Small classic flap vs mini rectangular?

[Luccibag]

Get a small caviar in silver hardware. Minis only come in lambskin so at least it’s a valid reason for spending way more on a classic flap over the mini. While they may look similar they are not the same and you’d still want a small

 

[Tina1010]

I got my black mini within 1 month of going on the wish list so it depends on your local boutique and the SA you ask. I understand i was lucky but it can definitely happen as i also had no relationship was a particular SA.
Even if it was a longer wait if the op isnt looking to buy for maybe another year she has plenty of time to go on a wish list if thats the bag she really wants

I think working out which bag you want and why is the best option rather than which bag is easiest to find otherwise you may settle when you didn’t have to!

Wow you definitely got lucky. Was this in the US? Recently?
Yeah I agree, better to think about the purpose of the bag than have regrets later. It's really hard to stop at one though and not want to buy multiple styles/sizes. You find a way to convince yourself why the next one is necessary, haha.

 

[cclover95]

Wow you definitely got lucky. Was this in the US? Recently?
Yeah I agree, better to think about the purpose of the bag than have regrets later. It's really hard to stop at one though and not want to buy multiple styles/sizes. You find a way to convince yourself why the next one is necessary, haha.

This was in the uk but its the exact same situation here. I know people are waiting for over a year usually. I really did get lucky with a great SA but as i didnt have a relationship with an SA it took me asking a few of them before one of them finally said they would even put me on a wish list.

I got a classic flap as my first purchase before a mini because I thought I couldn’t get a mini. Returned it because i never got the mini out of my head, then went back for the medium classic flap just because ‘its the classic’
Just like you i have children and live a casual lifestyle so i’ve actually NEVER used mine. A very expensive bag to have just because its classic.
Ive then ended up buying a wallet on chain because i needed a grab and go / evening bag and the classic flap is just not suitable as an everyday bag for me even if its caviar and its durable.

Id rather pay £2k more and have a fresh bag out the boutique in 2 years when im ready to use it rather than having to worry about constantly checking on the one i have sitting in my wardrobe making sure its not showing wear from storage and airing it out so it doesn’t tarnish.

I know people who never stop using their classics and cost per wear is so worth it so definitely depends on the person’s lifestyle.

I dont see the mini even going ‘out of fashion’ even if its not technically a classic. My next bag will be another mini for sure.

 

[Put]

I got a medium classic thinking it would stop me wanting a mini and it didn't then changed my classic for a black mini and wanted the classic so went back for one they won't and can't replace one another imo. I would think about how you wear your bags? I prefer crossbody and the classic didn't look right on me cross body.
what leather you want? I've seen scratched lambskin classics and I've seen caviar classics with the corners worn down and creased, both were fresh in the boutique so both can show signs of wear if not looked after. caviar is definitely better if using everyday but I love how lambskin ages even if it means getting a few scratches
If your going for a small classic flap it can fit the same in as a mini so do you love it enough to pay over double the price?
also the minis with champagne gold hardware are beautiful as they look great with both gold and silver jewellery.
and make sure you aren't buying the classic flap because its available now, a mini will come up if that's what you really want!
Let us know what you decide and try not rush to avoid price increases
if you don't get the one you want in the first place you could also end up buying the one you really want later down the line and it will cost you even more money.

Oh really ! So which classic and mini do you have now?
I do like to wear my bag over the shoulder or high crossbody. And about the leather.. I feel like I would use the caviar more, as I already have lambskin bags that I do feel the need to baby a lot. Even though lambskin feel so luxurious, but the sturdiness of the caviar also speaks to me. So thats why I have been playing with the idea that I would get the small in caviar, and the mini in lambskin
I do love the classic flap, and now even more when I got to try the small size on. I actually did hope that i would not like the small size, and keep searching for the mini. But as you can see, that did not happen!
I know I should not rush to avoid price increases, but I just researched the increases of the classic flap (yes I know I am late to the game) and they are insane!

 

[Put]

I say buy the classic small in black now and a mini in a fun colour later. There, problem solved

Thank you ! I am really tempted to just buy the small this or next month when travelling ! Do you have any preference when it comes to the leather and hardware?

