Chanel Handbags and Purses

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that Chanel puts out more distinct collections of bags than any other premier designer on the planet. Not only are there the standard four that every brand gives us, but Chanel also has things like Chanel Pre-Collection Spring 2012, which is separate from the actual Spring 2012 collection. That’s just how much the folks at Chanel love us, you guys. They can’t stop giving us bags to ogle.

Not only that, but each Chanel collection is divided into two smaller groups – the regular stuff and the Outstanding Pieces, which are either exotics or some sort of incredibly special embellishment like hand embroidery or strassing. I’ve included both groups in the photos after the jump, mostly because I’m greedy and I like all of my Chanel goodness at once.

I don’t know if you’ve tried to buy a Chanel bag recently, but it can be downright difficult to find even something as basic as a black Chanel Classic Flap. Demand for the brand’s bags seems to be nearly endless, and seasonal styles and collection staples alike are here today, gone tomorrow. Not to mention the prices, which are perpetually rising. Don’t even get me started.

If you’re a Chanel lover and a RueLaLa member (or if you’d like to become one – we have a link for that), you’re in luck. In exactly three hours, at 11 a.m. EST, Madison Avenue Couture’s pre-owned and vintage Chanel wares will be available for purchase. In addition to a healthy selection of classic Chanel bags in neutrals and vibrant colors alike, RueLaLa and Madison Avenue Couture also have clothing and accessories from the French luxury giant for your perusal. We have your exclusive first look at some of our favorite bags from the sale after the jump, or you can sign up for RueLaLa and shop the sale starting at 11 a.m.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or you don’t follow any fashion people on Twitter), you know that Chanel has made quite a splash in Las Vegas lately. Not only did the brand debut a lavish invite-only exhibition called Numéros Privés at the Wynn Las Vegas over the weekend, but yesterday, Chanel celebrated the grand reopening of its exquisite Bellagio boutique.

With that reopening comes five (5!) special edition bags that will be exclusive to the Chanel Bellagio Las Vegas. The bags, all variations on the brand’s much-lauded Classic Flap, have a little bit of extra sparkle to them that feels right at home when discussing Sin City. There’s even one with a dice charm – how appropriate. Take a look at all of the Bellagio exclusives after the jump, and to purchase, call the store at 702.765.5505.

Chanel’s 2012 Spring-Summer Ad Campaign combines a mixture of entirely majestic with a touch of athletic to showcase the upcoming collection. Shot by Karl Lagerfeld, the campaign focuses on the clothing and accessories being portrayed in a very elegant manner, as the models pose on different athletic (mostly gymnastic) apparatuses.

You wouldn’t think the words Chanel and Sport would go together. Leave it to Chanel to make traditional sporty items incredibly chic by adding their luxury touches. While there are countless items in their sports category, it seems that none of these are currently available. I even searched on eBay and had no luck tracking down the amazing yet silly Chanel rugby football.

Some of my favorite Chanel items from my collection. Follow purseblog on Instagram

Typically for Want It Wednesday, I pick one thing that I am coveting greatly. But this week, all I want is Chanel. Chanel everything, from head to toe. From nail polish to makeup to bracelets to gloves to cosmetic cases to bags. This is one of those weeks where I am on a major Chanel kick and if I had it my way, I would pop into their store and buy one of everything.

Images via Chanel

The posting of any Chanel collection brings a wide range of responses – joy, rage, the sounds of overcome shoppers fainting and terrified credit cards weeping. Sometimes, it also brings consternation from fans of the traditional Chanel aesthetic – where have our classics gone? What is Uncle Karl doing with our beloved brand?

For those of you who fall into that last group, Chanel Cruise 2012 Handbags should be a sight for sore eyes. Even with the addition of the Boy Chanel bags and a few new takes on the quilted flap, most of these designs are the sort of stuff that quickens the pace of a Chanel fangirl’s heart. Be careful, the pictures after the jump may cause spontaneous shopping – after all, these bags are available now at your friendly local Chanel boutique.