As some of you may already know, the previous Chanel price increase (end of 2009) had affected one of the most iconic bags of all time, the Chanel Flap bag or the 2.55 bag. The medium/large flap bag (yes, it’s called a medium/large) was previously the same price as the Chanel Medallion and GST bags, selling for $2,125. However, it went up to $2,400. This February 2010, it’s Chanel GST’s turn to get affected by the price increase.

I’ve compared two black GST’s from the 2009 and 2010 versions, one in silver hardware and one in gold hardware. Note that the GST comes in silver and gold hardware, with colors such as black, white, beige, bordeaux (red), and brown among other seasonal colors like light pink, mint, etc. Anyway, what’s new with the 2010 GST and what’s the new price? Continue reading below to find out!

Old Chanel Grand Shopping Tote / GST

The old Chanel Grand Shopping tote had interlocking C’s that looked like they were stitched unto the quilted material of the GST bag.

The 2010 Chanel GST’s interlocking C’s looked as if the embossed part was part of the quilting of the leather (caviar). Sorry for the poor quality of the photo…

The old Chanel GST had smaller and roundish grommet where the chain is attached.

The new Chanel GST have a flat grommet with the words: “31, Rue Cambon” written on the top part, and “Chanel” written on the bottom.

The old Chanel GST had a D-Ring inside the bag so you can hook your keys to it. But the new 2010 Chanel GST has a strap with a hook (more like a lanyard) that you can attach to your wallet, keys, or cellphone case perhaps.

And as I said, the old Chanel GST price was $2,125. This February 2010, the new Chanel GST now costs $2,350!!! Waaaaaaa!!! Now I haven’t confirmed with my local Chanel boutique if it’s already in effect. But it’s most likely the case. So what can you say about this price increase? And what can you say about the new 2010 Chanel Grand Shopping Tote? I’m actually loving the GST even more, well, except for the price. LOL!

xoxo

So, here it is… the moment you all have been waiting for. After 31 entries, I have chosen the winner via Random.org. The winner of My Fashion Juice’s Pair of Shoes Giveaway is…

You have to watch the video to know who the winner is. And to that lucky person: I will email you with the details. Congratulations to you!

xoxo

And for My Fashion Juice’s 3rd Birthday post, let’s go back to the past three years that made this fashion blog where it is right now. Prepare to be taken back to memory lane…

Thank you to all of you, My Fashion Juice is what it is. Stay tuned for the Pair of Shoes Giveaway! I’ll announce the winner tomorrow – that means in a few hours.

xoxo

Red White Blue Casual Cool

Where to Wear

• Malling
• Casual Meets/Appointments
• Filing Taxes (lol)
• Hang out
• Coffee break
• Movies

Mixing Prints

Don’t be afraid to mix different widths of stripes. At the same time, don’t be afraid to mix different prints as well. As long as the overall look is cohesive and not soooo busy, then it can definitely work. Tie up the colors so that different prints will still work together. In this case, take a look at my scarf. It’s color is red and blue. It has combined the red in my shirt and the blue in my cardigan. And because I’m going for a casual cool look, distressed jeans with motorcycle boots completed that effect.

On MFJ: Forever 21 Red and White Tee, Blue and White Cardigan, Red and Blue Houndstooth Scarf, Distressed Jeans; Steve Madden over the knee boots; Philip Stein large diamond watch; Chanel jewelry.

I’d love to feature my readers’ outfits too. So if you’re reading this and you’d like to share a fashionable photo of you, please go ahead and do so. You can email your photos to admin(at)myfashionjuice(dot)com. Send me your photos and perhaps a description of what you’re wearing or your favorite piece in there. Include your name/nickname and your state/province and country too. I look forward to your photos!

xoxo

Before we head on to the question, I just want to remind you that the “My Fashion Juice Pair of Shoes Giveaway” and “My Fashion Juice Beauty Valentines Giveaway” are still on going. So if you haven’t entered the two contests and would love to win a pair of shoes or beauty goodies for you and your guy, click on those links and join now!

Ask My Fashion Juice Question #2

“Hi MFJ, can you do a feature of this bag with price? Thanks!”