 

[Put]

Small classic holds the same as mini. You are paying double for essentially the same size, which might be a reason why minis are hard to come by. If your heart desires classic, I would go for a medium. I tried it on but I just could not get over the fact that it was hard to get into the bag due to double flap. Plus, I would be scratching the inner flap with either my e-ring or bracelets so I would always have to be mindful. I just do not have time for all that fuss. Plus, it sits very high on me (but I am 5'5"). I have two minis and no regrets.

Oh thak you, I do hear a lot of people say that they fit the same. But I wont buy the medium, because I already tried it in store and it was just to big for my liking, for reference I am (5''2).

 

[cclover95]

Oh really ! So which classic and mini do you have now?
I do like to wear my bag over the shoulder or high crossbody. And about the leather.. I feel like I would use the caviar more, as I already have lambskin bags that I do feel the need to baby a lot. Even though lambskin feel so luxurious, but the sturdiness of the caviar also speaks to me. So thats why I have been playing with the idea that I would get the small in caviar, and the mini in lambskin
I do love the classic flap, and now even more when I got to try the small size on. I actually did hope that i would not like the small size, and keep searching for the mini. But as you can see, that did not happen!
I know I should not rush to avoid price increases, but I just researched the increases of the classic flap (yes I know I am late to the game) and they are insane!

Medium Black caviar classic and a black mini in lambskin.
If you are able to buy both then I would say get the small and go on the wish list for a mini. I imagine minis will be harder and harder to find as the price of the classic goes up as so many people think its either not worth it or have been priced out so opt for a mini instead.

Do you mind me asking what are your reasons for wanting each bag? If the mini is because of the better price then i suggest going for the small as you’ll only wish you got it later down the line!
If your only getting the small because the mini is hard to find I would wait and hunt it down.

I also think its a misconception that caviar is more durable it just depends on what you are willing to accept as wear and tear. Lambskin will scratch easier but i hate the look of worn off corners on caviar! I've even seen it peeling
I always think vintage lambskin is beautiful but who am I to talk as I didn't dare get my classic in lambskin
I have both mine with gold hardware but I've seen people say silver looks better for longer as the gold will eventually show the silver underneath. this hasn't happened to any of mine yet so can't comment on how long that would take to happen and chanel can always change the hardware for you.

listen to your heart and try not to get to caught up in our opinions because everyones lifestyle is different

 

[Put]

I have a small caviar classic in black with silver hardware, a WOC and I still want to add a mini with light gold hardware. The mini is extremely difficult to find unless you go through a reseller. I've been looking now for over a year, no luck. I think both bags serve totally different purposes even though they essentially fit the same. So think hard about what you want to use it for and how you like to carry your bags. I don't wear my small size around due to my very casual lifestyle with little kids, it has only been used for special occasions. If it had crossbody functionality, I think I would feel more comfortable using it more often. That's why I want to add the mini, but I would have to be cautious because of lambskin. I just feel a lot more comfortable with crossbody bags. Now that you've tried on the small, you'll probably really want it. I also like the small over a medium, it's a cuter look on shorter people. I'm 5 ft exactly and the black in medium felt like a serious work bag on me. I agree with others, maybe get the caviar small in black and mini's in another color whenever you find it. You might be waiting a while if you're wanting it from the boutique.

Just adding .. have you ever seen the gold hardware in person? It's much more yellow in person than I expected, so I went for the silver too. I prefer the light gold hardware over the gold but that's not available in a small or medium size.

Oh, now I don't own any of them yet, but I do think a small caviar classic in black with silver hardware and a mini with light gold hardware would be my dream team ! Thats what I have been thinking. And you are so right about me wanting the small because I just recently got to try it out. I am 5''2 so I did also prefer the small over the medium, as the medium felt so big for my liking. And it is funny you mention this with the gold hardware! I tried the small caviar with silver hardware first, and the medium with silver. And then I asked to see one with gold hardware, as I always thought in my head that I would like a classic black lambskin with gold hardware. But when she took out a medium lambskin with gold hardware, I was not in love! I was so confused as I did think the gold was sooooo gold! So I don't know whether that made me totally change my mind about what leather and hardware I would prefer for my first classic. But so the small does not come with light gold hardware?

