Yves Saint Laurent debuted their take on the classic shoulder bag, the YSL ChYc, for their pre-fall collection in 2010 and the classically styled bag has since acquired a large fan following. This is especially true for those who admire its simple styling which is reminiscent of the Hermès Constance or Celine Classic Box Bag, but at a significantly smaller price tag... Approx. $1700 compared with $7000 for the Hermes.

Its clean lines give it simple and subdued character. The bag is not flashy; the only hardware is seen on the shoulder buckle and, of course, the Y buckle on the front for which the bag receives its namesake. The accent is bold but not overdone, as it remains a fully functional part of the clasp.
Fashioned in either rich leather or suede, the bag is tailored and smart. The ChYc is a classic with just enough of a twist that it is an exemplary example of modern luxury!

How to get the most for your pre-owned handbag.

We are frequently asked how a Seller can get the most cash for a pre-owned bag. Since this is our business, we thought we would offer a few key tips.


For the highest possible selling price for your handbag, have as many of these items available as possible. Keep this in mind with each and every bag your purchase!

Original Receipt with a description of the history of ownership
Original Price Tag
Original Dust Bag, and Box
Original Accessories and Hardware (ie. Shoulder strap, keys)
Manufacturers Authenticity Card (if applicable)
Intact Serial Number or Hologram (if applicable)

Having these items can make a significant difference in the price that you will be offered for your item.


You may consider sending your bag to the “spa” before selling though this is not necessary. A spa treatment can be advantageous if you do not have any of the above to support authenticity. Manufacturers will only accept authentic bags for spa treatment. Remember to keep your receipt if you do spa your bag! Spa-ing is relatively inexpensive and can offer a good return on your investment ( approx.$125-200). A word to the wise, DO NOT have your bag treated or refurbished by anyone other than the manufacturer as this will actually reduce the value of your bag. Hermes and Chanel, for example, will not accept a bag for spa that has been treated by anyone other than their own craftsman. If you need additional information on taking your bag for a spa treatment, feel free to contact us for advice @ info@clochettehandbags.com

What is my Hermes or Chanel handbag worth?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions and we certainly understand your curiosity. It is a full time job keeping up with the ever changing values of these bags!

If you email us with information about your Hermes or Chanel handbag, we will do our best to provide you with what we believe to be the value of your bag.

The more information, the better.and of course photos are a great help in determining a proper value. If you don't have them, don't worry. Provide us with what you can, ie:

Brand: Hermes or Chanel

Style: Hermes, ie. Birkin, Kelly, Constance, Chanel, ie: 2.55 Flap , Executive Tote

Leather Color and Type,Hermes, ie: Togo, Clemence, Barenia, Swift etc. Chanel, ie: lambskin, caviar or fabric

Size: Hermes, ie 35cm, 30cm, 23cm or Chanel- 226, 227, large tote etc.

Age of the bag: With most of the Hermes bags, there will be a stamp with a circle or square and a letter within. For Chanel, it will be the serial number, located on the sticker inside of the bag.

Condition: List your opinion on a 1/10 scale and the particulars of any damage. Also, are dust bags, boxes etc. available?

Provenance: From where did you get the bag?

Of course, unless your photos lead us to believe otherwise, all bags will be assumed to be authentic and values will be based on this assumption. Please keep in mind that the values we offer will be our opinion only.

We look forward to hearing from you!
info@clochettehandbags.com
or call us at:
(703) 254-0440

www.hermes-chanel.com

Enduring, classic style.

There is an article in today's Womens Wear Daily that is entitled "Fashion Brand Play Up Heritage". Below is an excerpt form that article. If you are a lover of Hermes and classic Chanel, you already understand the value ofenduring, classic style. I ask, who needs another trendy bag for a season. I'd rather have a classic that will last me a lifetime.

From WWD 5/13/2010
"Origin myths, legacy stories, reverence for founding dates, forefathers and artifacts. It sounds like a trip to the American Museum of Natural History — or perhaps your local men’s boutique.

Driven by consumers that have developed a taste for iconic, classic apparel, heritage has become hip, turning the fashion truism — that everything old is new again — on its head. These days, everything new looks kind of old.

Experts cite multiple reasons for this current backward glance. Economic insecurity has fueled nostalgia for more stable eras. Marketing-saturated consumers are eager for products that feel authentic and evoke a simpler time. More general consumer trends for transparency favor brands with backstories. But whatever the forces, heritage — which only a few years ago was relegated to dry corporate time lines and dusty archives — is now front and center of many company strategies."

Hermes Crocodile Birkin and Victoria's seamless style.

Is there any bag that is more heirloom worthy than an Hermes exotic skin handbag? I can see this stunning bag on Victoria's arm thirty years from now, looking as gorgeous as it does today. Perhaps she won't be sporting her skinny jeans (then again, maybe she will), but this chic bag is nothing if not timeless. When you think of it this way, perhaps the prices look almost reasonable....

For Hermes, it is in the details....

Beautiful Barenia!

EQUESTRIAN CHIC - Hermes Style
The House that became legendary first for saddles is the house that created the Barenia leather handbag. Universally admired and always in style, Hermes Barenia leather takes a timeless handbag to a new level of sophistication while retaining a classic motif of old money, equestrian chic.


Barenia is an expensive and prized natural leather. The processing of Barenia leather, which has a very fine, natural grain, gives it its unmistakable, luxurious hand. In order to achieve optimal quality, it is tanned in a time-consuming process that is periodically interspersed with “rest phases” for the material. Just as with the saddles for which it was originally used, the Barenia will develop the most gorgeous patina over time. Like all fine collectables, an Hermes Barenia leather handbag becomes increasingly beautiful with age.