The classic box bag

(via missmollcherie)

I’ve got a confession to make; I have never coveted the classic Chanel 2.55 purse despite the fact that it’s a wardrobe staple and probably the bagthat every girl and woman desire. On the other hand, I’ve been coveting the classic box bag from Céline for several months now. I am completely obsessed with a simple, rather understated and boxy bag, with a tiny bit of gold on the claps closure and the shoulder strap. This is a bag I can wear both as a nineteen-year-old girl and in thirty years, because it’s certainly a timeless piece. It’s pure perfection and nonpareil. Even the subtle flash of gold is perfection.

I have decided that someday I will perhaps invest in this bag even though it costs a fortune. That said, I need to justify the price, which I assume is GBP 2200. Let’s hope the classic box bag won’t be discontinued in the future as it’s most likely a seasonal item. Otherwise I’d better get my hands on my dream bag soon.

40 thoughts on “The classic box bag

  1. GBP 2200!I love Celine but this is one instance where I would look for a great vintage bag rather than buy this one. That price doesn't seem fair and you'll definitely be able to find something beautiful that's vintage.

  2. I've been coveting this bag as well. It's so beautiful and the different inside compartments make it very practical to use. It is, however, *so* expensive. I mean, I think it's on par with the Chanel 2.55s and costs more than most other Celine bags.

  3. Caille: Haha, I know.. it's crazy. I'm afraid I won't find anything nowhere near as perfection as this one from Céline.. but I have not settled 100 % yet.

  4. I've never wanted a chanel myself. Seeing them "everywhere" – it just.. bores me. I'd like a bag that's more anonymousThe céline bag is beautiful. Enough said.

  5. Hi! So I just found your blog and its rare to find someone in the same age group who has a similar shopping philosophy. I'm 20, and after working several summers in retail and seeing how quickly customers spend money just on clothes,and given how much I made, it makes you more picky when YOU decide to buy..doesn't stop me from looking though. :)Maybe if you are still lusting after this bag later down the road, you could plan a trip to Paris around the soldes, it seems that a trip to Paris for you is routine(lucky you!). Even if not you don't go to Paris during the soldes, you live in Norway, therefore,not part of EU and maybe its possible to ask for a VAT Tax Rerund. The bag is gorgeous I must say.I have to admit, I do love chanel bags, especially the classic flaps with the original madamoiselle lock not the interlocking C's courtesy of Kaiser Karl, I find the latter too ostentatious. Unfortunately, I've heard from recent customers that quality has declined recently so if I do decide to invest in one( long time from now!), its going to be second-hand. Looking forward to future posts!

  6. I don't care for Chanel bags either. For lots of reasons. If you love that Celine, do not settle for anything else. I used to buy bags all the time until I finally realized that all paled in comparison to the ones I wanted (one being my beloved Mulberry Bayswater). So once I saved up for and got one, I was suddenly content with my handbag collection (which is small but full of quality, timeless pieces.) It's fun to save for these things…they seem all that more special once you get them.

  7. I do kind of like this bag, but I would buy the sc for lv bag (the PM version), which is 'only' 2000 GDP…as much as I like Celine I worry it is just about hype…but I don't know, it takes years before a bag is considered an enduring classic…

  8. I checked out the bag in the shop, beautifully made, but still rather expensive for what it is…plus I prefer something treated to be softer than the smooth box calf. Like Alex, I'd hold out for the SC bag, because it also looks handier for every day, which is what I look for in bags.Still, it's a great deal cheaper than the Hermes Constance, which is probably what it's inspired by! The Constance has been a round for a while (at least since the 80s) and I find it to be very classic looking, so I think this Celine won't date.

  9. I would love a smaller box bag as well. I love the Hermes Constance, but I'm sure the price is even more terrifying than this Celine!BTW, have you heard of this project? http://freefashionchallenge.com/about-3/15 shopping addicts have vowed to stop shopping for a year and are documenting everything. A year! I don't consider myself an addict yet I can't imagine a whole year of not buying anything. A few months, maybe…

  10. although i am very content with my apc leather satchel, one day i would love to be able to buy the hermes constance, this bag and the sc for lv bag and clutch. I am kind of unsure about the 2.55, although i do really like the one without the interlocking c's. The one thing I always hesitate on is how recognisable a bag is..i don't really like the idea of buying a bag just for a status symbol, and when people think they are so much better than anyone else just because of their bag.

