I usually run the Save and Splurge edition for cosmetics and skincare but when I came across these two I just had to run a special version because I was struck by both bags… and I do rather like both if I don’t say so myself 🙂
I present you the Kate Spade Gold Coast Elizabeth and the Chanel Petite Timeless Tote in this edition of Save and Splurge – the luxury quilted bag edition 😀
Save: Kate Spade Gold Coast Elizabeth – RM18xx (US$375)
I have been eyeing this one for a while. I went into the Kate Spade boutique to check it out before but it was out of stock then. I recently stepped in again and much to my horror (!!) it was available! It was willpower (and a recent hefty expense) that meant I did not immediately whip out my credit card and get it there and then 😛 Its a very nice size – not too big, not too small and it looks very elegant on the shoulder or on the arm. The calf leather is soft and it is roomy for most every day stuff without looking overstuffed. I really like it and I will be keeping an eye on this one. The price is quite decent too for what looks to be something quite well made in nice leather.
Splurge: Chanel Petite Timeless Tote – RM8xxx
I’m not 100% sure of the price of this one. It might be just slightly under RM8,000 for the Caviar leather version or perhaps a bit over. I like the Chanel Caviar leather. Its hardy and has a nice sheen without being glossy or too eye catching. It doesn’t scratch as easily as lambskin and will stay looking good for longer. The Petite Timeless Tote is quite structured as compared to the Kate Spade one, but from my vague recollection, it is about the same size. Not too big, not too small and roomy enough to fit most daily essentials. It also looks classy and elegant and unless you are going for a black tie event, quite easy to transition from day to night.
My pick
I first fell in love with the Chanel Petite Timeless Tote but that price is quite gag-worthy even for me. If I happen to be in Paris and “just happen” to be at 31 Rue Cambon I may pick it up because I do like it very much.
Unless that happens however, I would opt for the Kate Spade Gold Coast Elizabeth. It is softer and less stiff in appearance. It looks amazing carried and it is a lovely practical and elegant bag at what I’d deem a reasonable price for a leather bag, because it is quite well made. I have a Kate Spade leather bag from a while ago that still looks very good now. Granted, I take good care of my bags, but quality is still quality and it shows 🙂 Rarely will I pass up a Chanel but this might just make me do it.
Have you seen either bag? Do you have thoughts on either or perhaps you own one of them and would like to share some thoughts? 🙂
Paris B
The Kate Spade boutique is at The Gardens and the Chanel boutique is at Suria KLCC
Save and Splurge is where I show you similar items by different brands that I have tried. They may not work quite the same way, but it’ll offer you options for your wallet for a similar effect/product. Do note however, that it is based on products I have tried, so whilst there are many save and splurge options out there, these are my views and choices. You can find more under the category of Challenges.
The only gripe I have with the Chanel is the overhanging zip. Much like the balenciaga, I don’t see a point in it. I’d go for the kate spade cos I’m not sure how my arms will hang with the chanel slung on my shoulder. It’s similar to what I griped about on the Chanel grande shopping tote.
I’d just received the Dior cruise 2012 catalog and I noted a few items that will change your mind 😉 stay tuned!
The Chanel is a bit wide so your arm will stick out. I like the shape and design but practically I don’t think I’ll end up getting either. KS because I just splurged recently and its just too much to splurge again and C because I would probably prefer to get another version like the PST or another classic 😉
Oooh the Kate Spade’s nice! I’m not super keen on the Chanel because of the big double Cs on the front. The caviar’s very beautiful, but the slap of the double Cs in front’s just not my thing 😛
I wasn’t into the big Cs too but the real thing isn’t that obvious (to me) and in beige caviar, its even less so heehee… 🙂
I’ve seen the kate spade one, it’s really cute in person (and in the picture, of course). I actually like it better than the Chanel one, I like that it’s a bit more rounded. Though, I’ve only ever thought a handful of Chanel bags worth the price and normally they’re the smaller ones for some reason (I guess because smaller equals cuter automatically lol).
Yes I liked the fact that the Kate Spade one is less structured which makes it easier to tote around 🙂 Chanel is one of those splurge things but I wouldn’t go on a break and water diet just to own one 😀
I like the Kate Spade one better as the form looks more comfortable to carry than the Chanel boxy shape.
