Could you think of a better Christmas gift than a brand new, free Chanel handbag? Me either. Enter the contest to win one. Get your giveaway invite at Couture in the City, the oh-so-fabulous fashion website.

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Here are two more Chanel handbags from the upcoming Spring collection. They have the classic chain strap, but are clearly runway bags and will not be in the classic collection. I like the sequin quilted bag, it looks like the classic purse, but with a little shimmer. I'm not sure I like the tuft of plastic looking flowers on the white bag. What do you think?

Do you guys think this Chanel wristlet is worth over a thousand dollars, on sale? While I will admit the Chanel label is one of the best, I think this little 'wristlet' is seriously overpriced. It's no bigger than a wallet and it's not even leather. Nor is it particularly attractive. It's red and white tweed with gold hardware and a 8 inch strap. It measures 3½'' at widest x 3'' tall at center x 2'' deep. It this is a must have for you, go to Bluefly.com. I think I'll pass. $1,080.

Here are the Chanel Cruise handbag collection  for spring/summer 2009. I'm always a bit hesitant to buy bags from "Cruise" collections because they are instantly 'old' when the new cruise collection comes out, where the classic collections are remade for a few seasons or more. If I had an endless supply of money I may feel different, because they are typically more trendy, edgy handbags. As for these, I like the pastel colored bags and especially the metal clutch, otherwise it's a pretty boring collection, imho.

Here are some of the Chanel handbags currently on sale in some department stores, and of course, the Chanel boutiques. Soooo exclusive. They are never sold on-line unless it's at an auction, so beware of false claims. Karl Lagerfeld offered up his staple design, the classic quilted CC purse, as well as shiny totes. There are some beautifully embellished handbags and some strange designs, like the one with mini bags sewn to the outside of a large tote. Regardless of style, they're Chanel and therefore ultra chic. Anyone who want to make an instant impression of class and style needs a Chanel handbag.

What is the difference between crocodiles and alligators? The easiest way to tell is by their snout. Alligators have a "U" shaped snout and crocodiles have a pointier "V" shaped noses. In the picture C is the alligator and D is the crocodile (photos courtesy of: Wise Geek).  Generally speaking, alligators are bigger, they can grow to 14-15 feet but the saltwater crocodile, the largest specie, can get to 17-18 feet.  The more affordable crocodile bags are made from animals that are 2 years old, obviously the bigger the scale, the bigger the price tag.  Crocs are lighter in color, a nice olive brown and alligators are almost black. Alligators live in fresh water while crocodiles like brackish salt water and also live in the ocean.

But the most important difference is the integumentary sense organs on crocodiles that alligators do not have. It is unclear why crocs have them and alligators do not but these organs are easily detected on the edges of each scale. They appear as dots or dimples and you know what that means for us. Alligators have a pristine scale while crocodiles are literally rougher around the edge. This is how you can tell if a bag is crocodile or alligator and this is why Chanel only uses alligator. The skin always looks perfect, almost fake, on a Chanel. If you think about a crocodile bag, you notice that it is a bit rough and rustic, but never a Chanel, which is why their bags, like the one below have such a hefty price tag( almost $40,000). But a well made young crocodile bag still a damn good bag.

****THIS ENTRY IS FROM BAG SNOB, a fabulous handbag resourse!!!****

Chanel is all about classic and traditional styles. But this patent calfskin minaudiere seems to break away from that mold. This Chanel handbag is from the Fall/Winter 2008 collection, so it has been available for some time. My question is why haven't we seen it on a celebrity? Granted, this oddly shaped deep red bag looks more like a modern art piece or an exotic musical instrument, than a bag, and the shape and color are very un-Chanel. But it's a total statement bag and seems perfect for Victoria Beckhams arm. Personally, I love this purse, especially the smooth and shiny blood red patent leather. I think this Chanel purse is the perfect combination of sophistication and chic.

Karl Lagerfeld stayed true to his classic Chanel designs with this Spring 2009 handbag collection, but he did get a little funky and fresh as well. As usual, all of the purses were in black and white, and many were the classic quilted design. We saw leather handbags that look exactly like the shopping bag strait from the Chanel boutique in Paris. His non-traditional handbags this season were long and skinny, and the classic quilted leather pouch had the straps on the side of the bag, rather than on top. So it appeared as if the bag was being carried sideways, which I think is very interesting if not at all practical. It would make getting in and out of the bag a two handed effort, which isn't always easy. Not exactly a handbag, Karl designed a quilted leather guitar bag/case, for those times when an ordinary guitar case just won't do. I thought this collection was feminine and beautiful, as well as a bit predictable. I look forward to seeing the sideways quilted purse on the streets.

Wanna see the shoes from this collection?

Isn't this a great handbag? It's a Chanel Crocodile. It is a very beautiful gator with perfect scales and great chains. You can pick one up for $39,450. That's right, almost $40K. Double the cost of a crocodile birkin. Pu-leeeese. I'd understand if this thing took 200 hours to construct or was blinged out in diamonds, but isn't this just a standard crocodile? I just don't see the workmanship here nor the justification for this price.

This handbag would go perfectly with these.

Would you pay almost $40K for this bag?

From her first millinery shop, opened in 1912, to the 1920s, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel rose to become one of the premier fashion designers in Paris, France. Replacing the corset with comfort and casual elegance, her fashion themes included simple suits and dresses, women's trousers, costume jewelry, perfume and textiles. In 1922 Chanel introduced a perfume, Chanel No. 5, which became and remains a profitable product of Chanel's company.

Coco Chanel introduced her signature cardigan jacket in 1925 and signature "little black dress" in 1926. Most of her fashions had a staying power, and didn't change much from year to year, or even generation to generation.  Coco Chanel died in 1971, leaving her moniker in the hands of Karl Lagerfeld, who still uses the Chanel name and traditional style philosophy. Today, the Chanel brand remains one of the most exclusive in fashion and accessories.

The Chanel handbag is a Hollywood staple. Beyonce is pictured here with her sequined Chanel logo bag, which I LOVE.

Chanel handbags are an experience, the leather is sooo soft and buttery. I like to cop a feel when I'm in Neimans.  Chanel handbags are not sold on-line, so be wary of anyone offering an "authentic" Chanel from a website.