Monday, July 18, 2011

Vegas - A Holy Grail Chanel Reveal!

I never thought I'd say this because I'm a Chanel girl through and through.   However I fear my longtime love affair with Chanel has slowly begun to wane as the prices seem to be climbing with abandon and the quality unfortunately seems to be going in the opposite direction. :(



The prices are rapidly approaching the same category of Hermes and in all honesty for the same price I'd much prefer an Hermes Birkin haha.


I decided a few months ago that I most likely would not be able to sustain my Chanel habit for very much longer and discussed with the hubs that I wanted very much to add 2 more flaps to complete my Chanel collection.  Specifically I wanted to add a metallic navy blue reissue and an exotic flap preferably in python leather. 

Hahaha I realize my reissue was VERY specific.  It's very difficult to get a particular color that you would want because every season Chanel only debuts a few colors per season and I wasn't just looking for any ole' blue I was looking for a dark blue and not only was I looking for a dark blue but I was looking for a dark blue in a metallic leather AND not only was I looking for a dark blue metallic but I also wanted it in reissue form.

HAHAH difficult much? 


My second choice was also extremely difficult but as an avid handbag lover I really felt like an exotic leather would ultimately complete my Chanel collection.  This was extremely problematic for me because the 5 exotic leathers that Chanel offers are String ray, Crocodile, Alligator, Ostrich and Python.  Let's just say the first 4 are so expensive that I'd be able to purchase an Hermes Birkin and a couple of other accessories from Hermes to boot!  Those were so obviously out of the question.  Python however is a bit more price friendly, still expensive nonetheless but not too far off from a lambskin or caviar leather Chanel flap bag.

Unfortunately for me python is not allowed into the state of California and I live in San Francisco.  GRRR!

As you can see both my #1 and my #2 choices for completing my Chanel collection seemed completely out of reach.
                                

I casually wandered into the Chanel boutique at Neiman Marcus and I could not believe what my eyes saw sitting in a glass case all by itself....


A Python Reissue in Metallic Navy Blue!


UMMMMMM WHAT?!?! IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?! I thought it would be impossible for me to find what I wanted in two SEPERATE flaps but this bag standing before me has everything I could wish for rolled up into one bag?!

I seriously could not believe my eyes. The hubs took one look at it and told the Chanel SA to wrap it up right quick!

He said even as a guy he could tell it was a "sick bag" BAHAHAHAHA.

THEN he said this way I don't have to pay for two bags just one! (so the real reason comes out! ;p)


The Chanel SA @ Neiman's told me that only 12 were ordered for Neiman Marcus in the entire United States.   I later spoke with my Chanel boutique SA and she told me that between Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstroms and actual Chanel boutiques there are probably less than 100 in circulation in the entire United States.


The Reissue flap differs from the classical flap in that it has the mademoiselle lock which is the square turn lock you see above.  This reissue was designed and created by Coco Chanel herself and introduced in 1955 the lock is named Mademoiselle because Coco Chanel never married. 

The classical flap which has the CC turn lock in the front was actually designed by Karl Lagerfeld and was not introduced until the 1980's.  The handle on the reissue is an all chain handle whereas on the classic it has leather interwoven between the chain links



I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am by this bag.  Those of you that follow my blog know I'm totally obsessed with all things sparkly, shimmery and that I'm totally obsessed with anything jewel toned.  This bag has a glorious deep blue color that I really can't even fully capture with my camera.




All exotic leather flaps have a metal tag plate on the inside whereas a non-exotic leather flap would have an ink imprint of the word "Chanel" and it's country of origin on the inside.



The bag can be worn single chained, double chained and cross body.


People always ask me what I do with my serial number ID cards.  I actually store each of my cards in the top zipper area of the flap.  I never access this area because I'm paranoid that if I actually put anything on the inside of the zipper it might indent the leather so I just slide my ID card into it and zip it up.  This way I'll never lose the card either because I never access that area. 

Your serial number ID card is very important should you ever decide to sell your Chanel bag it helps to retail the value of your bag as well as validating it's authenticity.  A lot of buyers prefer to only purchase a Chanel bag with an ID card unless of course it's a true vintage bag that was created before the serial cards were invented.


That's a wrap on my Vegas trip! :)  Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures!

