I’m so excited that I don’t even know where to begin, so let’s just say that there’s a real treat waiting for you guys after the jump. We’ve received images from Chanel of a few of the bags from Chanel Metiers d’Art Pre-Fall 2012, and they are gorgeous. Most of the intricately adorned bags play on the Boy Chanel theme, and the results are a bit tougher than the Chanel that some of you might be used to. In my book, that’s a vote in their favor; I’ve long wanted Chanel’s bags to find a direction like this one, and now that they have, the results are among my favorite Chanel bags in years.

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I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that Chanel puts out more distinct collections of bags than any other premier designer on the planet. Not only are there the standard four that every brand gives us, but Chanel also has things like Chanel Pre-Collection Spring 2012, which is separate from the actual Spring 2012 collection. That’s just how much the folks at Chanel love us, you guys. They can’t stop giving us bags to ogle.

Not only that, but each Chanel collection is divided into two smaller groups – the regular stuff and the Outstanding Pieces, which are either exotics or some sort of incredibly special embellishment like hand embroidery or strassing. I’ve included both groups in the photos after the jump, mostly because I’m greedy and I like all of my Chanel goodness at once.

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I don’t know if you’ve tried to buy a Chanel bag recently, but it can be downright difficult to find even something as basic as a black Chanel Classic Flap. Demand for the brand’s bags seems to be nearly endless, and seasonal styles and collection staples alike are here today, gone tomorrow. Not to mention the prices, which are perpetually rising. Don’t even get me started.

If you’re a Chanel lover and a RueLaLa member (or if you’d like to become one – we have a link for that), you’re in luck. In exactly three hours, at 11 a.m. EST, Madison Avenue Couture’s pre-owned and vintage Chanel wares will be available for purchase. In addition to a healthy selection of classic Chanel bags in neutrals and vibrant colors alike, RueLaLa and Madison Avenue Couture also have clothing and accessories from the French luxury giant for your perusal. We have your exclusive first look at some of our favorite bags from the sale after the jump, or you can sign up for RueLaLa and shop the sale starting at 11 a.m.

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or you don’t follow any fashion people on Twitter), you know that Chanel has made quite a splash in Las Vegas lately. Not only did the brand debut a lavish invite-only exhibition called Numéros Privés at the Wynn Las Vegas over the weekend, but yesterday, Chanel celebrated the grand reopening of its exquisite Bellagio boutique.

With that reopening comes five (5!) special edition bags that will be exclusive to the Chanel Bellagio Las Vegas. The bags, all variations on the brand’s much-lauded Classic Flap, have a little bit of extra sparkle to them that feels right at home when discussing Sin City. There’s even one with a dice charm – how appropriate. Take a look at all of the Bellagio exclusives after the jump, and to purchase, call the store at 702.765.5505.

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Chanel’s 2012 Spring-Summer Ad Campaign combines a mixture of entirely majestic with a touch of athletic to showcase the upcoming collection. Shot by Karl Lagerfeld, the campaign focuses on the clothing and accessories being portrayed in a very elegant manner, as the models pose on different athletic (mostly gymnastic) apparatuses.

I adore these photos and think Karl was completely correct to deliver the photos in black and white. I was immediately drawn in and have yet to feel uninspired by a single photo. Chanel is known for its timeless appeal and not only does the clothing and bags show that they will stand the test of time, but just as equally the photos do.

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You wouldn’t think the words Chanel and Sport would go together. Leave it to Chanel to make traditional sporty items incredibly chic by adding their luxury touches. While there are countless items in their sports category, it seems that none of these are currently available. I even searched on eBay and had no luck tracking down the amazing yet silly Chanel rugby football.

Why do I want these items, you ask? Well, because I am one of those people that buys into hilarious over-priced gimmicks and wants to place them around my house and office. I’d much rather use a set of Chanel hand weights as paperweights than the usual offerings. Yesterday, I found myself desperately seeking the Chanel football and hand-weights, but since they are from 2007, they are nowhere to be found. All that means is that this Wednesday I am truly wanting these items and I also can’t have them. That is the worst combination ever. If Chanel is listening, all I ask is that you create more items that I don’t need but I seriously want.

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The posting of any Chanel collection brings a wide range of responses – joy, rage, the sounds of overcome shoppers fainting and terrified credit cards weeping. Sometimes, it also brings consternation from fans of the traditional Chanel aesthetic – where have our classics gone? What is Uncle Karl doing with our beloved brand?

For those of you who fall into that last group, Chanel Cruise 2012 Handbags should be a sight for sore eyes. Even with the addition of the Boy Chanel bags and a few new takes on the quilted flap, most of these designs are the sort of stuff that quickens the pace of a Chanel fangirl’s heart. Be careful, the pictures after the jump may cause spontaneous shopping – after all, these bags are available now at your friendly local Chanel boutique.

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Typically for Want It Wednesday, I pick one thing that I am coveting greatly. But this week, all I want is Chanel. Chanel everything, from head to toe. From nail polish to makeup to bracelets to gloves to cosmetic cases to bags. This is one of those weeks where I am on a major Chanel kick and if I had it my way, I would pop into their store and buy one of everything.

I yearn to be a lady who lunches draped in Chanel from head to toe. Chanel is timeless, elegant, and easy to love. And while my wants may never become a reality, I would still love to add a new Chanel bag to my collection.

If you could have anything from Chanel, what would it be?

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For those underwhelmed by the sea-themed bags from Chanel Spring 2012, we have a treat for you today. Chanel Métiers d’Art 2012 debuted in a exquisite show in Paris’ Grand Palais earlier this week, and the intricately detailed handbags that accompanied the India-influenced collection will likely wow Chanel lovers and casual fans alike.

If you want a great explanation of the multiple reasons why this collection’s India reference was such a brilliant move by Karl Lagerfeld, Style.com’s review really nails it – the last days of the Raj are a fitting metaphor for the current political and economic climate, not to mention that the inspiration is a relevant comment on how fashion manufacturing has changed in recent years. Or, if you just want to see the bags already, hurry up, geez – they’re after the jump.

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Oh, to be Lady Gaga. The world adores you, designers pine to make ornate crazy couture items for you, and you have by far the coolest and most moving commercial (Google Chrome) on TV this year.

But the main reason I am envying Lady Gaga right now is because Karl Lagerfeld designed a one-of-a-kind Chanel bag to be paired with her Chanel Haute Couture white tweed dress with black trim. Accessorizing her dress are Chanel pearls, camelias and bows while her white bag features one black and one white flower applique. If you wonder why Lady Gaga had this amazing Chanel moment, it is because of the launch of Gaga’s Workshop for Barneys NY.

I may have placed myself on a not-so-stringent shopping ban, but upon seeing this Chanel bag Karl made for Gaga, I started to go gaga. This bag is the perfect pairing of demure and edgy adding the classic quilted background with a contrasting black and white add-ons. And if you can’t peel your eyes off her dress, that is also because Karl designed this especially for the queen of pop as well. So again, to be Lady Gaga would be quite the nice touch – especially if you are a Chanel fan.

Check out Gaga’s Workshop on BarneysNY.com!

View full post on PurseBlog – Designer Handbag News and Reviews » Chanel