Chanel WOC vs regular/mini

[JY89]

Hey ladies! I was watching a YouTube video about bags that aren’t appealing and I was surprised to see the Chanel woc. The lady in the video described the woc as a “literal wallet on chain, looks like you couldn’t afford a regular Chanel and bought this one” and I was pretty shocked honestly! I love the woc and was debating on buying one but this video made me think about just buying the regular instead if there’s a bad stigma around the woc! Let me know your thoughts below (:

Oh wow. That’s honestly a very shallow mindset or comment that lady had. I have woc, mini, small and I love all of them. I would decide to carry the bags depending on how much space I need to carry my stuff or the outfits I’m wearing.
I would most likely carry a Woc out for dinner and perhaps a small cf on a long day out.
Moreover, certain designs, colours or leather might only be available in WOC and not the mini- vice versa. At the end of the day, do make your purchase with whatever bags that pleases you or something that you love. After all, you are carrying the bag and not the other way round

 

[resplendent]

The classic WOC was my gateway to Chanel, and I purchased it only a few years after graduating. From afar, I didn't think it'd be THAT special...and to top it off, I got an SA that only worked for 1-2 seasons who clearly was only concerned with trying to unload a bad-batch dry caviar WOC on me.

The one I ended up exchanging it for (SA tried to convince me to keep the other one) was a stunner, and soon after, I got my friend into getting one, too...and eventually we both own(ed) multiple flaps. I ended up selling the WOC a few years later only because 1) the strap was too long on me, so it twisted and bounced off my butt when I walked...and 2) the (old style) snap closure was fussy. However, now I desperately want a pearl crush WOC because it solves my issues! Adjustable chain and turnlock? yessssss. Even the newer classic WOC has a magnetic closure, which is more convenient.

IMO Chanel does the best WOCs. I've looked, and looked, and not even the other luxury houses do WOCs as elegant as Chanel's.

The problems with WOCs happen when people treat it like a mini-bag. It sort of functions that way sometimes, but it shouldn't be your main mini-bag, because overstuffing them constantly will distort their structure, wear them out faster...........and any time that you use or wear something outside of its ideal/intended context it may look like your budget is limited: sort of like wearing gym sneakers to a semi-formal event.

There's nothing inherent to the WOC that makes it "look like you can't afford..." To my eyes it is one of the most elegant items in the lineup, because of its slim profile and its (usually) discreet CC or mademoiselle closure.

I can't do mini flap because it sticks out like a bag, but doesn't fit my daily essentials either. However, WOC is ideal for pairing with a tote, with luggage, with gym bag...or for rainy/snowy days when you want to tuck it inside a trench coat/winter parka.

If you intend to go for a mini bag, save for a mini or classic flap. The WOC is not interchangeable.

 

[resplendent]

Oh wow. That’s honestly a very shallow mindset or comment that lady had.

Yeah, I know exactly which YouTuber the OP is talking about, because I've seen the video. Most of her content is ok, but I thought that comment was shallow and lacked insight as to why/how some people use WOCs. To top it off LOL I saw comments where people gave counter-arguments in favor of the WOC, and she started arguing back and forth with some of them, and only Liking the people who agreed with her. It was strangely petty

Luxury shopping can provide strong lessons in getting to know yourself, your needs/preferences, and appreciating that what's for others isn't for you. Mini flaps are not for me, but I totally understand why it's one of the most in-demand sizes for many people (the crossbody capability, the minimal aesthetic.) A few years ago Jumbos were all the rage and nowadays there are a fewer number, but still very devoted fans of it.

@Egel shared a tip that I've used many times to see if I like a certain style or size of bag or SLG. If I keep using a cheapie, then I look for a luxury version of that thing.

 

[xo.babydoll]

Theres nothing wrong with getting a wallet on chain! I have one and I find it to be super practical. I could really care less if someone saw me using mine and assumed I was too poor to afford anything else...

The biggest thing for me, though, is that a WOC will not scratch that itch for a classic flap if that’s what you’re after.

