I tried the M/L a long time ago, before large and frequent price increases, and it barely fit my essentials. At that time, my thinking was since M/L is too small and I really want a Chanel, I’ll just get the WoC and save a lot of money and only use it for nights out. Turns out I was too lazy to take cards out of my wallet so the WoC got little use and was sold (which I do not regret.)
But, I have since downsized my essentials a bit so I will try it again (regardless of what I end up choosing, I will forever kick myself for not buying more pieces before prices went through the roof.) I like wearing my bags on my shoulder and crossbody; I am 5’1” so I *may* be able to do crossbody with an M/L.
I understand mini holds almost as much as an M/L, which was one reason I got the mini. My original plan was to add the Jumbo later (I have tried the Jumbo before and thought it was too large, but I’m going to try it again.) but now my priority is to sell the mini so I know what my budget is. I do have to be careful with not getting a very large bag because I’ve never met one I can’t fill
I have researched reissues online and know the sizes/strap drops are different from the classic flaps. I prefer the classic flap look (even though reissue is more in the spirit of the original,) but I plan on trying reissues too (especially the 226/227s) I hope I find a size that works for me. I know I’m not the only one who has wished for one between M/L and Jumbo.
I have in mind shw, which looks harder to find than ghw from a quick glance at resale sites. This sounds like a good opportunity for me to learn to be patient. Regardless of which combination I go with I will definitely get it authenticated first.
Thanks for the idea of borrowing an M/L for a few weeks. Unfortunately I do not have any friends who have one. I am based in U.S. but in Asia right now for an extended period of time. I have never used BBS but will check them out.
I am excited (and relieved) about finding what works for me and getting a bag I want without (too much) compromising and feeling happy looking at her and joy in using her. Not to mention more shelf space. I definitely want to be a smarter shopper, I’ve bought and sold a number of bags over the years and always end up losing money
Lastly, I am selling the Trapeze as we speak. I agree with you, Sparkletastic, I bought it for the quality and craftsmanship as much as the style, but their values drop steeply and quickly. I’m now finding it too big and it’s hard to get things in/out of it so off it goes : )
I really appreciate all your opinions and advice. No one I know likes to talk about bags as much as I do, your input is very valuable to me