88 comments:

  1. beautiful...you are so lucky and im jealous

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  2. totally agree with teh above commment!!.. i think u're blog is the only blog that makes me commnent the word "jealous"!! =[ sooo cooll... lol jkjkjkj i loveee u hun!!.. u have the best taste ever!! i wish i had lots and lots of money so i can get things like these =P

    Alx

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  3. LLLLLOOOOVE the bag sooooo much...absolutely drool-worthy, and I definitely did enjoy all the pictures! haha

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  4. WOW that's so awesome! I agree with ThisIsAlex that your blog makes me jealous hahah! But that's so funny of your husband to buy the bag for you so you don't have to buy 2 bags :P And it looks beauuutiful!

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  5. THAT IS LOVELY!!! You're so lucky!

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  6. GORGEOUS bag! I've never seen anything like it! :D Your bag & shoe hauls makes me so happy lol. I love being able to see all these beautiful items!

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  7. OMG !!! That is the most gorgeous Chanel !! I am in love.

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

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  8. absolutely gorgeous and look at the colour of it!!! you're so lucky to have run into it at the right time :p

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  9. LOVE! i feel so lucky to have been able to touch it and EVEN TRY IT ON!!!! muahahhahah! thanks Lisa! i think it looked pretty good on me too. HAHAHHA jk!

    great choice, and congrats on finding it and snatching it up! it must have been fate!

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  10. screams.out.loud.

    this is so much better than a played out birkin!! don't ever get that poor, sad bag that reality television stars have ruined. *insert sad face here*

    hang on to this pretty baby and never let it go!!

    lisa you are the hero of all heroes on the unveiling front. WOOT!

    xo,
    C

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  11. Love your python bag!!
    come follow my blog hun :)

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  12. Oh girl you're so luck!

    Good Choice :)

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  13. OMG, this is one awesome bag!!!! You are so LUCKY to find it in this combination.

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  14. your taste & knowledge in Chanel bags is impeccable!!! I sadly had to put a halt on expanding my Chanel Collection about 2 years ago when saving up for my wedding... unfortunately I never got the chance to make a final HOORAH purchase before the price increase:( If you don't mind, i'm living vicariously through you;)

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  15. Now that is a bag if I ever saw one! It's absolutely gorgeous and how sweet of your hubby to get it for you on the spot! Such a gem you have (both the hubby and your bag ;)). I always enjoy reading your reveal posts- you build it up so well!!

    Have a great week Lisa!
    Jen

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  16. Oh wow, this is a dream bag :)

    Love how you get sooo excited over a Chanel bag - I am just the same :)

    XX
    Miri's Castle

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  17. OoOh i'd love to have a sneak peek at your hand bag collection lisa - it'd be heaven! x

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  18. Lucky girl!! That was meant to be when you spot it hehehe ;)

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  19. its remarkable how things just turn around!!! to quote ur hubby, that's one sick bag! lol

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  20. the bag is so so so sick! the combination of both python and metallic dark blue is just breathtaking! i would have die for that bag. this is so different from the usual channels i see online!!!!

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  21. that's a really sweet bag! congrats!!

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  22. you always get the gorgeous bags! and always looking EFFORTLESSLY CHIC wearing all of them!

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  23. Love that shade of blue! so eye catching!

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  24. Omg! That's such an incredible buy, can't believe you got so lucky and yayyy new bag hehe :D

    xx Cindy

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  25. the color looks extremely regal i so love it.

    ps: i envy you <3

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  26. I can feel your excitement from reading your post, missy. Glad to hear you found your holy grail that completed your Chanel collection. I am not a fan of exotic skin but I really love the color. I am also concerned about declining quality of Chanel vs high price tags.

    Hermes is exceptional in terms of workmanship. I used to think expensive handbags were somewhat ugly and plain to core but I changed my mind when I saw the stitches on Hermes bags and the feel on leather, it is the beauty of workmanship and simplicity that makes a huge difference. I have been dreaming about their bags ever since my first visit.

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  27. soooo jealous and you must be so happy!!! congrats =) that sounds like an amazing vegas trip!

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  28. your hubby is just too sweet and im very envious right now! its just absolutely gorgeous!

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  29. Very pretty, I haven't seen one quite as outstanding as this before !

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  30. The bag is gorgeous.I love the unique color :)You are one lucky girl

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  31. yay for finding it lisa! so happy for you!

    it's GORGEOUS

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  32. Lisa! Freaking AMAZING reveal, so happy for you that you got this amazing, amazing bag! Simply gorgeous....wear it in good health! :)

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  33. so gorg and exquisite in photos and in person!

    it was totally fate, that bag was made for you!

    i was actually wondering what the price point for a python bag was... and how weird/interesting that it's not allowed in CA!?