Can you do more of the safe and splurge for this category – bags. Love it !!!
I’ll try to Mei Ping as and when I come across more worth talking about! Glad you enjoyed it 😀 Actually the KS one is more comfortable because it is squashable but both will make your arms stick out the side 😛
Hey 31 Cambon is my Channel lipstick given by my bestfriend!
I personally would love the kate spade’s version as it has a combined “handle” (is that what u call it?)
Cheers!
Aww you have a lovely friend! 31 Cambon is a pretty colour! The photo looks like its just 1 handle but its in fact 2. There is a leather pad at the top where it rests on your shoulders though 🙂
Oh wow, they are similar styles! Is the KS one lambskin? It looks more casual and less stiff compared to the Chanel PTT. I prefer Chanel PST over PTT, though, and the GST over PST since I like big bags. 😉 It’s just too heavy for me, unfortunately.
I’ve yet to meet another one who likes the Chanel GST! Because the base is pretty stiff, it can’t be flattened for your arm to rest comfortably over the bag while it’s slung on the shoulder. How do you make it work? I’ve got the PST in caviar and it’s served me very well because the iPad fits in there. But, there are times that I thought of getting the GST for days when I know I’m on the run.
Thoughts? 🙂
The KS one is calfskin. Rather thicker with a glossy shine that is a little off putting to me but which I may not care so much about if I were to just use it as an everyday bag 🙂 Its definitely more casual and I don’t think will make the transition to night as well as the Chanel PTT does 🙂 Unfortunately big bags tend to be way too heavy especially if they are leather to boot! I’m weaning myself off big bags. My old bones in my back and shoulders can’t handle it 😛
I agree that the one from Kate Spade looks uber gorgeous. Nice…..
Hmmmm… double nice. I am now in trouble 😛
Haha! You just got your pressie from LV! 😀
I like the kate spade better! The chanel looks really like a fake actually, even though if it’s authentic. but maybe it’s just me 😛
Haha well you wouldn’t say no to the Chanel would you? 😉 It looks much better in real life. The KS one has a bit of shiny look to the leather that can potentially look off or crummy with prolonged use. The other KS I have is matte but its held up well.
The Kate Spade would be more practical for daily use. The Chanel gold chain link on the PTT would cut on the shoulder if used for long periods. I have the petite shopping tote which has a leather piece so it’s easier on the shoulder. Personally, I prefer the leather on the Chanel as it’s less ‘shiny’ compared to the Kate Spade. Plus the diamond shaped quilting is a quintessential Chanel trademark. My vote would be for a Chanel, though possibly not the PTT.
That’s a good point about the Chanel PTT’s chain! The Classic flap suffers the same fate unfortunately. I think I may have to go back and relook at the Petite Shopping Tote 😉
I like the look of the Kate Spade bag more. I think the price of the Chanel bag put me off too 😛 Eeks!
LOL!! Yes Chanel prices are very shocking especially locally!
How much does the KS cost in boutique? You can get in online
I can’t remember the exact price. its as per the post. I realize its cheaper online but I’m wary of fakes so I usually prefer to take my chances in store and enjoy the whole shopping experience 🙂
For me I’d take the Kate Spade over the Chanel 😛 Not just price-wise, but I think I’d prefer a less stiffly-structured tote bag and the double Cs on the Chanel one just doesn’t look as good as the small little metal plaque of the Kate Spade one, which seems more tasteful. Aaahhh lemming D:
Ah but wait till you see the difference in leather textures 😉 Still I have to agree. The Kate Spade is potentially a much more wearable bag than the Chanel mostly because its squashable without too much damage 🙂
Exactly! I think that even with Chanel’s super soft leather (I’ve felt them before :D) it would still make my heart ache a little if I had to squash it around as a day-to-day bag 😛 That’s why Kate Spade would make a good substitute, unless you don’t mind haha 😀
Just to let you know that you can actually get the Ks bag cheaper on Ebay US 🙂 I usually get all my bags from there and pay only half of what i’d have to fork out if I buy it in a retail store in KL!
Teehee… yeah I looked and tempted myself silly coz its much cheaper! I’m always a little wary shopping on ebay though. I always am left with the nagging doubt of “what if” that said, there’s one online that’s a very very good price and looks good 😉