Advise needed from Chanel fans

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K

ksony

O.G.
Mar 14, 2011
33
27
#1
Hi All,
I’m looking to purchase my first Chanel bag. I’ve been researching bags for a while and need some advice from Chanel fans. I have an SA and have bought a lot of things via the boutique- just not a bag.

Im debating between the classic flap (small or medium), Chanel 19 (small) or a boy bag in medium. I want to be able to use the bag casually (jeans and t-shirt) and also would be nice if I could use it as my main bag while away (as an example- when I go to Europe this summer for 10 days I want a bag that can be used sightseeing, out and about in a city, but also to some dinners. I love the structured look of the boy and I like how it can be used as crossbody and shoulder bag. I worry about it being a bit difficult to get in and out of easily. I also wonder if the chain is heavy and too chunky. The 19 seems perfect but limited in that it doesn’t function as a shoulder bag. Is it too ‘casual or slouchy’?! I do like how it holds a lot. The medium flap or small are great but the price is so expensive these days. I probably wouldn’t care so much even about that but the fact they they can’t really be worn cross body keeps me hesitant. I like the option especially when using daily traveling. Would love thoughts or how you all use yours, etc. Also curious if one could use the Chanel 19 as a clutch in a pinch. Ahhh if these bags were more like 3500 I’d get them all but their high price tags makes me only be able to purchase one at the moment. Also curious what you all use more - shoulder bags, too handle or crossbody. Also if I’m missing a great Chanel bag to consider or one from a similar Brand lmk!
 
#2
ksony said:
Hi All,
I’m looking to purchase my first Chanel bag. I’ve been researching bags for a while and need some advice from Chanel fans. I have an SA and have bought a lot of things via the boutique- just not a bag.

Im debating between the classic flap (small or medium), Chanel 19 (small) or a boy bag in medium. I want to be able to use the bag casually (jeans and t-shirt) and also would be nice if I could use it as my main bag while away (as an example- when I go to Europe this summer for 10 days I want a bag that can be used sightseeing, out and about in a city, but also to some dinners. I love the structured look of the boy and I like how it can be used as crossbody and shoulder bag. I worry about it being a bit difficult to get in and out of easily. I also wonder if the chain is heavy and too chunky. The 19 seems perfect but limited in that it doesn’t function as a shoulder bag. Is it too ‘casual or slouchy’?! I do like how it holds a lot. The medium flap or small are great but the price is so expensive these days. I probably wouldn’t care so much even about that but the fact they they can’t really be worn cross body keeps me hesitant. I like the option especially when using daily traveling. Would love thoughts or how you all use yours, etc. Also curious if one could use the Chanel 19 as a clutch in a pinch. Ahhh if these bags were more like 3500 I’d get them all but their high price tags makes me only be able to purchase one at the moment. Also curious what you all use more - shoulder bags, too handle or crossbody. Also if I’m missing a great Chanel bag to consider or one from a similar Brand lmk!
Click to expand...
All fun options! I like to carry crossbody as a mom and get a lot of use out of my 19 in the small size. I use an organizer in it to keep the shape more structured. It does get pretty heavy if you carry a lot because of the chunky chain hardware and it is quite casual in my opinion. I personally don’t use it to go out for dinner etc. I do like the little top handle option for grabbing it but I would never think to use it as a clutch. Personally, I would probably use a WOC for a trip since it’s lighter, fits the essentials, while not hurting my shoulder or back.
The classic flap is going to have the best resale value but cannot be worn crossbody and is more formal.
The boy is also quite heavy and I find opening it to be a bit of a pain. I’ve heard that you can find great prices for a boy on preloved sites.
Hope this helps!
 
#3
Well, the good news is they’re all amazing bags so you can’t go wrong! I wish I could have them all (maybe one day)

I’m one of the weirdos who wears the classic flap crossbody! I like my bags a little higher though :wave: I’d go into the boutique and try it out! However, the price makes it so that you have to really want it. Many believe it’s a great first bag because there will always be a “longing” for it if you don’t get it and want it, like another bag won’t satisfy that craving. I sort of fell into that category, bit the bullet and paid the exorbitant amount… I don’t think I’d go sight seeing with it though. Don’t get me wrong, I wear it with casual clothing all the time, but I’m still a bit protective when it comes to where I wear it. Perhaps this can pertain to all chanel bags though. Not sure where you fall in that regard..

The 19 is gorgeous and I see it as an everyday bag. I don’t know if I’d wear it to a dinner, I suppose it depends on how casual/formal the dinner. The slouch of it is very appealing, but many don’t believe it to be a classic. Not sure if you’re looking for long term commitment here…

That said, reading everything you’ve described and your needs, I’d look closely at the boy! I think it can go night to day and I love love the casual yet chick look. It’s pleasing to the eye and it doesn’t scream Chanel (to me). I can’t speak to getting in and out of it, but I have tried it on a couple of times and didn’t feel the chain too chunky. I’ve heard it doesn’t dig in or wear on the shoulder after extended use, but I can’t attest to is as I don’t own it.

Anyway, long winded way to say that they’re all great. I’d consider your needs, try them on and see what you feel in person. Sometimes when you have a bag on it sort of “clicks” either in a yes or no way, and all reasoning goes out the window!
 
