If I've got this...do I need this or this?

[iwantahermes]

Hi...can you help please...I've got a Chanel Mini flap which I've had for over 20 years and probably used 12 times...its in really great condition although quilts have lost a lot of puff..I've always kept it for special occasions which I have very few of now in my twilight years
Anyhow I want a small black bag for running to the shops etc and like the two Gucci Marmont styles pictured...my problem is should I just use the Chanel mini flap as its not pristine and I already have it or will it look out of place at the supermarket...Am I just wasting money buying another small black crossbody bag when I have the Chanel and will I just damage it? I'm struggling to hang on to the fact that's its just a bag and I should use it...or should I keep for high days and holidays and buy one of the Gucci's?
Advice please...thankyou in advance

 

[snibor]

I’d get the Gucci camera as it’s more casual and definitely has a different look. But I’d only get it if you’ll use it. These bags would be too small for me.

 

[earthygirl]

I’d keep the Chanel only if it feels special on those occasions when you do use it. I would wear it out to dinner at least once or twice a month. Whether you use it when grocery shopping or not depends on your comfort level and preference. I use my luxury bags, including Chanel, whenshopping and running errands because it gives me pleasure to use these expensive items frequently. The Gucci Marmont line is very trendy in my opinion. Have you considered a ysl bag? They have camera style bags and the lou lou style is also very very versatile. The price point for ysl is similar also (I think). The Marmont Gucci line seems kind of casual and the ysl bags are great because they can be dressed up and down, the quality is top notch and in my opinion it’s more elegant than the Gucci Marmont. Hope this helps!

 

[papertiger]

Agreeing with @snibor on all points.

I've always preferred the camera style. The mini is a real mini.

 

[floatinglili]

I would summon the courage to use the Chanel for a bit while you make up your mind. Also, while deciding, I would enjoy the hunt and extend my search to other brands. I adore Gucci but the Marmont line is not my favourite and there are other interesting options out there in my view. I think that while using your Chanel you will also develop an opinion on whether that small size is right for you for everyday. I have a YSL camera bag which I love but I found it was really too small for all the stuff I like to lug around on the regular. It’s actually more for holidays or special daytime outings for me, rather than real life errands. For some reason the Balenciaga classic city mini is coming back in focus for me - never got one and now for some reason it seems very appealing as an everyday bag? In a ‘neutral colour’ such as navy might be a nice alternative to consider just for the fun of it, lol.

 

[iwantahermes]

Thanks to all of you...I will think on...I think the balenciaga mini has been discontinued?

 

[JenJBS]

I'd also vote for the Gucci camera bag. It's different enough to easily justify both bags, imo.

 

[lovieluvslux]

My vote is to keep the mini and get the Gucci camera bag.

 

[arliegirl]

Please keep the Chanel. Pass down to daughter, niece, etc. Lovely bag.

 

[Jaxholt15]

The camera bag is so cute and extremely useful. It holds more than you think it will.

 

[rosiier]

you can dress down a chanel bag (not me in the pic). Black bags are easy for that. Depending on your location, take NYC for example, I wouldn’t bat an eye at a Chanel bag in a grocery store.

that gucci line is def more casual and more hands free though. I think having a more care free bag would be a great edition. If you feel like having 2 black bags is too much (I struggle with the same conflict lol), maybe look at another neutral color? The Black Gucci Disco though, carries wayy more than the marmont line.

 

[lilthai]

Why not have them all I’m no help. I have mini and love it for a short run.

 

[Grande Latte]

I would keep your Chanel because it's beautiful and classic. But lambskin isn't for everyday.

Now, if you want to add a carefree, camera style bag to your collection and the price to reasonable, my recommendation is the YSL mini Lou, or any of their collections of mini bags. Since we're on this topic, might be worth your while to do a little research.

My YSL mini Lou is my all time favorite now because it's like Chanel's caviar leather, it's literally indestructible and extremely chic and fun.

Here's mine.

 

[Egel]

What do you want from a bag? Some people want a bag they adore and only wear it on special occasions, while others want a bag they can actually use. This is tpf, we can justify all the bags in the world and there will still be room for more, but what do you want?

If you want to keep the Chanel pristine, then it is better to get another bag. You won't wear the cf out. But you also say that there are not that many occasions to wear it out. If you regret not wearing it more, you only have to wear it more. Maybe I've read to much minimalists who keep saying that they did not want someting to sit on a shelf, gathering dust. Maybe it's hard to give you an unbiased advice because I do the sitting on shelves thing with my bag too.

We can give you all the advice you want, but I think it's best to turn inside. Do you want to keep the bag as is, or would you actually wear it? Or if I might overreact, if something happens to you tomorrow, would you regret not wearing the bag more? Would you love the bag less if it wouldn't look pristine anymore? Or would you love it more because you use it more?

 

[doni]

I would use the Chanel for supermarket runs. Such a pretty vintage bag with the gold plated hardware and everything... Once you do that, you will find yourself using it for even more ocassions.

It wouldn’t look out of place dressed down, if anything, I find the Gucci GGs more extra.

It is fine to keep stuff for special occasions as long as you use special stuff for daily occasions too. Everyday counts.