 

[cclover95]

not sure if this helps you at all its gold vs the light gold. The lighting was terrible when i took this of my mini the leather is actually more shiny in person.

 

[Put]

I got my black mini within 1 month of going on the wish list so it depends on your local boutique and the SA you ask. I understand i was lucky but it can definitely happen as i also had no relationship was a particular SA.
Even if it was a longer wait if the op isnt looking to buy for maybe another year she has plenty of time to go on a wish list if thats the bag she really wants

I think working out which bag you want and why is the best option rather than which bag is easiest to find otherwise you may settle when you didn’t have to!

Oh, when you sign up for this waitlist, do you have to come get it in the boutique right away .. lets say same day? Or how does it work?
I hear people who has been on the waitlist for years, and some mention that they dont do waitlist anymore. I dont know.. quite confused. But you are right, I do think I would want a small.. but was somehow hoping to get the mini and then maybe the urge would go away. But then again, its not that easy to get. And i have not tried the mini on before.

Get a small caviar in silver hardware. Minis only come in lambskin so at least it’s a valid reason for spending way more on a classic flap over the mini. While they may look similar they are not the same and you’d still want a small

I will think about this reasoning for getting the small I do think if I go search/wait for the mini, and then when I finally get it..I would be so bummed about still wanting the small! Because there would probably be price increases in the future.

Medium Black caviar classic and a black mini in lambskin.
If you are able to buy both then I would say get the small and go on the wish list for a mini. I imagine minis will be harder and harder to find as the price of the classic goes up as so many people think its either not worth it or have been priced out so opt for a mini instead.

Do you mind me asking what are your reasons for wanting each bag? If the mini is because of the better price then i suggest going for the small as you’ll only wish you got it later down the line!
If your only getting the small because the mini is hard to find I would wait and hunt it down.

I also think its a misconception that caviar is more durable it just depends on what you are willing to accept as wear and tear. Lambskin will scratch easier but i hate the look of worn off corners on caviar! I've even seen it peeling
I always think vintage lambskin is beautiful but who am I to talk as I didn't dare get my classic in lambskin
I have both mine with gold hardware but I've seen people say silver looks better for longer as the gold will eventually show the silver underneath. this hasn't happened to any of mine yet so can't comment on how long that would take to happen and chanel can always change the hardware for you.

listen to your heart and try not to get to caught up in our opinions because everyones lifestyle is different

Your question does help me realize that maybe I thought I could “just” buy a mini and then be over with this wanting a classic. And because the price is better! But since I tried the small one in store, I do also realize that I really want a classic, and it may not fade away with me buying or searching for the mini. The mini in lambskin is gorgeous on pictures I have seen. And I did think that I would like a small lambskin gold hardware.. But now after seeing and trying the small caviar with silver hardware, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Do the caviar corner wear as easy as lambskin? I have not seen peeling caviar before ! Maybe I should look that up, because I do know the look of worn lambskin. But have not thought about caviar. Hahah , why did you choose caviar if you love the look of lambskin? Or only vintage lambskin?

I will try to listen to my heart , thank you

not sure if this helps you at all its gold vs the light gold. The lighting was terrible when i took this of my mini the leather is actually more shiny in person.

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They are stunning!

 

[cclover95]

Your question does help me realize that maybe I thought I could “just” buy a mini and then be over with this wanting a classic. And because the price is better! But since I tried the small one in store, I do also realize that I really want a classic, and it may not fade away with me buying or searching for the mini. The mini in lambskin is gorgeous on pictures I have seen. And I did think that I would like a small lambskin gold hardware.. But now after seeing and trying the small caviar with silver hardware, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Do the caviar corner wear as easy as lambskin? I have not seen peeling caviar before ! Maybe I should look that up, because I do know the look of worn lambskin. But have not thought about caviar. Hahah , why did you choose caviar if you love the look of lambskin? Or only vintage lambskin?

