Chanel Thrift Store Finds

Thrifting is definitely one of my favorite ways to shop. I've found some truly incredible things thanks to my determination and some good luck (more on that here, "How I Thrifted over $4,000 of Designer Shoes for under $500").

The most elusive and covetable thrifting finds are those from the holy trifecta: Hermes, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Of course, finding any designer goodie is a delight, but finding Louis Vuitton (which never goes on sale), or Chanel (which is jarringly expensive), or Hermes (hahaha...wish I actually found authentic Hermes in thrift stores) is a special treat for any thrifter. 

In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite thrifted Chanel finds! I've managed to thrift two rings, a pair of earrings, a pair of sunglasses, a small wallet, and the holy grail....a BAG! 

I. Chanel "In the Business" Flap 

(Lambskin with silver hardware)

Price purchased for: $40

I spotted this bag hanging inconspicuously amongst a slew of dusty, black leather handbags. It's a Chanel "In the Business" flap. Skeptical about authenticity from the get-go, I inspected the date code, tags, hardware markings, and quilting. Thrift store Chanel fakes are usually pretty blatantly bad...but this one was shockingly good. Still, I remained wary - I've seen my fair share of superfakes (fakes so good that even the little details are right).  I fervently opened Fashionphile and searched up previously sold "In the Business" flaps to compare details through photo after photo after photo.

Ultimately, the bag proved to be authentic, but the conspicuous tears remained an obvious caveat. The bag was heavily damaged and scratched up on the front and back. Given the fact that I'd been eying Anya Hindmarch's leather sticker collection for quite some time now, this seemed like the perfect opportunity for a little project. I've since redecorated this bag to conceal the gashes with leather stickers I got on sale, so stay tuned to see a before & after!

II. Chanel Sunglasses

Price purchased for: $50

Considering they were stacked amidst a throng of other nondescript black sunglasses, spotting these Chanel sunglasses required keen squinting on my behalf. Nothing gets my thrifting senses tingling quite like the Chanel logo when thrifting, so when I caught that C-H-A... - I immediately requested them for inspection. Imagine my delight when the authentic (and flattering! Sorry, no '90s Matrix shades for me) Chanel sunnies also came with a case! They only cost $50. #Blessed

III. Vintage Oversized Chanel CC Gold Clip-On Earrings

Price purchased for: $45

These vintage gold beauties (similar here) were $45. I almost didn't get them, since clip ons are heavy and can be difficult to wear for an extended period of time.  I'm glad I got them, though, because even if they're kind of outrageous, they're iconic. These are perfect to wear with your hair up in a bun with some bold lipstick.

IV. Chanel Rings

Price purchased for: $24 each

These rings were $24 each. The left ring, with ruthenium hardware and tweed, is a simple classic. The black sparkly camellia ring was missing the center portion. It's not very noticeable but I also plan to adorn it with something else.

V. Vintage Caviar Chanel CC Wallet

Price purchased for: $100

This wallet was a bit pricier than the usual thrifting find, but it was well worth it, as it has been one of my most-used pieces. It's practical, durable, compact, and super cute! I alternate between this and my new Chanel cardholder. I love tiny wallets - they're ideal for small bags and don't weigh your bag down.

VI. Vintage Chanel Patent Calfskin Wallet

Price purchased for: $75

This wallet was an incredibly shocking find for me - from the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a familiar quilting pattern, held my breath, asked the sales associate to take a closer look - and voila, it was ~Chanel~. After a hasty authentication inspection, I headed for checkout with my $75 Chanel treasure. Thrifting Chanel is so exhilarating!

VII. Vintage Chanel Caviar Red CC Yen Wallet

Price purchased for: $300

This wallet had a much heftier price tag, but came with box and authenticity card. In retrospect, it was still somewhat expensive/overpriced for what it is (in my opinion, at least), but I loved it so much, I simply had to have it. I'll probably be gifting it to my mom, as the black epi leather Louis Vuitton Eugenie wallet I thrifted way back when for her (I think it was $60! Amazing) is looking a little worse for wear.

Do you thrift? What are your luckiest finds? xx