Chanel Flap (Reissue) alternatives?

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#16
Thank you everyone for your input! I think one thing for me about the Reissue, is that I feel like when I was initially attracted the bag and Chanel, it represented a set of things for me, and now it doesn't feel like it represents the same for me, which is why I am on the fence. But it is something to explore, because obviously I like this bag a lot.

I watched a couple of review videos, and it actually highlighted something I may hate about the bag - the double flap! It looks fine of course, but I hate a lot of pockets in bags lol. That space might feel like wasted space to me, and that has been a reason in the past I end up hating bags.

So now I am compiling a list of a few things to consider:
  • Bottega Veneta Olimpia Knot and City Knot - I liked these from afar, one was really wide, one had two many pockets, but there may be a great option hiding somewhere
  • Ferragamo - but casting a wide net. I have 2 Ferragamo's, one even in this niche - but it is hot pink suede! Quality of course is spot on. The current options in the niche are a little off, but keeping an eye out season over season may turn up a winner. The Gancini flap bag is promising, but I need to see it in person to check the organization situation, and how I feel about the shine.
  • Loewe Barcelona - this is a bag I have been drawn to for awhile - and the new version kills the skinny leather strap for two: a wide one and a chain. I don't like all the contact stitching/piping on the current black iteration - but maybe next season will be spot on
  • Dior Diorama - haven't seen this in person, but specs are mostly promising, though I do like another internal slip pocket and it may not have enough
  • Scan YSL to see if there is a black logo, GHW in a shape I like.
  • Alexander McQueen Story Shoulder Bag - this one looks pretty interesting. It has some of the little things I like - like contrast lining. And I like the handle/clutch option! A while ago I had a clutch that had this feature and I loved it. I ended up getting rid of it due to color/quality/too many evening bags. I do not totally remember, but something about it no longer worked for me. But I secretly love it as a carrying option.
(Mulberry - I have been burned by strap length so I am concerned......but they often offer croc embossed bags which is nice. Gucci logos are a little huge now, but when logo trends die down, the Marmont revised could be quite nice. I liked it in person save the huge logo. Aspinal of London - I don't like caviar! I like soft leather. And pebbled is too plain on its own)

And the last thing? I am going to keep an eye out for the elusive single flap reissue. They exist right? Or did I just make that up? And for those of you with Chanel flaps, how do you use that flap section?
 
#18
Amazona said:
Aspinal of London Lottie. They come in quilted Kaviar or pebbled leather, there are color choices for options and they tick all your boxes.
Aspinal has a sale for all of their collections right now!

Lottie - Aspinal Of London

www.aspinaloflondon.com www.aspinaloflondon.com
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I never heard of this brand before! It reads like it's very good quality & craftsmanship at a reasonable price, I like it! Do you own bags from them? Do you like their quality?
 
#19
If you can check out the Diorama it seems like it fits the bill. I have 3 and love them. They’re great versatile bags. You wouldn’t really know it’s Dior unless you know Dior. Good luck on your hunt and keep us posted with your decision.
 
#20
Have you considered the YSL Niki? It has a chain strap like the reissue (in gunmetal, gold or black), comes in several sizes and leather options--a glossy, crinkled calf that has a rocker vibe, and a beautiful lambskin with GHW, among others. The medium size fits a ton and is a great every day bag. You might find the logo too loud, but it is the same color as the leather and doesn't stand out that much. Good luck with your search!
 
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#21
Mairaculi said:
I never heard of this brand before! It reads like it's very good quality & craftsmanship at a reasonable price, I like it! Do you own bags from them? Do you like their quality?
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I don't own an Aspinal bag (yet, anyway). I really like the way the bags look and all I've heard of the quality is good, and the pricing is very reasonable for what you get.
I've seen many reviews and posts on Aspinal bags (there's also a thread), Youtube also has many videos and all of these praise the quality. Many of the reviews are from Youtubers I trust.
 