I will try to listen to my heart , thank you

I went for caviar with my classic because I already had my mini in lambskin and thought they would look identical if they were both lambskin. I also think the medium is far bigger and easier to bump if it’s over my shoulder so like other people, i thought caviar was a safer option even though I prefer lambskin. The corners dont wear as easy but caviar is embossed so once thats worn down there isnt much you can do. You can paint it but it will always be smooth.
Pros and cons to both leathers. if you think you'll get both bags then you may as well get one in each leather too!
with the wish list it seems different depending on where you are that's why its always worth asking your local boutiques before thinking you won't get one. everyone told me its impossible or they waited 1-2 years but I waited around 1 month.

 

[Put]

I went for caviar with my classic because I already had my mini in lambskin and thought they would look identical if they were both lambskin. I also think the medium is far bigger and easier to bump if it’s over my shoulder so like other people, i thought caviar was a safer option even though I prefer lambskin. The corners dont wear as easy but caviar is embossed so once thats worn down there isnt much you can do. You can paint it but it will always be smooth.
Pros and cons to both leathers. if you think you'll get both bags then you may as well get one in each leather too!
with the wish list it seems different depending on where you are that's why its always worth asking your local boutiques before thinking you won't get one. everyone told me its impossible or they waited 1-2 years but I waited around 1 month.

I see, I also do think one of each leather would be nice! Because it would indeed be too identical, to have 2 lambskin or vice versa.. at least for me. So I like your idea with getting one of both small in caviar because it is the bigger one and mini in lambskin. But do you regret getting your classic in caviar? Or do you still think it is a safe choice?
I have only asked 1 boutique and they told me no, and the SA who gave me her number do not reply to my messages. And this store is in another country .. but it is actually “just” 3,5 hours driving away from me. I am in Europe.

 

[LVLVLVOE]

I love how much you love the small flap!! That’s so fun. You should definitely get it. Shopping for these goodies is supposed to be emotional. I totally get the sentiments.

With Chanel, I find for me it’s always best to buy what I love right now vs what’s been on my wishlist, bc I trust that obsessive love at first sight feeling more than the “oh that looks so pretty on her I want one too” feeling. Also, sometimes you just can’t find a wishlist item for a while, or when you do finally find it it’s a bad piece or it’s not at your fave store with your fave SA etc, and every star just doesn’t align perfectly and it just doesn’t feel completely right. So it’s okay to trust what you love right now too.

Lately, classic flaps in seasonal colors have been coming in the light gold (champagne) hw, but black and beige claire are always either shw or ghw.

They used to make minis in caviar too but I haven’t seen one in years. You never know when they might bring them back!

The best time to find a mini is with new collection launches. Stores have the best stock then. It doesn’t have to be the first day bc things trickle in over a few weeks but around then.

I don’t think waitlists exist anymore. Your relationship with your SA will go a long way for hard to get things. And by relationship I don’t mean spend. It’s just the way you click and maybe drop by when you’re “in the neighborhood” to see what they have bc you just love Chanel so much.

Have you seen or tried on a mini before?

 

[Tina1010]

Actually thats a good point above, that when you do find something it maybe a bad piece with a defect, or it may just be that you don't like the look/feel of the leather, or the quilts may not be as puffy to your liking. So my advise would be to grab the one that best fits your taste and is not defective, rather than focusing on a location to buy it from, because each piece can be so different from the next.

No, they don't have black classics in LGHW. Wouldn't that be just perfect?!

 

[cclover95]

I see, I also do think one of each leather would be nice! Because it would indeed be too identical, to have 2 lambskin or vice versa.. at least for me. So I like your idea with getting one of both small in caviar because it is the bigger one and mini in lambskin. But do you regret getting your classic in caviar? Or do you still think it is a safe choice?
I have only asked 1 boutique and they told me no, and the SA who gave me her number do not reply to my messages. And this store is in another country .. but it is actually “just” 3,5 hours driving away from me. I am in Europe.

I don't regret getting my classic in caviar at all but if I didn't have my mini I would have chosen lamb skin for my classic.
I see people keep saying wish lists don't exist so it must depend on where you are. im in the uk and they definitely exist here.
I had the same thing happen to me with an SA. I would speak to someone else next time who may be more helpful and will reply to your messages especially if your making such a large purchase and live so far away. I must have spoken to 3-4 different SAs before I found one who I clicked with.