  11. I don't know if I could spend that much on ONE bag and then to hear from eternalmode that the quality has decreased…I would rather buy vintage – the idea of finding an amazing vintage bag that is less expensive is more appealing and in the end, satisfying, than buying new for retail.-christinehttp://un-stitched.com/

  12. this bag is beautiful. i'm currently on the search for a bag with the right shape, size, and dimensions for my frame and needs. it's been a frustrating wait since the bags i carry now are too large or otherwise wrong within my wardrobe. i've owned so many out of a waning compulsive shopping habit and yet loved none, only carried them out of necessity. i didn't realize how difficult it would be to find that singular piece that is just right for ME. at least the savings will be spent on something good when i finally DO find it!i've developed a keener eye for seeking out the finer details that make a classic a classic, in part due to reading this blog. it's always a pleasure to read your blog; thanks for coming out of retirement!

  13. Thanks for the comments everyone :)eternelmode: Thanks for the comment. I'm actually going to Paris in February but I would not afford it even if it's on sale (right now), because there are other things I have to prioritize haha. I like the Chanel bags, I think they are versatile and classic but I've never had them on my wishlist.. and I too have heard that the quality has declined while the price is increasing…TJP: I have also settled for the sofia coppola for louis vuitton clutch! I want a small handbag collection like yours. I already have two bags that are rather big. I always think that I'd like them a smaller sometimes because I never bring a lot of stuff unless I go to school. I agree that the fun part is to save for these things, like when I saved for my Balenciaga. I literally JUMPED in the Balenciaga store when I purchased my bag!Alex: I know, that's also why I'm waiting.. to see if I still like it after 1-2 years. I don't think I'm going to invest in the SC for LV bag because I already have two bags that are rather big, and I'm always in need of smaller and more compact bags. But I have settled for the SC for LV clutch though. lin: I actually like when bags are not-so-soft. The Constance is so beautiful, do you know the price?koko: Oh no, do you know the price of the constance? I love that bag too! Thanks for sharing, I've never heard of the project but I support it and think it's a good idea. I don't consider myself as a shopping addict either.. I'm the opposite, I have problems with shopping because I never find what I want. This year, I've only purchased 5 items I think.. haha. anonymous: I agree with you.. I never buy anything just for the status symbol. In fact, I hate that some of my things are recognizable.. but as long as I don't buy items with big and recognizable monograms, it's okay.. like for instance the Celine bag. Only the fashion-forward people would recognize it on the street.un-stitched: Yes, but I don't want to buy a vintage bag that not as perfect as the Celine, just to compensate for the Celine bag.Pennerad: Never underestimate a smaller bag.. my bags, that are regular in the size, are too large for me at times. I'm happy that you've developed a keener eye for details.. once you have it, you'll always have it, I guess! Thank you very much. It's always a pleasure to read your comments :)

  14. Pretty astronomical. I don't know about Europe prices but in Singapore, it starts at about S$8,000-9,000+, which is about 4,000-5,000 euros (!!). And that was almost 2 years ago, so I won't be surprised if prices went up. It depends on how much you like the H logo I suppose, because it's really similar to the Celine. You could check out both and see if you can feel the difference :) I thought the Celine was really beautifully made, inside and out. Can't remember what the Constance felt like, I might have been too afraid to touch it after I heard the price.As a normal working girl, I will never spend that kind of money on a bag….not when I can use the money for finance a semester of grad studies or something. So a Celine is a relatively economical but still luxurious choice.

