Camelia vanity - Keep or Return?

Should I keep this camelia vanity?

  • Yes keep it!

    Votes: 24 43.6%
  • No return it!

    Votes: 31 56.4%

  • Total voters
    55

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fdc

Member
Mar 8, 2019
642
1,015
Hi,
I bought this camelia vanity in black with champagne gold HW from 21S I believe and it’s beautiful! It’s in lambskin but the embossed camelias make the leather much stiffer hence less scratch-prone than quilted lambskin. I so really want to keep it but I also need to buy a small CF in black with SHW NOW before its rumoured price increase in May, I won’t pay 10-15% more on this already expensive bag if the rumours are true. I can afford both but am investing intensively right now and don’t want to pay opportunity cost of withdrawing investment money to finance bags.

Do you think I should keep this? I have only 2 days left within the return period. After almost 1 month of keeping, trying and reasoning with myself (lol) here are the pros and cons that I could see:

PROS:
1. Beautiful design, camelia is such a classic, there are also 2 metal camelias on the chain which is a nice touch
2. In lambskin but not as scratch-prone
3. Fits iPhone 12 pro max (it’s a must for me!)
4. Has 3 card slots so no need of extra card holder
5. Can hold almost the same amount and serve the same purpose as mini rectangle but at half price (€1680 vs. €3500)
6. Can be worn crossbody comfortably (almost same chain length as mini CF)
7. Limited edition (here’s my FOMO not my rationality speaking lol)
8. Match my camelia mules perfectly!

CONS:
1. More of a spring/summer bag, I don’t imagine wearing this im winter with big coats
2. The chain is not adjustable, even with the tricks we normally use as the camelias on the chain block it
3. The zippers are not that smooth, it’s also less practical to open and close than a flap bag
4. The embossed camelias tend to collect dust if we don’t pay attention, hence maintenance is required
5. If I buy a small CF in black caviar with SHW, it can serve the same purpose, and I’m more of a minimalist than a big bag collector, ideally I want to own only 1 bag in each basic colour (black, beige, pink, white, red) should I need this redundancy?
6. Last but not least returning it will finance my CF without me having to withdraw my investment money which is important during this difficult time!

I hope my reasoning can help people having the same dilemma too! I would love to hear from you, TIA!

P/S: I will post videos of unboxing and what fits in this bag on Instagram, if you like to see it please head to my account mentioned on the photo =)

4A293FD7-366A-4C03-B839-1DBFAB44965E.jpeg
 
I have the same camellia vanity and it’s beautiful! It’s a seasonal piece so I doubt they will ever produce it again. I do agree that it is high maintenance though.

Keep it if you can.
 
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I purchased the same one last month and I returned it the next day. I thought to myself any Chanel bag under $2k is a steal! But in my case I didn’t like the opening at all, it seems awkward. Maybe I just don't vanity bag at all. I would have kept it if it was caviar leather instead of lambskin because there will be a lot of wears on the corners later on. But if you really like the bag just keep since it’s really a reasonable reason. I think I will save another 2k to get another coco handle or mini flap.
 
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If you can afford it, keep it. If you return it and regret it you won’t be able to find it again without paying a premium. And you can always sell it later and it will definitely sell.
 
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Return. It makes no sense to keep an item when the cons are so numerous. This is not a classic item and even though it's lovely it won't replace a bag. It's not a bag, it's a cute collectible. They make the camellia print often so maybe something else will match your shoes.
 
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Personally, the price of this is relatively “cheap” enough for its functionality. It fits a ton, lightweight, could be carried different ways. It’s perfect for quick errands, walking the dog, or even travel. I have 2 of these, one in camellia and 1 in quilt, both lambskin. I find the camellia hardier, as it seems to hide any imperfections easily. The zipper is stiff initially but smoothens in time (with use).
I’d keep it but only if you will use it. Otherwise, let go and move on. Good luck deciding!
 
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Like others said, you have many cons and sounds like you are drawn more to small CF. It seems they are serving the same purpose although it's different style. I would suggest to return. One caveat - Small CF is too short for cross body though.
 
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I have the same camellia vanity and it’s beautiful! It’s a seasonal piece so I doubt they will ever produce it again. I do agree that it is high maintenance though.

Keep it if you can.
Wish I can keep it without having to worry about money :D

I purchased the same one last month and I returned it the next day. I thought to myself any Chanel bag under $2k is a steal! But in my case I didn’t like the opening at all, it seems awkward. Maybe I just don't vanity bag at all. I would have kept it if it was caviar leather instead of lambskin because there will be a lot of wears on the corners later on. But if you really like the bag just keep since it’s really a reasonable reason. I think I will save another 2k to get another coco handle or mini flap.
Yes I also find the opening less practical than flap bags, I also want to get a mini or coco handle, I had a mini but sold it because I don’t want to baby a lambskin bag, I bought this as a replacement to the mini

If you can afford it, keep it. If you return it and regret it you won’t be able to find it again without paying a premium. And you can always sell it later and it will definitely sell.
That’s what I’m afraid of :(

Return. It makes no sense to keep an item when the cons are so numerous. This is not a classic item and even though it's lovely it won't replace a bag. It's not a bag, it's a cute collectible. They make the camellia print often so maybe something else will match your shoes.
Sure my rationality is telling me not to fear of missing out but my heart wants to keep it lol.

