What is it about these Chanel mini bags that drive most of us luxury lovers crazy? Personally, they are one of my favourite bags, I adore them, there are 3 currently sitting at the very top of my wish list, and even then, I still find myself tempted by other versions that come up online. It’s almost as if all reason goes out the window for me, when it comes to these little colourful gems.
If you want to add a pop of colour to your outfit or collection, in my opinion, the mini is a great way to do it. I am personally a colour lover, and my collection probably lacks neutrals, but that is purely down to my personal preference towards colour. There are a few things to be aware of though with adding colour, one being the resale value. If looking to sell on a handbag, if it is a coloured version, you may have to wait for the right buyer looking for that exact colour, and the re-sale may be lower than with a neutral. Going with a mini bag, with the lesser expenditure, can be a safer way to do this. Also, often the small pop of colour is enough to add to your outfit or collection what it needs.
The mini from Chanel also offer the opportunity to add most of the elements of the Chanel classic flap, at a lower cost. The mini is designed effectively like a small classic flap, but is not described as a classic flap as it does not have the double flap like the classic. The inside is also different, having one large compartment and one zip pocket. The mini also has the mademoiselle pocket on the back exterior of the bag, and the same turn lock closure as the classic.
The price of these bags is both a pro and a con, it is a more affordable level than the classic flap, and is an entry level price by way of Chanel pricing, but it is by no means a cheap bag. The mini comes in both a square and rectangular version. The rectangular mini in leather retails at £2730.00 in the UK, with the square being slightly cheaper at £2400.00. That is however, if you are lucky enough to find these in the boutique. The mini bags sell very quickly, sometimes the only way to purchase them can be through a re-seller, where the price will range from slightly higher, to significantly higher, depending on how sought after the bag you want is. I have a rose gold mini ‘unicorn’ on my wish list, and I fully anticipate a very high price once I find it from a reputable seller.
Moving on to re-sellers, and pre-loved sites, I have purchased all of my mini’s this way. Given the limited availability of Chanel boutiques in Ireland, it is something I find I often have to rely on. It also opens up the opportunity of colours and fabrics that may not have been otherwise available to you. I recently added a turquoise rectangular mini to my collection in the light gold hard ware, I bought this from the Instagram seller, @luxxlover, (self paid). Luxxlover is one of the reputable Instagram sellers that I would recommend, her inventory is fabulous, she can source some of the most sought after pieces and her page is often filled with the most tempting pieces that send my bank balance into a frenzy. The bag arrived in fabulous condition, and was exactly as pictured. The shipping was quick, and the communication kept me updated. It is worth noting Luxxlover is based in the US, and the process of sending the bag to Ireland was quick and painless. (This is not sponsored, simply an honest review). I have also purchased from Fashionphile (my raspberry mini), and again the quality of the bag was perfect. They also have a great inventory, offer a layaway service and a buy back option, making them a great site to shop from in my opinion. The only downside I did find however, is the high customs charges from the US to the UK/Ireland with my purchase from their site. Another seller I love is @designerwishbags, again the service and product was excellent, and I have recently purchased from @mireyna_fashionlover, so far a seamless process.
I am lucky enough to own a mini in both the square and rectangle. My own personal preference is for the rectangular mini, simply because I prefer the strap drop on this version. The strap drop on the rectangular mini is longer than the square, and I find this suits my lifestyle and frame better, although for many people it will be the other way round. The rectangle I also find a little easier to place my items inside. I also love both the traditional quilting and the chevron, I find the chevron perhaps a little more modern, and I am loving the light gold hardware.
All 3 of my mini’s are in caviar leather. I love the look of the caviar with the colour, and also the added durability of the leather. Chanel haven’t produced caviar mini’s in a little while, although there may have been some showing on the catwalk. This has made these even more desirable and has driven the price a little higher. For me, if a colour I loved was in lambskin ( the purple on my wish list), it wouldn’t put me off. I believe the lambskin is more durable than we can fear, and certainly in places such as France, it is the preferred leather. Caviar used to be the cheaper option to lambskin, although Chanel raised the price so they are now priced the same.
Are they worth it? For me, yes. I think they are a great way to enter the Chanel market, and hold their re-sale value well. I personally love a cross-body bag, and love smaller bags, I love the various colours, and fabrics available, and that you can add variety to your collection without reaching the price of the medium classic. If they are worth it though, has to be a personal question, where you reach the answer by looking at your own finances and financial needs, as well as your priorities for that money. For someone wanting to start their collection I would recommend them, if you buy wisely with your colour, as they are both a beautiful bag, that is small but packs a punch, but also holds a decent re-sale value should you need it.
These are just my opinions, but I hope it helps, thank you for reading, and hope to see you here again soon!
Princessluxlove xx