Which would you recommend as a first and only Chanel? Which do you get the most use out of?
Black Caviar Medium Flap with silver or gold Hardware. It may be the “safe” option, but it is a classic bag that you can always resell should you need extra money or change your mind down the road.
Style that holds its value?
I would recommend the Chanel 2.55 or the Chanel Classic Flap in any of the sizes.
Caviar vs. Lambskin?
Lambskin and caviar are the two common leathers. Lambskin is gorgeous, but it is more delicate. Depending on your temperament, you may get upset if you scratch your lambskin Chanel bag. If you will realistically only ever have one single Chanel bag and or you tend to be clumsy, caviar is a safer bet.
How do you know you’re getting a good price?
It depends on the bag, as some brand new bags resell for more than retail, if they’re so popular they are impossible to locate in store. I would say anywhere from 20-30% or more off is a fairly good deal. Again, prices vary depending on the bag, color, leather etc. but that is a good range to start. In general, the price of Chanel will only continue to go up. If you can afford to buy the bag now then I would recommend buying it; it will only continue to go up in value and you’ll be kicking yourself later when it’s several hundred, if not thousands, more. On that note- never buy a Chanel bag if you cannot afford it. Wait until you can. Chanel makes beautiful bags, but going in debt for a bag, no matter what it looks like, is never worth it!
Best size?
That is a subjective. For me, my favorite bag I own is the mini square. It is roomy enough for your phone, keys, chapstick or lipgloss, and card wallet It is great for day, but also doesn’t look like a big, silly bag for evening. My first Chanel bag was my wallet on chain. I have to say it is really small. If you can save a little bit more, I would size up a little bit, especially if you’re looking to wear the bag other than as an evening bag.
Single or Double Flap- which do you like best?
I don’t have a preference.
What style shows least wear?
In general, I find a crossbody bag wears best as it spends less time on the floor. If you’re going to invest in a nice bag, don’t treat it like a $10 bag from Target. Don’t overstuff the bag. Don’t take it to a crowded, frat bar where you’ll have beer spilled on it. Don’t cram it in your closet under 10 different bags. Store your bag out of direct sunlight and treat it with care and you’ll have it for decades.
What size is perfect for a crossbody to carry phone and wallet? Not too big or small?
I like the mini square, mini classic flap, or the small classic flap.
How can you restore a lambskin quilted bag that is a little loved and needs refreshing?
I have a guide with many cobbler recommendations here.
Do some hold up better over time?
How you treat the bag will be a factor, but overall caviar is the most durable leather.
How can you be sure it’s authentic?
Authenticity is a difficult game, as fakes get more and more sophisticated. There is always an inherent risk when you buy second hand, but I recommend using a trusted source, whether that is online or a consignment store you trust. I would not buy from an individual unless you really trust that person to be honest and trustworthy. In general, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. I also recommend taking a look at the quality of the bag. Chanel quilted bags should line up evenly and the quality of the materials should be very high.
A T&T follower who works for Chanel also added, “my number one recommendation would be to pay attention to the basics. I can’t even tell you how many times people come in with a bag and at first glance it might look good, but the indications are usually the size of the clasp, or the length of the leather on the strap (for a boy bag). These are things Chanel tends to keep the same size all the time, so it is an immediate red flag.”
Are larger sizes heavier?
Yes, they have more leather.
Should we buy the trendy Chanel bags or just the flap bag?
If you will only ever have one bag, I would go traditional. If you are a really eccentric, funky person and that sounds insanely boring, then go with a fun fabric or color. Just know your chances of getting sick of it may be higher and it will be harder to resell as most people go traditional. If you have several Chanel bags, then sure, go crazy and get some funky colors and styles. Just keep in mind that the trendy, seasonal bags may eventually go out of style.
Which style has the highest resale value?
Classic flaps or 2.55
Would you buy without a box?
Having a “full set” (box, dust bag) is ideal for resale but not essential. I have purchased three Chanel bags without them and figure others will do the same from me if I ever want to resell.
Would you buy without a serial number?
I wouldn’t.
Would you buy without an authentication card? Does it increase the value over time?
I have, but I purchased the bag from a trusted source. There are fake authentication cards too, so I think buying from a source that will stand behind the authenticity is the most important part. In terms of value, yes I think it helps but not in a significant way.
How do you inspect for signs of wear?
Look at the corners of the bag. Are the straps very worn out? Is there tarnishing on the metal? If it’s a wallet, see if the slots are stretched out. Does it smell like it comes from a home with animals, smoke, mold etc.?
Top 3 must own Chanel bags-- one crazy, one black one evening?
That is a very hard question! I will give you my boring point of view. My personal three picks would be the Mini Square, Reissue, and a funky exotic color.