Personally, the price of this is relatively “cheap” enough for its functionality. It fits a ton, lightweight, could be carried different ways. It’s perfect for quick errands, walking the dog, or even travel. I have 2 of these, one in camellia and 1 in quilt, both lambskin. I find the camellia hardier, as it seems to hide any imperfections easily. The zipper is stiff initially but smoothens in time (with use).
I’d keep it but only if you will use it. Otherwise, let go and move on. Good luck deciding!
I agree it’s cheap comparing to its functionality! How do you wear it in different ways? I can only wear it cross body because the chain is not adjustable.

Like others said, you have many cons and sounds like you are drawn more to small CF. It seems they are serving the same purpose although it's different style. I would suggest to return. One caveat - Small CF is too short for cross body though.
I definitely want the small CF no matter what, you’re right about its short chain, I have the small CF in beige clair and it sits too high when I have to wear it cross body.

Thank you all for your insights and help, I’m still kind of torn as my rationality tells me to return it but my heart tells me to keep it lol. I wish money was not a problem but I just want to be super diligent these days when it comes to finance.
 
I bought this recently and I LOVE it. I would disagree with the con about it being only spring summer - a black leather bag could never be only spring/summer IMO.

That said, for you it sounds like maybe you should return it. If you are going to get a CF no matter what, then I don’t know that this really adds to your collection.

In making your decision, just try to think hard about whether the thrill of this piece will wear off eventually. For me I don’t think it will and I also don’t want a black CF ever so this serves as a black Chanel for my collection.
 
I have a black classic flap in ghw, a black phone holder on chain in lghw and desperately hoping I can now add what you have to my collection. I am not someone who only buy black and in fact, try to avoid black if I can. This vanity is in black but the camellia embossing is so unique and looks great on this vanity shape. It’s very different to a black classic flap to justify having both. Not to mention the camellias on the chain makes it looks almost like jewellery. The quality seems good and lambskin sturdy as well. For this price, it really can’t get any better. I have heard others mentioned that the zipper gets smoother with use as well. The classic flap will always be available for purchase but this one won’t be. Don’t return it!! Also, if you are tight on finances, you could consider getting the classic flap on the preloved market since prices may be better now that it’s so overpriced in stores with the past few price increases. I don’t ever buy preloved but I heard it’s a good time right now. Good luck with your decision!
 
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I had it, and sold it 2 weeks later. Zipper was hard to close. I didn’t like how it looked like a lunch box when worn. It’s cute- but it was not practical for me. For $2k put the money towards something you love, like your classic flap- which will continue to increase in price. This is a seasonal bag- I’m sure they will bring it out again- in a different variety.
 
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Shoulder and cross body. Yeah couldn’t shorten it due to the camellia on the strap
I bought this recently and I LOVE it. I would disagree with the con about it being only spring summer - a black leather bag could never be only spring/summer IMO.

That said, for you it sounds like maybe you should return it. If you are going to get a CF no matter what, then I don’t know that this really adds to your collection.

In making your decision, just try to think hard about whether the thrill of this piece will wear off eventually. For me I don’t think it will and I also don’t want a black CF ever so this serves as a black Chanel for my collection.
I have a black classic flap in ghw, a black phone holder on chain in lghw and desperately hoping I can now add what you have to my collection. I am not someone who only buy black and in fact, try to avoid black if I can. This vanity is in black but the camellia embossing is so unique and looks great on this vanity shape. It’s very different to a black classic flap to justify having both. Not to mention the camellias on the chain makes it looks almost like jewellery. The quality seems good and lambskin sturdy as well. For this price, it really can’t get any better. I have heard others mentioned that the zipper gets smoother with use as well. The classic flap will always be available for purchase but this one won’t be. Don’t return it!! Also, if you are tight on finances, you could consider getting the classic flap on the preloved market since prices may be better now that it’s so overpriced in stores with the past few price increases. I don’t ever buy preloved but I heard it’s a good time right now. Good luck with your decision!
I had it, and sold it 2 weeks later. Zipper was hard to close. I didn’t like how it looked like a lunch box when worn. It’s cute- but it was not practical for me. For $2k put the money towards something you love, like your classic flap- which will continue to increase in price. This is a seasonal bag- I’m sure they will bring it out again- in a different variety.
Thank you all for your answers, I think I’m returning it although that makes me sad but I wouldn’t be able to afford another price increase on the CF and size small is so rare to find on the preloved market in excellent condition + great price. I’m minimalizing my collection so I will try no to miss it :(
 
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