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#22
Amazona said:
I don't own an Aspinal bag (yet, anyway). I really like the way the bags look and all I've heard of the quality is good, and the pricing is very reasonable for what you get.
I've seen many reviews and posts on Aspinal bags (there's also a thread), Youtube also has many videos and all of these praise the quality. Many of the reviews are from Youtubers I trust.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'll have a look at the thread, I already browsed their website and found some styles I really like :smile:
 
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#23
NowVoyager said:
Have you considered the YSL Niki? It has a chain strap like the reissue (in gunmetal, gold or black), comes in several sizes and leather options--a glossy, crinkled calf that has a rocker vibe, and a beautiful lambskin with GHW, among others. The medium size fits a ton and is a great every day bag. You might find the logo too loud, but it is the same color as the leather and doesn't stand out that much. Good luck with your search!
Click to expand...
I need to check this one out! A leather wrapped logo would tone down the YSL enough for me. I am kinda either a tiny logo or signature hardware/element sort of branding person.
I haven’t really looked at YSL but I like the shapes from afar. I was so tempted to get the Sac du Jour, but it is so impractical for my current lifestyle. That is definitely the sort of bag I would have gotten in my 20s and drove to work lol. Now I am more apt to be on transit or walking/biking and the super structured tote is annoying for that sort of travel.
 
#24
Update: I think I found a winner from Ferragamo.

I went over to the outlets and lucked out Bottega Veneta has Olimipias in the regular version and the knot versions, and found one of the Ferragamo's I was considering from Vestiaire Collective.

As for BV - I realized that the regular Olimpias weren't quite right, the smaller Olimpia Knot was close but didn't offer more wearing options and is a little small. And the big Olimpia Knot was just as I remembered - a little too chunky.

I walked over to Ferragamo and was excited to see the front runner bag, this studded version of the Vara Flap. I had looked at the Rainbow version in store when it came out, but didn't love it - the back zip was two bulky for me, although very practical. This one didn't have the pocket and seemed like a good fit.

Turned out it was also cheaper at the outlet than on Vestiaire. I liked it a lot, but I realized the studs would feel like too much with a casual outfit, but great for going out.

Then I also saw this quilted and bow-less Vara flap. I really love deconstructed takes on signature brand elements, so this bag was fun because they took the bow closure and put it in the pattern. And was bow free. And also had really nice lambskin. But I realized I was running late, so I did not buy it then.

Anyway when I got home, I decided to see if I could find more sources or pre-loved (I love deals!). And the Jomashop listing popped up, and they have solid reviews. And I would also save that 10% tax. And they also offer returns unlike the outlet. So I can test it out at home and not have a lot of risk! So feels like a win win! Stay tuned.

Anyway this Ferragamo has puffy quilting that is sort of on trend right now, no structure (which can be nice, as I do have a structured bag Coach Swagger Flap Bag - it is a good option but mine has a lot of details on it! And can feel small since it is so structured with compartments as well - which was one of the close but wrong bags I have.). I hate too many pockets - this has two sections and a zip which is about the max for me. The SA's review is that this lambskin holds up really nicely. I saw a couple of tiny scratches on the display one - but nothing worrisome at all, surely they could easily be buffed. And the Ferragamo's have adjustable shoulder straps. This one was easier to double up for shoulder wear than the Vara with the bow. The soft shape also echoes what I like about the reissue. Stay tuned for a review later!
 
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#25
jade said:
Update: I think I found a winner from Ferragamo.

Anyway this Ferragamo has puffy quilting that is sort of on trend right now, no structure (which can be nice, as I do have a structured bag Coach Swagger Flap Bag - it is a good option but mine has a lot of details on it! And can feel small since it is so structured with compartments as well - which was one of the close but wrong bags I have.). I hate too many pockets - this has two sections and a zip which is about the max for me. The SA's review is that this lambskin holds up really nicely. I saw a couple of tiny scratches on the display one - but nothing worrisome at all, surely they could easily be buffed. And the Ferragamo's have adjustable shoulder straps. This one was easier to double up for shoulder wear than the Vara with the bow. The soft shape also echoes what I like about the reissue. Stay tuned for a review later!
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And I think I know why this got discontinued - it is an unintentional dupe of the Chanel 19 bag. Hmmmm......
 
#26
Haha I feel the same way you do about logos.. :D

jade said:
You are like my friend. She is like - just get the reissue. You like that one! LOL (She is much more trendy in her Chanel love - she has a graffiti flap bag!) I love the clasp on that one and it is of course totally subtle. But of course it would be carrying around an extra fancy bag. I am forever on the fence! But you are right - it does fit the bill the most and of course is very pretty! I am also back and forth on the YSLs. They look lovely but the logo sometimes screams! Can I get a black logo with gold hardware. :biggrin:

I totally like to fly under the radar with a fancy bag! But maybe I am the only one who spots the reissues like a hawk.
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#27
jade said:
You are like my friend. She is like - just get the reissue. You like that one! LOL (She is much more trendy in her Chanel love - she has a graffiti flap bag!) I love the clasp on that one and it is of course totally subtle. But of course it would be carrying around an extra fancy bag. I am forever on the fence! But you are right - it does fit the bill the most and of course is very pretty! I am also back and forth on the YSLs. They look lovely but the logo sometimes screams! Can I get a black logo with gold hardware.