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  34. i so love the bag!!! The color is just amazing! and am i seeing it correctly in one of your photos, you have the same nail color as your bag? haha!
    totally loving it!

    vanessa
    http://thepinkmateproject.blogspot.com/

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  35. yay! i finally get to see pics of your HG bag! it's gorgeous and totally a stunner!!!!!!!!!!!

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  36. another beuatiful chanel bag ( i am jealous too :P) i never seen anything like it! the leather is so unique!

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  37. Lisa- I believe in bag fate and this bag was meant for you. Destiny drew you to your gorgeous Chanel! Enjoy it and take lots of OOTD's! Thanks for the post!

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  38. i think the bag was really made for you lisa! it is so beautiful!!!! ^__^

    i wonder if you could post your chanel collection in one post...? would love to see all your bags hahaha! =)

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  39. you are the most lucky girl in the entire world and your husband is amazing,t his is the most beautiful bag of all time! congrats!

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  40. Blimey, I don't know much about handbags yet along Chanel ones but that bag is lush. I love the shimmery colour. lush lush lush!

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  41. i am beyond jealous. that bag is stunning.

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  42. I sympathize with feelings you had, when you saw that bag. LOVE it, too.

    kisses juli

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  43. wow~~~since alot of girls already said jealous...i thought i change the vocabulary ti envious(unless that was said too, then i just sounded stupid)...yes envious...but in a good way...but that bag is gorgeous beyond words...i luv the dark navy blue...not a fan of python...but the bag looks amazing~~~


    Jessy

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  44. I've never seen one like this! It's beautiful!

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  45. *Nods head* I think it's time you go up the next ladder rung to a Hermes :D Ok, I'm so selfish b/c I can never own one, but love to live vicariously through others!

    But back to this post, I'm DROOLINGGGGGGGG over your new python reissue. OMG *dies* Congrats girl! It must be such an amazing feeling to finally have your HG!

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  46. Ohhhhhhh, SNAP. It's gorgeous. The color. The structure. The size. It's all perfect.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  47. gorgeous bag~ WOW

    can't wait to see it in some OOTD!!!!!!

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  48. Holy, holy grail!! I'm so HAPPY that you were able to find ONE bag that encompassed BOTH of your wants - that is amazing and certainly meant to be :) It's beautiful and would love to see you wearing that around town!

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  49. SHUTUP! That's what I tell people about shopping destiny!! It was SO MEANT TO BE! I love it!! I'm dying over here, it's one of the most beautiful bags I've ever seen! I want to see it in person... :)

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  50. OHMYGOSH! Lisa, you're killing me. Big time bag envy, going on here! Hubby is a sweetheart, def a keeper. :D

    xx Love & Aloha

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  51. Amazing, Super-Amazing!! You are so lucky. These recent price increases depress me. I regret not investing in Chanel bags 6 years back...

    xo

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  52. I had no idea Chanel has exotic skin bags. The box is very pretty.

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  53. just found your blog and i LOVE it! keep it up hun! i love seeing all your shopping hauls, you buy some really cute stuff :D

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  54. HOLY SHITZ NIT....you got Christmas early....damn, the jewel tone of this bag is stunning and your husband is just too funny. 2 birds w/ 1 stone. LOL

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  55. Lucky thing! Congrats on getting such a rare and beautiful bag!
    I am still looking for my first reissue - we'll see!

    xoxo,

    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  56. wow, that bag is amazing! a sick bag, indeed! ;)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  57. holy shizzle that's one hot ass purse!!! it's a sign from the purse gods that this had to be yours HAHA

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  58. Wow the scales are so big! I would feel nervous carrying that bag.. would the scales get hurt and come off? Haha your pictures really make me wanna touch the bag in real life! Soooo pretty.

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  59. like it! :)

    If you want, follow me and I'll follow you back. :)
    http://liberty-walk-sara.blogspot.com/

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  60. SHUT.
    UP.
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    http://www.TheFashionableESQ.blogspot.com

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  61. Lisa, this is incredible. I'm not even sure what to say before such perfection! Congrats on completing your collection!

