Question for you ladies which I will pose up here b/c I don't want to start a new thread & you may be able to offer some insight on the topic considering your appreciation for classic bags.
So I have been thinking about buying an "iconic bag". However, if I buy something I actually want to USE it & not be AFRAID of using it. Thus, I have two possibilities, 2nd hand, which will save me some $$ and in some warped way make me less nervous about it b/c it has already been slightly broken in! Or I could just get over it and buy a new bag. However, if it's the latter, then where is the best place (State, or even country) to purchase & not get stuck paying hundreds in taxes?! I occasionally get to travel around & since I'm not in a hurry, I figure I can do some research on where to get the best price for the exact item I like when the opportunity presents itself.
For second hand, I know there is are some websites & consignment shops that I could investigate. However, have any of you ladies bought any vintage bags from a consignment shop or such? I personally would want to see the bag first before purchasing one, but I figure I'll set up some alerts on some reputable websites.
As for my ideal bag, Classichic basically hit the nail on the head in post #1, but I wouldn't necessarily limit my search for a Chanel flap bag (silver hardware!) either. It just depends when I see the 'perfect' bag if it seems to suit me