 

[pinkrose398]

Yeah, I know exactly which YouTuber the OP is talking about, because I've seen the video. Most of her content is ok, but I thought that comment was shallow and lacked insight as to why/how some people use WOCs. To top it off LOL I saw comments where people gave counter-arguments in favor of the WOC, and she started arguing back and forth with some of them, and only Liking the people who agreed with her. It was strangely petty

Luxury shopping can provide strong lessons in getting to know yourself, your needs/preferences, and appreciating that what's for others isn't for you. Mini flaps are not for me, but I totally understand why it's one of the most in-demand sizes for many people (the crossbody capability, the minimal aesthetic.) A few years ago Jumbos were all the rage and nowadays there are a fewer number, but still very devoted fans of it.

@Egel shared a tip that I've used many times to see if I like a certain style or size of bag or SLG. If I keep using a cheapie, then I look for a luxury version of that thing.

Which youtuber was it? I honestly would want to know. A lot of youtubers are seriously out of touch, which is why I've stopped watching most of them.

The WOC personally isn't for me (the chain is way too long for me even though I'm tall-ish at 5'6.5, and I'm not someone to try to make it work. It either works or it doesn't) but I can see it to be functional for a lot of people.

 

[resplendent]

Which youtuber was it? I honestly would want to know. A lot of youtubers are seriously out of touch, which is why I've stopped watching most of them.

The WOC personally isn't for me (the chain is way too long for me even though I'm tall-ish at 5'6.5, and I'm not someone to try to make it work. It either works or it doesn't) but I can see it to be functional for a lot of people.

I don't hate her for saying this...I actually think she is quite talented in curating and explaining her collection...but it was really off-key and she got defensive here. Even comments praising WOC and disagreeing in a friendly way were ignored, the only comments "Liked" are those that simply agree.

In other news, here's an old pic of Kylie "can't afford a Chanel bag" Jenner

 

[pinkrose398]

I don't hate her for saying this...I actually think she is quite talented in curating and explaining her collection...but it was really off-key and she got defensive here. Even comments praising WOC and disagreeing in a friendly way were ignored, the only comments "Liked" are those that simply agree.

Oh damn that's too bad. I really like Isabelle because she seems to be one of the only genuine Youtubers. She does Youtube for a hobby and she works a completely different job during the day, which is so different from other Youtubers who are full time and just try to push so much stuff on you.

I can see how that comment is offensive to some people though.

I read some of the comments and agree that School of Affluence is total BS. I watched one of her videos a while ago because I was bored, and I was like why are you trying to encourage people to seem like something they're not.

Some of the comments in that thread are just mean. Someone called her dumb. I feel like you can disagree with something but not have to resort to personal attacks.

 

[resplendent]

@pinkrose398 Yeah I like the fact that she's a hard-working dentist and is thoughtful about her purchases. But then I see stuff like ^ and I'm like...she doesn't seem to enjoy diverse opinions. [I'm not Mylla, but that one wasn't even a mean comment. Just a different way of viewing classy/elegance/whatever and it not necessarily being tied to what someone thinks you can/can't afford...]

 

[pinkrose398]

View attachment 4882401@pinkrose398 Yeah I like the fact that she's a hard-working dentist and is thoughtful about her purchases. But then I see stuff like ^ and I'm like...she doesn't seem to enjoy diverse opinions. [I'm not Mylla, but that one wasn't even a mean comment. Just a different way of viewing classy/elegance/whatever and it not necessarily being tied to what someone thinks you can/can't afford...]

She does caveat her videos really well saying that the video is for fun and is just her opinion, but people still get really up in arms about it. Coco Chanel was also a Nazi so I would actually say she's not classy LOL.

 

[resplendent]

She does caveat her videos really well saying that the video is for fun and is just her opinion, but people still get really up in arms about it. Coco Chanel was also a Nazi so I would actually say she's not classy LOL.

Oh yeah, "unpopular opinions" threads regarding different brands...watch out! People can get really on edge on such topics.

I'm so mixed about judging Coco Chanel. I'm unsure about declaring her a dyed-in-the-wool Nazi...she had a heck of an instinct for survival and, of her own volition, entered into a business relationship with a Jewish businessman? It's a complicated situation and I don't feel it's right for me to wholly condemn her because I was never dropped off at an orphanage and made to fend for myself out in the world so young, and then later with my country being overrun by military others. Her tenacity, aesthetic sense, and work ethic (loved working and did so until her 70s)...I admire all those things about her.

 

[pinkrose398]

Oh yeah, "unpopular opinions" threads regarding different brands...watch out! People can get really on edge on such topics.

