(ABOVE) I love the packaging presented by Chanel. It always makes a purchase feel just that much more special.
For YouTube Video & Outfit/Makeup Details Scroll to Bottom of Page
(NOTE: Some links that I provide in this post are affiliate links, which means if you follow that link and make a purchase I may possibly earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More information here.)
October 12, 2019 / Video Post Notes
MY CHANEL BUSINESS AFFINITY HANDBAG & SMALL CLASSIC POUCH
Chanel Business Affinity Small and Medium–Which To Buy
I have been looking at the Chanel Business Affinity handbag for about a year, because I like that the size is understated but still functional. I also like that it is in the diamond-quilted (and tougher) caviar leather, has both a top handle and a shoulder/crossbody strap, and has a small zip pocket on the front of the bag, as well as a large slip pocket on the back.
In the spring of 2018 it came out in navy, and this spring, on line, it came out in a melon pink. I thought both bags were pretty, however neither moved me quite enough to want to purchase it, because I also like the Chanel Classic bag.
Adding to all of this, I have been wanting a gray bag for quite a few years–I wasn’t particular on the shape or size–and have been looking at Gucci and Fendi as well.
So, when I stopped into our Saks Fifth Avenue Chanel at Waterside Shops several weeks ago, and discovered a gray Business Affinity, I was elated. The only problem was, I couldn’t decide whether the small or medium size was best for me. Both are lovely (see photographs below).
After a total of three visits to the store–oh my gosh, my sales associate Bree was so patient with me–I ultimately decided on the medium. However, that was only if they could find another one, in pristine condition, because the one I viewed in the store had a front zip pocket that was slightly off kilter. (You can view my Shopping at Chanel video here.)
Luckily, Bree was successful in tracking down a new medium for me, and I absolutely love it. Ultimately, I chose it over the small because it is about an inch taller and wider than the small (the small is 5.5″ x 7.4″x 2.7″)–which, surprisingly, makes a significant difference in how much I can fit inside. The medium also has a wider and, most important to me, longer shoulder strap, which works better for my long torso (I am 5’8.5″ tall).
I also decided to purchase a Chanel pink caviar leather Classic Small Pouch for carrying my Kleenex, lipstick, mirror, and my portable purse hook for a table, and I show that down below as well.
While I do give some information about the bag and zip pouch in this post–and show a few scenes from my video–for much more detail you’ll probably want to view my video. You can either scroll down the page, or view it directly on YouTube here.
Luxury-Goods Website (New & Pre-Loved) Fashionphile.com
I mentioned the on-line luxury website Fashionphile.com (a partner of Neiman Marcus) in my last post, and I am bringing it up again because my own recent experience purchasing from them was so positive.
Fashionphile features both new and pre-loved luxury handbags, fine jewelry/watches, and more (including Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Yurman, Hermes, Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, YSL, etc.).
Each of the items I purchased from Fashionphile look brand new to me–their previous owners took good care of them–and yet, because they weren’t actually new, I saved a great deal of money. To me, buying luxury items this way, when in such good condition, just makes perfect sense.
What is so wonderful about the website is their huge inventory, which includes predominantly pre-loved luxury, but also some new, hard-to-find items, too. Each listing provides helpful detailed photographs of the item, as well as detailed descriptions of the condition of the item. For example, handbag listings describe the condition of the interior, exterior, handle/shoulder strap, and hardware. Plus, I love that they give you 30 days to decide whether you want to keep your items, and you receive free shipping and returns. It makes buying luxury on line–and in particular pre-loved luxury–so much less nerve-wracking and very fulfilling, because of the tremendous savings.
If you’re interested in viewing pre-loved Chanel items like those I show in this post, Fashionphile currently has a selection of Chanel Business Affinity handbags and both new and pre-loved Chanel card holders and Chanel zip pouches.
Let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to answer them the best that I can.
Wishing all of you a peaceful weekend.
~Janis Lyn Johnson
Scenes From The Video
(ABOVE & BELOW) I was asked by a viewer on YouTube about my bracelets and if I have a link to them. They are 18K yellow and white gold, have no brand name, are from local jewelry stores, and were gifted to me by my husband and mother-in-law years ago. If you’re interested, I found similar looking bracelets in sterling silver and yellow gold by David Yurman.
(ABOVE & BELOW) The Chanel Classic Small Pouch in the color pink. If you’re interested, I found lovely Chanel card holders and Chanel zip pouches, both new and pre-loved, at Fashionphile.com, a partner of Neiman Marcus. (In the last few months, I have purchased several items from Fashionphile.)
(ABOVE & BELOW) At Chanel in Saks Fifth Avenue, a week earlier, comparing the small and medium Business Affinity handbags. The Business Affinity featured at Chanel.com, priced at $3,700, is the small (in the color pink) and measures 5.5″ x 7.4″x 2.7″. I purchased the medium, which retails for $3,900 in the U.S., and is about 1″ taller and 1″ wider, with about the same depth. Also, the shoulder strap on the medium is wider and several inches longer than the strap on the small. For pre-loved versions of this bag, visit Fashionphile, a partner of Neiman Marcus.
