If you’ve had your eye on the Chanel Classic Flap Bag or just want to hear all about it…this post is for you! I’ll get into all the nitty gritty about this popular Chanel bag. Like the history of Chanel, the juicy details about investing in designer handbags in general, AND whether or not I’m happy I added it to my handbag collection. There’s a lot to consider before making a major purchase like this and you might be wondering, “Is it worth the hefty price tag?” I wanted to share my very honest review and personal experience! But… I also want to tackle worthiness and wanting nice things because that’s an equally important part of the conversation.
Over the years, I’ve written a few luxury product reviews. Some of my favorites include the Valentino Wedges review, Golden Goose Sneaker review, and the Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette Bag review. I’m always brutally honest and share my genuine thoughts!
Chanel Classic Flap Bag Review
Chanel Classic Flap Bag History
I mean, is there a more classic and recognizable brand than Chanel? Gabrielle Bonheur or “Coco” Chanel was a brilliant French fashion designer and businesswoman. She was most famous for her timeless designs like her trademark suits, classic handbags, and her Chanel No. 5 perfume which (can you believe it?) debuted in the 1920’s! I find it so fascinating that her iconic designs and collections have really stood the test of time. The very first iteration of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag was introduced in February of 1955. It was called the Chanel 2.55 (for February 1955). It was revolutionary and popular because of its functional design as a shoulder bag. Until its release, most women carried their bags in their hands.
Over the years the bag has been updated to include different sizes and hardware options. But the overall design has remained pretty consistent. In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld changed the classic square twisting lock of the 2.55 (known as the Mademoiselle Lock), to the iconic interlocking CC clasp.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag Prices Over The Years
In the early days, you could buy the original bag for $220. Then in the 80’s it was around $1,000. And now, renditions of the bag can retail upwards of $10,000. All of this history was a consideration when I was researching the bag. Since I really wasn’t sure if I wanted to commit, knowing the Chanel Classic Flap Bag has amazing value and that it was also an investment piece really helped. I just kept going back and forth.
Why The Chanel Classic Flap Bag?
I had my eye specifically on the Chanel Classic Flap Bag in black with dual-tone hardware. With its classic quilting and gold and silver hardware, I knew I could wear the bag with any jewelry. I had been on the hunt for this bag for over a year and had a difficult time finding it anywhere! I had checked the Chanel store while I was in Spain and then the NY store…but they didn’t have it. Which as it turns out, ended up being a good thing. I’ll share why in just a bit, but first…
Buying Luxury Items
I think one of the primary struggles for me with making such an expensive purchase was this feeling of worthiness, or should I say, lack of it. Growing up with a single mom, our family struggled financially. I would think about that and while my younger self would be so impressed with where my older self was from a growth, stability, and financial standpoint…did I really need to spend money on such an extravagant gift for myself? Weeding through all these feelings took time and energy. But ultimately, after having a very successful year in 2022, I decided to reward myself and mark the achievement my team and I made by buying the bag I had always wanted. It was more than a reward, celebratory gesture, and symbol of accomplishment, it was also a pivotal moment for me when I realized, “I am worthy of beautiful things”.
Exposing Insecurities
When I was working as a news reporter in NY, I was asked to pick up a gift for a client at a Bergdorf Goodman store. As it turns out, I was really unprepared for just how out of place I would feel in that store. I was SO uncomfortable and couldn’t wait to leave. It truly felt like the sales clerk was looking me up and down. I just didn’t feel like I had any business being there. I guess you could call it my Julia Roberts Pretty Woman moment. So, fast forward to last year…my family and I were in NYC and when we walked by Bergdorf’s, I shared that story with my kids. I said I want you guys to come in here with me. It’s such a beautiful store and I want you to feel comfortable walking into a store like this.
It took me so much courage to walk into high-end stores. It was about overcoming my fear and I wanted to normalize that for the kids. So we went in. I went to the Chanel area and then low and behold, they had the bag!
It was meant to be. I thought to myself that this all happened exactly as it was supposed to. My kids got to see me buying something really special for myself in celebration of my achievements. Achievements I felt were quite remarkable and that I was really proud of.
Now for you, maybe that reward looks nothing like a Chanel handbag. Maybe it’s a stunning piece of jewelry or a gorgeous vase. The important thing is to understand if it’s something you love and you have the financial means to afford it…you can reward yourself. You are worthy!
I shared a bit more about my Chanel purchasing experience in this video if you want to check that out next.
Chanel Classic Flap Review
It took me a year and a half to finally purchase the Chanel Flap Bag. It was most certainly not an impulse buy! So let’s dig into the reasons I DO love this bag and why I’m ultimately very happy with this purchase.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag Colors
I decided on the black as I just really wanted a sophisticated and timeless black handbag. But the Chanel Classic Flap Bag comes in a ton of colors from neutrals like gray and ivory to statement-making shades like red. I mentioned the two-tone silver and gold hardware earlier…it really is one of the things that sold me on this bag. It has an edgy, elegant, and timeless component. I knew I would use this bag for all sorts of occasions in addition to every day.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag Sizes
The single flap, double flap, mini flap, medium, large, and jumbo Chanel flap bags are all so timeless and sophisticated. There are very few changes in these bags from the original design other than updated materials, logo size, and hardware. It’s a classic, recognizable bag that will never go out of style. I ultimately felt most comfortable with the medium size and felt I’d use it the most. It has a very long strap so you can wear it over your shoulder or crossbody.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag Interior
It’s really functional. It fits all the essentials like a wallet, keys, lipstick, and phone. So, it works both as a daytime and nighttime bag. It’s surprisingly roomy. I love the back pocket…so I don’t need to open the front flap when I want to access my phone. There’s also an interior pocket inside the bag which feels secure when traveling for protecting your passport, credit cards, cash, etc.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag Leather Type
It’s Chanel so of course the quality is top-notch! But it’s worth mentioning the caviar leather and lambskin leather bags are so soft and pliable. Not at all stiff and overly structured which I really appreciate. The durability is also amazing.
Investing in Chanel
Another reason I finally took the plunge was the resale value of the Chanel Classic Flap Bags. If for any reason I decided I didn’t like it, I knew I could easily sell it on any number of authentic resale bag sites. Chanel bags retain their value.
Chanel Heirloom
I don’t really have a lot of super high-end, fine jewelry to pass on to my daughter, Elizabeth. So, I loved the idea of having an heirloom piece that I could eventually pass along to her. Or maybe even my granddaughter someday!
Is the Chanel Classic Flap Worth It?
For me, yes. It has absolutely been worth the investment! When I look at the bag on my closet shelf, I think how proud I am of myself and my team. It’s a reminder of that accomplishment.
I just want to throw this out there for anyone who feels like they “have” to have a designer bag…you don’t. If you feel “less than” for not having a designer piece or it’s a pressure thing at all, I don’t recommend making the investment. Ask yourself, do you love the bag? Do you have the financial means to purchase it? If so, it’s a wonderful piece. But, you should never feel you “need” any designer or luxury items to feel complete or whole.
Similar Bags
If you love the look of the Chanel Flap Bag but would prefer a similar bag at a more accessible price point…there are several look-a-likes out there that are also very high quality. Here are a few beautiful options from Kurt Geiger, Rebecca Minkoff, and more. And, if you want to achieve the Chanel look for less in terms of fashion, you can check out this post next.
Do you own a Chanel bag or other designer handbag and have a story to share about purchasing it? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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Thanks so much for stopping by!
Erin Busbee
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