- April, Manila, Philippines

MFJ Answers

Hi April,

The Gucci Boston bag is one of the classic styles of Gucci. Whenever they release a new line of bags for the upcoming season, there’s usually a Boston bag in one of them. I’m sure you’ve seen some of these Gucci Boston bags online while you were surfing their site… plus my own black/brown Gucci Boston bag which I’ve featured previously. The Gucci Boston Bag is very similar and comparable to the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 bag… not to mention that the prices are relatively the same (except for those with different materials used or seasonal and runway versions).

Gucci Jackie O. Bag vs Boston Bag

But of course, let’s not forget that the MOST ICONIC GUCCI bag of all time is what most Fashionistas call the “Jackie O” bag. For some bag hags, the Jackie O. bag is one of the top 5 must-have bags of all time, along with the likes of Hermes Birkin, Chanel Flap, and Louis Vuitton Speedy as the most popular choices. As for the rest of the top 5, it would be a toss up among these bags: the Goyard Saint Louis PM, Balenciaga City/Motorcycle bag, Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato handwoven leather hobo handbags, Louis Vuitton Neverfull/Alma/Lock-it/Noe, Chanel GST/Medallion/Cambon, Gucci boston bag, and the Hermes Kelly.

Going back, the Jackie O. bag was popularized by former U.S. First Lady, Jackie Kennedy Onassis. She was photographed wearing the Gucci Constance shoulder bag which was later renamed the “Jackie” bag. Last year, Gucci introduced the new Jackie bag, as seen below. Click to enlarge the image.

Okay now let’s get back to business and answer your question, April. Since you wanted me to feature the Gucci Boston bag in silver, I personally checked out the bag myself. I went to a Gucci boutique last weekend and took a sneaky photo with my phone. LOL! Sorry I couldn’t take a photo of me wearing it because the lady was watching me. LOL! But I did try it on.

Gucci Spring/Summer Silver Coated Canvas Bags

The new silver coated canvas material comes from Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection. That new material is used in the Gucci medium Boston bag which you’re interested in. But it is also used in the new Joy medium tote ($670), new Joy medium shoulder bag ($700) and small Joy Boston bag with an extra long strap ($680). There’s also a long continental zip wallet for $390 and $465 with the flap and chain. Do not confuse it with the clutch and cosmetic case seen in the photo above. Those are made with the Metallic Guccissima leather – which is more expensive.

The good thing about Gucci’s silver Joy Boston bag is that it is affordable at $670. And I only say this because other designer bags would cost more than $700. The silver Joy Boston bag is made up of a coated canvas (fabric). While the main bag is not made of leather, the trims and handles are. The bag itself is low maintenance as compared to having a fabric bag without coating. You can easily clean up the coated canvas with wipes or with a facial tissue with a dab of water. What’s even nice about this bag is that you won’t think it’s made up of fabric. When you touch the bag, you will feel that the Gucci print is actually embossed. It’s not just any plain coated fabric. Now let me share with you the photos of the back and sides of this pretty silver Gucci Boston bag. Click on the image to enlarge.

Gucci Silver Coated Canvas Boston Bag Details

• It’s got a D ring detail on the left hand side of the bag
• Comes with nickel hardware
• Double handles measure 4.3″
• It’s got a zip-top closure so you know your items are safe
• It has an inside pocket
• The bag itself measures 12.6″ L x 6.7″ W x 8.7″ H

Now, if I were in your shoes, would I buy this bag?

If I don’t have any Gucci Boston bag yet, it would be an option. However, I still suggest going for neutral or classic colors that you can definitely use until you’re in your 40s, 50s, and even 60s. And for that matter, I would suggest considering a Louis Vuitton Speedy too, for just $20 more (in case you don’t have one yet). While this silver bag is really cute, I would go for more timeless pieces/colors that I know will last a lifetime. After all, I don’t have all that money to spend on just any bag.  With a limited budget, you must spend wisely.  Just my two cents!

Until next Ask My Fashion Juice! Keep your questions coming!

xoxo

For $1,350, the Prada Perforated Saffiano tote comes with a gold hardware, shoulder straps with rings, a magnetic closure, and best of all… a detachable zip pouch! I love it! The size of this bag is 12 9/10″H x 14″W x 5 9/10″. And of course, this bag is made in Italy. I love it! This bag comes in three colors. I love this camel color below.