(ABOVE & BELOW) My Chanel Business Affinity handbag in caviar leather, size medium, with gold hardware, and the color gray. For pre-loved versions of this bag, visit Fashionphile, a partner of Neiman Marcus.
Outfit #1 (Blush Tee)
MY CLOTHING
TOP: Ralph Lauren, old (similar short-sleeve blush tee Brooks Brothers, Talbots; 3/4- sleeve Talbots; more blush tees/tops Brooks Brothers, Talbots) / JEANS: Talbots Jegging (more white skinny jeans Nordstrom).
MY ACCESSORIES
HAT: Sloggers / EYEWEAR: Kate Spade / BAG: Kate Spade, old (similar Longchamp, Tory Burch; more blush totes Nordstrom) / SHOES: Lindsay Phillips Mandy Jelly Flip Flops, with interchangeable adornment (red; more amazon.com).
MY JEWELRY
NECKLACE: Similar in diamonds Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Ross-Simons; similar in faux diamonds Nordstrom, Ross-Simons) / BRACELETS: 18K Yellow and White Gold, no brand name, from local jewelry stores (similar in sterling silver and yellow gold David Yurman).
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Outfit #2 (Tunic Hoodie)
MY CLOTHING
TOP: Akini, old (similar tops Nordstrom).
MY JEWELRY
BRACELETS: 18K Yellow and White Gold, no brand name, from local jewelry stores (similar in sterling silver and yellow gold David Yurman).
MY SKINCARE
FACE SCRUB: Real Castile 100% Olive Oil Soap applied with Buff Puff Regular Facial Sponge (alternative 100% Pure Organic Acai Pulp Facial Scrub) / FACE, EYE AREA & LIP MOISTURIZER: Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aura Cacia Organic Cocoa Butter , applied over generous spritzes of Mountain Valley Spring Water ( 2-Ounce Glass Spray Bottle or 4-Ounce Spray Bottle ).
MY VLOGGING CAMERA/EQUIPMENT & SALAD DRESSING BOTTLE
CAMERA: Sony / CAMERA CASE: Sony / BATTERY: Sony (I carry extras) / MINI TRIPOD/GRIP: Manfrotto / SMARTPHONE TRIPOD MOUNT: Square Jellyfish / MY SALAD DRESSING BOTTLE: Glass, Leak-Proof, 4 oz / POUCH FOR BOTTLE: Scallop Zipper Pouch.
(Some links in this post are affiliates. More information here.)
YouTube Video
(ABOVE) If you are seeing this message, then I have published the video and it should be appearing above. However, if for some reason the video isn’t appearing above–and you have refreshed your page and cleared your cache–you also can view the video at my JLJ Back To Classic Channel on YouTube.
Peacock Feather Portable Purse Hook For Table (More Amazon)
David Yurman Oval Link Bracelet
Chanel Zip Pouch, New and Pre-Loved, From Fashionphile (Other Colors/Sizes Available)
Chanel Card Holder, New and Pre-Loved, From Fashionphile (Other Colors/Sizes Available)
Chanel Business Affinity, New and Pre-Loved, From Fashionphile (Other Colors/Sizes Available)
White Jegging (More White Skinny Jeans Nordstrom)
Hooded Cardigan (More Similar Tops Nordstrom)
Favorite Stores
NATURAL & ORGANIC MAKEUP
BOOKS, ORGANIC FOODS/CLEANING SUPPLIES & MORE
CLOTHING STORES
DEPARTMENT STORES (ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING, JEWELRY & HOME DECOR)
DISCOUNT DESIGNER ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING, JEWELRY & HOME DECOR
HANDBAGS & LEATHER AGENDAS, CALENDARS, ACCESSORIES
HANDBAGS, WALLETS & SHOES
HOME & PATIO DECOR, TABLEWARE, FURNISHINGS
HOME ORGANIZATION
HOME OFFICE ORGANIZATION (AGENDAS, BINDERS, CALENDARS, PLANNERS & MORE)
JEWELRY (COSTUME & FINE)
WATCHES (DESIGNER)
Hi Jannis!I Stunningly beautiful ? I was waiting in anticipation to see which bag you had so graciously choosen ?
Thrilled & delighted with your classy choice. The colour is so soft one can wear with any outfit. Great choice a medium size as its not loud in any way just perfect ?The Chanel bag would compliment any outfit adding a touch of class & elegance.I felt like you were unwrapping a Christmas surprise was so exciting I so enjoyed, Thank you for sharing !
Always looking g forward to your next video. Regards Bernadine .. South Africa ?♀️
Hi, Bernadine! Thank you. 🙂 I so appreciate you continuing to come back to my blog, and for leaving such a kind comment. Hope you are doing well in beautiful South Africa! ~ Janis
Hi there! I look at the photo of the back of the purse and notice that the stitching don’t match up? Any concerns?
Hi there, Catherine! Oh yes, I would be concerned if the stitching on your Chanel did not match up. That is essential. The photograph here is a screenshot from the video, so the perspective isn’t dead-on straight. Viewed straight on, she’s beautiful. 🙂 Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving your comment. I so appreciate you being here! Be well ~ Janis