The proper way to carry a Gabrielle?
Any way that feels comfortable on you is best!
What Chanel bag is too trendy that you wouldn’t buy?
Boy bags. I almost bought my wallet on chain in the boy bag version in 2015 and am so thankful I did not. At the time, I liked that it was a bit more edgy, but over the last few years I have seen one too many Real Housewives of Orange Country cast members with the bag. It has kind of killed them for me. Eventually, I think they’ll be phased out.
I saw a Camel Chanel bag on Ebay with a pen mark- any hope of cleaning it off?
Hmmm. Unless you’re getting a truly screaming deal and it is not that noticeable, I would pass. You could take a picture to a cobbler before you buy and get a professional opinion, but it seems like too much money to spend for a damaged bag. Better to continue to save up and get a bag that is perfect.
Easy and inexpensive repairs possible to make a non-perfect bag perfect? What is a red flag in terms of damage?
I do not profess to be a bag repair expert. For all bags, I would check with a cobbler you trust or speak with a sales associate at Chanel to see if they can repair before buying any damaged bag.
What actually fits in the wallet on chain (WOC)?
NOT MUCH! Card wallet, small set of keys, lip gloss. I know the WOC is meant to be used as a wallet and has slots for cards but I never used it that way. So I suppose if you used it sans card wallet you’d get a bit more room. It’s ideal for evening.
What styles are usually a better deal?
Older styles that are no longer sold in store tend to be more affordable. You’ll pay less too if the bag is not leather typically.
Do you shop on The Real Real? Not great pics and no returns on bags!
I do. My mini square is from The Real Real. I had a good experience buying from them. I also had an issue where the strap broke unexpectedly about 9 months later and they offered to either refund me entirely or pay for the repair. Chanel thankfully fixed the bag for free but I was impressed by their customer service.If you’re nervous about the final sale I would recommend either doing your research ahead of time so you’re absolutely certain or shopping in one of their brick and mortar stores so you can find a bag in person.
Have you had any Chanel regrets?
That’s an oxymoron! The beauty of Chanel is you can always resell. If you want to sell immediately after purchasing, you may not break even, but if you can wait even 6 months to a year (the longer the better) you will be able to recoup your costs.
As a seasoned Chanel enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding Chanel bags, I can provide valuable insights into the considerations outlined in the article.
Firstly, the article discusses the choice between a Black Caviar Medium Flap with silver or gold hardware as a first and potentially only Chanel bag. The author suggests the Chanel 2.55 or the Chanel Classic Flap in any size as timeless options that hold their value. They emphasize the importance of considering one's lifestyle and preferences when choosing between Caviar and Lambskin, with Caviar being a more durable option.
The article touches on pricing strategies, advising a discount of 20-30% or more for a good deal, highlighting the general trend of Chanel prices increasing over time. It reinforces the notion of only purchasing a Chanel bag when financially feasible and warns against going into debt for a luxury item.
Regarding size preferences, the author shares personal experiences with the mini square and wallet on chain, recommending sizing up for practicality. They express a neutral stance on Single or Double Flap styles, indicating personal preference as the determining factor.
Maintenance tips include treating the bag with care, avoiding overstuffing, and storing it away from direct sunlight. The article also suggests that crossbody bags tend to wear better over time, emphasizing proper care to ensure longevity.
Addressing concerns about the authenticity of Chanel bags, the author advises caution when buying second-hand and recommends trusted sources, emphasizing consistent details like clasp size and strap length. They also touch upon the weight of larger bags, affirming that they are generally heavier due to more leather.
The article explores the debate between buying trendy Chanel bags versus classic flap bags, with the author leaning towards traditional choices for long-term investment. Resale value is a crucial consideration, with classic flaps or 2.55 styles identified as having the highest resale value.
Regarding authenticity, the article provides insights into red flags and emphasizes the importance of a trusted source. It suggests inspecting signs of wear such as worn corners, strap condition, metal tarnishing, and unusual odors.
The author recommends specific Chanel bags for different occasions, including a crazy, black, and evening pick. They offer practical advice on carrying a Gabrielle bag comfortably and express reservations about the trendiness of Boy bags.
The article briefly touches on the possibility of cleaning a Chanel bag with a pen mark, suggesting caution and seeking professional advice before purchasing a damaged bag. It also acknowledges the difficulty of making a non-perfect bag perfect and recommends consulting a cobbler or Chanel sales associate for advice.
In terms of shopping, the article discusses experiences with The Real Real, emphasizing the importance of research or in-person shopping for certainty. The author shares a positive experience with The Real Real, highlighting good customer service.
Lastly, the article dismisses the notion of Chanel regrets, noting the brand's resale value that allows for recouping costs over time. This perspective underscores the investment nature of Chanel bags.
