A Guilty Pleasure: Hunting For Vintage Chanel in Paris

By: Juliet Siu of Lace N Ruffles

Image courtesy of lacenruffles.com/

I’ve been a frequent pinner on Pinterest for a while. I was thrilled when I first explored Pinterest – finally there’s an awesome paperless way to save and display all my favourite visuals! I used to keep folders of images that I cut out from fashion mags since I was a teenager and pinned them onto my wall facing my study desk. That was where my mind went for a feed and a bit of rejuvenation in between the boring studies! This morning I took some time to rearrange my pins and pin boards, and that was when I realized how many obsessions I have in life, and so much more are the little secret moments when I indulge in a bit of guilty pleasure.

Flashing back to my memories, my appreciation for vintage Chanel was nurtured when I was a teen, when my mom used to bring me to Hotel Peninsula in my hometown Hong Kong for afternoon tea regularly and we’d drop by the Chanel store in the hotel arcade for a treat for the eyes. Back in the 90s and before that, Chanel was all about the glitz and gold, the massive clip-on earrings and waist chains with chunky charms. Visiting Paris on honeymoon during Christmas last year, one of the most important mission I was on (that I didn’t tell my husband) was hunting for rare and unique vintage Chanel items. My research online brought me to Les 3 Marche des Catherine B in the chic suburb of Saint Germain des Prés in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. My eyes were glittering like a 5 year-old girl walking into a chocolate factory, and it didn’t take long till this beige quilted leather shoulder bag with tassels from the early 80s’ Chanel collection melted my heart.

Image courtesy of lacenruffles.com/

The easiest way to work vintage style into your wardrobe is to accessorize. I’ve picked up two other pieces of cuties, clip on earrings that can be worn for every occasions – team up with a little black dress for an evening dinner date, or with a white lace summer dress for the day for a bit of old Hollywood glamour.

Image courtesy of lacenruffles.com/

This little boutique stocks up to hundreds of styles of vintage Chanel as well as Hermes including bags, shoes, clothing and accessories, and it’s no doubt a Chanel lover’s paradise!
Until next time, Catherine B.

Image courtesy of lacenruffles.com/

Image courtesy of www.parisoslo.com

What are your favourite vintage boutiques in Paris? Share your insider’s tips in comment below!

Les 3 Marche des Catherine B.
1 Rue Guisarde
Paris
+33 1 43 54 74 18