Hey Snobs!
Kelsea here to give you the rundown on my favorite Chanel bags!
It’s no secret that I am a purse fanatic, and in particular Chanel handbags. I still remember the moment I received my first Chanel; Cole bought me the Classic Medium Flap in black caviar with silver hardware. I know that it is almost every girl’s dream to get their first Chanel, and let me tell you, it truly was a moment to remember. Since then, I’ve been an avid Chanel collector.
Unlike some other high-end brands, Chanel handbags hold their value, and this is mainly due to the company’s yearly, hefty price increases. If a Chanel Classic Medium Flap cost $2300 in 2008 (and it most certainly did), and now 11 years later the price tag has risen to $5600 (which shockingly it has), then that means if you needed or wanted to sell, you can easily make back your original $2300 investment and then some! Therefore, apart from being beautiful, super cute and reliable, Chanel bags are generally a great investment purchase.
Over the years I’ve acquired quite the collection, so it can sometimes be difficult to pick out a few of my favorites. However, just for you snobs, I was able to narrow down some of my all time loves categorized by their uses; so scroll down to see which Chanel handbags made the list!
Everyday Bag
Old Medium Boy in Caviar or Smooth Calfskin
Current US Price: $4900
I LOVE the Chanel Boy in the old medium size. It gives a casual everyday look, but being it’s structured, the styling offers a bit more of a “put together” everyday look than say a tote would. The old medium Boy truly allows you to still look chic while out and about running errands, and also, being a mommy on the go, I can wear the bag cross body while carrying Zayden at the same time. Perfect!
Work Bag
Large Canvas Deauville Shopping Tote
Current US Price: $3300
The Deauville is a seasonal style of Chanel’s, so it may not always be available. However, it is predominately non-leather and the perfect work bag for a big day full of meetings. It’s also great for shopping. Many sizes, colors and fabrics have and continue to be made available in this style, and it is super classy and sophisticated, matching well with any casual and/or business attire. It’s also the perfect dimensions so you can literally throw everything inside. Plus, a bag of this size, even if it is non-leather, is truly a bargain for Chanel coming in at under $3500!
Travel Bag
Large Shopping Tote
Current US Price: $3300
This tote is absolutely huge so it’s not really meant for day wear, although I have seen some girls rocking huge bags like this at the mall and they look great. But it really is ideal for travel and especially as a mother traveling. I need all the extra space I can get for myself and for Zayden’s snacks and necessities. So, if you snobs want to travel in style without sacrificing a spacious bag, this is it!
Weekend Day to Night Bag
Small Chanel Boy
Current US Price: $4500
Everything I love about the old medium Chanel Boy, but in a smaller package! Therefore, you can work it from day to night… well, that is if you don’t need to carry a lot of things when the sun’s out. Interesting to note that the chain length is actually the same as the old medium, but with the smaller size making the bag measure less in width, it falls lower on the hip so this size is much better for cross-body!
Classic
Rectangle Mini in Caviar or Lambskin
Current US Price: $3500
Another perfect day to night bag, the rectangle mini has become the most coveted style of small Chanel bags. In fact, for classic colors like black with gold or silver hardware, people have to be on waiting lists; so of course, I was ecstatic when I finally got mine. The black and gold is my personal fave, but they do come out with a bunch of seasonal colors as well, like bright orange, which was everywhere this past Cruise season. However, from what I have been told and continue to see, right now Chanel is no longer producing the bag in caviar, only in lamb. But if your heart is set on caviar, then I’m sure it will be back in future seasons. All in all though, the rectangle mini truly is the perfect day to night bag as it’s wide enough to fit your daily necessities, but small enough to go into night! Plus it makes for the perfect cross-body!
Night Bag
Classic WOC
Current US Price: $2500
The Wallet on Chain, or as we Chanel snobs call the “WOC,” is really a “strictly for night” type of bag. I mean it is exactly what it’s called, a wallet on a chain. However, it has just enough extra room to fit a compact powder, lipstick, and a phone (as long as it isn’t a Max), plus more. You obviously don’t need to carry a wallet as it has numerous card slots for your credit cards and driver’s license, not to mention little zippered compartments for cash and change. I actually know some people who are also able to fit their eyeglasses inside too; you really just need to play with the way you pack everything up, but surprisingly it’s doable.
My tip for you working snobs: If you’re going to work in your office all the day and have evening plans directly after where you can’t go home in between, stick your WOC in your bigger bag that morning. This way you can leave your day bag in the car and utilize the WOC for a fun weeknight out on the town.
Boy WOC
Current US Price: $2700
The Boy version of the WOC is $200 extra than the classic style and offers a bit more of a sporty look. The reason for the increase is that Chanel has now altered the chain on this style to match the chunky chain we know and love on the larger Boy bags. The Boy WOC also has a magnetic closure as opposed to a snap, which in my opinion helps to stuff more things inside without it opening up. So, if you don’t mind spending the little extra money, I’d recommend this version over the classic WOC any day!
The Ultimate Classic Chanels
Classic Medium Flap in Caviar or Lambskin
Current US Price: $5600
*MY FIRST CHANEL BAG*
Classic 2.55 Reissue 225 in Aged Calfskin
Current US Price: $5600
If you can only have one Chanel, then either of these is the one! And yes, even over the Boy bags. These two choices are the most classic and iconic of all Chanel purses!
Fun Fact: The very first Chanel handbag ever made by Coco Chanel was the 2.55 in February, 1955. The mademoiselle chain is truly to die for! However, most people think that Chanel’s classic flaps with the big CC turn lock was the first Chanel bag made. Nope! Those were introduced in the early 1980’s by the late great Karl Lagerfeld, and is what actually brought life back to Chanel (a dying company at the time). The classic flap turned Chanel into one of the most powerful luxury brands in the world.
Snobs, let me know which Chanel bag is YOUR ultimate favorite!
~ Bon Voyage, Snob World
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