Sigh. If only I were as rich as all the socialites, collectors, and celebrities that attended the recent vintage Chanel auction in Paris. From classic Chanel handbags, to historic Chanel shoes and dresses, this auction featured almost 600 pieces of fashion history, many of which designed by Coco Chanel herself. While replica Chanel handbags are more my speed, I can’t help but dream about owning  a piece of Chanel’s history. But with items fetching tens of thousands of dollars, I will regrettably have to admire this auction from afar. As whimsical as this auction is, isn’t it infuriating how these sorts of events are only open to people with serious cash?

Chanel Handbags from Yesteryear for Rich Folks of Today

Many of the Chanel handbags and fashion items auctioned off were rescued from attics and closets where they were collecting dust for decades. How amazing would it be to own a vintage Chanel lizard flap purse, or my personal favorite, an iconic Chanel 2.55 handbag from 1955, perhaps touched by Coco herself? The Chanel 2.55 has got to be one of my all-time favorite classic handbags, period. Luckily, my replica Chanel handbag is pretty darned close—indistinguishable really—from the real thing, and affordable enough for normal people to afford.

According to the auction head, “There are items for every pocket, for the collectors, but also for people who dream to wear Chanel but do not have money, because normally it is rather expensive.”  Yeah every pocket from millionaires to gazillionaires, Um, yeah, they’re expensive. Fortunately though, there are replica handbags to satisfy us run-of-the-mill fashionistas. Many designs, like the classic Chanel 2.55 are available in replica form, and damn if they aren’t fabulous. Alas, it’s not impossible to keep the spirit of Coco alive without being rich.  What’s your favourite Chanel piece?