Chanel mini or Coco Handle

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italianstyle

Member
Aug 18, 2017
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I am looking into buying my first (and possibly last) Chanel bag. I'm not a die-hard fan. I liked the look of the classic flaps and the reissue but the price tag always put me off from buying Chanel and since I wasn't loving them I could never justify the price. The Chanel 19 I really loved but I am afraid to buy the bag because of its trendy look and that it might get discontinued in the future. I have been looking at the Coco Handle bag and I warmed up to it. It's very chic and ladylike without the crazy prices of the other models. The other bag that I like is the Chanel mini, especially the ones from the current collection - this could be an occasion bag or a small day bag when I don't carry a lot of things.

If you were to choose between the Chanel mini or the Coco handle, which one would you choose and why?
 
They are both a nice classic style. the mini is even more classic/staple. I would question if I´ll ever carry by the handle, if you re never gonna use it then it gets in the way. If you are into the classic falp then the mini is a sound choice bc it´s the same design style, just smaller.
TBH I´m having the similar debate. A mini, or vintage small flap (or a WOC).
 
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I got a mini first then a CCH. I think the mini is definitely a solid start as it's more classic. I think the CCH is also a timeless piece but I hardly carry it by the top handle. It's good that there's the option to do that though. Also, the chain might be a little too short for crossbody depending on your height. I am petite so it's fine but it's probably best if you can try it in the boutique if you do plan to wear it crossbody.

Do you care about the leather? Because minis only come in lambskin now and CCH is often caviar...
 
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I prefer the look of the mini, since it’s very classic Chanel and it’s more versatile. However, I think the extra mini cch is a good alternative to having a mini if you prefer caviar leather. The cch is also very feminine, and it can really bring a look together or elevate it.
 
I was in the same dilemma as you last month. I already have a jumbo, m/l, boy OM, woc, gst and tote. I figured the CCH would be the most different since I already had classic flaps and a Woc that satisfied the crossbody mini bag. I ended up choosing the mini rectangular though and I dont regret it at all. It definitely gives the classic feel but so easy to wear crossbody compared to the others. I can dress it up or down. I'm in love. The price also will keep going up higher at a faster % than the CCH.

One thing to ask yourself is how versatile you want it to be and also take a look at your wardrobe too. Especially during the pandemic, I'm not dressing up as much so the CCH doesnt fit my style at the moment. I feel like the CCH is a bit more lady like and feminine. The mini will fit all types of style IMO.
Good luck. You can't go wrong with either. I'll probably get the CCH next :)
I also don't think the 19 is going to go anywhere since it was Karl's last design.
 
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I like both and agree with all our knowlegeable ladies above. I will summarise into points that may help your consideration.

Mini
Pros: classic shape, more versatile can dress up or down, more casual, can be worn crossbody comfortably.
Cons: only available in lambskin for current collections, available im caviar on preloved market with a premium sometimes hefty.

CCH
Pros: feminine and lady like, can be carried by the handle, available in caviar leather.
Cons: the strap is not long enough to wear crossbody comfortably unless you’re really petite and still the handle can bother you when worn so.

Hope that helps!
I personally will choose the mini but my opinion is biased as my dream top handle bag is the Kelly that I want to get ultimately lol.
 
Thank you all for the replies. I also think that the mini is the best. The biggest downside with it is the type of leather so I will have to baby it all the time.
I really hope the 19 won't go anywhere because it's my favorite style from Chanel. It just looks so cool.
Now the only thing I need to do is check them out in the boutique. I told myself that I will buy the mini in black and I hope I won't be tempted by the minis in other colors. The current collection has some very nice colors and hardware on the mini.
 
Honestly, it’s very difficult to stop at one bag if you love the overall aesthetic of the brand. That’s why I’d say that you should get the bag you love and don’t worry about whether it is a classic or not. I like the 19 too and I think it has the potential to become the next new classic, like the boy bag 10 years ago, with a good 5-8 years of super popularity.
 
Hello,

I usually put item on rsvp at boutique and Neiman do lottery. But I have been hearing some Saks and boutique stand alone takes deposit?
I guess my SA are not comfortable doing it? Boutique SA kept saying that it's up to manager...could you please help if you have any SA that can secure a bag?
I just want to add some coco handle and classic flaps but it's been such a draining experience.

Thank you again!
 
I had the same dilemma as you but chose the CCH as I thought it could fit more inside, given the bigger appearance of the bag compared to the mini.

However, I feel that for space wise relative to its size, the CCH was a bit of a let down as I could fit just my phone, small cardholder and 1 or 2 lippies, a pack of tissues and it is almost full.

Now I’m deciding if I should keep the CCH as the mini rect can fit the same or almost the same and it’s less “bulky”.
 
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