Camel

The other colors are…

Black

White

I personally love the camel and the white. They are definitely gorgeous bags for the Spring and Summer season! If I have loads of cash and I’ve already bought my bag essentials, I would definitely go for this!

xoxo

Enjoy Valentines Day Shopping! Click HERE to go to GILT now.

xoxo

Let’s go to dreamland and pretend we were in Paris… what would My Fashion Juice do???

Oh yes, get lost in Hermes and carry one of those lovely orange bags… I want an orange or tan Kelly, a blue Birkin, 2 belts: gold and silver hardware, and a scarf please!

And don’t forget Louis Vuitton’s home… I want everything on display! Hahaha! And I’m serious!

Heading off to 31, Rue Cambon, can I take home all the available colors and sizes of Chanel’s iconic flap bag??? In different hardware too!

On MFJ: Forever 21 white long sleeves shirt, gray swing jacket with faux fur, distressed jeans; H&M hat; NDS boots; Landmark (Phils.) peach/pink Egyptian print sleeveless top.

P.S. I hope none of these brands get mad at me for using their logos. I was merely admiring and lusting for their goodies… LOL!

xoxo

So below I’m sharing with you some of the latest totes from Marc by Marc Jacobs that are easy on the pockets…

* Miss Marc Mabel Tote *

my favorite – love the shape for Spring/Summer 2010

White cotton base with PVC laminate coating.
Gray/blue Miss Marc print.
Top handles.
21 3/4″H x 11″W x 13″D.
$188

Zippy Nylon Fold-Up Tote

love this too, super cutie

Wear your heart on this playful nylon MARC by Marc Jacobs tote.

Normandy blue/cream floral-print nylon.
Tonal topstitching.
Black hardware.
Top handles.
Magnetic button top.
Black zippered heart pocket.
Hanging logo beads and turnlock charm.
$168

Pretty Tate Tote

Willow rose/multicolor abstract-print nylon.
Goldtone hardware.
Knotted top handles.
Open side pockets.
21″H x 16″W x 5 1/2″D.
$198

Printed Little Tate Tote

Choose cork/brown leopard print or strawberry leopard-print nylon.
Goldtone hardware.
Knotted top handles.
Open side pockets.
Quilted logo detail.
16″H x 13″W x 4 1/2″D.
$168

Miss Marc Shopper

Normandy blue nylon with “Miss Marc” logo.
Goldtone hardware.
Top handles.
Cotton twill lining.
13 1/2″H x 10″W x 5 1/2″D.
$148

So GUYS, if you ever find something here within your budget and you think your lady love will like, then head to Saks or Neimans or Nordstrom now. You can also check it online to surprise her. Hope my Valentines Day Gift Ideas series of posts have been helpful. And of course, I’ll try to post some more. Oh, and I know I have to post gift ideas for men too. LOL!

xoxo

The moment I saw the black python cuffs at Tory Burch’s site decades ago, I fell in love with it. I wanted to get it. However, I decided to get Tory Burch’s signature product first – the Reva Ballerina flats. I also got the Nico tote which I have been checking out for years – literally. And so when it went on sale for more than half the price, I knew I had to get it. Now that I’m done with Tory’s shoes and bag, I am now planning on getting one of Tory’s cuffs.

I saw the gold and silver versions of the black python when I was with my two SIL’s the last time I visited Tory Burch at Highland Park Village in Dallas. Well, I have no budget so I had to pass… my younger SIL got the gold – which was definitely a great choice. It was really pretty! But now, instead of getting the black python, I am liking the Spring/Summer version – the BLUE! It’s so pretty! I love it! I just don’t know if I’m gonna get it or not. I still have to evaluate my wish list. HAHAHA!

But anyway, for the guys out there, if you are looking for a special piece of affordable luxury, Tory Burch is the way to go. For $95, this Tory Burch Skinny Cuff is your best bet! It’s leather and it’s Tory Burch. This will be a perfect accessory for Spring and Summer.

xoxo