction her company is headed towards?
Bag or no bag, I've decided to stop purchasing clothing/accessories for the entire month of October and more. I intend on doing this for as long as I can contain myself (gasp). I figured it would be a refreshing way to begin some self-control for things I really don't need. And maybe I'll be able to save for something worth treasuring.
Looks like there will be much window-shopping and creative repeat items to come!
Credits: Purse Forum
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