  15. This is completely from an old post, but I was wondering about your American Apparel gray sweatshirt … what style was it? I'm making a trip there this afternoon … I also would love to see your bottoms posting (I think you saw how I did mine) on your closet. It is funny, mine has evolved even since I did it.thankslabellafigura.net

  16. It's amazzzingnggg – my dream bag- BUT the price is just ridiculous! You can get much more substantial designer bags for less than 1000 and this is more than double that and very still. Still, it's the most gorgeous thing.

  17. Yes, yes, yes – a thousand times yes.Once again we see eye to eye :) I've never truly understood the appeal of the 2.55 Chanel but absolutely love the simplicity of the Celine box bag.I've been thinking about investing in a Sofia Coppola for LV bag but right now is not a good time for me to save money, so yeah I'm hoping they'll keep them around.

  18. So true, even though, as you say, it costs a fortune! That's bad. I bought a classic, brown leather bag a little while ago, (almost the same size) and I dearly hope it would last for years to come. When it comes to designer bags and brands like Chanel, I don't really care all that much, I would rather buy a vintage bag. But maybe someday… haha. At the very least, dreaming is free!

  19. I have been following your blog and love your style! I'm inspired to learn to be less consumerish and concentrate on developing style. I have this new-found love for vintage and vintage-inspired bags and this Celine one is lovely! I have to warn you, though, some people have commented that it looks like the shoulder bags that the Singapore Airlines stewardesses carry and I am forced to agree! So, if I ever save enough for one, I will definitely NOT buy the blue coloured one. I love the red and black version. But I just spent on some Chanels (sorry, but the flaps are part of my dream!) so I don't think this will happen any time soon. Oh, and yes, the bag designed by Sofia Coppola for LV was something I have been liking for some time too. Hope you find a bag you like!

  20. wow første gang jeg har lest om noen andre som ikke vil ha den standard chanel-veska! jeg syns den er forferdelig stygg, men har alltid virka som at jeg er den eneste i verden til å mene det

  21. The bag is gorgeous. I have a beautiful brown leather shoulder bag in exactly the same shape, all leather without the gold accents – it's nearly 20 years old, so I think I will hold on to it before turning my eyes to the Celine version.

  22. There are some women today who still liked the classic bag because its simple and unique model. Like my wife, my wife love to collect bags such as classic bag.

  23. Thanks for your sweet comments, I really like your blog as well :) And on this Celine bag you're absolutely right. There are so many square bags out there and I think this one is very interesting and will not lose it's magic over time!ps. on my hair, sometimes it just dries up like that, but what you can do is wear it in a high, rolled up loose bun for a few hours right after its dry, or use a bigger curling iron and then brush the curls out a bit :)

  24. This bag is absolute perfection. I doubt it could ever be improved upon. One in black and another in camel would set me up for life.

  25. I thought I was the only one who didn't want the Chanel 2.55. I prefer most Celine bags too, which is ironic, since that's my mum's name.x

  26. The bag of my dreams. I agree 100% with you on not wanting a 2.55, the minimalism of this bag makes it seem so much classier and more timeless to me.

  27. I so can feel you! That's exactly what I was thinking… the chanel bag is really beautiful, but I'm currently obsessed with this box bag from Céline that literally screams pure elegance and understated quality. I can't get this bag out of my head. And every time I see a picture of it in a streetstyle blog or a collage features that bag I can't help but finding it truly beautiful! I know that sounds a little creepy, but I'm very certain that this bag will change my life! :-) x, Larissawww.sasani.chwww.stilblog.ch

  28. Does any of you know the exact price of this bag? I really want it as well – but I need to know how mush I need to save. The leopard one is 4050 dollars – but what about the all black one?

  29. I am loving your blog! I can't believe you are 19—I am totally impressed. I just wanted to pass along the "idea" of shopping vintage handbags until you can afford your favorite investment piece. For example this Koret handbag on Ebay : http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-KORET-BLACK-LEATHER-HANDBAG-RED-LINING-/190503126690?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item2c5adf06a2This looks very similar in style to what you want and I can guarantee you will be impressed with the quality these type of older bags offer. The workmanship is amazing, the quality of leather beautiful and they are often, like this one, leather lined. I noticed this one has an adjustable strap as well. Take a look!! xxBliss

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