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  62. very nice. i am just debating over a chocolate brown maxi flap. you are right, price is getting ridiculous. what happened to the days when a classic bag was $1400. : ( A friend is looking at a stingray Chanel which is interesting as well.

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  63. wow your soo lucky and the bag is soo pretty to die for!!man i love your life and all your bag collection!
    Mi_Mi
    x
    mi-miworld.blogspot.com/

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  64. AMAZING BAG!
    xx



    http://thecaramelpie.blogspot.com/

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  65. The bag is beautiful Lisa! The python and blue color is gorgeous. Haha that's awesome how you were able to have both the bags you wanted so conveniently available in one bag ready for your purchase.

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  66. wow, its so ebautiful, the colour is amazing, just WOW


    http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rosabellebyvasu

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  67. Thank you for the history on the CC clasp VS the reissue clasp! I've been wondering about that for awhile now to tell you the truth. What we need to do is go shopping together! What about Rodeo Drive? ;)

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  68. Lucky gal! So glad you were able to knock out two conditions in 1 bag, haha I can only imagine your excitement upon seeing that bag.

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  69. Hello lovey I’ve tagged you in a blog award :)
    http://talesofalittlehazzelnut.blogspot.com/2011/07/best-blog-award.html
    XX

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  70. You're one of my favorite bloggers!
    I just gave you an award, you might want to check out my blog :)

    vanessa
    http://thepinkmateproject.blogspot.com/

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  71. OK, this purse is totally SICK! I love it! Shiny, sparkly, blue, and that chain! oh my word, that chain!

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

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  72. wowza, congrats on finding your 2 in 1 HG Chanel!!! i usually don't like anything python/snake but this doesn't look "scary" at all. now i'm waiting for you to start collecting those hermes haha...

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  73. LOVE~!! :D

    richelle
    www.rarepersona.com

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  74. waw magnifique ! so chic!!
    s

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  75. I come to your blog quite often but I don't think I ever leave a comment.
    You always have an interesting writing style on how to build up the topic.

    Today, when I read your post, at first I thought "oh... Metallic navy blue... That's a couple years ago was released in reissue. Exactly what she wants. Um... But maybe is hard to find now?"

    Wow! All turn out so well. Better than anyone could imagine, I think.

    Congrats on getting such a beauty!!!

    Oh! And your hubby is a real gem. Congrats on this as well. ;)

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  76. Nice Blog ... amazing Bag !! ...xoxo


    www.meryemarieh.blogspot.com

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  77. holy hell this is AMAZING!!!! I would like to have a date with your Chanel collection just once! haha. xo

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  78. OMGeeeee Lisa! That bag IS SICK! That's a holy grail of your wish list no!?! Whoo hoo! What a great hubby who knew just what to say and do!
    Re: the serial card - 1) I worry if you store your bag there, if it ever gets stolen, you won't even have the serial card for any kind of record (in the event you could somehow stop an illegal sale), and 2) for your sake - don't tell people becuase maybe someone would try to steal your purses! (My mom actually has a friend in HK who had ALL of her expensive purses stolen from her home - and nothing else was stolen - so she was totally targeted!) Sorry for typing like I'm in a chat room. lol.

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

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  79. LOVE IT
    http://summumcast.blogspot.com/

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  80. Beautiful! The blue, the detail, the shape, it's perfect! Im glad that you were able to get your dream bags rolled into one! haha Im super curious on how they let the Python through the borders though! *under the table?! hahahaha jkjk* But I totally feel you when you mentioned the price increase!!! In my city it's nearly 5000$ for a flap and not even the jumbo one! OMG!!!! *#$(%#($%....yes T_T tis sad, LUCKILY Chanel has only made one bag (so far) that's wow-ed me enough to save up for and Im sooo grateful it's not a flap, though I think flaps are gorgeous and are the epitome of the idea of a girls handbag <---intense much? haha Hopefully, I'll be lucky enough to have one of my own someday! Im hoping to get my first Chanel bag in Paris! =D

    Your bag is to die for!!! Can you imagine if pythons were really this colour?!

    P.s I love the intimate details on the chanel bags, like the mademoiselle lock on your reissue!

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  81. That bag is STUNNING. I love it. I can only imagine that you will be stopped everywhere. EVERYWHERE. I love that your husband could see how sick this bag is. He's a keeper:)

    Keeping the ID cards is key.

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  82. The bag color goes pretty with nail art u r wearing!

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