#5
I have several classic flap bags in small and medium and I'm also one of those people who like to wear them crossbody as well. But it's the boy bag that I like to travel with. I've never considered getting a boy bag but couldn't resist after trying it on in Paris. It's not as heavy as I thought it would be. Sounds weird but it's edgy and classic Chanel at the same time. With that said, my first Chanel was a flap bag. Lots to consider so definitely see if you can try them on. Let us know what you end up getting.
 
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#6
I think that all three of them can be worn with casual outfits! The classic flap would be the ideal choice for the fanciest of dinners but otherwise, all three of them would be fine for eating out, day and night.

If you’re planning on traveling to Europe with one of them, I would, however, stick with either the 19 or the Boy. The classic flap would be a bit annoying and cumbersome to wear while sightseeing. I would be constantly fretting about getting though large crowds. The chains can also get a bit heavy and dig into your shoulders after a day of walking (both the Boy and the 19 have leather straps on the chain which can alleviate the pressure a bit).

However, I agree with everyone who says that you tend to want the classic flap if it wasn’t the first purchase. If your heart is really set on the classic flap, then I’d buy it, bring it with me for lunch or dinner in Europe and use a more practical tote for sightseeing!
 
#8
Hands down a classic flap. However, you will get all sorts of opinions on a forum. I would suggest going to the store and trying all styles. See which one works the best for you. In my opinion, the CF will work for all occasions and is very versatile. I do not think they look formal. i have seen ladies rocking them in their jeans and t-shirt with sneakers. The 19 on the other hand is more casual. They cannot be worn as a clutch for evening wear at least in my opinion. Also keep in mind that the 19 only comes in lambskin right now and you will have to be careful while traveling especially in case it rains. Although I was caught in rain with a 19 and it dried up quickly but I ended up with a slight color transfer (its ok though, it does not bother me, I just have to be careful while using it).

Good luck in your decision!
 
#9
Given your parameters (casual, good for traveling, dinners), I would recommend the 19. It can be worn cross body, as shoulder bag, or carried by the top handle, the prior 2 options will free your hands while sightseeing. Its structure is relaxed enough to give you the casual look, but isn’t so slouchy that it doesn’t maintain structure when you set it down. If you use a bag insert, it’ll hold its structure even more. As long as you pick a darker color with GHW, it can function for most casual dinner settings. The small/medium size can fit more than the medium CF.

Boy bags are overall casual, but can be dressed up depending on your outfit, more so than the 19, but it’s very structured, and the gap between the top of the bag and the flap may cause small items to fall out.

CFs in general are on the dressier side, but depending on the outfit you can dress them down. Their carrying capacity is limited, with minimal difference between small and medium.
 
#10
The boy! I've traveled with the bag countless times and love that you can dress it up or down! Personally I've never had any issues getting things in and out of the bag, nor have my lipsticks (usually the smallest loose item in my purse) ever fallen out through the gap. I do tend to hold my phone or put it in my pocket, so I'm never really opening/closing my bag that often. The chain looks heavy but actually isn't too bad, especially since it has a leather strap. FYI I have the old medium size.

You can't go wrong with any of these options though, def try them on in store if you can!
 
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#11
All great options! Of the three mentioned, I own the smallest size 19 (called “Medium”) and a small Classic flap. Not a huge fan of the Boy, and don’t own that one.

The 19 is not what I would consider slouchy or saggy. That seems to be less true the larger up it goes in size. I use a Samorga to add a bit of extra structure. It doesn’t work well as a clutch, though I love tucking the long chain inside the bag and carrying by the top handle! This is a very durable bag that has a nice capacity. Would transition between occasions well, if they aren’t formal. The big logo can look flashy, so keep that in mind.

Small Classic flap is lovely, but doesn’t hold much (less than 19) and I hear the same is true of the Medium. I had the chain on mine professionally lengthened so that I could carry cross body. This is a bag that can go anywhere. Current price tag is frightening, though. :sad:

Hope some of this helps! If I were taking this trip, I can see myself using both a WOC *and* a Classic or 19.
 
#12
I have the classic flap and boy bag (both medium). The boy bag is my most used Chanel bag. It is great for work and for casual gatherings. The classic flap more formal and it is my least used Chanel bag but I love having it in my collection. The classic flap was my first Chanel bag. And I totally agree with everyone who says that you tend to want the classic flap if it wasn’t the first purchase.

Go to a store and try all the 3 bags and see which one makes your heart sings.
 
#13
I don’t know where you live but you should check out the prices in Europe and anticipate a VAT refund. It may make sense to buy the bag there.
I personally would go with the 19, for it’s casual everyday look.
I have a cf medium and would never wear it every day as a tourist. I’d be too afraid of something happening to me or the bag. Some European cities are infested with pocket pickers (e.g. Rome, Barcelona)
 
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#14
The “go to the boutique and try it is the best advice“. I went into the boutique sure I would purchase a Boy bag and left with a Jumbo Classic flap. The Classic flaps are just so well made and the double flap just looks better IMO.
 
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#15
Hi I’m new and looking for some
Advice on a medium classic flap that I recently bought. The seller forgot to mention that there is a scratch/indent from the zip. Can you advise if it’s acceptable or should I send it back? It’s a lovely navy with satin gold hardware so a bit difficult to find and I do love the bag! I’d appreciate your expert advice

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