Please help me pick

[Misha333]

Hi everyone! I started this shopping "session" with the intent of getting a light colored bag for spring/ summer. I wanted something neutral and versatile so I could travel with one bag and use it for sightseeing, dinners, events etc. I always say so and end up packing at least 3 bags, but that's because I don't have that one perfect bag. I don't carry much, so a rectangular mini flap would be a perfect size. I'd like to be able to wear it as a shoulder bag and crossbody. Lastly, the bag ideally needs to be lightweight. Attaching a picture of a white bag that I am considering.
While I was trying a bunch of light colored bags I realized that I wanted to have a classic flap in my collection (not necessarily for the purpose described above, just coincidental realization lol). Then I started reading about the upcoming price increase and I thought that maybe now is the time to finally get the CF, either for the purpose of this initially planned spring/ summer light colored bag or get a summer bag some time later. At the same time SA told me that rectangular mini flaps are super hard to find and it's unlikely I'd find one in a specific color/ leather, it's more like buy what you get offered situation.

Here are my thoughts and doubts. I tried on white, black and beige small CFs and loved them. I think small CF is quite lightweight and I would be ok to wear it with any outfit from casual to dressy, e.g. for one bag trip purpose. I'm not sure how wearable it would be crossbody, it fits on, but sits a little high on me. I'm not a fan of a double flap functionally, but it's not a deal breaker. I'd love a rectangular mini mainly for comfortable crossbody option and single flap construction. Small CF is an expensive bag and I don't baby my bags, so I'm a little scared of white. Also, I think black and beige with SHW are more versatile throughout all seasons vs white with GHW. I need a light colored bag, but maybe it makes sense to get a CF in black because it's the easiest color to maintain, it goes with everything (potentially even summer dresses). On the other hand, beige is really beautiful color and looks great with my skin tone, also just a tiny bit more unusual to see around vs. black.

I'll list the bags of similar +/- size that I currently have and I intend to keep long term:
- Chanel medium black reissue ruthenium HW aged calfskin
- Chanel mini square black chevron campaign HW lambskin
- Chanel WOC pink champaign HW caviar
- Lady Dior SHW black small
- a couple of monogram LVs
- BV mini pouch camel

 

[springfall]

I voted CF black caviar SHW.

 

[pinksandblues]

From reading your post it sounds like you really want a mini rectangle. If you get a classic flap, do you think that longing will go away?

 

[war_bunny15]

Hi there, my suggestion would be to go for the CF in beige caviar. It's the closest thing to a mini flap and holds almost the same amount of items as a mini flap. It's just very very hard to score a mini flap and you are always at the mercy of an SA. hence it's unlikely to get one in the color of your choice and at a convenient time (soon I mean!), unless you go the preloved route. However as prices for CF are sky rocketing each year, the best time to buy those is now. Beige caviar is a very easy to style, perfect summer bag. Good luck, my lovely!

 

[Swanky]

For spring/summer I wouldn’t choose another black bag. I chose beige in the poll, but sounds like you should wait for the right mini to come.
I have a beige double flap, and while I like it, I prefer being able to wear crossbody, and at only 5’2” I can’t really.

 

[daisygrl]

I thought I had always wanted CF in small until I tried it on. I am 5'6" and thin so I thought I could pull off the "crossbody" style but it looked like I outgrew it. Lol. Then my SA showed me a mini rectangular in beige and it was a perfect combination of a crossbody and a shoulder bag. It has a handle so it became even more versatile. I bought it and my desire for CF vanished after that.

 

[Misha333]

From reading your post it sounds like you really want a mini rectangle. If you get a classic flap, do you think that longing will go away?

I think I'll still want one, maybe in a fun color if I already have a beige CF by then

 

[Swanky]

I think I'll still want one, maybe in a fun color if I already have a beige CF by then

Agreed, lol
I'd go for beige for now and wait patiently for THE ONE! I had no trouble getting a couple of minis over the last couple of years, but I had a NM Chanel SA and a boutique SA that I'd remind periodically.

 

[Misha333]

Thank you for all your advice! I'm pretty confident I'll get the beige.
Now my SA said they received GHW as well. Should I get the beige with SHW or GHW? I dress pretty casually, most of my jewelry is gold, but I don't mind mixing metals.

 

[Swanky]

I prefer gold hardware with beige personally

 

[Mrslac1]

I prefer gold hardware with beige personally

I agree

 

[KAYSHE]

I have the beige clair with silver hardware. I like how it goes well with any casual outfits. But I think you can't go wrong with gold hardware either. Beige clair/ghw is one of the most popular combo. Try both in store and decide 😊

 

[n1a]

Since you are afraid to get white but want spring/summer bag then go with beige GHW.
I used mine from casual to wedding (made top handle with the chain). The size is not too big for evening bag.
I can pull crossbody with it if I need too; I am 5'2" ish.
And I like the structure of small flap better than mini.

 

[Misha333]

I have the beige clair with silver hardware. I like how it goes well with any casual outfits. But I think you can't go wrong with gold hardware either. Beige clair/ghw is one of the most popular combo. Try both in store and decide 😊

I really liked this combo of beige and SHW, so beautiful and delicate! I'm sure GHW is beautiful too, but I haven't seen it in person yet, I'll definitely go to the store this week to try it on.
Do you think beige with GHW might look too dressy for casual wear, e.g. jeans and a t-shirt?

 

[Misha333]

Since you are afraid to get white but want spring/summer bag then go with beige GHW.
I used mine from casual to wedding (made top handle with the chain). The size is not too big for evening bag.
I can pull crossbody with it if I need too; I am 5'2" ish.
And I like the structure of small flap better than mini.

Thank you for sharing, it's helpful to know that you use yours for casual wear. If you don't mind me asking when you say casual, do you mean really really casual, e.g. flats, jeans etc.? Or something a little more elevated? I feel like casual can be very subjective nowadays
I tend to wear very casual clothes, especially in summer, like wide jeans, linen fabrics etc., so I'm a little worried beige with GHW will look out of place.