I totally like to fly under the radar with a fancy bag! But maybe I am the only one who spots the reissues like a hawk.

Thank you everyone for your input! I think one thing for me about the Reissue, is that I feel like when I was initially attracted the bag and Chanel, it represented a set of things for me, and now it doesn't feel like it represents the same for me, which is why I am on the fence. But it is something to explore, because obviously I like this bag a lot.
Click to expand...

I don't find the reissue to be a showy bag. I think it is rather understated as there is absolutely no branding on the bag. Only people who are into designer bags will recognize it. The random person (99% of other people :lol:) on the street will have no idea that it is an expensive bag. Now if the bag truly does not represent you anymore than don't buy it, but you seem very wishy-washy about this. It sounds to me like the reissue may still really tug at your heartstrings. My worry is if you buy something else that you might regret it because you still really wanted the reissue. Buy the bag that you like most even if it is the Chanel. If it is not the Chanel, then buy something else.
 
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#28
jade said:
Update: I think I found a winner from Ferragamo.

I went over to the outlets and lucked out Bottega Veneta has Olimipias in the regular version and the knot versions, and found one of the Ferragamo's I was considering from Vestiaire Collective.

As for BV - I realized that the regular Olimpias weren't quite right, the smaller Olimpia Knot was close but didn't offer more wearing options and is a little small. And the big Olimpia Knot was just as I remembered - a little too chunky.

I walked over to Ferragamo and was excited to see the front runner bag, this studded version of the Vara Flap. I had looked at the Rainbow version in store when it came out, but didn't love it - the back zip was two bulky for me, although very practical. This one didn't have the pocket and seemed like a good fit.

Turned out it was also cheaper at the outlet than on Vestiaire. I liked it a lot, but I realized the studs would feel like too much with a casual outfit, but great for going out.

Then I also saw this quilted and bow-less Vara flap. I really love deconstructed takes on signature brand elements, so this bag was fun because they took the bow closure and put it in the pattern. And was bow free. And also had really nice lambskin. But I realized I was running late, so I did not buy it then.

Anyway when I got home, I decided to see if I could find more sources or pre-loved (I love deals!). And the Jomashop listing popped up, and they have solid reviews. And I would also save that 10% tax. And they also offer returns unlike the outlet. So I can test it out at home and not have a lot of risk! So feels like a win win! Stay tuned.

Anyway this Ferragamo has puffy quilting that is sort of on trend right now, no structure (which can be nice, as I do have a structured bag Coach Swagger Flap Bag - it is a good option but mine has a lot of details on it! And can feel small since it is so structured with compartments as well - which was one of the close but wrong bags I have.). I hate too many pockets - this has two sections and a zip which is about the max for me. The SA's review is that this lambskin holds up really nicely. I saw a couple of tiny scratches on the display one - but nothing worrisome at all, surely they could easily be buffed. And the Ferragamo's have adjustable shoulder straps. This one was easier to double up for shoulder wear than the Vara with the bow. The soft shape also echoes what I like about the reissue. Stay tuned for a review later!
Click to expand...

Update!

I ended up not loving this once I tried it more at home. It ended up being a bit too wide and boxy. And I was going to retire my hunt for now....but I ended up seeing something better on the Ferragamo IG. I had liked the regular Viva Bow, but not the tone on tone metal. So I ended up getting this woven bag! While the strap is shorter - shoulder only - it is super cute, lightweight, and doesn't have too many pockets for me. While it is on the pillow trend, I don't think it'll look too outdated later.
 
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#29
jade said:
Update!

I ended up not loving this once I tried it more at home. It ended up being a bit too wide and boxy. And I was going to retire my hunt for now....but I ended up seeing something better on the Ferragamo IG. I had liked the regular Viva Bow, but not the tone on tone metal. So I ended up getting this woven bag! While the strap is shorter - shoulder only - it is super cute, lightweight, and doesn't have too many pockets for me. While it is on the pillow trend, I don't think it'll look too outdated later.
Click to expand...
Very nice! I'd never thought much about Ferragamo. Maybe I should.
 
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