I'm so mixed about judging Coco Chanel. I'm unsure about declaring her a dyed-in-the-wool Nazi...she had a heck of an instinct for survival and, of her own volition, entered into a business relationship with a Jewish businessman? It's a complicated situation and I don't feel it's right for me to wholly condemn her because I was never dropped off at an orphanage and made to fend for myself out in the world so young, and then later with my country being overrun by military others. Her tenacity, aesthetic sense, and work ethic (loved working and did so until her 70s)...I admire all those things about her.

My point is though, it was unfortunate how Isabelle worded it but it was her opinion, and we’re all allowed to have our opinions about stuff like fashion and designer goods. For example I think the 19 bag is ugly, but a lot of people think it’s nice, so if you think it’s nice then great go for it, but I don’t personally like it so I won’t buy it.

It would be super boring to watch a YouTuber who only made videos that appealed to the masses just to prevent mean comments.

 

[cncm]

I considered the WOC as my first Chanel bag but ended up going for the reissue flap instead. The price point of the WOC was definitely tempting, but at the end of the day, if you're spending that much money (and let's admit, it's exorbitant even for the WOC), you want it to be functional. I didn't find the WOC functional for me - it was too small, the chains were too long, and I didn't want to constantly adjust the strap to be the right height for me. I'm glad I saved up to get the reissue instead. It's one of my all-time favorite bags, so functional and versatile, and I can carry it for work during the day and cocktail events at night. So my advice would be to save up and get what you truly want, regardless of the price.

 

[Ally1707]

I wanted a WoC for years and always hesitated because of the price point. I found it to be too much for "just a wallet with a chain". I bit the bullet in July when they had my dream combo (dark navy with champagne gold hardware) in stock the day before my birthday.

Long story short: I love the WoC. It fits my phone, keys and cash which is what I need most of the time. I double up the chain and wear it under my coat/jacket so it feels more like a really fancy bumbag when I run errands lol. It instantly elevates my casual outfits and I love that. But it can also be dressed up for a fancy dinner, a wedding...For me personally, it‘s the swiss army knife of bags/slgs.

I tried many Chanel bags at the boutique and I didn’t feel comfortable with a classic flap, it felt too fussy to get in and out of, it was relatively heavy and it looked overdressed on me. Also, I don‘t feel comfortable walking home at night with a bag that‘s more than some people‘s cars or yearly rent. The minis have gone up so much in price and are only available in lambskin which isn‘t for me. I‘d rather get a Lady Dior in lambskin.

Get the bag that fits your lifestyle and your personal style. For me it‘s the WoC, I like its functionality, its aesthetics and its relatively subtle branding.for my mini bag needs, I have other bags to fall back on.

there‘s a reason the WoC has had such staying power and it‘s not the "affordable price". This is an exorbitantly priced item. The idea that people "settle" in this price range even though they wanted a bag is ridiculous to me...

I used to enjoy Isabelle‘s videos but she needs to get off her high horse tbh.

 

[Eropagnis]

My first two Chanels were WoCs. I did also get a rectangular mini later. Personally, I prefer the rectangular mini as I find it easier to dress up / down as compared to the WoCs (tend to look more casual, IMO). I still love the WoCs and will never sell them. It truly depends on your own style and needs.

 

[ce_1992]

I bought a Chanel Boy WOC, and while I haven’t used it because it is a Xmas present, I can see myself using it way more than I would a mini bag. It has 6 card slots so I don’t need my wallet or a card holder, that’s one thing gone that I don’t have to fit into a bag. The WOC will fit my big phone (I checked at the boutique), which many mini bags do not and I do not like holding my phone all night especially if I’m say at the casino since I don’t want to set the phone down anywhere (gross germs!!). The WOC will fit my car key fob. If I’m going somewhere I can just put my house keys in the car console or if my BF is driving he can be in charge of keys period or if I’m on vacation, I wouldn’t need traditional keys, as they live in my carryon bag during my trip and the WOC is definitely a night out bag or a quick errand bag where you don’t need all of your essentials for a full day out.

in a non-Covid world the WOC will also fit my lip product for the night, a tampon if needed and maybe one or two small frivolous items. Most small bags won’t fit all of that. In a Covid world, not that I’m going anywhere, it would fit a mask easily. Maybe would fit a small hand sanitizer but I wouldn’t put one in and risk a leak.

I also don’t think my Boy WOC looks much different than a normal Boy bag either...just smaller.