I really love my Chanel flats. They are a classic pair of shoes that will never go out of style. But they are a designer item which means you’d normally have to shell out a month’s rent, an arm, or a leg to afford them.
While most of my wardrobe falls in the low to mid-range price point, I’m not opposed to saving for the occasional designer item. Especially if it’s something that I’ll love and wear for years and years. I mean when it comes to the cost per wear, my Chanel flats are probably one of my more affordable articles of clothing. Partly because of how often I wear them but also because I didn’t pay full price.
I found my Chanel flats, and many of my other designer items, for half price on Poshmark.
I gravitated towards Poshmark versus other secondhand sites because it was one of the first secondhand sites based on fashion versus being a free for all and, most importantly when it comes to higher-end designer pieces, they offer authentication services on sales over $500. Back when I started shopping via Poshmark, I had heard horror stories of people being scammed or sold knock-offs so safeguard this really appealed to me. That being said, I think I paid around $200 for these Chanel ballet flats, meaning they didn’t fall into the authentication bracket so I had to do a little check of my own.
Some things to look or ask for when shopping for secondhand Chanel flats (or any designer item):
- show pictures of the shoes from all angles and that they aren’t just stock images
- look at the bottom to see if the size is correctly placed under the ‘Made in Italy’ stamp and in the European sizing (37 1/2 versus 37.5 or 7.5)
- if the seller has the original box, authentication cards, or serial number
This is an example of a seller who did a great job of showing all these things. If you find a seller that isn’t showing one or all of these items, feel free to leave them a comment or message asking to see those details before you buy.
There are other sites where you can find discounted designer items. eBay is obviously the biggest one but there are also sites that specialize in secondhand designer items like Fashionphile, The Real Real, What Goes Around Comes Around and Luxury Garage Sale to name a few. All of them take care of the authentication for you so you can shop with confidence.
Do you just want the Chanel look for less? These ‘KiKi’ flats from J.Crew are just the thing. They even have cap-toe styles that give you the exact same look.
5 Ways to Wear Chanel Ballet Flats
Peplum Tunic Jacket (this is sold out right now but the listing is still up so I imagine it will be restocked. This sweater, however, is an adorable look-alike) // Commando Faux Leather Leggings (size up! They run small but are really warm and comfortable once you get the sizing right) // similar flats // GiGi New York bag // Target Headband
J.Crew V-neck cardigan sweater // Old Navy tee shirt (I find that activewear tees are the best for everyday) // Abercrombie jeans (these are stretchy and comfortable enough to wear while running after a toddler plus they’re under $100. I get the short inseam for a cropped look) // similar tote bag // J.Crew leopard headband (I have a big head and it doesn’t squeeze at all!) // Skinny hoop earrings // Chanel flats (These ‘Kiki’ flats are a much more affordable alternative)
Commando Leggings (they run VERY small. Size up!) // Old Navy Flannel (It’s been my go-to. See four other ways to wear it here) // similar sweater // Chanel flats (more affordable alternative here) // London Fog trench coat (it’s my new go-to winter trench for rainy Seattle winters because it has a quilted liner for extra warmth. I’m wearing a size small. It’s currently 50% off!)
similar cable knit sweater // London Fog trench coat (on sale for 33% off! I’m wearing a size small) // Ambercrombie Jeans (these have been a great find since I had Teddy. If you haven’t given A&F a chance since your high school days, they’ve changed for the better!) // Chanel flats (more affordable version here) // similar buffalo check scarf here and here // similar little red bag
BLAZER: J.Crew (it’s so comfortable and goes with just about anything. I’ve purchased it in multiple colors and have an entire review on it here. Sizing note, it does run very large. I purchased a XS and it fits well where I’d normally be a small or medium) // BLOUSE: J.Crew (This is a new addition to my wardrobe and I’m so happy about it. It’s machine washable but looks and feels like a silk blouse. I sized up to a 6 when I’m normally a 2 or 4) // JEANS: J.Jill c/o (These are actually denim leggings but you could never tell by looking at them. They look like skinny jeans and feel like skinny jeans only I’d recommend sizing down. You can read the entire review I wrote on them here.) // SHOES: Chanel (These are another secondhand item that are worth the money in my opinion. I just love that they are a classic staple and go with anything. However that being said, these look very similar but without the designer price tag.) // SUNGLASSES: Amazon (These are some of the only sunglasses I own because for $10 they can’t be beat. Especially by someone notorious for sitting on and breaking sunglasses.) // BAG: Prada (Again, this is a designer item that I purchased second hand. I love Fashionphile for second-hand designer handbags as they can authenticate them and always have very reasonable prices)
